Need for Gun Control

The recent article on the Colt .45 replica telephone indicates this country’s obsession with handguns. We are far and away the most violent of the so-called civilized nations.

Recently a student shot himself in a classroom. Another shot his teacher. And still another 19-year-old shot his childhood friend over a girl. The National Rifle Assn., which opposes any restrictions on handguns, states they won’t work because criminals can get their hands on guns at will. But these deaths are caused by ordinary people with too easy access to weapons.

While it is too late to remove handguns from the people, at least we can make a start. The manufacture and importation of these weapons should be severely limited. The sale of handguns should be carefully restricted to those who have a real need. And the penalties for unregistered guns should be increased. Then we can start on the road to a more civil society.

LEN ZIRALDO

Canoga Park