It is a damn shame that we are having this discussion yet again today. The murder of 27 people in Connecticut, 20 of them small children between the ages of 5 and 10, once again highlights a unique problem with American society. I have been watching the television coverage for most of the day with a mixture of sadness and calm acceptance of the reality of the world we live in today. I wasn’t sure of whether or not to add my two cents since I have recently become NRA certified with a pistol and have taken up range shooting as a hobby. As a child of the 70’s and a a resident of NYC, where we have some of the most strict gun laws in the country, I would be a liar if I didn’t admit a longtime fascination with guns and the subculture. It can be a fun experience to go to a range and pump a few rounds at a target. However, I am torn on the subject of whether or to ban gun ownership or enact more stringent regulation.
When I was 14 years old my father was murdered by a robber as he was closing up our family candy shop. I have seen first hand how quickly guns can permanently change lives. Just two summers ago, my family and I were in Oslo when the Norwegian guy shot and murdered over 70 young children and teens. And Norway is one of the most peaceful countries I have ever visited, so trust when I say that it can happen anywhere. In a perfect world no one would need a gun. But the world ain’t perfect. Especially in the US, where the love of guns and violence is deeply ingrained in our media, culture and psyche. One of the reasons why I love traveling throughout parts of Scandinavia is the lack of that mindset. Weapons can give people, stable and unstable alike, a sense of power that can prompt them to take actions that they might not normally take if they were unarmed. Minor disputes can escalate to a point of finality in a way that is rare when only words, or even fists are involved. My problem with guns is that they make it very easy to move to that dark place in a way that even bladed weapons don’t. All it requires is the twitch of a finger to settle any perceived dispute.
And yet, I am still torn on the subject of a gun ban because people have always be subject to violence and murder. We will never be able to disarm the American populace. Hell, just the thought that Obama was going to enact stricter gun regulation sent gun sales soaring over the past 4 and half years. Tighter regulations will translate into greater costs for gun ownership. Does that mean that only the rich or well off will be able to own guns? That doesn’t make me feel too comfortable either. All I know is that something needs to be done to prevent this mass violence from continuing to spiral out of control. While I do believe that fewer guns, especially semi automatic and high capacity weapons, in our society would be a good thing, gun control by itself won’t solve the problem. Crazy and evil people will always find a way to lash out. Mental health reform also needs to be part of the ongoing discussion.