Great Western Gun Show

“After Reprieve, Gun Show Draws Large Crowds to Fairgrounds” (Oct. 31) would have been disheartening enough for someone like me who is unalterably opposed to the massive proliferation of weapons in our society. However, the photo you ran with the story sent me over the edge.

It was not so much the image of a man aiming a rifle but rather the display of a Confederate flag in the background. It is sickening to see a flag displayed representing an army of traitors to the U.S., who took up arms to wage war against the established constitutional authority of the greatest democracy in history. And I am totally revolted to think that those who killed tens of thousands of people to defend the immoral and corrupting practice of slavery and to destroy the American government are being honored with a display of their flag at an event on L.A. County property.

No, I would not restrict their right to display that offensive flag or promote their outrageous ideas about gun ownership. But I certainly do think it is time for our politicians to work up the courage to pass some meaningful legislation to control the flood of guns into our society.

CHARLES M. WEISENBERG

Beverly Hills

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The Great Western gun show was immense and was indeed well attended. I can attest that at least five buildings were full of exhibits, and more spilled into the outdoor spaces between them. Men, women and children of all types and ages were there. It was a wonderful gathering, and despite what L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky would like us to believe, there were no illegal items to be seen.

It’s high time the county rescinds its already-crippled gun show ordinance and faces the real problem with crime, which surprisingly to some, involves only criminals.

BROOKS A. PANGBURN

Duarte