Guns are necessary for defense

In response to “Restore assault weapons ban” (Letters, Aug. 27): If we lived in a perfect world without violent criminals, the only need for guns would be for target shooting or hunting. But so long as there are criminals who prey on others, the would-be “prey” has to be able to have their own weapons to protect themselves.

First, true assault weapons (machine guns) have already been regulated or deemed illegal since the mid-1930s. The weapons of the “assault weapons ban” are no different than common hunting rifles. They just look “mean” but they are not military weapons. I was raised a Democrat in a small town in Oklahoma, but when Democrats started their war against the Second Amendment I became an independent, voting for the candidate that fights for my right to defend my family. And it won’t be with a musket.

“No weapons” zones, where guns are banned or controlled, are open invitations to criminals bent on killing innocents.

When that home invader is kicking in your front door, which would you rather have in your hand, a telephone or a gun? What if Abel had his own rock? Would the story of Cain and Abel be the same?

DAN CRON

Modesto