Gun Legislation Can Be Reasonable

Thanks to Paul Dean for presenting a thorough and balanced review of the issues surrounding permits to carry concealed weapons (“Permission to Pack,” Jan. 4). My conclusion is that these permits (CCWs) are reasonable in very limited circumstances. But for people without a CCW, what legitimate reason is there to possess a handgun? The answer is none.

The two valid reasons for owning guns--hunting and home protection--do not call for assault rifles or handguns. Handguns are so easy to transport and conceal--perfect for crime. Besides crime, the danger to each of us due to accident or misuse increases each time one of our neighbors brings one of these weapons home. Under current law it is not necessary for gun owners to know how to store and operate a gun safely and properly, and most of them don’t.

I think two actions are badly needed. First, sales of all nonhunting guns such as handguns and assault weapons, and their ammunition, should be made illegal. Second, possession of any gun should be contingent upon passing a proper training and testing program such as is required to obtain a California hunting license or a CCW.

STEVE OWENS

Santa Barbara

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In scores of letters to The Times protesting your editorial stance regarding private ownership of firearms, I have repeatedly charged that the newspaper is completely biased and lacks even a pretense of objectivity about guns. So a sense of decency compels me to praise Paul Dean for writing and the editors for publishing “Permission to Pack.”

It was extremely refreshing to find a lengthy and prominently featured piece of reporting that not only presented the facts but a balance of opinions favoring and opposing the recent trend as well as the views of those not committed to either camp.

LEE W. SMITH

Culver City