Gun Control Controversy

* Shawn Hubler has lowered the level of discourse in the gun control debate (Sept. 23). Now people who dare disagree with her are in need of mental therapy. She says police officers, firemen and others who disagree are secretly weak and need a gun to feel powerful. Men and women, rich and poor, black and white, lawyer and street sweeper all own firearms. The sick ones are people who belittle those who dare disagree with them on an issue. Public policy should be formed by thoughtful discussion and debate with respect for differing opinions.

BRET M. BARHAM

Redondo Beach

* It is a fact that guns are as addictive as any drug. Two friends of mine, both successful, family-oriented men, are addicted. One to guns, the other to drugs. Neither is capable of a reasoned discussion of the pros and cons of the issue. When I made a comparison of the two addictions, they both first failed to comprehend my point, then got hostile.

Hubler’s line, “Guns hook those souls who are secretly afraid they might be weak” will earn her some threats, I’m afraid, but I hope she keeps on writing on the subject.

DAVE KASE

Palos Verdes Estates

* As a gun owner, I see no reason why gun shows should be exempt from buyer screening. “Lax Rules at Gun Shows” (editorial, Sept. 20) claims that 100,000 ineligibles were turned down from sales at other venues. President Clinton put the figure at 400,000. Most of those are felons, for whom the attempt to purchase is in itself a felony. One hundred were prosecuted. Why don’t we use the laws on the books and prosecute such people?

Meanwhile, nothing proposed would have prevented most of the recent slaughters: kids taking guns from parents’ homes; wackos (Fort Worth) using old, untraceable weapons (Luger pistol).

CARL G. HOKANSON

Los Angeles