Target the Real Problems, Not Guns

Frequently in the past I have taken The Times to task for your anti-gun editorials, especially when you have equated gun control to crime control. So it is only fair that I compliment you and Dana Parsons for his Sept. 25 column, “How Much Bullets Actually Hurt. . . .”

Dr. Hardy seems clearly to understand what The Times and too many of our legislators do not. “The right to bear arms is an important part of the democratic process.” He also sees the root cause of the problem.

Reduction in gun-related violence will come not from ever more restrictive and largely unenforceable gun laws, but from a societal commitment to correct fundamental failings in the way this country has been working.

We must teach our young people employable skills. We must create the jobs that allow them entry to the economic highway. We must reward responsible, participative parenting. We must strive diligently to eliminate the economic, emotional and societal isolation of the young people who have no place to turn for support except gangs.

I remain deeply concerned that our lawmakers and The Times seem to believe that the anti-gun measures passed in the emotional hysteria of recent legislative sessions are an appropriate response to these problems. They are not. Let’s get on with the hard part.

DAVID C. BRITTON

Anaheim