letters.

Are Guns to Blame?

As a teen--and a Canadian living in South America--it amazes me that there is any debate about gun control at all ("Under the Gun," 4/10/00). It's like a parent debating about whether to let his or her child play with matches. Matches in and of themselves are harmless and very useful, but are also capable of tremendous harm. It is sad to see that your fights are more important than your lives.

JONATHAN HAYES Quito, Ecuador

I am from a small community in Montana. I like to hunt deer and birds. I also like to play video games. I like first-person-shooter games, which people claim are one of the main culprits behind teen violence. And I watch violent movies. Judging from this information, a lot of people might say I'm about ready to pick up a gun and kill someone. After all, I'm around all these violent influences, right?

Wrong. I've been taught to safely use a gun. Guns are only dangerous in the hands of the wrong people--those who are inexperienced, uneducated, and irresponsible. Instead of discriminating against guns, people should be educated about gun safety and the consequences of improper use.

CHARLIE KEITH Ekalaka, Mont.

A Deadly Sparkle

I was shocked to read in "Diamonds and War" (5/8/00) that the money for wars in Africa comes from illegal trading in diamonds. I used to think a diamond was the most wonderful thing in the world; it represents royalty, love, and strength. But after reading the article, I realize that thousands of innocent Africans died for this diamond I admire, and I really feel guilty inside. I can almost see the blood stain through all the sparkles. Every country in the world should place an embargo on diamonds from Africa.

ZHENG YAO Rochester, N. Y.

Hazy Advice

In your article on hazing ("Violent Rites," 4/24/00), you offer four tips on what to do if you are being hazed. One suggestion is that kids should leave. That just won't work. If you try to get out of an initiation or hazing, you will be considered an outcast for the rest of your high school career. You don't know the pressure of being a freshman around seniors who are physically and mentally superior.

ABE WOLF Sheffield, Iowa

Some Kids Need Drugs

I was very offended by the cartoon ("Drawing on the News," 3/27/00) of the boy given Ritalin "even though he's not sick." Attention-deficit disorder is not a sickness, but...