Editor:

Your column on the tragic killing of innocents in Newtown, Conn. (Coast Reporter, Dec. 21) was typical of most responses in the media, which was a knee jerk reaction to request greater gun control or to ban guns entirely.

It contained the usual “Canada is superior to the U.S.” in the control of firearms, with kudos to Obama who is waxing eloquently (surprise) for change in gun laws, while showing his soft, caring side. Does he have another? Few could defend the need for assault rifles and 100-round clips, but the second amendment in the U.S. — the right to bear arms — might be hard to alter.

Canada has some of the strictest gun laws in the world, starting with a thorough criminal and psychological check to even get a permit to have a gun, followed by the need to store guns and ammunition under lock and key. The real issue that needs to be addressed, but no one wants to say so, is keeping guns away from mentally unstable, socially inept individuals. Until we figure out how to do that, all the laws and registries are just window dressing.

Gordon Politeski, Halfmoon Bay