[Billyworld]

This is truly a tragedy that is becoming more common. The people doing the killing are in their 20's. Could this be because of watching all these shoot em up movies from the time their born until they are in the 20's? Could it be because we have taken God out of schools? Could it be that teachers and parents are forbidden to give a old fashioned "Ass beating"? There are many questions to be answered on "Why". Guns are not the issue. Look at the worst terrorist attack on our Country where our Country was brought to it's knees. This attack was made possible by box knives that can be bought at any hardware store. As a gun owner with dozens of firearms including assault rifles, I object to more gun control. I could never think about killing my mother. Killing a child would be unthinkable also but we have crazy unstable people among us. I carry a automatic pistol whenever I leave the TV because I was robbed at gunpoint myself. I honestly believe if one wants to kill many people, he/she will find a way. I would think if you went to a large sporting event with a full size pickup truck and drove into people at 60MPH, You could probably kill more people than were killed at that school. Do we then talk about banning large pickup trucks? I think we need to find out what is wrong with people that makes people want to kill. Enough said.----May God Bless the victims of this tragedy along with the family's and their community.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Billyworld

This is truly a tragedy that is becoming more common. The people doing the killing are in their 20's. Could this be because of watching all these shoot em up movies from the time their born until they are in the 20's? Could it be because we have taken God out of schools? Could it be that teachers and parents are forbidden to give a old fashioned "Ass beating"? There are many questions to be answered on "Why". Guns are not the issue. Look at the worst terrorist attack on our Country where our Country was brought to it's knees. This attack was made possible by box knives that can be bought at any hardware store. As a gun owner with dozens of firearms including assault rifles, I object to more gun control. I could never think about killing my mother. Killing a child would be unthinkable also but we have crazy unstable people among us. I carry a automatic pistol whenever I leave the TV because I was robbed at gunpoint myself. I honestly believe if one wants to kill many people, he/she will find a way. I would think if you went to a large sporting event with a full size pickup truck and drove into people at 60MPH, You could probably kill more people than were killed at that school. Do we then talk about banning large pickup trucks? I think we need to find out what is wrong with people that makes people want to kill. Enough said.----May God Bless the victims of this tragedy along with the family's and their community.

How is the need defined for this type weapon??

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by justjim

Bow and arrow/musket, knives etc in the days the second amendment was written are a far cry from the weapons of today. Your points are well taken but a bit out of context IMHO. It is a huge stretch to think that the right to bear arms include many of the weapons of today.

I believe that the thinking of the founders was that if the government is allowed to have a weapon then the citizens should be able to have the same weapon so that they can revolt against the government should the need arise.

I don't have an answer, but I know that spoons and forks didn't make me fat and that car manufacturers are not responsible for the millions that are killed in car accidents every year and the breweries and distillers are not responsible for people killed by drunk drivers or alcohol poisoning.

As has been stated, many of our ancestors shed their blood protecting the rights guaranteed by our constitution. ALL of rights are important and they all need to be protected. The issue is finding balance between protecting these rights and protecting the people. What we've been doing over the past fifty years does not seem to be working.

[EdV]

Originally Posted by lovesports

Why does anyone need an assault weapon.??

Well for one thing, more than a million American GIs have been professionally trained to use one. So when they return to civilian life, it’s a viable option for a home defense weapon.

And as for the alarming number of US homicides, keep in mind that there are roughly eighteen other countries that have more homicides per capita than the U.S. And the second deadliest country is Jamaica in spite of enacting strict gun controls and required licensing over 40 years ago.

Furthermore, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence website has Connecticut listed as one of the most restrictive gun control states.

And for the record, CNN is now reporting "Adam Lanza was found dead in a classroom, and police recovered three weapons from the scene: a semi-automatic .223 Bushmaster, a Glock and a Sig Sauer, a source with knowledge of the investigation said." The Bushmaster is the civilian version of the M16 military standard issue rifle.

[2BNTV]

I am one who does not believe that weapons that would cause mass destruction be placed in the hands of evil/mentally unstable people as the general public does not need weapons of this type to defend themselves.

There are many facets to this terrible tradgedy:
1. Obviously, Adam Lanza was mentally unstable.
2. Mother was a gun affecianado.
3. Access to a m-16 type weapon.
4. 11 bullets in one child.

I'm sure the NRA will want to keep their guns as the constitution was written.

When this country was formed, the right to bear arms was a constitutional right. Somehow, in today's society, it seems to include guns that contain many bullets fired at a rapid rate. I think this is something that both the NRA and anti gun advocates need to rethink. If someone is evil or mentally unbalance, they will find a way to obtain these type of guns. In a perfect world, this would not have happened. With that being said, I think we should all work for a solution to ensure this type of tradgey won't happen again.

I would hope something good can come out of this senseless tradgedy,

[Jim&Fran]

If a madman wants to kill innocent people he will find a way......
Killers don't need guns to kill people.......
Timothy Mcveigh used fertilizer.......
9-11 terrorists used box cuters and planes......
The Nazis used cyanide gas.......
Taking guns from innocent people will not protect inocent people........
The problem is not guns........
It's a Godless society.........
We all pray and ask, why would God allow things like this to happen?
Well, if you just close your eyes and listen, God will say.......
"it might be because the Government said I'm not allowed in your schools anymore."
Let's all take a deep breath and reevaluate not just gun controll but controll of what our Government believes is best for all of us.
This not a political statement of any kind, I am a Vietnam wounded Veteran and retired NYC Police Officer who has seen his share of mans inhumanity to man.
God Bless this great Country.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by 2BNTV

I am one who does not believe that weapons that would cause mass destruction be placed in the hands of evil/mentally unstable people as the general public doe not need weapons of this type to defend themselves.

There are many facets to this terrible tradgedy:
1. Obviously, Adam Lanza was mentally unstable.
2. Mother was a gun affecianado.
3. Access to a m-16 type weapon.
4. 11 bullets in one child.

I'm sure the NRA will want to keep their guns as the constitution was written.

When this country was formed, the right to bear arms was a constitutional right. Somehow, in today's society, it seems to include guns that contain many bullets fired at a rapid rate. I think this is something that both the NRA and anti gun advocates need to rethink. If someone is evil or mentally unbalance, they will find a way to obtain these type of guns. In a perfect world, this would not have happened. With that being said, I think we should all work for a solution to ensure this type of tradgey won't happen again.

I would hope something good can come out of this senseless tradgedy,

Thoughfully written. You just can't get here soon enough for us.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Jim&Fran

If a madman wants to kill innocent people he will find a way......
Killers don't need guns to kill people.......
Timothy Mcveigh used fertilizer.......
9-11 terrorists used box cuters and planes......
The Nazis used cyanide gas.......
Taking guns from innocent people will not protect inocent people........
The problem is not guns........
It's a Godless society.........
We all pray and ask, why would God allow things like this to happen?
Well, if you just close your eyes and listen, God will say.......
"it might be because the Government said I'm not allowed in your schools anymore."
Let's all take a deep breath and reevaluate not just gun controll but controll of what our Government believes is best for all of us.
This not a political statement of any kind, I am a Vietnam wounded Veteran and retired NYC Police Officer who has seen his share of mans inhumanity to man.
God Bless this great Country.

Yes, to the right to have guns.............................just not those that are used to fight wars!

[eweissenbach]

Originally Posted by 2BNTV

I am one who does not believe that weapons that would cause mass destruction be placed in the hands of evil/mentally unstable people as the general public doe not need weapons of this type to defend themselves.

There are many facets to this terrible tradgedy:
1. Obviously, Adam Lanza was mentally unstable.
2. Mother was a gun affecianado.
3. Access to a m-16 type weapon.
4. 11 bullets in one child.

I'm sure the NRA will want to keep their guns as the constitution was written.

When this country was formed, the right to bear arms was a constitutional right. Somehow, in today's society, it seems to include guns that contain many bullets fired at a rapid rate. I think this is something that both the NRA and anti gun advocates need to rethink. If someone is evil or mentally unbalance, they will find a way to obtain these type of guns. In a perfect world, this would not have happened. With that being said, I think we should all work for a solution to ensure this type of tradgey won't happen again.

I would hope something good can come out of this senseless tradgedy,

You are a good man!

[pooh]

Originally Posted by 2BNTV

I am one who does not believe that weapons that would cause mass destruction be placed in the hands of evil/mentally unstable people as the general public doe not need weapons of this type to defend themselves.

There are many facets to this terrible tradgedy:
1. Obviously, Adam Lanza was mentally unstable.
2. Mother was a gun affecianado.
3. Access to a m-16 type weapon.
4. 11 bullets in one child.

I'm sure the NRA will want to keep their guns as the constitution was written.

When this country was formed, the right to bear arms was a constitutional right. Somehow, in today's society, it seems to include guns that contain many bullets fired at a rapid rate. I think this is something that both the NRA and anti gun advocates need to rethink. If someone is evil or mentally unbalance, they will find a way to obtain these type of guns. In a perfect world, this would not have happened. With that being said, I think we should all work for a solution to ensure this type of tradgey won't happen again.

I would hope something good can come out of this senseless tradgedy,

Thank you.

[lovesports]

Originally Posted by Jim&Fran

If a madman wants to kill innocent people he will find a way......
Killers don't need guns to kill people.......
Timothy Mcveigh used fertilizer.......
9-11 terrorists used box cuters and planes......
The Nazis used cyanide gas.......
Taking guns from innocent people will not protect inocent people........
The problem is not guns........
It's a Godless society.........
We all pray and ask, why would God allow things like this to happen?
Well, if you just close your eyes and listen, God will say.......
"it might be because the Government said I'm not allowed in your schools anymore."
Let's all take a deep breath and reevaluate not just gun controll but controll of what our Government believes is best for all of us.
This not a political statement of any kind, I am a Vietnam wounded Veteran and retired NYC Police Officer who has seen his share of mans inhumanity to man.
God Bless this great Country.

This thread is about what has just happened and has happened many times before. There had been many mass killings recently in public places, especially schools. In every case it has been assault type weapons!!! This is a problem.
You can keep you guns but not assault weapons. My daughter hid under a desk at VT for over an hour. Her best friends were killed. We have cried many many tears and she still can not stand to hear a gun shot. You will never know the fear we felt as we prayed she would not be shot. We ran to a church and just prayed.
This happened years ago and nothing has changed and it still happening.
I own guns and have all my life but for hunting. Please don't do a smoke and mirror and on what just happened. Work with today's problem. I agree we are too great of a country to let our young to be gunned down and traumatised forever and ...do nothing! You have no idea what this is about until it happens to your most precious children or grandchildren.

[bluedog103]

It seems that most people posting on this thread wouldn't know an assault weapon from a bb gun. While some posters are definitely expert, most are not. We already have a ban on automatic weapons. An automatic rifle fires continuously when the trigger is squeezed. It will fire until the trigger is released, it runs out of ammo or the weapon malfunctions. These weapons are already banned. Assault weapons are semi-automatic weapons no more powerful than the non-assault weapons out there. This includes civilian versions of the M-16. When a semi-automatic weapon is fired one pull of the trigger fires one round. It's no more of a weapon of mass destruction than a hunting rifle, if fact some, if not most "assault weapons" are less powerful than a deer rifle.
All guns are dangerous in the wrong hands. Assault weapons are actually used in a very small percentage of crimes involving firearms. Banning assault weapons will do nothing to reduce gun related crime. I don't have an answer but think we should be doing a much better job of keeping weapons of any kind out of the hands of those who are mentally or emotionally unfit to use them. Something should be done but a ban of assault weapons isn't going to do it for us. It might make us feel like we've made progress and it might make some points for the politicians it will be an illusion.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by bluedog103

It seems that most people posting on this thread wouldn't know an assault weapon from a bb gun. While some posters are definitely expert, most are not. We already have a ban on automatic weapons. An automatic rifle fires continuously when the trigger is squeezed. It will fire until the trigger is released, it runs out of ammo or the weapon malfunctions. These weapons are already banned. Assault weapons are semi-automatic weapons no more powerful than the non-assault weapons out there. This includes civilian versions of the M-16. When a semi-automatic weapon is fired one pull of the trigger fires one round. It's no more of a weapon of mass destruction than a hunting rifle, if fact some, if not most "assault weapons" are less powerful than a deer rifle.
All guns are dangerous in the wrong hands. Assault weapons are actually used in a very small percentage of crimes involving firearms. Banning assault weapons will do nothing to reduce gun related crime. I don't have an answer but think we should be doing a much better job of keeping weapons of any kind out of the hands of those who are mentally or emotionally unfit to use them. Something should be done but a ban of assault weapons isn't going to do it for us. It might make us feel like we've made progress and it might make some points for the politicians it will be an illusion.

I think I heard somewhere somehow in some state if you suffered a concussion you had to relinquish your drivers license until you were well . Now this is repeating something I think I remember. Well if you are being treated for a disorder that could cause harm to others, it should be made mandatory to report that by the person treating you, like health professionals and teachers have to report suspected child abuse.

Surely SOMETHING could be done without harming people simply being treated for things like depression or post partum disorder or OCD. It is a challenge to be sure. AND of course there would be the possibility of error and abuse of any such law.

Nothing is simple.

[gamby]

A study done by consumer advocate (Ralph Nader) found that DOCTORS kill over 200,000 people every year in the U.S.
Let me repeat that " Doctors KILL about 300,000 people every year in the U.S.""

Not one person has said "Lets ban doctors

Prescriptionrscription and over the counter drugs Kill about 80,000 people a year in the U.S.

Draw your own conclusions.

[janmcn]

Originally Posted by gamby

A study done by consumer advocate (Ralph Nader) found that DOCTORS kill over 200,000 people every year in the U.S.
Let me repeat that " Doctors KILL about 300,000 people every year in the U.S.""

Not one person has said "Lets ban doctors

Prescriptionrscription and over the counter drugs Kill about 80,000 people a year in the U.S.

Draw your own conclusions.

WOW...in the time it took you to type that post, the number of people killed by doctors increased by 100,000. That is a lot of people dead in a short amount of time.

We can work on banning doctors and prescriptions and over the counter drugs, but right now the main goal on everybody's mind is banning semi-automatic weapons and mega clips, and making sure all gun owners are licensed and pass a mental exam.