THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 25, 1995 TAG: 9505250022
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 31 lines
The country agrees that Oklahoma City has suffered a great tragedy. But there is a greater tragedy. Every week guns kill more people than died in the Oklahoma City disaster.
This continues in spite of polls showing overwhelming support for gun control. Congressmen continue to accept support from the NRA and return that support. Not only does the NRA insist guns don't kill, it equates gun control with banning all guns.
Guns should be registered to sane, responsible adults. the Brady Bill was a step in the right direction, but only a step. Five days is not enough to determine a person is sane and responsible.
Gun manufactures should be required to have the ability to tell police where their guns went. Since we have allowed guns to multiply, a further step is necessary. Ammunition must be sold only to registered gun owners.
In spite of the NRA myth, national gun control does work, as shown by countries like Canada, Japan, England and France. I urge Bill Clinton to lead the nation and Congress in zeroing in on effective gun control (not a ban).
O.W. CUSTIS
Painter, Va., May 16, 1995 by CNB