Wow..I'm off the grid for a few and everything goes crazy. Certainly a tragic incident that we all must work to lessen the chances of happening again.
I just read all 22 pages and there are a few good ideas here. Sadly, they all have draw backs.
Todd is on the right track of having an armed officer in every school. No he/she can't prevent this from happening, but it would add a layer of protection and be a show of force. A show of force can often be a huge deterrent. Obviously ill doers of this type pic targets that are unprotected. Odds of success are in their favor. Take that away and there's a chance they will move on. Sadly, in Las Vegas the school police don't get involved when sh!t hits the fan. Instead they stand back and call in Metro. Reason is the school district policy. Still, it's a great idea.
I also like Todds idea of a required training course when purchasing your first firearm, but believe it should be taken a bit further. I'd like to see that for every type of firearm purchased. Semi-auto hand gun, revolver, rifle and shotgun. Additionally, I think that training should cover the safe storage of guns in ones homes. Todd mentioned that he attended a hunters safety course, something I have also done. A great program, but not nearly enough and hunting isn't what it used to be.
Education is a huge factor in all of this (and a lot of other things). That starts in the home!! Parents who own firearms need to teach their children. Yes we have violent video games and movies, but that's not an excuse. I know several young men and woman (under 14-ish) who's fathers have spent taken the time to educate their children on the subject of guns and it's been nothing but positive.
I wish more of you would try and look at it (the best you can) from a criminals point of view. Where and how would you commit your crime? Only then can you come up with an idea of how to protect your self from being a victim. There isn't one answer to it, every situation is going to be different. Doesn't matter if you carry or not, don't be sheep is what I'm trying to say.
I hope that none of you have been a victim of a violent crime and that you never well be. Me...it was a lot closer than I care for. I won't go into a big story on it, but will leave it at a violent rapist, who beat his victims to within an inch of their life was after a former girl friend with whom I lived with. Knowing a sick person has been in your home and jacking off your girl friends undies drawer would make any man angry. It was at that point in my life that I started to carry (as did the girl friend). The police where well aware of what was happening, but admitted that they are only reactive. My point? What do or would you do if you where face to face with someone intent of doing harm to you or your loved one? What would you do to protect them if you're not there?
We all keep our G-Machines locked inside and insured. We have locked doors on our homes and security systems for protection. Heck, we even wear shoes to protect our feet. Why wouldn't you protect your right to life in every way possible? I know that some people are not comfortable with guns and I understand that. Still they should have some level of protection.
The talk of limiting magazine capacity won't solve anything. Anyone can drop a mag and insert another rapidly with practice. Doesn't matter if it's a hand gun or an AR style rifle. I'm not the fastest guy out there, but it takes me about 2 seconds with my Colt M4 and less with my SIG P226. If you do carry and are forced into a employ your hand gun defensively, you know you're probably not going to connect with every round. Scarey as you are fighting for you life. You probably won't have the opportunity to reload or may not have a second magazine. In that type of a situation you'll want as many rounds as your gun is capable of holding, so you can connect and eliminate the threat.
Talk of banning AR style rifles is equally as silly. Your washing machine can be made into a bomb. No joke and it doesn't take much. Every time you walk into the local Gas N Go you have all the items needed to make several types of weapons or explosive. A weapon that can cause a great deal of damage is always accessible is my point.
Yes, I am Pro Gun. Why? I'm a realist and I know that there are dangers in life and realize that bad people will do me harm if I allow it. I do all I can to protect my loved ones and myself from harm on every level. I even protect you and your family every time you are a passenger on my airplane...yes, I have a gun in the cockpit. I am not a bad person because I carry or because of the type of firearms I own.
Guys, don't count on someone else for you safety. Be aware and be prepared. If a firearm isn't for you fine, but respect those who are. They are good people to. Be smart and educate your self on guns, even if you are against them. If you own one, practice with it and be proficient. Seek out additional training and educate your children on them (speaking safety here). Let's be smart about it.
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