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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Don’t stereotype NRA

It happens that I basically agree with June 22 letter writer Paul Lindholdt’s three “findings of fact” regarding the fatal shooting perpetrated by Gail Gerlach. Personally, I have serious misgivings regarding the propriety of Gerlach’s lethal response to the theft of his property, and I suspect that many fellow National Rifle Association members would share my unease if asked for their opinion.

But there is no justification, whatsoever, for Lindholdt’s allegation that Gerlach would have become a “Second Amendment hero, celebrated … by National Rifle Association apologists” had he not been criminally charged.

As a Life Member of the NRA and an active supporter for nearly 40 years, I find Lindholdt’s low opinion of us unwarranted.

Leonard Johnson

Moscow

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