Gun Violence

Reading the newspaper and see an ad for a gun show in Ventura County (Valley Edition page B3, Jan. 8). The ad for the show lists it to be a one-stop location for all your gun needs. Reading further, your top editorial is “Guns: State Issue for 2001” (page B10), which calls for California’s political leaders to firmly deal with gun violence. I believe that gun shows are largely legitimate venues for responsible gun enthusiasts, just as retail gun stores conduct legitimate business. However, guns and their irresponsible users create tremendous physical, mental and financial damage to our society. Clearly, running ads for gun shows while demanding of others to control the problem appears hypocritical. Which way does The Times really stand on the issue of gun violence?

DAVID BOYD

Northridge