I'm with you, Hank. Outlawing guns isn't the answer. We have guns in our home. The 45's in our bedroom live in lock boxes that can only be opened by pressing a three of five buttons in the right sequence. The kids will never get into them. We never let them see us open the boxes, either.

I truly believe that the violence on television, in movies and computer games plays a part in desensitizing children to how horrible such acts really are. The graphic blood and guts killing appeals to a person's lower nature. Once used to a certain level of violence, it takes something more and more bloody to create the thrill. It's like a person's body getting used to a drug, and more drug is needed to create the desired effect.

I really believe that the way back to sanity is through the law. Tighter restrictions on what can be depicted. Restrictions on what kids can see. I'm not for cencorship either, but consider: The freedoms we have in this country ar restricted by moral laws. It's against the law to commit murder. Kids say, "its a free country, I can do what I want." Not quite, kids. You don't have the right to commit mayhem.

I like target shooting. I think it's fun. So Kat, you're a regular Annie Oakly? I wish we could go shooting together. But "empty pop bottles is all we would kill".

Margie