This whole episode is another sickening,and the way I see it,preventable tragedy . Once the politicians are more afraid of the voters than the NRA then and only then will there be an assault weapons ban. I am a gun owner and see no reason whatsoever for anyone to have a military weapon other than the military. What illegal pornography is to the First Amendment these killing machines are to the Second Amendment. Hunting with shotguns or a rifle ? Fine . Handgun to protect your home ? Fine. Absolutly no reason to have an AR-15 that can shoot 100 rounds a minute.Guns are not the only problem here but would the body count be as high here or in Las Vegas if these damn thing were banned? I think not.
I owned an AR15 a few of years back. I bought it to satisfy my curiosity in Ruger's iteration. It took only a couple of months to realize that it had no practical use for me. I sold it shortly thereafter.
I don't think that civilians ought to be allowed to own weapons like AR-15s.
On the other hand, I own a small-caliber revolver that I keep at home for personal protection. There is a lot of firearm crime where I live. I used to have a concealed-carry permit, but let it expire, because carrying the weapon was a nuisance.
But if anybody tries to break into my house, they may be seriously surprised.
I'm a pretty good shot, and I like to practice periodically at an indoor range near our house.
Practicalities have no bearing on political beliefs. A lot of people think like the late Charlton Heston, that guns are the last defense against government tyranny. Well, it’s just as plausible as angels toting golden plates. Psychologically, the fantasy of power is probably more trouble than it’s worth. Higher level thinking is what’s needed to move the world forward.
I've noticed that LDS, Inc. is wont to let a tragedy go by without a PR opportunity. Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, etc. If it's major and making international news, they find a way to interject themselves in the picture. Usually involves shipping t-shirts to people that are already volunteering and helping. Only now, they're branded "The Mormon team" or some crap. Opportunists at best, leeches in reality.
I want to express my deepest sympathy to all those involved in this awful tragedy. I don.t have the answers to the overall problem, I am just a little Aussie from the other side of the globe. But my hope is that something can be done to prevent such loss of life and injury. How unbelievably painful for all.
I don't see it as "showing off their righteousness." I see it as parents taking comfort from their religion during a time of great loss. Their child seemed like a lovely individual. And I feel equally awful for the Mormon child that was wounded. Three surgeries in quick succession to mend a broken body is horrible. And it sounds like she is facing even more. Her parents must be out of their minds with worry.
I've been really impressed by all of the teens that I've seen interviewed after this tragedy. They seem like thoughtful, articulate, and caring kids.
My school is reviewing lockdown drills and procedures. I imagine that every American school will do this. It's ridiculous that we HAVE to do this. But it must be done.