In the aftermath of the Tucson shooting, the nation has been reflection mode. First, the blame game and talk of heated rhetoric. Now, the debate has shifted to the laws that allow suspected killers like Jared Lee Loughner to buy weapons. How can we, as a Society, prevent something like this from happening again?
The NRA's solution: pray. (That's it?) The organization is encouraging everyone to do nothing but pray for the victims of the shootings. No lawmaker — Democrat or Republican — seems willing to question their stance on the issues. In case you missed it last night, here's Lawrence's Rewrite on why Congress would rather pray than work.
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Lawrence, it is quite obvious that you are vehemently anti-gun, but to use this tragedy for yours and others political gain is deplorable! I feel that what has happened in our political arena in the last two and a half years, attributed to this tragedy. Just look at the political rallies of John McCain and Sarah Palin during the last part of 2008. As Sarah was linking Obama to terrorist, folks in the crowd were yelling, "kill him". When McCain had to stop a women in the crowd after she said she was afraid of Obama, and McCain had to tone down his rhetoric when the crowds started yelling out their anger and threats. So yes, I do feel this was politically motivated, and that there are people on both sides, that take this anger and fear to heart. But for NBC and MSNBC to use this to advance their anti-gun agenda is just wrong, and for you to insight violence last night in your comment section, late in your show last night, was also wrong. You basically said, you were hoping someone would out do this coward, and if that were to happen, then congress would have more blood on their hands. And if you don't believe me, replay your comment, and truly listen to what you said.
As for yours and NBC's anti-gun telethon for the last few days, if this was about your 1ST amendment rights, you would be screaming from the roof tops. This was not about guns or the size of a magazine, this was about an unstable individual who did something terrible, and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. So quit demonizing the gun, it was the tool he used to complete his agenda, just as if he had drove his car or truck in to all of those standing in line to meet Ms Giffords! And way to go NBC for only having folks on your shows that agreed with your anti-gun agenda, nothing like a one sided discussion.
What if we made "lethal" bullets only available to those who have authority to use "lethal force?" Nonlethal ammunition would be available for target shooting AND personal protection. This would reduce the availability of lethal ammunition to the general public. Also, what would happen if we made the "purchaser or registered owners" responsible for ANY actions for which the gun is involved? This would further reduce the number of people who want to "own" firearms with the responsibility to protect access to that firearm.
Well said Taurus609!!!!!!
To all the gun control advocates out there: Move to Canada. They have the gun laws that you want.
"At this time"... that's pretty vague. Maybe he should've said, "at this moment". It's obvious that something has to be done. I dont care what anybody's religious sentiment is. The same as I dont care what their sexual orientation or their skin color is. I think Mr. O'Donnel is violationg the American tradition of non-discrimination by railing against religious sentiment. On the other hand, When one side is pointing a gun at the other side, it doesn't matter who is the more rational, compassionate or wise. The guy with the gun is going to win. Unfortunately, it is usually the weak minded bullies who resort to violence. Whether it be verbal, or physical. And since a weak minded bully is afraid you will actually find out their true colors, they are virtually pointing guns at the left. (and in some cases the government) That way there is no compromise. And if the verbal and physical threats don't work? Then they invoke that vague concept the majority believes in called 'God' in order to persuade you that somehow those who are armed are crusaders on the side of 'good'. But they rarely are, as history has shown. Feel free to call me names or make railing accusations.
Thank you, Lawrence, for your courageous and insightful comments--this is an issue about guns, first and foremost, not primarily about political rhetoric or mental health services. As a psychotherapist, I know that the difference between a disturbed person and a dangerous person is access to a gun. The Republicans are in lock-step insanity about having guns everywhere; the Democrats cower with no stomach for doing the right thing regarding reasonable restrictions. Please continue to shed light on the true core issue exposed by this tragedy.
lets c now, how many more people r killed n cars each day than by guns so r we to restrict driving privilages for every one? or just ban cars altogether??