Davis’ Silence Stalls Gun Safety Test Bill

Re “A Gunshy Governor,” editorial, Aug. 20: Thank you for your clear description of both the gun safety legislation and the “gubernatorial cowardice” being displayed by Gov. Gray Davis. As a lifelong Democrat and supporter of the governor, I and many others have been disappointed by his lack of concern for the interests of those who voted him into office. While he may have amassed $30 million, he is losing his base of voters.

In Los Angeles we have not been distracted by electrical power problems and can see clearly the Davis power problem. Davis is using his power to curtail gun safety legislation, he has cut $100 million from the community colleges and he is steering away from anything appearing to be controversial.

Meanwhile, former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan has been bicycling around the state. He is pro-choice and anti-gun. We know he supports education, and the governor’s “war chest” is hardly a battle for Riordan to overcome. Riordan is the only Republican I have ever voted for, and he’s looking better and better each day. Time to remember who put you into office, Mr. Davis, or that bicycle might roll past you at election time.

Roberta Schiller

Los Angeles

You state, “The gun lobby hates the comparison of guns with cars, perhaps because the analogy is so clear.” You know, you may actually be on to something. Apply the same logic used by gun control advocates to automobile safety issues. In the U.S. each year, far more people are injured or killed in automobiles than by guns. Why not sue the automobile manufacturer when a pedestrian is hit by a car? We do not need more legislation concerning firearm purchase and possession. I challenge The Times to publish a compendium of all the rules and laws governing firearm sales and possession in L.A. County. That would be one thick section, illustrating the labyrinth of laws already in place.

Michael S. MacDonald

North Hills