READERS RESPOND

AT ISSUE: We asked readers if the Orange County Fairgrounds should

continue to hold gun shows despite new state regulations. Here’s what

some had to say.

One more time, law-abiding citizens have to pay the price for what

criminals have done. Yes, I believe gun shows should continue to be held

at the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds are paid for by my taxes. The gun

shows follow the law. A lot of people doing legal business make a living

at these shows. There is a lot more to these shows than guns -- camping

gear, survival gear or Y2K items, first-aid items, collectibles of all

sorts, tools, books and a lot more. People should go see for themselves

before they give up their rights to the politicians.

JEFF BRACEY

Newport Beach

This is regarding the gun shows. I think it is important to remember that

the gun shows themselves are selling legal commerce. This is regulated

business. But also, the culture of the show itself is one of

self-reliance and, generally speaking, keeping the ability to do things

in the hands of the people themselves. And I think that this is a very

pro-American sort of feeling and stance. I think it be a disappointment

should the shows not be able to continue.

KURT SENSE

Costa Mesa

I live right by the fairgrounds and have no problem with the gun show.

They are conducted responsibly and the fairgrounds follow all the

provisions set up by the state for sales. If we start to limit these

shows, where will the censorship end?

DOMINIQUE VINK

Costa Mesa

I am calling in regards to the article about the fairgrounds gun show.

When you go to a gun show at the Orange County Fairgrounds, there are

people there who are selling everything -- guns, knives, hats, camping

equipment -- you name it. It is the most basic form of a free-enterprise

system you can find. There are people in our government that do not like

the free-enterprise system and would like to see it done away with. This

is a really good example. The people that are there and are holding these

gun shows are in the greatest part not criminals, yet the laws that are

being passed are not against criminals. They are against the honest,

law-abiding citizen. When the government does not trust the people, can

the people trust the government? There is an old, old, old saying: Your

enemy will rarely harm you. It was true then, and it is true now. The

other side of that coin should always be considered.

ATSON REEDER

Newport Beach

I am a resident of Huntington Beach who is also served by the Orange

County Fairgrounds, which is a county facility. My response is that I

really see the fairgrounds as a family and recreational facility, thereby

making it totally inappropriate for something such as a gun show. I think

gun shows are better off being removed from the urban environment. A more

appropriate place for a gun show would be someplace in the middle of the

desert or something like that, away from an urban environment. I feel

very strongly about that.

PETER BRYAN

Huntington Beach