Well, I had plans on writing several posts and refining and publishing them throughout the week. Instead, I spent the past two days flipping the news channels watching the tragic story of those injured and killed in Tucson, AZ, just 45 minutes from where one of my oldest and closest friends lives in Sierra Vista, AZ. This was a tragic shooting. Good innocent people were hurt and died. My heart goes out to all of them and their loved ones.
I am now unfortunately flipping the channels and several news networks had been speculating that Jared Loughner, the shooter, was part of the Tea Party movement, speculating this was a political killing, etc. What are these networks doing? People have died. Please stop speculating until all the facts are in. Other networks are quickly picking up the ball and running with the gun laws spin. Again, this is unfortunate. Which brings me to a small rant. Loughner, in his infinite stupidity, by going on a killing spree, has once again whether he knows it or not started the gun debate. I do not want to take away from the deaths and injuries, that is not my intention. In fact, they are at the forefront of my mind. However, just when things seemed like they might be easing up for gun owners, this guy goes on a spree changing peoples lives forever. Sigh.
I understand Jared Loughner had a YouTube channel, and had a pretty sick thought process. I did not Google him, nor did I look at his YouTube channel. I suppose that is what he would want whether he was psychotic and delusional or not.
I may not get to many posts today, since I will be working at my full time job, and because I did not get my thoughts down on paper today, but I was drawn into this cowardly act of violence.
To the families and friends of those affected by this horrible tragedy, my heart and prayers go out to you.
First thing I thoughtof was “shit better drop some money at gun store on last few items I know I want” Thank god I saw a couple politicians coming out now saying they will arm themselves as their right due to the incident. The only hope I have is with a rep held congress not much should pass for next 2 yrs. Im stocking up but then I always am!
All I am going to say, is that despite who she is and what she represents, even Nancy Pelosi has a CCW.
Hypocracy.
Don’t get me started.
It is sad to see such a horrible tragedy exploited for political gain, but I fear that this will be used as a reason to further limit gun rights. I have been watching the news on and off for the past couple of days and I’ve seen a number of Gun Control stories coming out of this.
And interestingly enough, I am also seeing statements about how gun purchases have surged over the past week… Interesting. Now, that may not actually be the case, but thought it worth a mention.
Firearms (and ammo) purchase have been off the chart for the last 2–3 years. Don’t see why this even would further advance it but who knows.
As for controls, while I’m sure legislation will be proposed with the Republicans in control of Congress and especially with so many Tea Party people in the House I have doubts anything will pass. But there’s always the risk some provision will be snuck into another bill somewhere. Or simply the ATF, FTC, even the EPA will side-step Congress (as been common lately) and pass this or that regulation.