To the editor:

Various surveys indicate that at least 80 percent of Americans support universal background checks for gun sales. Many surveys, including the Quinnipiac University survey cited by the Obama administration, show support above 90 percent.

There are plenty of issues about the latest push to reduce gun violence on which the population is divided. One of those issues is not background checks. The only division is in Congress, between those members who represent their constituency and those who represent other interests.

Obstructing this legislation impairs the credibility of other arguments. Congress should pass legislation for background checks, and then move on to debate issues that are actually debatable.

Benjamin Goldberg

Suffolk