The Return of the Wild West

Something I have very little tolerance for is the gun control debate.

While it's fairly obvious that the people (a vast majority of whom are men) who commit the mass atrocities that we've become so unfortunately used to over the years have mental health issues, it also can't be ignored that guns have most often been their weapon of choice. There's a reason for this. Guns, more than any other weapon save a bomb of some sort, can inflict the most harm in the shortest amount of time.

Some will argue that we can kill each other with things other than guns. They will say that weapons of death can be knives, stones, our own bare hands, fireplace pokers, matches and gasoline, etc. All true. But the aforementioned items can be used for purposes other than killing. There is no other use for a gun than to kill or maim. None. A gun is not created for a certain task, and people just happen to also use them for destruction. A gun is made to destroy.

Now, understand that I am not against the 2nd Amendment. I do think it's worth noting that, like every other Constitutional element, it is not an absolute. This is one of the reasons we have a judicial system, so that laws and the Constitution can be interpreted. But, really, if people want to keep and bear arms, that's fine with me. But do so responsibly. And, yes, submit to background checks, perhaps a waiting period, and maybe even some firearms training.

We are seeing laws enacted in various states making it tougher to vote. Folks have to provide multiple forms of ID that they may not possess, show proof of residency, and a host of other hoops to jump through. Many of the people I know who are staunch gun advocates say nary a peep about these laws making it harder to vote, but let someone propose legislation making it tougher to purchase guns, and then their sky is falling.

When we live in a society where it's more difficult to exercise our right to vote than it is to buy guns, then something is rotten in the state of Denmark. You want a handgun? Okay. That's reasonable in this day and age. It's definitely something to consider for self defense and a feeling of security. You want a semi-automatic weapon? Um, why? What's that about? Yes, you're going to face some questions. No, you shouldn't act like a crying baby with a rattle about it.

There has been another public shooting incident today. These are truly in danger of becoming almost weekly occurrences. I know that there is a mental health component to this. I know that it needs to addressed. I know that taking guns out of the hands of responsible owners is a stupid thing to do. But, really, let's be reasonable about things. Let's move away from the strident, opposite ends of the spectrum, and try to find some sensible, common ground.

Please.