War games -- huh -- what are they good for?

War is not a game. I don’t know where to begin. Maybe the youth and

their parents could meet with returning armed forces personnel and

their families to learn what real war in the trenches is all about.

And what waiting for their loved ones’ return is like. War “games” do

not honor the sacrifice these men and women are giving for their

country.

As a retired teacher and grandmother, I am 100% for vigorous

outdoor play. How about sports (doesn’t have to be organized), beach

activities such as volleyball, Frisbee, kites? Or maybe they could

enjoy the Back Bay and ride their bikes, rollerblade, or hike and

explore.

Am I missing something? Wouldn’t adults who purchased banned

cigarettes and alcohol for children be prosecuted? Why is there no

recourse for these weapons getting into the hands of minors? When

does a boy become a man and have the police officers take notice and

maybe draw their real weapons?

When I read that some even look like Uzis and AK-47s, I was

reminded of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban that will expire on Sept.

13, unless renewed. The following day, many real military-style guns,

like the ones the children are playing with, which have been banned

in the United States for 10 years, will once again be legal in

America if this legislation is not renewed.

President Bush has supported this ban, but he and others are

getting pressure from the National Rifle Assn. in spite of the fact

that these are not hunting weapons. On Mothers Day, gun control

advocates will convene in Washington D.C. Check out the Million Mom

March website. A delegation from Orange County is going and you can

link to its chapter website.

SUSAN EATON

Newport Beach

This is the five-year anniversary of the Columbine massacre in

which 15- and 16-year-old boys killed 14 people. And the picture of

those young men who play war games in the Back Bay on the front page

is very disturbing.

Although it’s play, it doesn’t belong as the front page story. The

look on the faces are chilling. It’s really frightening and it

doesn’t send the right message to the youth of the nation today. I

find it really frightening.

SHARON BOUDREAU

Costa Mesa