Three key points

First, to solve a problem, it is important to first define it. In that respect your framework falls short. Our nation's problem is the emergence of repetitive incidents of domestic terroristic violence aimed at frightening our citizens and altering our lifestyle. It's not just schools and kids that are targets; it's all of us - going about our lives going to our jobs, or visiting schools, churches, shopping malls, theaters, athletic facilities, and transportation modalities. Each type of these "soft," unprotected venues has been attacked.

Second, our problem involves more than semi-automatic weapons. Terrorists have successfully used knives, axes, hammers, chemicals, improvised explosive devices, vehicular manslaughter, and sabotage to wreak havoc. As far as guns go, a recent terrorist used and simple revolver and a common shotgun to do damage.

Three, our nation's problem is not a gun problem; it's a people problem. The means available to terrorists and soft targets have existed for decades or more. Yet, until relatively recently, outbreaks of domestic terroristic violence against soft targets have been relatively rare. The big question is why do we have so many bad people today? I know of little action that will diminish the number of bad people in our society by fall when school starts again.

So, please recognize: (1) our "problem" needs to be much more broadly defined before answers can be found; (2) the much maligned semi-automatic is just one of many instruments of mayhem; and (3) if it has the guts to take it on, the nation better do something quick to deal with it's large "bad people" problem.

Charles F. Falk

Schaumburg