Granada Hills Shooting Suspect

Buford Furrow, the suspected gunman at the North Valley Jewish Community Center in Granada Hills, was on probation for assault, described by his neighbors as a man with a history of mental problems and on the “watch� list of the Southern Poverty Law Center because of his association with Nazi organizations (Aug. 11). How in the world did he accumulate a huge arsenal of firearms and ammunition? He had to buy it somewhere. Was there a proper background check on the man? Is the Southern Poverty Law Center list on the computer? This is not the first time someone on that list has committed a hate crime with a gun. Should gun manufacturers and dealers be held responsible for crimes committed with guns they make and sell?

One answer is for sure: Guns are too available and something has to be done. Gun violence is a national disgrace. It’s time to stop talking about “gun control� and start talking about banning guns.

LOIS SAFFIAN

Los Angeles

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This latest manifestation of Hitler’s cursed legacy points out again the dangers of in-group, out-group thinking, which is almost basic to our personalities. Perhaps one would say that it is also a very real part of the American national character to cast as less than oneself those who look or act differently than one does.

I think that all of us should visit places like the Museum of Tolerance, not just people who already know the sting of racism and prejudice but those who never have. Perhaps the scales would fall from some people’s eyes.

CHRISTINA WALDECK

Torrance

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When a crazed motorist purposely careens into a bus stop, injuring or killing innocent people, do you blame the car? It’s not the guns. It is and always will be stupid people.

GREGG SHIVES

Alhambra

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Do you suppose that shooting suspect Buford Furrow is also a member of our “well-regulated militia�? Maybe the NRA knows.

LAURIE LEVIN

Pacific Palisades