Gun safety initiative truth

The letter by Robert Smith (“Safe gun storage legislation,” March 22) was a painful example of the misinformation that is rampant in our society today.

His description of the 1997 safe gun storage initiative is bogus. The reason the ballot issue failed was the NRA came to the state with 3.5 million dollars and Charlton Heston, who held his rifle high and declared those of us who supported the bill were evil. One can only guess why law enforcement did not support the bill — maybe ignorance or intimidation — but our local sheriff, who was not running for re-election, did support the bill.

The proliferation of unsecured guns is evidenced by the slaughter that occurs constantly in our schools, churches, shopping centers, theaters and public gatherings.

Mr. Smith should take his own advice and become informed on gun safety.

Oh, the man who led the initiative, Tom Wales, was gunned down in his home in 2001. The killer is still at large.

Pam Behring

Spokane