Not true my friend ... not true at all. I will say up front that Step 1 is, in fact, the banning of all semi-automatic non-hunting rifles (i.e. Bushmaster AK4) and the limitation on clips. However, that is not the total solution ... I agree!! We need a true overhaul of gun registration policies that include an extensive background check as well as waiting period. We need greater regulation on gun show purchases that require that same background check and waiting period. We need scrutiny of individuals with guns to ensure that appropriate and truly secure gun safe are being used before issuing firearms. We need greater neighborhood programs with adequate call-in availability (ala Connecticut) where guns can be removed from irresponsible hands. We need tough nonreporting laws when a gun is stolen. Noone is calling for the "punishment" of responsible and "law abiding" gun owning hunters. And from many of the responses that have been on this board from such individuals they tend to agree.
Now for the rest.
We do need a comprehensive MH program; but one that is tied also into gun ownership. We cannot force the evaluation of indviduals who are in some way questionable relative to their competencies. But we can force the individual seeking guns to seek help for those that may have access to those same guns.
I work and have retired from a school system. I have said before in a previous thread that tears well up when I see the babies I work with everyday. I have read truly oxymoronic "solutions" that teachers and principals should have a gun!!! You can never make a child secure by making them feel insecure with armed guards in every school; you cannot help a child feel security by making an armed fortress out of every school. That is not to say that there does not exist "other" solutions to making schools safe. And schools should always be safe. There is a litany of things that must be done to make our schools safer. That is by first making sure that your Board of education realizes that, Yes, Sandy Hook, Columbine can happen here. Then that is the start of finding the solutions (money not withstanding) of making our schools safe.
America is the most violent country in the world... third world nations not included. We live in a culture of violence We glorify violence. I ask you, outside of the baby movies, what are the #1 movies that our teens and pre-teens watch? Nothing like a good shoot-em-up. And why do these violent movies keep being made? Because they make money from both parents (adults) and children. I don't have to even speak to the viideo game genre. One can't change violent attitudes (its OK to shooot people) without making significant changes in the violent enculturation that is one hallmark of our society. Such an enculturation of violence makes violence "unreal" to impressionable minds. Violence becomes acceptable ... and, by the way, entertaining.
This has become a terribly long diatribe and for those saying, "Phew, when is he going to stop" well, I have only one last thing. I have also read and heard from individuals that say "Violence ainta gonna happen here cause I gotta gun right here on my hip (or keep one in my dresser drawer)". Again oxymoronic thinking. That's like saying we have it solved with "Peaceful violence". We cannot solve the issue of violence in our country with the threat of violence. All you are doing is encouraging the belief that violence is the answer. And our children learn that violence is the only answer to violence. Its circular and such thoughts and attitudes only serve to prolong the attitudes and as I have said the answer of violence to stop violence is oxymoronic and self-defeating. And for those irresponsible individuals whoo proudly proclaim I carry a gun on my hip; I keep a gun in my car; I keep a gun in my dresser next to my bed well I dont need to tell you that a gun is one of the hottest items to buy on the street!!! Keep them locked up.!!! Away from burglars; away from children.
You wanted suggestions other than just banning guns? This is a start.
