Domestic violence is the issue, not guns - STLtoday.com

I take great issue with your opinion piece "A lethal combination" Dec. 5. As usual, your publication uses a tragedy to further your anti-gun agenda.

This tragedy was the result of domestic violence. That should be the issue. I'm very sorry that this domestic violence situation ended in a murder/suicide, but to blame guns is both disingenuous and taking advantage of a terrible incident to further your pet agenda. Blaming the gun for this heinous crime is akin to blaming an automobile for a drunk driving death.

We must eliminate the cause of these deplorable issues and not reduce or minimize their seriousness by blaming how the illegal activity culminated. It is not access to guns or automobiles that cause these deaths. It is the illegal activity of an individual that made a decision without regard for human life. Individual responsibility must be held to account.

There are multitudes of "lethal combinations" that result in injury and/or death. We must treat the cause; not blame inanimate objects for the result.

If "your view" is to reduce or eliminate deaths like Ms. Perkins', then use your opinion and clout to treat the cause, which is domestic violence. If "your view" is to merely further your anti-gun agenda, continue on your usual path of never passing up an opportunity to facilitate your recurring cause. If the latter is true, then shame on you and your publication.

Gary E. Fowler  •  Marion, Ill.