Gun Control Controversy

In the continuing flap about guns, there is all too often an implicit assumption--zealously promoted by the NRA--that the ordinary law-abiding citizen needs a handgun or assault rifle so as not to feel defenseless against an apparent wave of violent crime. To meet any real or felt need for home protection, as distinguished from “High Noon” fantasies, there is a more effective, safer and unquestionably legal alternative: a shotgun.

Bush’s fuzziness of language may be reflected in his dithering on gun control (your editorial). He keeps talking about “automated” weapons when the correct term is automatic. At one stage, he was clearly confused about the legality of semiautomatic arms.

MARSHALL PHILLIPS

Long Beach