People and Guns

[rickps]

Contrary to the rantings of the NRA and the opinions of a number of people I know, I can't justify private ownership of guns.  Even when used for sport, guns empower their users with the opportunity to make life or death decisions in an instant.  We humans aren't entitled to such power.

But guns aren't the problem, really.  People kill people.  Guns enable, that's all.  Reading the news this morning regarding Cho Seung-Hui, the single individual apparently responsible for the killing rampage, certain words leapt off the page...  Loner.  Angry.  Friendless.  Disturbing behavior.  Troubled.  Depressed.  Medication.  Didn't know him that well.  Signs that this 23 year old man was screaming for help.  Help no one provided.  Not his parents.  Not his roommates.  Not the few people that knew him.  Not his teachers.  Not our enlightened, educated society.  And so on an otherwise unremarkable Monday morning, he took his guns and killed.

Hindsight is always 20/20.  Our history is littered with people who, like Cho, committed horrors impossible to rationalize away.  When will we step up and recognize that people killing people is much like any disease that takes lives with random abandon?  When will we say 'Enough!'?  When will we not turn away?

Comments

[rwcubdad.livejournal.com]

I agree with you. There is no need for private ownership of guns...period...none at all. Guns only have one purpose..to kill.

[markosf.livejournal.com]

It is my god-given constitutional right to carry a suitcase nuke and nobody better even try to take it away from me!

[ricksf.livejournal.com]

Is that a nuke in your suitcase or are you just happy to see me?

Guns enable

[ursine1.livejournal.com]

But guns aren't the problem, really. People kill people. Guns enable, that's all.

Guns do more than enable, they make it easy, too easy to wreak mayhem. But there are a number of factors besides gun ownership that cause the US have such a high homicide rate.

Chuck

[glovercom.livejournal.com]

Psst... Can you email me, Rick? I'm not sure if your old email is still correct. Just have a quick question for ya! Thanks! jeff@jeffglover.com