I have lots of liberal friends, (OK, probably less than a football team, but, you know, lots!) and I always try to think of them when I post things here or on facebook. My intent is not to offend anyone, but rather to express my own personal views.
Jared Loughner was sentenced to life in prison plus 140 years for the shooting of Congresswoman Gifford and his other victims. He is a disgusting, creepy character with a smirk on his face and he deserves the worst our system can possibly put him through for his reign of terror. Watching Gabby Gifford is heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. Seeing the photos of his dead victims is powerful. The surviving victims are pushing for stricter gun laws and I'm not sure that would have made a difference at all in this case, or in any of the other cases where crazy people open fire on innocent victims.
Jared Loughtner bought his gun "legally" although there is no doubt that he lied on the ATF form about his recreational drug use. Had he been unable to purchase a gun this way, do we really think he would not have obtained one in another way? Anyone who is willing to murder a 9-year old girl is certainly willing to steal a weapon to do it. Honest people already jump through a lot of hoops in order to keep and bear arms. What more can we possibly ask of them? American citizens have a right to own guns if they so choose. I do not own guns. I think I'd rather take my chances than have to make the decision to fire on an intruder in the unlikely event that one would enter my apartment here in our small Utah community.
I haven't done my research. I don't know know what Mark Kelly is specifically asking for, and maybe it's reasonable, but I stand by my position that stricter laws DO NOT deter criminals from breaking the law. Those who wish to obtain guns will do so regardless of the laws prohibiting it.
That's all. Back to math homework.
1 comment:
Hey there. Liberal Lisa here! Can I be the quarterback? I read this post last night and took time to formulate my thoughts.
I totally support the 2nd Amendment, but I'm for gun law reform. Jared Loughner didn't purchase his gun "legally"... it was L-E-G-A-L. So he lied on this form about recreational drug use. I'm sure 75% of the applicants don't answer that question honestly. It's up to the process to follow up. That's where the background checks need to change. If a more thorough check had been required, this whole horrible thing should have been avoided. The Colorado shooter also purchased his gun legally. Both had documented psychiatric incidents.
Mark Kelly's statement at Loughner's sentencing was, IMHO, heart-wrenching and spot on. He and Gabby are both gun owners. Neither want to take guns away from the people. They just want to make it tougher for unstable, sick people like Loughner to get their hands on guns. Cowards like that are too scared to go underground to get a gun illegally. If they follow the rules until they carry out what they're planning, they won't be found out.
Despite all the paranoia, the 2nd Amendment isn't in danger. The Republican Party is endangered and defending (ie, creating mass hysteria) the 2nd Amendment is one way to hang onto their core.
Mark Kelly became the husband in that speech. He's witnessed first hand (and painfully) what can happen when sick people can get guns too easily. Yeah, he got a little too political for a couple sentences, but who can blame him?
Anyway.... thanks for reading. We've always been able to disagree and stay friends. I hope it continues.
In the meantime, I quote Chris Rock: "Gun control? We need bullet control! I think every bullet should cost 5,000 dollars. Because if a bullet cost five thousand dollars, we wouldn't have any innocent bystanders."
Love ya!
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