Editorial misleads about gun crimes

Published 3:22 pm Monday, April 15, 2013

The Herald’s editorial, “The last gun bill standing,” is all hype and rhetoric but lacks true information. The editorial mentions a few gun crimes and portrays them as if they are the norm, but instead are a rarity. Washington actually ranks 39th in the country in gun deaths, 8.5 per 100,000 as per the Federal Center for Disease Control. In the period from 2001-2010, Washington ranks 35th. Also, we rank 30th in aggravated assault where a gun is used. It is very irresponsible for to use a couple of events of violence and act as if they represent our state. I believe The Herald editorial board is betting on readers not doing their homework and finding out the truth.

Todd Welch

Lake Stevens