I used to work with a man named Dan Roberts. The Post Star did a story about him, maybe 10 - 15 years ago. He served in Iraq and had PTSD from the war. When he came home, he got counseling which helped him tremendously and decided to go to college to become a counselor. We talked once about the mass shootings and how the killers were all using the AR-15 rifle. I'll never forget what he said to me. He said, "I don't care what anyone says, a gun that I used to kill people with has no business being on the streets in America"! I wholeheartedly agree!
School shootings have happened for centuries but before access to semi-automatic weapons with high capacity clips ( I write clips to get gun lovers who care more about the language about guns than the deaths of children to out themselves) the deaths were generally 1 or 2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_school_shootings_in_the_United_States_(before_2000)
Sadly, that is where I am now on the gun debate. Second Amendment advocates won’t do anything to stop the carnage so the best we can do is limit the size of the cannon the perpetrator is carrying so only 5 or 6 die instead of 20.
So many discussions are one sided and I understand why. One group doesn’t want to lose the funding from the NRA and gun manufacturers, the other wants gun reform. The fear of “ give an inch…” really doesn’t hold water any more. No one is suggesting that all guns be banned. Where are the days of compromise. Do it for our children. Do it for the church goers and the grocery shoppers and concert enthusiasts. ( I think we all fit into a number of those areas so do it for all of us.) Background checks in all states, change the age to purchase to 21, in crease mental health support in the schools and communities. Talk about arming teachers is insane. One entry into schools is already employed. Resource officers cannot compete with an AR-15. No one needs a assault weapon.
Yes, we are all at risk -- as a society in which near-universal ownership of guns has destabilized politics, introduced fear into daily life, and warped the notion of community. We could not do a better job of ruining our country if we tried. Or maybe someone is trying.
Why oh why do we beat around the bush, and hope for a the smallest change only to be let down, and come back, ask for less, and let down once more. The Republican party has one and only one rule for meaningful laws, if they're for it, we're against it. And so more children die, more innocent folks out doing the chores, going to a show, will die. Republicans are to blame in every school shooting since allowing the Assault Weapons Ban expire. There are many things that need to be done to start to make a dent in this problem, and none will get done due to the politacal strategy of the Republicans. All of them except two.
I agree. Nobody in our country needs assault weapons. We should ban them. We should also have background checks. Gov. Abbott does a disservice to the mentally I’ll blaming this tragedy on mental health. Kudo to the Post Star for their article saying this.
Following this conversation online, I am once again struck by the lack of compromise on the part of some gun owners. Does anyone NEED a semi-automatic weapon??? What about the rights of children to live peacefully and attend school without fear?
May 27th- a welcomed and well delivered dissertation.
With the serious routine threat of school and many other shootings, guns and the programs of gun regulating master controls, wide and deep fixes may be welcomed by many.
Are we missing the inherent factor of illicit drugs, including alcohol abuse. Strange, it does not seem to be a topic or a timely report in these many revolting shootings. That is strange !!
Also, where do these misfits obtain the money or credit to purchase $1500 rifles ? Even two in 3 days. ? Another report not to be found !
Assault Weapons do NOT belong in the hands of the general public. These weapons should be for Military and Police use ONLY. WHY are Assault Weapons available to the Public? They are a killing machine which fire rapid rounds. The NRA is lining the pockets of our Government officials who they support the NRA. IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE! How many more mass shootings will it take to institute CHANGE in our gun laws.
I used to work with a man named Dan Roberts. The Post Star did a story about him, maybe 10 - 15 years ago. He served in Iraq and had PTSD from the war. When he came home, he got counseling which helped him tremendously and decided to go to college to become a counselor. We talked once about the mass shootings and how the killers were all using the AR-15 rifle. I'll never forget what he said to me. He said, "I don't care what anyone says, a gun that I used to kill people with has no business being on the streets in America"! I wholeheartedly agree!
Try RE-READING what I said! He served in IRAQ!!
Well said.
School shootings have happened for centuries but before access to semi-automatic weapons with high capacity clips ( I write clips to get gun lovers who care more about the language about guns than the deaths of children to out themselves) the deaths were generally 1 or 2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_school_shootings_in_the_United_States_(before_2000)
Sadly, that is where I am now on the gun debate. Second Amendment advocates won’t do anything to stop the carnage so the best we can do is limit the size of the cannon the perpetrator is carrying so only 5 or 6 die instead of 20.
So many discussions are one sided and I understand why. One group doesn’t want to lose the funding from the NRA and gun manufacturers, the other wants gun reform. The fear of “ give an inch…” really doesn’t hold water any more. No one is suggesting that all guns be banned. Where are the days of compromise. Do it for our children. Do it for the church goers and the grocery shoppers and concert enthusiasts. ( I think we all fit into a number of those areas so do it for all of us.) Background checks in all states, change the age to purchase to 21, in crease mental health support in the schools and communities. Talk about arming teachers is insane. One entry into schools is already employed. Resource officers cannot compete with an AR-15. No one needs a assault weapon.
Perfectly said!
Yes, we are all at risk -- as a society in which near-universal ownership of guns has destabilized politics, introduced fear into daily life, and warped the notion of community. We could not do a better job of ruining our country if we tried. Or maybe someone is trying.
Why oh why do we beat around the bush, and hope for a the smallest change only to be let down, and come back, ask for less, and let down once more. The Republican party has one and only one rule for meaningful laws, if they're for it, we're against it. And so more children die, more innocent folks out doing the chores, going to a show, will die. Republicans are to blame in every school shooting since allowing the Assault Weapons Ban expire. There are many things that need to be done to start to make a dent in this problem, and none will get done due to the politacal strategy of the Republicans. All of them except two.
I agree. Nobody in our country needs assault weapons. We should ban them. We should also have background checks. Gov. Abbott does a disservice to the mentally I’ll blaming this tragedy on mental health. Kudo to the Post Star for their article saying this.
Mr, Tingley, well done, again!
Following this conversation online, I am once again struck by the lack of compromise on the part of some gun owners. Does anyone NEED a semi-automatic weapon??? What about the rights of children to live peacefully and attend school without fear?
May 27th- a welcomed and well delivered dissertation.
With the serious routine threat of school and many other shootings, guns and the programs of gun regulating master controls, wide and deep fixes may be welcomed by many.
Are we missing the inherent factor of illicit drugs, including alcohol abuse. Strange, it does not seem to be a topic or a timely report in these many revolting shootings. That is strange !!
Also, where do these misfits obtain the money or credit to purchase $1500 rifles ? Even two in 3 days. ? Another report not to be found !
Assault Weapons do NOT belong in the hands of the general public. These weapons should be for Military and Police use ONLY. WHY are Assault Weapons available to the Public? They are a killing machine which fire rapid rounds. The NRA is lining the pockets of our Government officials who they support the NRA. IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE! How many more mass shootings will it take to institute CHANGE in our gun laws.
Ken, great column and great job. Keep it up. I enjoy reading your work and seeing what’s going on along the Northway. Hope you are well. Pat Ridgell