Monday, April 16, 2007

A Reactionary Post to Guns

Well, not really that reactionary, considering this is how I feel most of the time, even on days when someone hasn't taken two 9mm guns and killed over 20 people and injured almost 30 more. Get ready for my rant, because here I go…

Here is my reaction to the tragedy at Virginia Tech today: GUNS ARE STUPID!

Many will say that it isn't the guns that are stupid, but the people who use them. True, maybe. In that case, I can't support that the lame gun control we have in this country is enough for all those stupid people. How is it so easy to get a gun here?! When is it going to actually change?

My neighboring cities in Ohio are prime examples of poor gun control. One dead teenager after a game of Russian Roulette. One 17 year old girl shot in the face by an abusive ex boyfriend. She is still in the hospital recovering from her wounds. One brand new mom and a store cashier shot dead in a robbery last year. A POLICE OFFICER shooting a teenage boy dead in what appeared to be a spook situation where the shot was not needed. More robberies, more domestic violence cases. You read about shootings EVERYDAY here.

I think that the only purpose for having a gun should be hunting (FOR FOOD ONLY, and only if you're not an idiot like Dick Cheney). Even then, how many hunting accidents occur every year? And how many people abuse hunting laws by shooting too many animals or shooting unnecessarily for sport?

If we are going to allow guns to be such a prevalent part of our society, we need to create more education and laws. Every person who owns a gun OF ANY KIND (except water, and maybe a Red Ryder beebee gun) should be REQUIRED to undergo psychological testing, take gun handling classes, purchase proper locking cases and safety equipment, AND have that gun subject to a yearly 'audit' or 'fingerprinting' so that the owner is made to be completely responsible for that gun. Treat it like a fucking diamond that you would never let out of your sight. If none of that works, I say we take Chris Rock's advice and start charging people $5000 per bullet!

Truthfully, when all is said and done, this kind of violence just makes me pretty sad, and I just hate guns...to a point that I actually consider myself to be somewhat 'afraid' of them. But in most cases, a gun in America has proven that it is not a good means of protection, or even a good 'recreational toy' to play with…compared to other developed countries, we are just too careless with them. What do other developed countries do to keep their guns so under control? I hope we figure it out soon.

2 comments:

Jay Bee said...

I hear you, I hear you, but do you hear me, as in, did you get my e-mail>

Hope you're well!

Anonymous said...

Now Sarah, always remember my theory, "people are stupid". It is an old argument but here it is. The gun sitting there is not dangerous until picked up. I agree more education is important, however maybe the legal system needs to be more proactive in holding those accountable. Further more treating the gun like a diamond is good but maybe we should focus more on encouraging people to think of other people as diamonds. After all we do not hurt what we love and care for. None the less your rant was good and now I am rambling. See you soon.