More guns will not solve the problem of violence
That someone would contend that the answer to gun violence such as the recent tragedy at Kirkwood City Hall is more guns rather than less is as predictable as that night will follow day. But, let’s take a closer look at the situation. On that fateful evening there were three individuals who were armed and approximately 35 who were not. All three of the men carrying weapons are dead as are three who were unarmed. The first person to die that night was an experienced, highly trained police officer. As it turns out, the only way he could have survived would have been for him to shoot Mr. Thornton, without provocation, as he approached! Mr. Thornton then took that officer’s gun, so, now he had two guns as he entered the Council Chambers! Once inside, he again targeted the armed police officer. Had the approximately 35 individuals then pulled their guns and begun firing, someone might have disabled Mr. Thornton before he could have killed all of the three other victims, but, how many innocent people would have been killed or wounded in the hail of bullets from the guns of 35 basically untrained and unskilled shooters? Has this country sunken to the level where everyone must carry a gun for personal protection? If so, how long will it be before disputes are again settled at the OK Corral? Since the letter writer seems to think that taking away the concealed-carry permit is sufficient punishment for those who use their guns illegally, I certainly hope that Mr. Thornton’s permit has been rescinded!
William Klopfenstein
Edwardsville
But if they do, they’re sure to take a lot more lives using hand guns, guns they can legally buy even if they’re on antidepressants or various other mood-altering medications.
#35
You assume that nearly everyone would get a concealed weapon. Which is not going to happen for a number of reasons with one being cost. Not everyone would be thrilled on buying a gun, along with ammo, taking classes, taking time to practice shooting etc. Our world is safe enough that it has not even come close to where you HAVE to bring a gun to protect yourself. Shootings sound rampant but remember we hear about stuff all over the nation and world and the world is a big place. Many would not want the responsibility in carrying a dangerous weapon. I know some people who didn’t want to get their drivers license because of the responsiblity involved.
Only people who felt it was in their best interest and felt confident in carrying one around would get one.
Let’s pretend 5% of the population gets a concealed weapon, along with the classes that go with it, practice at shooting range etc.
Let’s see..there was about 30 people at the town hall meeting so if we assume that only 1 out of every 20 people take-up the option of concealed firearm, that would mean only 1.5 people would have a concealed weapon there. Hardly enough people to cause the mayhem you suggest. (Did you look at my earlier post on this letter?)
Even if we bump it up to %15, we still only end up with about 4-5 people.
Also remember that the gunman has eyes so if he sees someone taking a gun out, guess who is the next victim? So then you need a concealed armed person who is not the gunmans current vision. So even if you have 4 people with concealed guns, not all 4 may be able to whip out the gun right away.
Bb: Sorry, but I will not consider as reasonable the opinion of any entity that opposes even the banning of automatic rifles. Nor the opinion of any organization that is funded by gun manufacturers. Nor the opinion of any group that would elect Charlton Heston as their leader.
Three strikes, the NRA is out.
The Brady Campaign Against Gun Violence is not funded by companies that seek greater profits, with the consequences be damned, as is the NRA.
The mere act of applying for a gun permit indicates a proclivity to violence, hence a higher incidence of weapons violations committed by holders of permits.
Remember the nickname for the Colt six-shooter? They called it the “Equalizer”. Unfortunately, many people with severe feelings of inferiority use the ownership of a gun to make up for their real or imagined deficiencies. Thus, the guy with a gun is more of a danger to society as a whole than is the man without.
To all the christian CC the commandment is thou shell not kill,.. not thou shell not kill unless acting out of self-defence, and that applies to larger events like say the war!
Killing is killling is killing the end result is all the same……death, much as you may try to justify your act you have still taken something only God has a right to.
Be sure to tell that to the scumbag who shoots your spouse while jacking your car. I’m sure he’ll humbly apologize and walk away contrite.
That’s right exactly.
I will defend myself and my family
and THEN talk to the priest.
#43 your own ignorance nullifies anything you say. If you spout of stats from a political organization that is for banning fire arms, such as the Brady group, with out even reading what the NRA stands for, infers that you will always be right no mater what anyone says. You forget that the NRA supports the teaching of safe firearms handling. They teach not to fear all firearms but to respect them. I would also like to remind you of the story the PD published a week or two ago about the findings by the Brady organization. They make no effort in hiding the fact that they were for outlawing guns. Don’t use the argument that they are an unbiased source. Nothing this day and age is completely unbiased. That’s what grabs attentions to the headlines.
Its easy to have a God complex when your a CC ultimately you think(sic) your in control of your own destiny….and maybe you are,…… whats important is that you have to live with yourself.There is a reason why mass killers either kill themselves or wait to be killed after they comit a crime against humanity.
Spare us the phony psychoanalysis. I wouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger in order to save myself, my loved ones, or a stranger, even if that stranger was a sanctimonious whiner afraid to defend themselves. I’d show the cleanup crew where to find the body, then go have myself a sandwich and a nap.