Knives just aren’t the same as guns

Rick Reynolds, Las Vegas

Thursday, April 18, 2013 | 2:01 a.m.

Michael Solazzo’s letter, “Is knife control regulation next?” argued that outlawing knives because of the attack in Texas is akin to the regulatory attempts on firearms. It is an argument that is often made by those who share the same view.

Fourteen people were stabbed at a community college in Cypress, Texas; there were no casualties because most of the victims were able to get away and the attacker was subdued by faculty and students.

Solazzo’s argument not only fails to make a valid point, but it also reflects a collective inability to understand the destructive capability of two entirely different implements. The knife has many uses and, yes, it can be used to kill someone within arm’s reach. A firearm has one purpose and can reach out and “touch” its victims at great distance, leaving little chance for people to get out of harm’s way or get close enough to subdue their attacker. I look forward to reading similar arguments involving the baseball bat and automobile in hopes those too receive print.