Pubdate: Thu, 21 Sep 2000
Source: Alameda Times-Star (CA)
Copyright: 2000 MediaNews Group, Inc. and ANG Newspapers
Contact:  66 Jack London Sq. Oakland, CA 94607
Website: http://www.newschoice.com/newspapers/alameda/times/
Author: Robert L Heiney

VIOLENCE AND DRUGS

RECENTLY, I watched a child's life fade away. He had been shot with a 
syringe of heroin. Paramedics were able to start his heart again, but he 
didn't regained consciousness, his life hung by a thread.

Many people write letters against guns, saying they want to "save the 
children." If they are really sincere about this, then where are the 
Million Mom marches against drugs and the accompanying gang violence?

Where is the outrage over all of the children whose lives are ruined by 
drugs and gangs? Where is the call for common sense laws to control drug 
dealers and gangs? Why aren't there calls for the registration of all 
convicted drug dealers and gang members? We register sex offenders.

Why don't I see people calling for any of this? All I do see is people 
trying to pass feed-good gun laws that will only effect law-abiding citizens.

Are they afraid of addressing the real problem?

To save our children, then do something about the drug dealers and gang 
members that are destroying our society. Guns are not our problem, 
criminals who commit violence are.

Robert L Heiney, Antioch
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D