From Dean Dickel Mineral Point To the editor: Shame on Todd Novak, his fellow Republicans and the 11 Democrat Assembly members for going against all reason and public opinion by refusing to move forward with a responsible improvement in gun purchase background checks. Ending the out of control assault weapon attacks on schools, churches, concerts and almost everyplace imaginable that people congregate should be a top priority of our government. All gun sales should be subject to thorough checks for mental instability, previous arrests and domestic assaults, to name a few.