In October, igjo, this magazine earned an article by Professor Richard Hofstadter, a distinguished American historian who, we deeply regret to report, died on October 24 after a long illness. Mr. Hofstadter’s article evoked a large number of critical letters to the editor. The subject was “America as a Gun Culture"; the author’s thesis was that for various historical reasons our society is dangerously permissive about the ownership and use of firearms, and that stricter gun-control laws are needed. There was no suggestion that all guns be confiscated, but it was urged that careful and uniform registration of firearms is essential.
Many of the letters complained that Mr. Hofstadter’s article was “an editorial,” and out of place in a history magazine. The editors would like to state very clearly that no article in this magazine signed by an individual can be taken to represent the view ofAMERICAN HERITAGE. History is controversial by nature: unless it is to become a dry academic exercise, the remterpretation and re-evaluation of the past is essential to it. This is particularly true of historical circumstances that have brought about any controversial current situation. We have published many articles taking an unusual and arguable position on such a subject, and it has always been assumed that the opinions expressed were those of the author, and of course open to challenge. A striking recent example was Charlton Ogbum, Jr.’s free-swinging excoriation of the automobile as a major threat to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (“The Motorcar vs. America,” June, igjo). Probably gg per cent of the readers of this magazine own cars, yet the reaction was mild and scattered. It appears that the question of gun ownership is a more sensitive one.
The comments that follow were chosen to represent as fully as possible the range of opinion expressed by our readers.
—The Editors
•
I consider our heritage to be a proud one. Part of that pride, and part of that heritage, are guns, and the “nation with such a temperament” which used these guns, for better or for worse. The “ethnic and racial mixture” who compose this nation, and who possess these guns, are the same ones who have made this nation what it is today; proud, powerful, and obviously successful in its endeavors.
James Vaill Christie Watertown, Connecticut
•
One of the most valuable rights of the American citizen is his right to bear arms, which presumes also the right to possess arms. … Why don’t you place the blame for the high crime rate where it belongs, namely on the failure of our judicial system to bring the accused to trial promptly and to effectively punish those who refuse to conform to our laws?
Charles W. Hill Topeka, Kansas
•
Thinking a little more deeply than Mr. Hofstadter did, you will see that an attempt at outright confiscation of weapons will affect the legitimate, law-abiding citizen first, and will probably affect him alone. Those who would use weapons for illegal purposes would secure them anyway, much as the outlawed Republican Army in Ireland has done.
Lee Paulsel Fort Worth, Texas
•
The attitude that we as a nation can cure our problems simply by passing laws is rather silly. We can make it a crime to possess a gun. But that isn’t going to stop the thief or the robber or the professional killer.
C. H. Biscardi
Long Island Antique Gun
Collector’s Association New York
•
Contrary to the author’s choice of words, the National Rifle Association is not against gun control laws; it is FOR the preservation of certain well-defined, time-honored rights—our heritage, you might say.
WalterJ. Vogel Akron, Ohio
•
I wonder if statistics are available that tell how many of the one million hand- gun imports are purchased by citizens who fear for their lives because they have lost faith in the law … that allows hoodlums of every description to run free.
Jack M. Fulton Escondido, California
•
The reason Switzerland is not mentioned is that it is a great example of a nation where all able-bodied males must be adept in the use of firearms and have them in their homes ready for use. In addition, on election day, many wear side arms to show that they are prepared to defend their freedom. No gunfights!
William C. Bruton Miamiville, Ohio
•
Naturally, my children are members of a drum and bugle corps and very proud of it. It distressed them to a far greater degree than I would have thought possible to view your article and to be put in the category you chose for them along with Bloody Mama and gangster molls.
Mrs. Charles S. Copeland Los Altos, California
•
I never hunted in my life and am seventyone years old, and it has only been in very recent years that I even ever owned a gun … of any kind. … In 1918 I didn’t need a firearm … the Republic I was then living under well protected me. The criminal knew he didn’t have a chance against justice. Today I haven’t a chance against the criminal. The standards of this once-great nation have been reversed to that extent.
Louis H. Collison Marydel, Delaware
•
This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or their revolutionary right to dismember, or overthrow it.
