A CORRECTION:  In my piece yesterday on gun control I wrote, "We don't permit the private ownership of fully automatic weapons (machine guns)..."

I have been gently corrected by a number of readers.  In fact, they note, in many states a private citizen can own an automatic weapon, if it falls within strict guidelines and federal requirements are met.  However, readers point out that it's a very expensive proposition because of the cost of the weapons and the ammunition.  I've not heard any mention of fully automatics in the gun stores I go to, but apparently the right to own, with restrictions, exists.

I thank our readers for their e-mails.  We always welcome new information here, as well as dissent.

July 31, 2012