Gun-Control Calls After Shootout

Re Capitol Journal, March 6:

After accusing gun lobbyists of “thwarting” and “smirking,” George Skelton threatened them to “offer their expertise and help try to control ‘assault rifles’ and all firearms proliferation,” or face gun confiscation in the future. Skelton and his cohorts in the media have destroyed any possibility of agreement among opposing sides on this issue through sensationalistic reporting, misrepresentation of facts, ignorance and a perpetuation of unfair stereotypes.

Despite the fact that the guns and magazines of the criminals from the North Hollywood shootout were already banned, the media have eagerly trumpeted politicians’ calls for more unneeded gun control. Skelton and associates will not be happy until all guns are banned. So when Skelton asks “gun lobbyists” to help control some guns now, it will not surprise me when he gets no responses. We do not trust you or those who share your beliefs, George!

MICHAEL THOMAS

El Toro

* I have been living in L.A. for almost a year, but one thing I hate in America is that guns are everywhere. In my home country, Japan, private gun ownership is completely banned; firearm homicides seldom happen.

To own guns is self-protection? If I were a burglar, I would carry a much more powerful weapon. I don’t think it’s effective. A complete ban could make it much harder for robbers to get guns. A gun is a tool for killing. That’s all.

MASANORI FUKUMOTO

Los Angeles

* Gunfights with police, cold-blooded executions of families and neighbors--all courtesy of the National Rifle Assn. Propped up by a perverted and erroneous interpretation of the 2nd Amendment and incidents like Ruby Ridge that create a ready-made audience for their propaganda, this corporate mouthpiece is wreaking havoc in the streets and homes of America.

Those in government positions who abuse their power should be treated as criminals under the law. Next, ban all guns. Period. Don’t like it? Move somewhere else, because I’m tired of living in a war zone so arms dealers can make money and nut cases can play war.

TERRI MITCHELL

Los Angeles

* Re The Spin, by Bill Boyarsky, March 6: Personally, I don’t really care whether a person who robs a bank, shoots up a neighborhood, and injures policemen and innocent bystanders receives adequate medical attention. I’m just relieved that he didn’t survive long enough to hire F. Lee Bailey to defend him in a six-month-long trial where we’d hear how society gave him a rotten deal as a child.

On behalf of what I’m certain is the majority of Angelenos (and probably the rest of the country), I apologize to the LAPD for even having to read to this nauseating column.

TED PERLMAN

Van Nuys