Guns for everyone. Is this where we’re heading?
So let’s review.
Less than one month ago, twenty children and six staff members of the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT were gunned down by a man carrying an AR-15 semi-automatic gun.
Since that time, there has been another multiple shooting in Aurora CO, site of the movie theater massacre a few months before.
Since that time, eighteen people on average have been shot dead every single day.
Since that time, the number of applications for firearm ownership in some places is up over twenty percent.
Since that time, the number of semi automatic weapons sold has skyrocketed.
In the aftermath of the Newtown shooting, gun shows around the country were postponed or cancelled. Apparently that moratorium is now over. Gun shows are now reporting huge numbers in both attendance and sales. At a show in Columbia, MO, it was reported the AR-15 was selling for $300 to $400 more than before the massacre of twenty children.
It seems avid gun owners are getting nervous that the government will finally do something to curtail the ownership of these highly powerful killing machines. Seriously people, do you really need to own one of these guns to feel secure? If someone breaks into your home, is a semi-automatic gun with thirty rounds really what you need to defend yourself? And just how would you feel if you pumped a dozen shots into an intruder, only to realize it was your daughter’s boyfriend trying to sneak into the house?
At the Missouri gun show, a young couple was looking to buy an AR-15. The man already had one; apparently having a happy home required them each to own one. Asked what they planned to do with the gun, the man answered “Enjoy being an American. That’s what it’s for.” You know in my neighborhood, we light up the grill and throw on some hot dogs and I damn well enjoy being an American.
It has been said there are too many guns in this country for any gun regulation to have an effect on violence. That may be true right now, but change needs to start somewhere. Schools are already hiring armed guards. When will it not be enough for these protectors of the children to have a sidearm. How long before we need to up the ante and have them carry an AR-15 or a freakin’ machine gun?
More weapons does not make a better society, it just makes it better armed.
Lance
01/07/2013
I think we can say, without snark or pretention, that no one buying guns are interedted in making society better. They’re motivated by fear and the feel of cold steel.
I have nothing funny to say because there’s no humor in my view. More lives will be lost, more guns will be sold and used, and no one will have a dialogue about mental health, human behavior or gun control.
Kath
01/07/2013
I can’t say I agree completely with your statement. While I don’t think anyone buying an AR-15 is interested in making society any better, I do not have a fundamental issue with owning a gun. I just have an issue with the bigger is better, and you can’t have enough mentality.
What I do agree with is the possibility of no change coming from this tragedy. Mental heath, human behavior and gun control…the new trinity. They all need serious dialogue.
Jester Queen
01/07/2013
I am so sick of the facebook updates from the gun apologists. I’m not talking about people who hunt, who own firearms and are legitimately trained in their appropriate use. Shit – I’m not even talking about people who have a gun for protection, though I have personal qualms about that. I’m talking about the asswipes who think gun regulation guarantees “take away all guns”. Limiting the types of guns that can be purchased does NOT infringe upon the right to bear arms.
Kath
01/07/2013
Unfortunately too many believe it is a slippery slope from regulation to outlawing. I truly believe this planet will be ash before guns are outlawed in this country, but it’s time to make a stand against individuals owning weapons of mass murder.
Andrea
01/07/2013
YES! what you said.
Sarah
01/07/2013
Yes, yes, yes!
brahm (alfred lives here)
01/07/2013
Pushing the “like”button on this reply… well said!
Kath
01/07/2013
all agreed say aye. now if only we could get a few more people to listen..
Andrea
01/07/2013
and let’s not forget the shooting recently in Portland. so scary.
but I keep saying that this ain’t the wild west! why are we all trying to go back in time? that wasn’t a great period in history. yeash. more guns out there will just mean more people dying in gun violence. do we really want shootouts in bars and in the streets?
Kath
01/07/2013
Actually, I think there are some people that would be ok with that. Kinda makes you think, doesn’t it?
Sarah
01/07/2013
Ugh. This article is about the town where I live. The NBC affiliate said that attendance at the show was up about 100%.
And you thought I was joking about the ZK (Zombie Killing) gun store three miles from my house…
I can understand those who do not wish to own guns. I can understand those who do wish to own guns. I cannot understand anyone who wishes to own assault rifles, missile launchers, grenades, tanks, or any other outlandish tool of war.
Kath
01/07/2013
I knew you were from the area, but holy shit I didn’t realize you could have walked there. And yes, exactly how I feel.
freddie
01/12/2013
hey Lance,u gotta get off the bandwagon bro.We went through this shit last time.dont care to rehash.Have not seen my firearms since last spring,will take them out soon clean&test fire,then they go away.Any problem with that?agree on mental health issue,but get a grip.Most firearm owners are responsibile people was rooting for ND,too bad it was a lousy game.Go bronks&pack.