Readers React: Retailers are on notice: Sell a gun used in a mass shooting, face financial consequences

To the editor: In 1968, sickened by the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., my dad, Preston Kline, moved to eliminate the sale of all firearms and ammunition from the sporting goods section of the Los Angeles-based Zody’s chain of discount stores. (“Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart restrict their gun sales, citing school shooting,” Feb. 28)

Prepared for board members who might object because of their fiduciary obligation to maximize profits, my dad explained that the cost of settling a wrongful death lawsuit stemming from the sale of firearms or ammunition would cost far more than they would ever earn in profits from gun sales. His motion passed.

Today, any company or individual associated with the sale of assault weapons used in gang, terrorist or other forms of wanton murder is on notice: Suits for wrongful death are coming. Retailers, banks and credit card processors who assist them ought to cease all sales of assault weapons and similar peripherals or face bankruptcy and shame.

Jeff Kline, Santa Monica

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To the editor: Edward Stack, the chief executive of Dick’s Sporting Goods, announced Wednesday that his company no longer will sell assault-style rifles, sell firearms to anyone under 21 years of age, or sell any high-capacity magazines. This change is permanent.

This man and his company are putting lives first and money last. It is beyond sad that the politicians in this country do not feel the same. They act as if they care more about money from the National Rifle Assn. than lives.

Way to go, Dick’s.

Lindsay Soderlund, Glendale

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