Controlling Firearms

Your editorial labeling gun-control opponents as “accomplices” of Purdy was both irresponsible and an insult to the overwhelming majority of gun owners who are law-abiding. Purdy was clearly deranged, but was hardly a “petty” criminal. He could have been in jail that tragic day in Stockton for he had seven prior felony arrests. Yet without exception they were plea-bargained down to misdemeanors by lenient judges and prosecutors. The blood of five innocent children rests on their hands.

MICHAEL J. WITKOWSKI

Los Angeles