GUNS: Right - to a point

I respect the background of Robert Smith in his letter in the “My Turn” column and his logical defense of weapons in the hands of responsible citizens. But I find nowhere in the article (April 6) the other side of the gun-carrying question: How do we prevent mentally or emotionally disturbed people from getting guns to inflict harm on the community? Or even teenagers whose actions are sometimes caused by a burst of hormones and whose ability to make good decisions is not fully formed until they are about 24?

I question his solution that is reminiscent of the old-style vigilante justice. I would rather limit the ownership of guns to anyone who uses them to get meat for their table or for an equally acceptable purpose. Other valid measures are giving hefty fines for those who leave their guns easily accessible, especially to younger or troubled children. Encourage responsible citizens to report observances of unbalanced behavior. Improve security systems in our schools and churches. But don’t make guns the answer. It’s the people with guns that kill.

ELLEN LARSEN

Rathdrum