PRESIDENT Barak Obama made a good speech, even wiping away tears, after the horrendous school massacre in Newtown, Conneticut, USA.

The president is good with words, but it is on action, not words, that many will judge him. He faces a monumental challenge when trying to reform or change American gun law.

The American constitution states the right of every American to own a gun, and the National Rifle Association is a mighty powerful organisation in America.

Some Americans have criticised the school for not having the head teacher armed; for not having armed security men at the school gates; for not having armed classroom teachers and some have even suggested that the children should have been carrying guns.

What chance has the government against this type of mentality and thinking?

The whole situation in America on this topic is sick and awful.

David Quarrie, Lynden Way, Holgate, York.