Even the Wild West had gun control

The trouble with gun nuts in America is they think this is Dodge City or Tombstone in 1880 and everybody needs to carry a gun.

Well, Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill Hickok are a long time ago gone and the Wild West is now tamed. Yes, there were gun battles back in those days and I guess you needed to arm yourself for your own protection.

During our own revolution, folks had to have guns to fight for their freedom. But, that was long, long ago and now we have 911 and police protection for law abiding people. It isn't Vietnam either and we don't need M-16 automatic rifles. Only criminals need guns these days.

The thing is that even back in Tombstone, Marshall Earp had a sign that read check your guns, meaning no guns while in town. So, in the Wild West folks still had gun control.

Tom King

Shaftsbury, Vt.

Dec. 31