George,

I wonder if Mr. Tenney has ever read "More Guns, Less Crime." All of the various statistics are analyzed. I am suggesting that people should read opposing views rather than just dogmatically adhering to their own. I always find it helpful to read the views of others, such as Mr. Tenney's.

There are many statistics which can be cited from all over. For instance, there is a greater percentage of gun ownership per person in Switzerland and a much lower incidence of violent crime there. A lot has to do with the cultural attitudes. Some can also point out that Switzerland is beginning to experience some gun related violent crime, which would appear to be due more to a change in social and civic attitudes than the presence of guns since there have always been guns there.

Another interesting aspect of taking away guns is that such is the first action which is always taken by occupying forces. It is a means of control, which is why many people are worried about there being too restrictive gun control laws. That the problem is primarily one of culture and attituted can also be seen by what occurred in Somalia when the United States forces went in on an unsuccessful peace keeping effort. One of the first steps was to take away guns. People then started maiming each other with machetes.

I do not disagree with the concerns of those who want gun control. My concern is that we continue to address the symptoms rather than the problems. Many years ago we started softening any attempts to tell people when they were wrong. We worry about self esteem or being judgmental. Being judgmental in a courteous and civil manner is what makes for a civil society. I would encourage people to read Adam Smith's "Theory of Moral Sentiments," I believe a much better book than his "Wealth of Nations." For those who are Christian (or not if you just wish to understand some of the importance of a kind, but firm, interest in improving human behavior) I recommend the story in John's gospel about the woman caught in adultery. Christ never told the woman to do what she wanted. He did say that he was not comdemning her that day, but he ended with the admonition to go and sin no more.

Helping people to understand how to act better in a civil society need not be mean, and it need not be unduly confrontational. It is extremely important, however, because we cannot - and should not - control every action we do not like through some sort of legal imposition.

Back to guns, again, it may help to know that I am not a gun nut. I have an air gun I was given as a child. The only other gun that has ever been in my home as a child or as an adult was my father's service 45 which he brought home from World War II. It was never used by any of us in the house.

Sincerely,

Bob Hodous (electronic mail, January 21, 2002)