Contrary to gun lobby propaganda, Americans want places to be gun free zones - like bars, restaurants, colleges and airports.

Another example, in today's Seattle Times:

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels's executive order banning guns from Seattle Center, parks, community centers and city-run buildings is safe and sane public policy.

The mayor's get-tough approach is especially reasonable in an urban setting. The man charged with shooting three people at the recent Northwest Folklife Festival had a concealed-handgun license when he arrived for an evening of fun and games. Prosecutors say he had a history of drug addiction and schizophrenia, which should have prevented him from obtaining such a permit.Washington's system of screening applicants for concealed-weapons permits is full of loopholes.

The next Folklife or Bumbershoot festival should be gun-free. Our citizens should not have to fear that an individual with mental problems will walk in, no questions asked, get into a fight and injure innocent people with a loaded gun.

That, of course, is what prosecutors say happened last month at Folklife. Currently, you can carry a gun in public places with a concealed-weapons permit.

The mayor's executive order, effective without City Council approval, means people with concealed weapons will be asked to give up weapons on city property or leave the premises.

A round of applause for Nickels. Somebody has to take a stand. For years, Nickels and Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske have been calling for stricter gun laws. The Legislature, even one dominated by Democrats, has been absurdly timid on gun legislation.

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