CONDON: Buy a gun or not?

My return here to Merced has brought with it feelings of joy and happiness, yet I find myself in a dilemma on which a decision must be made. I came from a small town in Minnesota; we had very little crime and now I find myself locking every door and seriously considering the purchase of a gun for the protection of my family. I have written for many newspapers and none of them highlighted a most wanted section on the front page. I have spoken with and enjoyed the company of whites and Latinos alike, and this community is still full of wonderful and law-abiding people who only want to provide for their families and enjoy the fruits of their labor. I am not a hunter, nor do I agree with many of the NRA's opinions, but I am responsible for the safety of my loved ones. The question here is am I to be intimidated by a group of thugs and buy a firearm or dismiss the whole issue and carry on as if the problem does not exist.

I wonder if I am alone in this matter. I think not.

DANIEL CONDON

Merced