The assumption is that in order to have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, one has to have the means to preserve it. Self defense is a God given right. This means that one has the right to defend or preserve one's life from someone trying to take it, if one chooses. Definitions do matter. We need to find common language so discussion can happen and we stop just talking past one another.We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
And there was no assault weapon used in Nashville or any school shootings of late that I am aware of. An assault weapon is one that can sustain fire as the trigger is depressed. These are outlawed in the US already. No weapons are allowed, without special permits, that will fire more than one bullet for each depression of the trigger.
This is the definition of assault rifle. Any assault rifle used for mass killings are already illegal. So more laws will not decrease the use of them since they are already outlawed.
Let's care enough for others to be accurate in our language. When you manipulate language to make your position seem stronger, it is dishonest and shows a lack of respect for those you are talking with. We are called to hold others in high respect. Let's work at doing that. Fighting over how people were killed keeps the divide stronger and keeps the conflict of society continuing. It does little to finding ways to reduce societal conflict and hostility.
Respect for life also carries a respect for others. Let's work at showing it.