Quote:
Originally Posted by Icky Thump
But that ain't America. We'd rather have our "freedom" at the cost of several dozen young lives. From an editorial in the NYT by a guy who's kid was killed in a school shooting:
>>In the wake of Galen’s murder, I wrote a book about the shooting. In it I suggested that we view gun crime as a public health issue, much the same as smoking or pesticides. I spent a number of years attending rallies, signing petitions, writing letters and making speeches, but eventually I gave up. Gun control, such a live issue in the “early” days of school shootings, inexplicably became a third-rail issue for politicians.
I came to realize that, in essence, this is the way we in America want things to be. We want our freedom, and we want our firearms, and if we have to endure the occasional school shooting, so be it.
I will note that to get into the real important places: Congress, Federal Courthouses and planes, you DO have to go through a metal detector.
|
It's too bad he gave up.
It seems to me that one problem, that there are too any guns, is like public health. We should tax them like we do cigarettes and alcohol. At least 100% on guns and ammo, to reduce the quantity demanded.
Another problem is that it's too easy to get guns. We should have a registration and title system similar to cars. If its registered to you, you can be liable. If its not registered to you, it can be confiscated.
Another problem is the types of weapons available. Self defense and hunting don't require massive clips and high firing rates. Those should be banned.
Another problem is mental health. Perhaps a screening should be required to purchase a gun. Certainly resources should be much more readily available for treatment.
Mandatory liability insurance may also help with the supply and types if guns, if it makes ownership more expensive. It could also create market incentives for safe handling practices.
None of that solves the problem, but taken together I think it is both doable and helps.
But what we need most is the gun lobby to engage instead of obstruct. Tell us what safety protocols you can support instead of saying no to every proposal.
