mike wrote: .. I completely agree. I also think that the emotional reactions which cause people to call for the banning of certain guns, or changing the age, or expanding background checks are not always a rational view of the scope of the problem.
When you think of the sheer number of semi-automatic rifles that are out there in the US, and then the statistically miniscule number of owners that actually use them to commit a crime, you have to realize that a certain amount of the movement against these weapons reflects emotion, not reason.
Additionally, the outcry against the NRA seems somewhat based on emotion in light of the fact that no known NRA member has ever caused a mass shooting. That isn't to say that the NRA has not played a role in the freedom to buy a wide range of weapons, including those used to commit crimes.
And I will repeat that I have no reason to care whether gun regulations tighten up.
If all semi-automatics are made illegal, I would turn in my semi-automatic rifle (.22 for varmints).
But there is literally no way the government will go out and collect all semi-automatic weapons from the US population.
There is so much hysteria and emotion.
There will probably be a tightening of some regulations and an expansion of background checks.
But I strongly doubt that there will ever be a mass collection of semi-automatic or even assault-style guns in this country, and as long as there are guns out there, these crimes will continue.
I know this sounds pessimistic but it's the reality in my opinion.
Emotion only lasts so long and then reality sets in.
you articulate my thoughts very nicely.
i imagine your thoughts represent the majority (not represented in the media circus.)
i would add one troubling observation.
this whole response to the Parkland FL murders reminds me so much of the politicized hysteria following the Dylann Roof murders. politically, moves were made that had nothing to do with him or his actions, or even the victims or survivors. i.e., politicians exploiting tragedy for knee-jerk decisions that might be hard to “sell,” outside of hysterical moments.
“we-the-people” really need to wise up and not allow this repulsive manipulation.
i see no better model for it than the Amish folks at Nickel Mines.
ever since Nickel Mines i have prayed for this wisdom to catch on.
there have been some “close” incidents, but, they failed to follow through.
the media and politicians take the lead, drag everyone down along with them.
how to change this mentality that being on camera is the most important thing in life?
now, they’re going after newly traumatized children - the results are seriously awful.
parents: do not allow this. step in front of your children.
i’m NOT suggesting a law to prevent it!! No!
instead, how to empower individuals, families, neighbors, churches, schools, that they can refuse to be exploited?
if folks don’t wake up to this, we can only expect more+worse to follow.
laws should not be crafted in moments of high emotions.
yet, it appears, activists are just waiting for the next tragedy to shove their agenda forward.
it’s become an organized “thing.”
earlier this week, i read, Illinois reps were voting on 5 new bills regarding guns.
the next day, i read, 6 passed! .. in my state, no surprise. laws on top of useless, unenforcible, unfundable laws.
as long as these guys are paid to sit in their cubicles crafting law, law is what we’re gonna get.
we need to change what we pay them to do. we’re CHOKING on massive quantities of law. clearly, they are not about to self-correct.
(coincidentally, i just read Mr Roof was raped+beaten in prison, requiring 13 stitches in his rectum.
what a grisly world this can be.)
