To the Editor:

He [Mark Reccek in his "Another View" in the July 24 issue of The Press] states in Pennsylvania you cannot shoot in self-defense unless the assailant has a deadly weapon.

At first glance that sounds logical. Now think of this.

You are 5 foot 5 inches tall and weigh 135 pounds; the assailant is 6 foot 5 inches tall and weighs 235 pounds. You have a legal gun and he doesn't.

Ask Mr. Reccek what he would do if he was the 5 foot 5 inch person. I am assuming Mr. Reccek would simply accept the fact that he is going to be robbed and beaten to death because he doesn't want to break the law since the assailant doesn't have a deadly weapon.

Mr. Reccek, do you really believe that makes sense?

Jim Knerr

Emmaus

Editor's note: For the record, according to Pennsylvania law, a victim in possession of a legal gun in the circumstance cited by the letter-writer may claim self-defense and defend himself against attack.