A ban on assault weapons does not go far enough!

[horsedoc]

First, I am ex-Army, own a gun and think people should have the right to hunt, though I don't. I am getting rid of my gun at my first opportunity, as "home defense" its a joke and my pit-bull mix does more for home defense then I would with a gun.

Diane Feinstein's bill is a small band aid on a gaping wound. It is for a ban of future sales of assault weapons and does nothing to take the existing guns off the streets. It does not address semi-automatic handguns that can be just as lethal in a mass shooting incident.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/16/dianne-feinstein-assault-weapons-ban_n_2311477.html

For those that have not read Mother Jones article on the increasing gun violence in the US, its a must read. Semi-automatic handguns were the primary weapon carried by mass murders.

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/09/mass-shootings-investigation

What is particularly interesting from the above Mother Jones article is of the mass shootings, when an armed civilian tried to intervene, one was killed, one was severely wounded and only one person stopped "potential" further murders when he ran the person down with his car, then shot him. This idea that more concealed weapons would prevent these atrocities is a red herring. I am cringing hearing these rabid right-wing ideologues arguing for MORE guns and in the hands of educators.

Rick Perry calls for educators to be armed
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/18/rick-perry-guns-in-schools_n_2322185.html

So the answer from the extreme right is to arm everyone, like in the good ole west from the 19th century. Wow, these guys/gals sure like reliving the good ole days dont they! So now, a 20-something young woman/man who decide they love children and want to educate them now need military type training to ensure the safety of our kids. What insane world are we living in???

I am ashamed of my country. I am ashamed that I risked my life to serve in our military to hold up the ideals of this nation, only to see it held hostage by fringe groups. I am ashamed that the politicians that I elected are more beholden to their cash in their reelection coffers than worrying about the safety, health and welfare of its citizens. I still cant wrap my head around of what happened last Friday, and my heart weeps for those parents who wont see their child grow up, go to their first prom, graduate high school, have children of their own etc. When will this stop?

[KharmaTrain]

1. This Isn't Only About Guns...

...I think we're intelligent enough beings to be able to see this matter on several levels. Gun control...enforcement and better clarification of existing laws, passing of an assault weapons ban, taxing the living daylights out of ammo and making gun owners take classes and regular testing on their ability to properly use, clean and store their weapon. But that's only one part of this equation.

There needs to be a look at the mental health of individuals and this country overall...a crisis that is avoided rather than confronted and had as much to do with this massacre. We live in a society where mental illness is looked upon as a weakness...treatment is considered bad or extravagant and that we don't learn about the red flags until its too late. Take the stigmatism out of mental health care...and put the focus on making this type of care a part of healthcare reform.

There needs to be a real open and honest discussion of all the causes that lead to this type of violence. Sadly we have a long, bloody trail of evidence and that all cards need to be put on the table...or else more people...and children...will die.

[horsedoc]

2. I absolutely agree

Its not just guns and we have to address this issue on many levels. Yet after the Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, Australia passed very restrictive gun laws and now gun violence in Australia is very low.

I just don't get why we (politicians) are so afraid of the gun lobby. The NRA has ~ 3-4 million members, who mostly support stricter gun laws. That is what 1-1.5% of our total population, but they have such a loud say in how we regulate the industry. Madness.

[KharmaTrain]

3. The Original "Money Is Speech" Group...

It's pretty basic why so many politicians fear the NRA...it's money and votes. Getting on their bad side...especially if you're from a purple or red district is political suicide. There's no real push back from anti-gun groups that come close to matching the money and political punch the NRA has. It also extends to the corporate media that will soon find another bright shiny toy to chase after...the NRA will re-emerge from its current silence and start amping up the "gubbermint's gonna take yer gunz" rhetoric again.

It's truly madness and one that, while supported tactically by a small and vocal membership, is tactically supported by the silence of millions. Gun control has become like abortion...one where there are rigid positions on right and left and many in the middle don't want to be bothered in taking either side...so ignore the matter. That is until the next group of innocent children are murdered...

[BainsBane]

4. Kick