Kids Are Drawn to Guns Despite NRA Cartoon

Re “Mothers Push Fight Against Gun Violence,” Aug. 5:

I am responding to an article by Karima Haynes, “Three Years After Valley Jewish Center Shooting, the Million Mom March Presses On.” I am outraged by Kelly Whitley’s comment about the Million Mom March not having credibility on gun safety.

Any implication that the National Rifle Assn. stands for and promotes gun safety is a sad joke and oxymoron. They spout off about their silly cartoon eagle (Eddie Eagle) who says not to touch a gun and go get a parent if a gun is found.

This has absolutely no impact with children. By nature, children are inquisitive. Prime Time with Diane Sawyer did a show proving that these shallow words go in and out of a child’s ear without resonating. In a test group, immediately after watching a video of Eddie Eagle, young children were shown playing with a gun (the gun was empty, of course).

Bottom line: Shallow words and cartoons don’t work. Action and prevention does. The NRA needs to wake up.

Thom Balding

Santa Ana

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The NRA spokesperson who tries to belittle Million Mom March’s efforts is simply missing the target.

From Day One, our motto has been and continues to be Sensible Gun Laws--Safe Kids. Last year, Million Mom March was a sponsor of Senate Bill 52, for handgun safety licensing, which passed our Legislature and was signed into law.

Beginning in 2003, would-be handgun purchasers must demonstrate a working knowledge of the handgun they are about to buy with a hands-on demonstration before a certified safety instructor. There will be a more comprehensive written test, plus a requirement of thumb printing to verify the buyer’s identity to eliminate illegal sales and close a loophole regarding the residency requirement here in California.

This also will assist law enforcement in criminal apprehension and in attacking illegal secondary gun sales.

Charles L. Blek

Chair

Orange County

Million Mom March

Laguna Hills