dmazur
Member
I realize this is preaching to the choir, but there seems to be quite a bit of head-scratching going on re: gun control, including what we as a society might be able to do, other than ban certain classes of firearms / magazines. With that as a preamble, I offer this -
Perhaps guns (as a problem) are similar to automobiles, sex and skateboards.
By that I mean that irresponsible behavior has undesirable consequences for society, as well as the individual, if we have untrained participants.
To this end, we have driver's and sex education programs, taught at a school level where the student is old enough to understand the material. The intent is to reduce the incidence of automobile accidents, unwanted pregnancies and STD's. We also have skateboard parks to try to contain those things, rather than have them on the streets and stairways.
When something with a strong desire behind it exists, as in the above three examples, it is impractical to simply say, "Don't do it." The activity will occur anyway, and the results will probably be worse without the training / accommodation.
As part of the solution, society should have punishment for violators. Unlawful operation of a motor vehicle should have harsh penalties. Sex with a minor and rape should have harsh penalties, as should deliberate STD infection. Operating a skateboard on a public street or sidewalk should also have appropriate penalties. And these penalties should be carefully explained as part of the education programs for each activity.
So, why is it such a stretch to include gun safety as part of our education process? Teach the Four Rules. Explain the consequences of misuse of firearms. Provide a place for kids to shoot, safely.
And enforce existing gun laws.
Surely, if we are intelligent enough to devise a way to live with skateboards, we can figure out how to live with guns.
Perhaps guns (as a problem) are similar to automobiles, sex and skateboards.
By that I mean that irresponsible behavior has undesirable consequences for society, as well as the individual, if we have untrained participants.
To this end, we have driver's and sex education programs, taught at a school level where the student is old enough to understand the material. The intent is to reduce the incidence of automobile accidents, unwanted pregnancies and STD's. We also have skateboard parks to try to contain those things, rather than have them on the streets and stairways.
When something with a strong desire behind it exists, as in the above three examples, it is impractical to simply say, "Don't do it." The activity will occur anyway, and the results will probably be worse without the training / accommodation.
As part of the solution, society should have punishment for violators. Unlawful operation of a motor vehicle should have harsh penalties. Sex with a minor and rape should have harsh penalties, as should deliberate STD infection. Operating a skateboard on a public street or sidewalk should also have appropriate penalties. And these penalties should be carefully explained as part of the education programs for each activity.
So, why is it such a stretch to include gun safety as part of our education process? Teach the Four Rules. Explain the consequences of misuse of firearms. Provide a place for kids to shoot, safely.
And enforce existing gun laws.
Surely, if we are intelligent enough to devise a way to live with skateboards, we can figure out how to live with guns.