Letters to the Editor Oct. 4

Bad people will behave badly

A gun is not inherently evil. I can place a pistol or a shotgun on my desk and it will not jump up, fly to the window and shoot someone. It takes a person to use it for good or evil.

There is a history of selling gun-control laws to increase safety, but they are really people-control laws. Jim Crow laws sounded reasonable: They would prevent the slaves from having too much power. Frontier laws forbade selling rifles and ammunition to the Indians. The Sullivan laws of the East were designed to disarm the Papist immigrants, i.e., Irish, Italian and Hispanic.

The colonies also had laws requiring voters to have arms in their houses and to attend organized drills. A family was expected to defend itself until a posse could be organized to rescue the family. This idea of self-reliance coupled with joining together for defense was the reason for the Second Amendment.

The first part of the Second Amendment stresses that the community must be prepared to assemble for the common defense. The second part is two-fold. The individual has the responsibility, and therefore the right, to protect his family. Secondly, the individual has the duty to be prepared to help his neighbor.

It is already against the law for minors, felons, the insane, etc., to have firearms. Passing more gun (people) control laws will not stop gang members, lunatics, etc., from acting badly.

Frank Z. Paluch

Carson City

Response to air race crash was commendable

The Reno Area Chapter of the Ninety-Nines would like to recognize the Reno Air Race Association, its members, announcers, volunteers and fans for their exemplary response to the tragedy.

In response to the speculation, criticism and uninformed comments which have been presented, we would like to share our perspective as pilots, women, mothers and community members. We understand the impact this event has on the families of those whose loved ones were injured or killed, and we pray for them.

Immediately following the crash, an army of medical and security staff and emergency equipment was on scene to assist the injured, and more equipment and personnel arrived within minutes. The announcers kept their composure, requesting spectators who could to move away from the crash site, and directing them to where they could receive assistance, information and help.

They did yeomen's work keeping the crowd from unnecessary panic. These emergency measures are prepared for every year, and as was clearly demonstrated, they work.

For the majority of the 48 years the races have been run, we have volunteered our services, as have many other nonprofit organizations. We stand ready to continue to do so. There is risk associated with the air races, but life is uncertain, and without risk, is impossible.

To allow this accident to prevent the RARA from continuing the races would be an even bigger tragedy than the one which occurred, one which would be felt deeply by our entire community.

Linda Law

Carson City

Better way to handle U-turn area than tickets

I would like to add my comments to those of Carol Kneese's letter to the editor about the Carson Sheriff's Department's sting operation at Highway 395 and Medical Parkway.

While waiting for the signal at Medical Parkway, I noticed in my rearview mirror a cop doing a U-turn on 395. His U-turn was acceptable so he could get into position on the southbound lane and write another ticket.

It is apparent that the real reason for all the tickets is to impose a hidden tax on people. The tax I am referring to is the $4 in fees tacked onto the cost of the violation. When the city wants more money, they just send the cops out to where the traffic signs are not clearly understood by drivers. So instead of doing the nice thing and posting a no U-turn sign, the cops just start writing tickets.

If the city wants $470, the cops write 10 tickets, or if they want $4,700, cops write 100 tickets. What a way to generate extra money for the city.

Sheriff Furlong makes such a big deal of being nice when he has his street parties. What he needs to realize is that setting up a sting like this undoes any good feelings he tries to generate. People like to be treated fairly and with respect.

Sheriff, the fair thing would be to post a no U-turn sign. You've failed at treating people fairly and with respect.

Doyle Hanks

Carson City