Past time to talk about gun control and mass shootings, specifically, school shootings.
The first school shooting I remember was Columbine.
I was attending High School in Wyoming, about 4 hours away from Loveland, Colorado. I remember hearing about the shooting and then going to school.
When I got to school, I sat at a lunch table in the "Multi-Purpose Room" along with the rest of the students and listened to our principal.
He talked about what the events at Columbine meant for our High School. The changes to be made in regard to the school's Code of Conduct. The resources we had access to if we needed help. He immediately implemented a "Zero-Tolerance" policy for harassment, bullying, and fighting.
The school was affected even though, it's located 4 hours away, in another state.
In Wyoming, a very secluded and rural "Red State", with a High School full of kids, who had hunting rifles stowed in gun racks, mounted in the cab of their pickup trucks, parked in the school's parking lot, every day, up until Columbine.
To my knowledge, not one person cried foul. Nobody responded with, "How dare you disallow my child to bring a gun to school.", or anything similar.
The frequent hunters and their families absolutely 100% subsided their hobby, gun enthusiasm, and personal opinions for the safety of others.
All these things happened, within a week.
We had adults who knew how to properly respond to tragic events and they acted accordingly because they're not politicians in the pockets of the NRA.
The majority of people I have chosen to avoid the past few days are ones who quickly reply with, "It's too soon.".
Columbine's twentieth anniversary is this year. It is not, too soon.
Consider this story as proof both sides of the political aisle are, in fact, willing to take some kind of action.
If you still think it's too soon to talk about gun control, in the words of Todd Holloman, I'm talking about all the shootings before the one in Parkland, Florida.
If you subscribe to the idea nothing can be done in response to gun violence or mass shootings, see yourself out.
I'm only interested in talking to people who are interpreting mass shootings, specifically, school shootings as a call to action.
I'm not here to bash any religious beliefs or any person who is affiliated with any religion of their choice. Thoughts and prayers are a nice comforting verbal gesture but, nothing more.
To all the people who are only willing to offer their, "Thoughts and Prayers." I'll refer you to Rabbi Jesse Olitzky.
For those who promote the idea school shootings happen because prayer isn't allowed in schools, you are a disgusting, sick, and twisted person and I want nothing to do with you or your religion.
You also have to be able to explain why shootings occur in churches, as well.
If you're one of the people who think this is true, you couldn't be more wrong. The shooter will be punished as well. Here are photos of him in court, one day after the shooting.
Even if, you identify as being on "The Right" and want to bring attention to these kinds of acts being carried out due to mental health issues. Where is the consistency?
In the case of automobile fatalities, the government, over the years, has lobbied, drawn up, and voted for legislation in regards to preventing fatalities across the board.
There are extremely high penalties for DUI/DWI violations. The drinking age has been raised over the years. Every potential driver is subjected to a test before receiving a license. The infrastructure to roads has been greatly improved. Seatbelts and airbags have been added to increase automobile safety. Speeding limits have been implemented.
The list of policies in America in response to automobile fatalities is extensive.
If you're not convinced by any of this information, try Seth MacFarlane's comment supporting gun control measures.
There are so many people who expect teachers to handle any and all school shooting situations.
This is the one issue in America, I can think of where "The Right" responds by saying, "more".
Abortions? Ban them. Same-sex wedding cakes? Don't make them. Actual same-sex marriage? Eliminate marriage licenses altogether. Gun violence? More guns!
I have a family member, living in Kentucky, who is a teacher. The entire education department in the state of Kentucky is currently embroiled in a fight over their pensions.
Teachers are not soldiers for hire or military. They are educators who already have more than enough on their plate. Do not shove these events off on to people who are not currently capable of successfully carrying out the objective.
I don't know of anyone who believes gun violence will ever be 100% eradicated but, there are a lot of people who are demanding something be done. Those people, at the least, will fight for preventative measures. They might just, find a solution to the problem, with or without you.
Since the High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, I've read a lot of ideas, talked to a lot of people, and gathered my thoughts.
I knew the day was going to be high tension on both sides of the debate. The strange thing is, I somehow managed to avoid any critical damage.
The first thread I noticed was started by David A. French. He linked an article from, The National Review and I have not read it. I was more focused on his statement about gun control and policies.
I had already quickly read through an overview of the Parkland shooter and was concerned about the following facts:
The shooter is, 19-years-old, he was previously expelled from the school where the shooting took place, he once made a comment on a YouTube video about wanting to be, "A professional school shooter", and he was receiving help for mental health issues. The dots simply did not get connected for some reason and he was still allowed to buy an AR-15 on his own.
During the Obama era, talks about background checks at gun shows and extended background checks were the main pieces of legislation Congress tried to pass but, never really took flight.
Mr. French's comments, completely ignore this. Gun legislation is either, too lax, outdated, or completely nonexistent in a lot of different instances.
The next thread was again, started by, Mr. French. The thread was debating the effectiveness of an AR-15 in shootings. Including the reasons as to why the sale of AR-15s wouldn't be affected if Congress decided to pass a ban on automatic weapons.
I would put a link to the thread but, funnily enough, the original thread has since been deleted.
My response was as simple as this.
I didn't at the time or, in fact, I still don't care about the nuances of the AR-15. I don't have to educate myself about the finer details in the capabilities of the AR-15 to know it's been used in several mass shootings.
Is the AR-15 semi-automatic or fully automatic? I think, semi-automatic but, I don't care. It is the clear go-to gun purchase for those who have committed mass shootings.
The other part of my comment, which, so many people completely glanced over was, "Let's do it for all guns.", the number of people who jumped in on the response of, "It's called a background check.", was unbelievable.
It really only served as proof of how quick people are to say or do anything to protect their guns.
I'm aware of background checks. I know the Parkland shooter filled out a background check. There are several guns bought on a regular basis without a background check. Like the ones at the gun show held in Miami, just this past weekend.
The comment also serves to prove my frustration with the background check system and how the purchase of the AR-15 went through for a recently expelled 19-year-old with a history of mental illness.
Any arguments based on, "Well he was a responsible gun owner.", get thrown out the window before the sale was even completed.
President Trump's, message after the shooting was for Americans to report suspicious activity. This had already been done. Police reports later show neighborhood incidents involving the shooter were reported several times.
If the answer from, "The Right" doesn't include amending the Constitution, banning assault rifles, expanding background checks, or increasing access to mental health care. What is their answer to mass shootings?
No answers were applicable to events before a shooting occurred, only after.
I myself don't have all the answers. However, I do know this.
My comment on money being given to politicians through the NRA and gun lobbyists.
The NRA definitely plays a huge role in every mass shooting in America.
I highly recommend Michael Moore's documentary, "Bowling for Columbine". It really speaks to how the pressures of society contribute to shootings but, also how America is definitely "gun crazy". The newly created term, "Ammosexual", really does fit the profile.
I couldn't stop thinking about, "Bowling for Columbine". Then this tweet found its way into my feed.
I'm thinking about creating a test to prove you've watched, "Bowling for Columbine", before you can talk to me about gun violence in America, seriously.
I might settle if you can prove you've watched this video.
Doing nothing changes nothing.
Survivors of the Parkland shooting are quickly moving forward with purpose. There are two activist events already planned.
One event is the Nationwide Student Walkout, on March 24.
The second event is March for Our Lives, also on March 24.
It's not just time to talk, it's time for a change.
Introduction
The first school shooting I remember was Columbine.
I was attending High School in Wyoming, about 4 hours away from Loveland, Colorado. I remember hearing about the shooting and then going to school.
When I got to school, I sat at a lunch table in the "Multi-Purpose Room" along with the rest of the students and listened to our principal.
He talked about what the events at Columbine meant for our High School. The changes to be made in regard to the school's Code of Conduct. The resources we had access to if we needed help. He immediately implemented a "Zero-Tolerance" policy for harassment, bullying, and fighting.
The school was affected even though, it's located 4 hours away, in another state.
In Wyoming, a very secluded and rural "Red State", with a High School full of kids, who had hunting rifles stowed in gun racks, mounted in the cab of their pickup trucks, parked in the school's parking lot, every day, up until Columbine.
To my knowledge, not one person cried foul. Nobody responded with, "How dare you disallow my child to bring a gun to school.", or anything similar.
The frequent hunters and their families absolutely 100% subsided their hobby, gun enthusiasm, and personal opinions for the safety of others.
All these things happened, within a week.
We had adults who knew how to properly respond to tragic events and they acted accordingly because they're not politicians in the pockets of the NRA.
"Too soon?"
The majority of people I have chosen to avoid the past few days are ones who quickly reply with, "It's too soon.".
Columbine's twentieth anniversary is this year. It is not, too soon.
Consider this story as proof both sides of the political aisle are, in fact, willing to take some kind of action.
If you still think it's too soon to talk about gun control, in the words of Todd Holloman, I'm talking about all the shootings before the one in Parkland, Florida.
"What can be done?"
If you subscribe to the idea nothing can be done in response to gun violence or mass shootings, see yourself out.
I'm only interested in talking to people who are interpreting mass shootings, specifically, school shootings as a call to action.
"Our thoughts and prayers..."
I'm not here to bash any religious beliefs or any person who is affiliated with any religion of their choice. Thoughts and prayers are a nice comforting verbal gesture but, nothing more.
To all the people who are only willing to offer their, "Thoughts and Prayers." I'll refer you to Rabbi Jesse Olitzky.
For those who promote the idea school shootings happen because prayer isn't allowed in schools, you are a disgusting, sick, and twisted person and I want nothing to do with you or your religion.
You also have to be able to explain why shootings occur in churches, as well.
"With DUIs, we blame the driver. With bombings, we blame the bomber. With shootings, we blame the gun?"
If you're one of the people who think this is true, you couldn't be more wrong. The shooter will be punished as well. Here are photos of him in court, one day after the shooting.
Even if, you identify as being on "The Right" and want to bring attention to these kinds of acts being carried out due to mental health issues. Where is the consistency?
In the case of automobile fatalities, the government, over the years, has lobbied, drawn up, and voted for legislation in regards to preventing fatalities across the board.
There are extremely high penalties for DUI/DWI violations. The drinking age has been raised over the years. Every potential driver is subjected to a test before receiving a license. The infrastructure to roads has been greatly improved. Seatbelts and airbags have been added to increase automobile safety. Speeding limits have been implemented.
The list of policies in America in response to automobile fatalities is extensive.
If you're not convinced by any of this information, try Seth MacFarlane's comment supporting gun control measures.
"We need more guns. Let's give the teachers guns."
There are so many people who expect teachers to handle any and all school shooting situations.
This is the one issue in America, I can think of where "The Right" responds by saying, "more".
Abortions? Ban them. Same-sex wedding cakes? Don't make them. Actual same-sex marriage? Eliminate marriage licenses altogether. Gun violence? More guns!
I have a family member, living in Kentucky, who is a teacher. The entire education department in the state of Kentucky is currently embroiled in a fight over their pensions.
Teachers are not soldiers for hire or military. They are educators who already have more than enough on their plate. Do not shove these events off on to people who are not currently capable of successfully carrying out the objective.
"You can't stop gun violence."
I don't know of anyone who believes gun violence will ever be 100% eradicated but, there are a lot of people who are demanding something be done. Those people, at the least, will fight for preventative measures. They might just, find a solution to the problem, with or without you.
Social Media in the Aftermath
Since the High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, I've read a lot of ideas, talked to a lot of people, and gathered my thoughts.
I knew the day was going to be high tension on both sides of the debate. The strange thing is, I somehow managed to avoid any critical damage.
Gun Control and Policies
The first thread I noticed was started by David A. French. He linked an article from, The National Review and I have not read it. I was more focused on his statement about gun control and policies.
I had already quickly read through an overview of the Parkland shooter and was concerned about the following facts:
The shooter is, 19-years-old, he was previously expelled from the school where the shooting took place, he once made a comment on a YouTube video about wanting to be, "A professional school shooter", and he was receiving help for mental health issues. The dots simply did not get connected for some reason and he was still allowed to buy an AR-15 on his own.
During the Obama era, talks about background checks at gun shows and extended background checks were the main pieces of legislation Congress tried to pass but, never really took flight.
Mr. French's comments, completely ignore this. Gun legislation is either, too lax, outdated, or completely nonexistent in a lot of different instances.
The Differences Between Automatic Versus Semi-Automatic
The next thread was again, started by, Mr. French. The thread was debating the effectiveness of an AR-15 in shootings. Including the reasons as to why the sale of AR-15s wouldn't be affected if Congress decided to pass a ban on automatic weapons.
I would put a link to the thread but, funnily enough, the original thread has since been deleted.
My response was as simple as this.
I didn't at the time or, in fact, I still don't care about the nuances of the AR-15. I don't have to educate myself about the finer details in the capabilities of the AR-15 to know it's been used in several mass shootings.
Is the AR-15 semi-automatic or fully automatic? I think, semi-automatic but, I don't care. It is the clear go-to gun purchase for those who have committed mass shootings.
The Ineffective and Incomplete System of Background Checks
The other part of my comment, which, so many people completely glanced over was, "Let's do it for all guns.", the number of people who jumped in on the response of, "It's called a background check.", was unbelievable.
It really only served as proof of how quick people are to say or do anything to protect their guns.
I'm aware of background checks. I know the Parkland shooter filled out a background check. There are several guns bought on a regular basis without a background check. Like the ones at the gun show held in Miami, just this past weekend.
The comment also serves to prove my frustration with the background check system and how the purchase of the AR-15 went through for a recently expelled 19-year-old with a history of mental illness.
Any arguments based on, "Well he was a responsible gun owner.", get thrown out the window before the sale was even completed.
President Trump's, message after the shooting was for Americans to report suspicious activity. This had already been done. Police reports later show neighborhood incidents involving the shooter were reported several times.
My Last Stand and Final Question
If the answer from, "The Right" doesn't include amending the Constitution, banning assault rifles, expanding background checks, or increasing access to mental health care. What is their answer to mass shootings?
No answers were applicable to events before a shooting occurred, only after.
What I Know
I myself don't have all the answers. However, I do know this.
The NRA
My comment on money being given to politicians through the NRA and gun lobbyists.
The NRA definitely plays a huge role in every mass shooting in America.
I highly recommend Michael Moore's documentary, "Bowling for Columbine". It really speaks to how the pressures of society contribute to shootings but, also how America is definitely "gun crazy". The newly created term, "Ammosexual", really does fit the profile.
I couldn't stop thinking about, "Bowling for Columbine". Then this tweet found its way into my feed.
I'm thinking about creating a test to prove you've watched, "Bowling for Columbine", before you can talk to me about gun violence in America, seriously.
I might settle if you can prove you've watched this video.
Taking Action
Doing nothing changes nothing.
Survivors of the Parkland shooting are quickly moving forward with purpose. There are two activist events already planned.
One event is the Nationwide Student Walkout, on March 24.
The second event is March for Our Lives, also on March 24.
It's not just time to talk, it's time for a change.
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