General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Having taken in a homeless teen myself, I strongly disagree with those who are blaming the couple [View all]robbob
(3,539 posts)But I think its entirely reasonable to question the wisdom of letting a troubled teen bring his gun into your house. I think what it points to is the normalization of gun ownership in the USA.
I live in Canada. The thought that a young person would come to live with you and bring his own gun is absolutely ludicrous! Hey mom, my friend Timmie is coming to stay with us, and by the way, hes bringing his gun!
Oh, dont worry, hell keep it under lock and key. Dont worry, his Mom is ok with it.
Its absolute madness, there is no other word for it. Sure, if they had forbidden him to bring his gun he could have got another, or even snuck the one he had in without them knowing. Thats not the point. They KNEW he was a troubled kid, and they let him know they were ok with him bringing a gun into their home.
I am NOT blaming them for what happened; dont put words in my mouth. I am questioning the wisdom of letting a troubled kid bring a gun into their home, and questioning the societal values where such a thing would even be considered.