Gun maker saves money, lives

It seems unlikely that the company readily agreed to the settlement because of a guilty conscience. More likely, Smith & Wesson wants to avoid digging deep into their pockets. It is cheaper for them to assent to the proposed reforms then to face the possibility of bankruptcy resulting from costly litigation, legal bills and hefty jury verdicts.

Smith & Wesson has agreed to reforms that include putting trigger locks on all handguns, ceasing business with gun show dealers who do not conduct criminal background checks, imprinting a second hidden serial number, developing "smart" technology where only authorized users can fire a gun, and adding gun grips too large and triggers too powerful for young children to handle.

All the reforms seem like sheep in wolves' clothing.  Smith & Wesson does not have the capability to force dealers to conduct background checks at gun shows.

History has proven there are ways around technology. In the age of computer hackers and a Y2K scare, technology has shown itself to be vulnerable. What affect will technology have on the guns already disbursed through out the nation?

Another reform that Smith & Wesson has agreed to will include safety warnings on the packaging. Mimicking the tobacco industry, a warning will not stop the deaths that occur as a result of their product.

The underlying issue, killings and violence caused by guns, is being overlooked.  It is sad that financial motivation and not responsibility to humanity is what spurred Smith & Wesson into action.

Nicola Chadwick is a CSULB  journalism major.