Just buy next door, and walk right over. It’s why we need NATIONAL standards, with some teeth. The “Brady Bill” was defanged by Republicans, like government not keeping records over 24 hours. Ah, but the NRA does!
The Navy Yards were not a gun-free zone. In fact, the shooter used guns he found there, and the police arrived (with guns) in minutes. Twelve people still died. DC"s laws hardly matter while Virginia and the rest of the country allows the sale of shotguns to people with a long history of mental illness. Let’s count our blessings that Virginia at least prevented him from buying the AR-15 he wanted (not because of any mental problems, but because he’s a Texan).
Ms. Benson seems to be addressing the fact that despite the many cities with strict gun laws, there is always a nearby local, in this case, the entire state of Virginia, where guns can be bought and then easily transported anywhere. My biggest complaint about Va is that under current law, if you buy a gun at one of the many gun shows held across the state each year, and unless you buy from a licensed gun dealer at that gun show, there is no background check at all. Even Al Qayadah has told wannabe terrorists that gun shows can supply them with all the weapons they might want.There were some great suggestions in reply to my question yesterday about what should we do starting now, and the one I saw most was for the laws on the books to be enforced. Sadly, the ability of the ATF and law enforcement to do so has been severely limited and one state had a recent vote to pass a law that would make any federal agent trying to enforce gun laws subject to a one year sentence in jail. That law failed to pass by only ONE vote.^http://fox4kc.com/2013/09/11/missouri-bill-would-void-federal-gun-laws-okay-machine-guns-for-residents/^Another law makes it legal for blind people to own and carry guns.^http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/08/iowa-grants-gun-permits-to-the-blind/2780303/^As a gun owner myself, I support background checks, a gun registry for the gov’t at least as good as what the NRA has, and special permits required for magazines that carry more than 10 rounds. However, I am not terrified of my gov’t and I trust law enforcement, our military, and the Constitution more than some of our neighbors.^I’m sorry we don’t live in a more civil, respectful, and educated society where people at risk for doing these shootings might be less inclined to do so, or be more easily identified before ruining so many lives. In the absence of that level of civilization, we should do something. If I have to register my car and my dog with the city, then why not my shotgun and rifle? And don’t tell me because the gov’t is going to take it away because frankly, I won’t believe you. That’s just an excuse. Even the NRA at one time supported more restrictions on certain weapons and the only ones benefiting from the status quo are the gun makers, and those who want access without identification.Respectfully,C.
“After a shooting spree, they always want to take the guns away from the people who didn’t do it. I sure as hell wouldn’t want to live in a society where the only people allowed guns are the police and the military.”
A reminder: Tucson was NOT a “gun free zone” where Gabby was shot, and she was one of the legislators against restricting access!
Another simple fact, the random “nut” taking action is nearly impossible to predict. Some mental conditions, not requiring hospitalization, SHOULD still raise flags somewhere in the system when tied to previous arrests or contacts, as in this shooter’s case.
Another simple fact, a large percentage of guns used in these actions, or crimes, are ILLEGALLY obtained, largely because they’re stolen, and UNREPORTED!. Registration COULD help reduce that number getting into circulation, as legitimate owners would be more conscientious about reporting such thefts, and ILLEGAL SELLERS, would find their marketing strategy more hazardous to their freedom.
Small steps on a longer journey, and slowly agreed, get us started down the road to a safer society.
Stupid as usual, Lisa. The Washington Navy Yard is a federal military base. DC gun laws don’t apply and plenty of armed security officers including NCIS agents work there.
I’ve again been accused of providing a ‘weak link’. Since the NRA refuses to talk about what they have, there is no other kind of link to provide. The news sources state that the NRA has records on gun owners. What kind of records, unless they gain access, is unknown, however, whatever kind of records they have, has to be better than what law enforcement has since law enforcement isn’t allowed to have any records on gun owners. And one state was only one vote short of making it possible to arrest federal agents who come into the state to enforce gun laws. In my comment, I said the gov’t should have records at least as good as what the NRA has. In the absence of nothing, I’ll accept anything.And even if my links are imperfect, they are an effort and I welcome ANYONE to provide accurate objective information instead of nitpicking or attacking. I LIKE being corrected, educated, and shown objective facts.It’s like when I said vets are coming back from the war and over 20 a day are dying from suicides. Despite a later reply stating those number included veterans of all wars, a commentator demanded I recant my comment. He is technically right. I should have said, too many veterans of our wars are committing suicide daily… over 20… and some of them are young men and women returning from our current wars. It’s hard to be precise all of the time, especially since I am neither a journalist nor a person with access to the kind of sources that could confirm stories that I, like most of you, have to find on the web. It is the messages that are important, and if a message is not accurate, please say how and provide better information. Attacking the messenger in order to trivialize the message is divisive and just plain petty.I apologize for any disinformation or misleading statements I have made and will happily read links that will show me facts.Sincerely,C.
When one of our local guys murdered another with a barbecue fork, was that “evil”, the barbecue fork, or the hothead who used the closest weapon at hand? Guns can kill at greater distances than barbecue forks, and they are per se NOT “evil” in any way. It is the person that is the problem, and in this country, persons having easy ability to get a weapon that can kill, AT A DISTANCE, and at a moments notice, IS a problem.
DZ, you are right. I did set myself a low bar. Since Ms. Benson has already moved on to another toon, I hope you’ll see this. Do you have a link to the NRA’s comments on this? And do they post their magazine online for general public? I need to read more.The articles I read made it sound as if the NRA had something more than a mere marketing database, and I let my emotions on this issue take me further than I should have gone. That’s an excuse, I’m blaming someone else for my laziness.The point is, I should not be adamant about something for which I have so little information. As I am trying to hold myself to a high standard, I thank you for encouraging me to do so as well, and you did it without flames or insults.I apologize for my hubris, and sincerely thank you for calling me on it.Respectfully,C.
Dtroutma over 10 years ago
Just buy next door, and walk right over. It’s why we need NATIONAL standards, with some teeth. The “Brady Bill” was defanged by Republicans, like government not keeping records over 24 hours. Ah, but the NRA does!
ARodney over 10 years ago
The Navy Yards were not a gun-free zone. In fact, the shooter used guns he found there, and the police arrived (with guns) in minutes. Twelve people still died. DC"s laws hardly matter while Virginia and the rest of the country allows the sale of shotguns to people with a long history of mental illness. Let’s count our blessings that Virginia at least prevented him from buying the AR-15 he wanted (not because of any mental problems, but because he’s a Texan).
chazandru over 10 years ago
Ms. Benson seems to be addressing the fact that despite the many cities with strict gun laws, there is always a nearby local, in this case, the entire state of Virginia, where guns can be bought and then easily transported anywhere. My biggest complaint about Va is that under current law, if you buy a gun at one of the many gun shows held across the state each year, and unless you buy from a licensed gun dealer at that gun show, there is no background check at all. Even Al Qayadah has told wannabe terrorists that gun shows can supply them with all the weapons they might want.There were some great suggestions in reply to my question yesterday about what should we do starting now, and the one I saw most was for the laws on the books to be enforced. Sadly, the ability of the ATF and law enforcement to do so has been severely limited and one state had a recent vote to pass a law that would make any federal agent trying to enforce gun laws subject to a one year sentence in jail. That law failed to pass by only ONE vote.^http://fox4kc.com/2013/09/11/missouri-bill-would-void-federal-gun-laws-okay-machine-guns-for-residents/^Another law makes it legal for blind people to own and carry guns.^http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/08/iowa-grants-gun-permits-to-the-blind/2780303/^As a gun owner myself, I support background checks, a gun registry for the gov’t at least as good as what the NRA has, and special permits required for magazines that carry more than 10 rounds. However, I am not terrified of my gov’t and I trust law enforcement, our military, and the Constitution more than some of our neighbors.^I’m sorry we don’t live in a more civil, respectful, and educated society where people at risk for doing these shootings might be less inclined to do so, or be more easily identified before ruining so many lives. In the absence of that level of civilization, we should do something. If I have to register my car and my dog with the city, then why not my shotgun and rifle? And don’t tell me because the gov’t is going to take it away because frankly, I won’t believe you. That’s just an excuse. Even the NRA at one time supported more restrictions on certain weapons and the only ones benefiting from the status quo are the gun makers, and those who want access without identification.Respectfully,C.
Enoki over 10 years ago
Maybe if they paid the guards there $50 an hour they’d do a better job. After all, that sort of thinking permeates so many other public sector jobs….
lonecat over 10 years ago
There’s always evil, but evil isn’t always armed.
Incredulous over 10 years ago
“After a shooting spree, they always want to take the guns away from the people who didn’t do it. I sure as hell wouldn’t want to live in a society where the only people allowed guns are the police and the military.”
William S. Burroughs
I Play One On TV over 10 years ago
True. And once again the question: Why aren’t current laws being enforced? (hint: follow the money)
Dtroutma over 10 years ago
A reminder: Tucson was NOT a “gun free zone” where Gabby was shot, and she was one of the legislators against restricting access!
Another simple fact, the random “nut” taking action is nearly impossible to predict. Some mental conditions, not requiring hospitalization, SHOULD still raise flags somewhere in the system when tied to previous arrests or contacts, as in this shooter’s case.
Another simple fact, a large percentage of guns used in these actions, or crimes, are ILLEGALLY obtained, largely because they’re stolen, and UNREPORTED!. Registration COULD help reduce that number getting into circulation, as legitimate owners would be more conscientious about reporting such thefts, and ILLEGAL SELLERS, would find their marketing strategy more hazardous to their freedom.
Small steps on a longer journey, and slowly agreed, get us started down the road to a safer society.
pirate227 over 10 years ago
Stupid as usual, Lisa. The Washington Navy Yard is a federal military base. DC gun laws don’t apply and plenty of armed security officers including NCIS agents work there.
chazandru over 10 years ago
I’ve again been accused of providing a ‘weak link’. Since the NRA refuses to talk about what they have, there is no other kind of link to provide. The news sources state that the NRA has records on gun owners. What kind of records, unless they gain access, is unknown, however, whatever kind of records they have, has to be better than what law enforcement has since law enforcement isn’t allowed to have any records on gun owners. And one state was only one vote short of making it possible to arrest federal agents who come into the state to enforce gun laws. In my comment, I said the gov’t should have records at least as good as what the NRA has. In the absence of nothing, I’ll accept anything.And even if my links are imperfect, they are an effort and I welcome ANYONE to provide accurate objective information instead of nitpicking or attacking. I LIKE being corrected, educated, and shown objective facts.It’s like when I said vets are coming back from the war and over 20 a day are dying from suicides. Despite a later reply stating those number included veterans of all wars, a commentator demanded I recant my comment. He is technically right. I should have said, too many veterans of our wars are committing suicide daily… over 20… and some of them are young men and women returning from our current wars. It’s hard to be precise all of the time, especially since I am neither a journalist nor a person with access to the kind of sources that could confirm stories that I, like most of you, have to find on the web. It is the messages that are important, and if a message is not accurate, please say how and provide better information. Attacking the messenger in order to trivialize the message is divisive and just plain petty.I apologize for any disinformation or misleading statements I have made and will happily read links that will show me facts.Sincerely,C.
parkerfields over 10 years ago
Unfortunately that only works in the minds of the liberals. Crooks are laughing their heads off that people can be so gullible.
Don Winchester Premium Member over 10 years ago
“There is NO WAY to stop evil.”.Only when good men do nothing…
Dtroutma over 10 years ago
When one of our local guys murdered another with a barbecue fork, was that “evil”, the barbecue fork, or the hothead who used the closest weapon at hand? Guns can kill at greater distances than barbecue forks, and they are per se NOT “evil” in any way. It is the person that is the problem, and in this country, persons having easy ability to get a weapon that can kill, AT A DISTANCE, and at a moments notice, IS a problem.
lonecat over 10 years ago
Was that like the case where the guy with no gun pointed his finger and said Bang and killed a bunch of people?
1BiGl3dFo0tS Premium Member over 10 years ago
But many ways to slow it considerably. Arming every citizen to the teeth is not one of those ways.
chazandru over 10 years ago
DZ, you are right. I did set myself a low bar. Since Ms. Benson has already moved on to another toon, I hope you’ll see this. Do you have a link to the NRA’s comments on this? And do they post their magazine online for general public? I need to read more.The articles I read made it sound as if the NRA had something more than a mere marketing database, and I let my emotions on this issue take me further than I should have gone. That’s an excuse, I’m blaming someone else for my laziness.The point is, I should not be adamant about something for which I have so little information. As I am trying to hold myself to a high standard, I thank you for encouraging me to do so as well, and you did it without flames or insults.I apologize for my hubris, and sincerely thank you for calling me on it.Respectfully,C.