To the editor:

Regarding young Audrey Deeken’s letter of Nov. 14 concerning gun control.

Audrey, it is true that there is little empirical evidence that gun control laws curb crime, at least in this country. There are, however, studies in the UK and Australia that report otherwise. Of course, these nations enforce much stricter gun laws and have for quite some time. I am a realist and acknowledge that this country will most likely never eradicate handguns entirely. And that is fine, as I’ve enjoyed an afternoon or two at target practice. Instead, we should strive for realistic legislation regulating the ownership of firearms. In my opinion, this should include the banning of assault weapons, the use of ballistic fingerprinting and reasonable waiting periods and background checks for firearm purchases — including those at gun shows.

You may find some of these ideas “absurd,” but I believe that they provide law enforcement the tools to pursue and prosecute the perpetrators of many violent crimes.

As for the unnamed celebrity gun opponents who use armed bodyguards, all I can say is that a gun is a tool like anything else. If it is used by a sane individual who is properly trained in its use, it has its place. However, when you have every yahoo in Peoria (no offense, Illinois) “packing” and itching to use it, it becomes something else entirely.

Oh, and you’re right; anyone, myself included, could probably end a life with a fork or a pencil. Too bad those kids at Columbine weren’t shouldering a “yellow No. 2,” or perhaps a cocktail fork.

George M. Conforti,

Lawrence