So why is it that some people seem incapable of phrasing the killer argument properly? [View all]

[Cronus Protagonist]

If someone or some people are killed by people using guns, why not say so? Why do I see the phrase "killed by guns" so often here, especially here, where presumably people are a little more educated than the hoi polloi?

It seems to me that the weight in any gun control argument ought to involve the shooters, not just the weapon of choice. I ask because it seems weak to claim that guns kill people, and since clearly they don't do anything without a shooter, being unable to act autonomously. However, people do kill and maim each other using guns, bombs, knives, and so on.

To center your argument around the weapon du jour and not to place the blame securely on the people who buy, hold and use guns is a losing proposition from the start.

I'd like to see postings about these insane, dumb, careless, feckless or reckless people who kill and maim others using guns be more focussed on the perpetrator than the weapon. Don't you think it would both have more impact and be more accurate if we did? I think you would have to agree.

So why do so many make such clearly inaccurate statements in postings about the killer issue of the day, which is people who are violent, not guns, pressure cookers, poison gas or knives? I guess that's a rhetorical question and what I really want to say is STEP UP THE ANTE - place the blame squarely on the people who kill and maim. Address the root cause and you will get a better response, IMHO.