Police: Ex-Student Sold Gun in Pa. School Shooting

[billh58]

35. I agree with you

about the level of animosity, especially on DU, between gun advocacy proponents and gun control proponents. I also agree that there is a need for finding some middle ground in a more rational manner.

A little personal background: I served two combat tours in Vietnam, and have seen up close and personal what guns were designed to do, and do so very efficiently. When I returned (to Hawaii) I settled into a fairly normal life, married a Maui girl, and flew air taxi for a living. In 1989 a very good friend of mine was killed by a drunk with an M14 during a party at the beach (Plenty Kiawe on Maui). After that, I became a very vocal gun control advocate.

I admit to being one of the most hostile gun control advocates on DU, and up until recently felt very secure in my self-righteousness. Due to some recent self-reflection, and some very pointed "back atcha" remarks in various threads, I have come to understand that hatred only begets hatred, and that I am basically fighting other Democrats who hold a different point-of-view. I am attempting to be more civil, but remain firm in my belief that the NRA and the very vocal minority of Second Amendment absolutists that they keep agitated are a menace to our society.

I firmly believe that the justice system in this country, while flawed, by-and-large works and will never allow for the total confiscation of all civilian weapons. I believe that registration and tracking, thorough background checks, and education are the key to reducing gun violence in this country. I believe that my state, Hawaii, has enacted fair and rational gun legislation which works well and would be a good national model:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_Hawaii