In Vaughan Houger’s April 5 letter about Mary Cooper and her daughter, who were murdered while hiking in the Cascades, he basically proposed that being armed at all times in all places is the best, if not the only way, to stay alive.

I knew Mary, who was a much-loved elementary school librarian. Given the choice of being with family and friends, hiking with her children and husband, helping her young students or enjoying a good book I don’t believe she would have chosen to spend any time at a firing range.

I have some “what if” questions for Mr. Houger. What if the two women were actually carrying pistols that would have “leveled the playing field” according to him, but the murderer was a marksman or had an assault weapon which just about anyone can buy at local stores? What if they had guns, but were distracted by bird songs and not listening for the sounds of a killer hiding in the forest? What if the killer couldn’t even pass a minimal background check, but could easily get a weapon at a gun show? What if sane and practical gun laws superseded the desires of the gun manufacturers for profits or the NRA for political influence?

Candace Jarrett

Snohomish