(MONEY Magazine) – I disagree with your analysis of the murder of David Johnstone. February's Editor's Notes blames the tragedy on a bullet and suggests that some form of gun control is the solution. Gun control laws infringe on our constitutional right to bear arms and do nothing to cut crime. James Treece Wylie, Texas

The problem is a lenient attitude toward juvenile criminals. Why was the 16- year-old killer sentenced to only eight years in prison? Why not life or, better yet, the death penalty? Gene C. Peters Olympia, Wash.

Suppose David Johnstone had himself been carrying a handgun. Seeing trouble coming in the form of "three youngsters," he might have moved evasively. Had they followed him, he could have pulled his own weapon and scared them off. Had they still shot and paralyzed him, he could have shot and killed his assailants, which would have saved society at least $233,000, according to your figures ($18,000 for the police investigation, $15,000 for the juvenile sentencing procedure and $200,000 for the incarceration). Hans Riemer Groton, Mass.

I was deeply moved by your report. I have two sons-in-law who in many ways are similar to the late Mr. Johnstone. They are successful, productive professionals; they each have two children; and they, like all of us, are at risk by the insanity of 2.3 million handguns offered for sale each year in America. We must all get behind the movement to do something about handguns. Melvin Kieschnick Carlsbad, Calif.