DEAR ABBY: Never have I felt so compelled to write to you as when I read the letter from "Concerned Mom" regarding guns in the house. She shouldn't feel awkward about her young son's welfare. If safe and proper storage methods have been adhered to, there should be no reason for alarm.
I don't see any mention in that letter that indicates "Concerned Mom" wouldn't let her children play at the Smiths because of kitchen knives in unsecured drawers or in a knife block on the counter, power tools in the garage, drain cleaners and other household products easily accessible stored under the kitchen sink, medication in the bathroom, electrical outlets uncovered, or cooking pots on the stove.
Our homes contain a multitude of potential threats to children. With supervision, knowledge and safeguards, our homes can be happy and protected places for our children -- guns in or guns out. You may use my name. -- SUSANE A. GREENE, MIDLAND, TEXAS
DEAR SUSANE A. GREENE: All of the potentially dangerous items you cite in your letter have been mentioned in my column many times, as well as the danger of having a loaded gun in the house.