[Drizzt]

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

February 28, 2003 Friday SOONER EDITION

SECTION: EDITORIAL, Pg.A-14 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

LENGTH: 240 words

HEADLINE: CONSIDER GUN RISKS

BODY:
We were a little disturbed by the narrow vision of Vincent Egry's Feb. 17 letter, "Arm Your Home to Prevent Criminal Invasions." He says, "If every home had a shotgun . . . the occurrence of home invasions would return to near zero." What he fails to mention is that suicides, accidental shootings, domestic violence and other assaults would skyrocket -- not to mention all the street crime from the guns that are sure to be stolen.

There is a downside to gun ownership that needs to be considered. Mr. Egry is right to say that we have the right to defend our homes, but each person must look at his own situation and make an informed decision. Wouldn't a baseball bat or pepper spray -- even a stun gun -- be adequate protection for most of us?

This is a perception issue. For instance, did you realize that there are more gun suicides than homicides in Allegheny County? They just don't make it into the papers. Home invasions have made a lot of headlines lately, but your chances of experiencing one are minuscule. Even less likely is getting to your gun in time; home invaders rely on the element of surprise.

Also, you would have to have the gun readily accessible and presumably loaded 24 hours a day. A dangerous habit. Believe me, you do not want to add your name to the list of people who have lost a loved one to gun violence.

JEANINE SMOLAREK

President

Allegheny County Chapter

CeaseFire PA

Mt. Lebanon

[Hkmp5sd]

About the only thing she got correct in her letter is her name and anti-gun organization.

[benewton]

She does have a point: I don't want to lose a loved one to gun violence.

So, between my CCW, a couple of dogs, and long guns within reach at our rural home's main entries, all loaded, of course, we should be fairly well along the way to staying OK, although I know that nothing is perfect.


"Wouldn't a baseball bat or pepper spray -- even a stun gun -- be adequate protection for most of
us?"

In her case, of course!
But a total lack of possible weapons would be even better. Her kitchen should be "protected": no knives or sharp instruments designed to puncture (e.g., forks), 'cause many die by edged weapons, and gas stoves have been used to suicide.

Need I go into the carnage on the highways, and how she could do her part to minimize it?

[CaesarI]

I'm a bit more sympathetic to some claims:
" Mr. Egry is right to say that we have the right to defend our homes, but each person must look at his own situation and make an informed decision. "

If that's all PA Ceasfire wants I'd be happy to support'em. If they were "Pro-Choice" about the whole thing I'd be happy as a clam.

This claim: "For instance, did you realize that there are more gun suicides than homicides in Allegheny County?"

is also probably true. People who are suicidal should definitely take precautions with firearms. But this same claim has a serious damper effect on her claim:

"that suicides, accidental shootings, domestic violence and other assaults would skyrocket -- not to mention all the street crime from the guns that are sure to be stolen."

her final claim though:
"Believe me, you do not want to add your name to the list of people who have lost a loved one to gun violence."

makes use of a loaded term, you don't want to lose a loved one, PERIOD. It is wholly irrelevant to me if my loved ones die from firearms, knives, poison, or cars.

I'd conclude she's prolly a died in the wool anti, but she's learned a few tips on how to present her views in a somewhat unbiased manner.

-Morgan

[BamBam]

For instance, did you realize that there are more gun suicides than homicides in Allegheny County? They just don't make it into the papers.

Guess we'll never get the facts as long as the conservative media keeps slanting in the favor of the Second Amendment. The poor liberals just can't get their fair say. :rolleyes:

[Standing Wolf]

...suicides, accidental shootings, domestic violence and other assaults would skyrocket...

Leftist extremists believe their irrational hoplophobia trumps the nation's civil rights. Their belief is evil.