Suit Against Gun Makers

Re “L.A. to Sue Gun Makers in Bid to Curb Violence,” May 25: First it was tobacco and now it’s guns. This is the 1990s’ version of revenue enhancement. Using the judiciary to extort money from legal but politically incorrect businesses is unethical and corrupt. Evidence the fact that just last week the federal government was denied a piece of the various states’ tobacco settlements, which it so desperately wanted, and that Gov. Gray Davis earmarked California’s portion for the general fund, not for tobacco education. It’s the money, stupid!

What’s next, movies? Fast food? There’s no end in sight unless people wake up to the fact that this approach is dangerous in principle. It’s only a matter of time before they come after you.

MICHAEL C. POULIOT

Redondo Beach

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So Los Angeles city and county are joining the other municipalities that are suing the gun manufacturers, relying on a variety of novel legal theories and the hope of finding an irrational jury or two. The gun industry should countersue on the basis of frivolous lawsuits, defamation and, yes, attempting to infringe the 2nd Amendment via the courts.

The only difficulty I see is in the computation of punitive damages. The price to be paid for participating in a stealth attack upon the Constitution approaches infinity.

JAMES F. GLASS

Chatsworth

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Recently there has been an increasing number of articles and editorials in The Times regarding the problem with the proliferation of guns. Imagine my amazement and indignant shout when I opened my paper on Tuesday and saw a half-page ad for a special gun, the Gene Autry, etc., tribute rifle. Now if I only had $1,895 to get one of the only 300 available!

KATHARINE H. ALTANER

Duarte

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The Littleton massacre has embroiled us in a debate of gun control versus “kid control.” In his speech, Dan Quayle eloquently said that if kids love God, honor their parents and respect their neighbors, they won’t kill anyone (May 20). As true as this may be, it is important not to overlook the fact that the Littleton murderers could not have killed so many of their classmates without guns. Though they had the will, guns made it possible to carry it out.

JENNIFER GARRETT

Lake Forest