Congress and the NRA
Your editorial (April 13), “Congress’ Shame,” about Congress and the National Rifle Assn., seems rooted in the old familiar gun-prohibition line. Guns are intrinsically evil and have no civilized justification; our countrymen are too irresponsible or inept to be trusted with them, and the ones who own them now should be punished for all the sins of a few lunatics and the vicious criminals.
The new media drama is a sort of update of “Ten Nights in a Barroom” with the National Rifle Assn. in place of the Demon Rum.
Long before the present excitement began, the NRA staff, which has access to vast experience, including law enforcement experience, worked conscientiously to revise national gun regulation. The aim was to increase penalties for armed crimes but eliminate harassment or denial of lawful uses and enjoyment of firearms.
The NRA has earned the confidence of its members and millions of others. Its influence is supported by millions of firm-minded voters such as the two-thirds majority of Californians who rejected the recent state initiative for more restrictive gun laws.
CHARLES F. WETHERBEE
Pasadena
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