The Solution Is NOT Guns!

Posted on by under Law and justice, Political commentary, Rants, Social commentary

Back in 1787, the Founding Fathers drafted a brilliant document that would become known as the Constitution of the United States.  Unfortunately, they also made some mistakes, one that has cost hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of lives, unnecessarily.  You see, the nation was a fledgling, only a few years past gaining their independence from England after a bloody war that they damn near lost, so the framers of the document were leery that a foreign power might see the nation as vulnerable and try to take it while it was still learning to stand on its own.  So, after ratifying the original document, they added a “Bill of Rights”, the 2nd Amendment of which gave citizens the “right to bear arms”.  This, my friends, was a lethal mistake, one that every one of us have paid for in one way or another.

Now, the Founders figured the best way to protect the nation from foreign interference was to maintain a militia … everyday men … farmers, shopkeepers, etc., who could grab their rifle or musket and march off to defend and protect the nation if the need arose.  Thus they wrote the Second Amendment:

“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

That’s it, folks, the entire text, all 27 words of it.  Sadly, though, the Founders only familiarity with ‘arms’ were muskets and such … never in their wildest dreams could they have imagined AR-15s and AK-47s, weapons that can mow down hundreds of people in less time than it took me to write this sentence.  And because of that lack of foresight, the U.S. Supreme Court has been trying ever since to define just what ‘arms’ are to be protected and to what extent.

Unfortunately, long ago common sense flew out the door of the Supreme Court and Congress when the word ‘gun’ is mentioned, and the elements that have determined the ‘law’, such as it is, are those with a vested interest in the weapons industry.  Public safety is entirely overlooked in the debate over guns.  The only consideration is … $$$$$$$$$$$$$$.  I won’t bore you with the lengthy list of cases that have first teetered, then tottered, back and forth, regarding what, if any, regulations should be placed on who can own a gun, how many, what type, etc., but suffice it to say that the U.S. is the only nation on the globe where a person’s right to own a gun is more protected than his right to drive a car.

And as a result …

One week ago yesterday, on May 9th, a sunny afternoon in the small town of Griffin, Georgia, a 12-year-old boy was killed … shot dead by his 5-year-old brother who found a gun that had been tossed into the bushes the day before by three men eluding the police during a chase.  According to neighbor Tom Whitehead …

“The little one found a gun, had to be right here… somewhere in these bushes he walked over here, found a gun. Turns around. Thinks he’s playing, says ‘bang bang’. It was loaded and killed him.  Think about that mother. The next day, Mother’s Day, and one boy is dead by the hand of his younger brother.”

And as a result …

The total number of deaths by gun violence in the U.S. as of May 16th is 14,815 … a number that is sure to have already increased by the time you read this.  84 of that number were children under the age of 11, and 322 teens under the age of 18 are also included in the number. gun-violence-5-2020

And as a result …

In March 2017, a mother and her two-year-old toddler were sitting on the bed, while the nine-year-old was sitting on the floor, playing a video game.  The mother had a loaded gun in her hand, but couldn’t find her holster, so she placed the gun (loaded with a round chambered) on the bed next to the two-year-old while she got up to look for her holster.  The two-year-old then picked up the gun, pulled the trigger, shot and killed his nine-year-old brother.  The mother had, in the past, allowed the toddler to pull the trigger on the gun when it was unloaded.

I could go on, but you get the picture … this is happening every day in the United States. Look at the chart above … already this year, not even five months into the year, we are on track to tie or beat previous years.

The gun culture in the U.S. is beyond crazy.  This is not in any way, shape, or form what James Madison meant in 1791 when he proposed the Second Amendment as a way to empower state militias.  Today, there are no state militias.  None.  There are juveniles in grown men’s bodies who believe that they must own a firearm in order to feel like a ‘man’, but these men do not belong to militias and they are doing not one damn thing to keep this country safe, but instead are making it the most dangerous nation in the industrialized world.  People in other nations are aghast … “What are you Americans thinking???”, they ask.  What are we thinking, indeed?

The wealthy arms manufacturers fund the National Rifle Association who in turn *buys our legislators, thereby ensuring that guns will continue to be a part of what they call “The American Way of Life”.  What a joke!  “The American Way of Death” would be more apt.  And thus it happened that in March, while people were beginning to die by the thousands from the coronavirus, it was the single biggest month for gun sales.  WHY???  WTF are people thinking?  In April, gun lobbyists convinced the federal government to list gun shops as “essential services” so that while people in some states could not purchase a bottle of wine, or a pack of toilet paper, they could go out and buy a gun.  Five states’ governors had the cojones to order gun shops closed anyway, but April’s total was still the fourth highest ever. In three of the five states where gun stores were supposed to be closed, the numbers were higher than they were in April of 2019.

The United States is facing more problems of a greater magnitude today than since the end of World War II, the coronavirus pandemic obviously being at the top of the immediate list.  I would rank numbers two and three as racism and gun violence … problems that far outweigh even the sinking economy.  And yet, Donald Trump wastes every waking minute ranting, calling out his imagined enemies, denigrating the press, dreaming up conspiracy theories, and patting himself on the back for successes that exist only in his own mind.  We’re in trouble, people, and guns are not going to solve the problem, for they ARE a big part of the problem.

*  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has taken NRA donations of $1,267,139 during his congressional career, but the leader of the pack is Mitt Romney, who has taken $13,647,676 during his time in Congress.  Interestingly, the 2nd highest in NRA donations is Senator Richard Burr, who is currently under investigation for insider trading violations.  Senator Burr has collected a handy $6,987,380 in his twenty-five years in Congress.  Source:  Brady United Organization

52 thoughts on “The Solution Is NOT Guns!”

  1. Heard and seen all these ideas before. Of course, they knew firearms were going to improve. They had advanced over the decades. But they knew our rights to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and others was of utmost importance. Yes, people can use statistics any way they see it, but the truth is every individual and family has a right to protect themselves. And minimizing what one person can have doesn’t protect him/her against criminals and others who don’t follow the rules. If my entire neighborhood were filled with people all ready to protect themselves, the criminals would stay away.

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          • Absolutely not. And time for real education to take place, including understanding the foundations of this country. We understand, many have been made puppets of the progressive mindset, and so we help others to see for themselves. We use those who have been educated out of their common sense so others can see. That’s the beauty of freedom. Yes, many are media driven, but we think for ourselves, read real history, understand the makings of this country and real liberty with responsibility, and share with others. Keep the communications open. Keep discussing. Through ideas, the real ones will be shown.

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  2. Years ago when my stepson became a police officer and brought his gun home, he had his father build a steel box with a combination that only he knew. The box was bolted to the basement concrete floor (from the inside of the box) to store his gun. He did this so that neither his little girls not anyone else could not get to the gun. That’s a responsible gun owner. I am so thankful that our Canadian government has recently banned all automatic weapons. Now in Canada, not only are we forbidden to own, buy or sell automatic weapons; but also we are not permitted to transport them. This is key because most of our illegal guns come from the States. So, now, if anyone is stopped and they have any type of automatic weapon or any gun with a barrel of greater than 20 millimetres in their vehicle, it’s confiscated. I only pray that this legislation sticks with our future governments! (Who knows when our Liberals might get voted out.)

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    • Yes indeed, that is responsible gun ownership. Canadian gun laws are far more sensible than those of the U.S. In fact, at this point, the U.S. has almost no gun restrictions. Sigh. Question, though … a couple of weeks ago I saw that Canada passed a law to ban assault weapons in the wake of the deadly Nova Scotia mass shooting, but … I thought Canada already had a ban on assault weapons?

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      • Yes, many guns were previously banned. Now, some 1500 types of assault weapons are added to the banned list. Prime Minister Trudeau said, “You don’t need an AR-15 to bring down a deer.” Basically, now only single shot with limited range and capacity are permitted.

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        • Trudeau is a wise man … I wish our own leader were such. Sigh. In fact, if you shoot a deer with an AR15, it will be shredded … useless as either a trophy or food!

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    • Perhaps, but the big question is how to do that? Especially with a madman at the helm … heck, even I’m not convinced that we have nothing to fear from our central government today! I’m still not in the market for a gun, though … my trusty rolling pin and my worst scowl will serve quite well.
      Cwtch

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  5. I could not add any better comment than these : “Less bullets, more brains. The strong don’t need guns. Guns are tools of the weak. If you disagree with me, it’s OK, you’re wrong.” & “More guns equaling more safety is a slippery slope, and what makes it so is human blood.” – Henry Rollins. I tried to choose the better quote and could not, hence I offer both! You may know of Henry Rollins from his early 1980’s days with the hardcore punk band “Black Flag”…I did not! I came across him in mid 2013 when happenstance led to my obtaining the book “Henry Rollins (Re/Search Pocketbook)” when it was handed to me at my monthly book swap…I had almost skipped it that month. Rollins has a fascinating history that is worth exploring…from singer, musician, actor, comedian to activist. That book led me to purchasing a copy of Rollins 1992 book “Black Coffee Blues” and it has continued on from there. Thank-you!

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  6. Very true. It will be a major issue to tackle in the US. As should be the Presidential election system. Designed in the 18th century when not all (men) actually had right of vote (If I recall). This indirect system must go…
    Cheers

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    • It SHOULD be a major issue to tackle, but with so many members of Congress in the pockets of the NRA, every time it is mentioned, it is quickly tamped down. And I am 100% in agreement about the electoral college. It’s initial purpose was to keep from happening the exact thing that DID happen in 2016 … the people making a lousy choice. Cheers to you too, my friend! I hope you’re enjoying a relaxing Sunday afternoon!

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      • We did thank you. Though my wife is beginning to complain that all days are the same. She misses her research lab. Chemistry. Not biology. They don’t do no virus, no ma’am.
        Have a nice week Jill.

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        • Yeah, I hear that a lot … I have a routine, which keeps me pretty well aware of what day it is … if in doubt, check to see what is in the washing machine! But, it could be worse, so I’m adapting! You too, Brian!

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            • Hah, if only. Three loads most days … towels on Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Goose’s clothes on Monday, Thursday. Chris’ uniforms Wednesday, Sunday. Chris’ casual clothes Tuesday, Friday. My clothes get washed whenever I can squeeze them in. I call myself the “sacrificial lamb”, but only in jest! Yep, the ability to adapt it the only way we will survive! Cheers, my friend!

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              • OMG. Fact is, there’s only the two of us. No teen around to probably account for 50% of the wash loads… 😉I’m glad you have your daughter and granddaughter home with you. One doesn’t feel so isolated. Though I am extremely patient, I’m beginning to feel the wear of not seeing the family at all…
                Cheers back

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                • Well, Miss Goose is hardly a teen at 25, but she does go through clothes like water! Plus, Chris being a nurse, has two sets of clothes a day. But, I wouldn’t trade it … I usually don’t mind, except for days I’m in a bad mood. Yeah, it happens on occasion. I feel for you, my friend … I am truly lucky and only wish you and several other friends in the same situation could see your loved ones up close and personal. 😥

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                  • Through clothes like water? LOL. Very descriptive. So your daughter is a nurse? Brave people. I hope she’s not in a hospital. And if she is, she MUST take all precautions. Here in the public sector they don’t have equipment. Doctors have to buy their own… Darn…
                    I’m not overly worried about not seeing them. We are in constant contact and I knwo this will end. One day. Which day? Who knows? but it will come.
                    Take care Jill

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                    • No hospital … she is Nurse-Supervisor for a large Urology Group here in Cincinnati, so her risks are minimal. Doctors have to buy their own equipment??? That’s abominable! Sigh. Welcome to the 21st Century, eh? Yes, one day. I shall take care, and you do the same, my friend.

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                    • Glad about your daughter. That she’s not exposed. Fortunately it depends on the hospitals. There are 3 main kinds of public hospitals here. One is straight Social Security, that’s where they have no supplies at all. The other is for public servants. Don’t know what’s the situation there. The third where my daughter and son-in-law work are HEW hospitals. Top-notch. All the best equipment, and specialized: Cancer, Cardio, Rehab. Those have no supply problem. (So far) Otherwise I think we would have told our daughter to resign! 😉😷

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                    • Yes, I’m thankful she isn’t on the front lines. She has, however, lost over half of her staff, so is working 14 hour days and doing her paperwork at home on weekends. I truly hope your own daughter keeps safe … such frightening times, and from everything I’m reading, not likely to end any time soon. And the residual effects, such as economic effects and mental health issues, will last even longer. Keep safe and find a reason to smile today, my friend.

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    • They were wise men who understood human nature and foresaw much of what could happen, but when it comes to technology and the things humans have created, there was simply no way they could foresee it. I sometimes imagine them being dropped back to earth today … cars, airplanes, half-dressed (by their standards) people … why, they probably couldn’t even understand our language!

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      • The problems is, people today, due to poor education, can’t understand the founding fathers and what America truly is. There’s a reason there’s an effort to keep our youth in the shadows, away from real understanding.

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  8. Jill, I was just commenting with a Canadian. Canadians love guns too, but have 1/3 the rate of US gun deaths. Why? The key reason is who get killed by guns in the US.

    Here in the states, about 60% of gun deaths annually, are suicides. Yet, for the longest time the NRA influenced Congress to deny a doctor the ability to ask if a gun is present in thr house or the CDC to track gun deaths. Think about this – a doctor who is prescribing an antidepressant is forbidden to ask whether a gun is in the house. That is beyond the pale in poor stewardship.

    Most American gun owners do not belong to the NRA. Most Americans want better gun governance. Yet, too many legislators have been funded by the NRA to “just say no” or, my personal favorite, “now is not the time,” which is the legislative equivalent of stalling in a basketball game. Keith

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    • Yes, I saw that conversation on your post. Canada also has MUCH stricter gun laws than we do and a ban on assault weapons. Sigh. You’re so right … it is unconscionable to forbid a doctor to ask about guns in the home. As I said, though … the right to own a gun, for some, takes precedence over the responsibility to be a good parent. “Now is not the time” ranks right up there with “Sending thoughts and prayers” in my book. Canned phrases that have absolutely no meaning beyond “Don’t mess with my guns.”

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  9. It literally pays to be a sold out politician. There is no current opposition b/c Democratic senators are also on the take. Even the progressive arm of diehard liberals won’t dare challenge the 2nd, nor will they criticize the NRA or pass bills to enforce stricter gun control, sales or even background checks! Why should we even be surprised that our “gun problem” has devolved to the level of insanity we see today.
    Obama had a perfect opportunity in 2012 after the Sandy Hook massacre, but he only paid lip service to citizens while assuring the gun industry and NRA that all is fine, nothing essentially will change. Not a single bill has passed.
    Must read Politico’s article: The Real Reason Obama Didn’t Pass Gun Control

    Many Democrats had been uncomfortable with gun control since the moment President Bill Clinton enacted the assault weapons ban in 1994, over the private opposition of the House Democratic leadership. When Democrats were decimated in the 1994 midterm elections, including Speaker Tom Foley, gun control was blamed. (In his autobiography, Clinton wrote that the National Rifle Association “could rightly claim to have made [Newt] Gingrich the House speaker.”)

    It’s all politics folks, nothing to see here, move along….. after all politicians are not the ones dying:

    https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2019/08/16/obama-gun-control-227625

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  10. The wording of the second amendment is critical. It begins with the antecedent “A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state….” Without this antecedent the entire statement is meaningless. It’s precisely BECAUSE a militia was deemed necessary that the founders defended the right of every man to bear arms. Now that the militia is no longer necessary the so-called “right” of all to bear arms goes by the wayside. And, as you say, the founders never envisioned the monster they were letting loose. Good post, my friend.

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  11. Every nation has its weakness and in turn its tragedy.
    Some are small, almost comic because they cause not real harm, just limit the folks a bit.
    Then you have the big ones.
    China’s size and need to have a central dominance in pursuit of the ‘Mandate From Heaven’ (that the Chinese view of why some rules, nothing to do with religion as the West would recognise it).
    Russia’s vast brooding inward looking, ever suspicious of the outside world.
    India’s caste and class wracked ever simmering violence.
    USA: Guns, racism and religion. Toxicity
    There are others of course.

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    • You’re so right. A year or two ago, I did a piece about a couple who, presented with the option of getting rid of their guns or losing their children, chose their guns and Social Services took their children. Grrrrrrrrrrr.

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      • Don’t believe that for a second. Likely, they knew they needed the guns to protect their families. If it were said, it was said in jest. Nice try.

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        • Well, actually the story was true. We don’t need guns to protect our families. I have never owned a gun and have managed to keep my family and myself safe. Guns are a tool for those who lack the ability to deal with life using common sense, the ability to reason, and compassion for the rest of the world. Sorry, but you’ll never convince me that there is any value to gun ownership. But tell me … how many times has your home been broken into by an armed robber that you had to have that gun to protect your family?

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          • Absolutely wrong. Look. I’ve never had the need to harm another in the fashion we’re talking. But then, I’ve also lived in pretty good places, mostly, and had some street smarts. But also, I’ve been fortunate to have awareness that informs me when danger is around, and on several occasions, I saw them coming before anything could happen, and realized what to do, in part because of some training. But that’s us. We don’t live other people’s lives. If we did, we might have to face some harder realities. Living in a glass temple doesn’t provide the answers for everyone. And there are people who have had home invasions. There are people who have been accosted on the road or parking lot. I have faced some of those situations, but I had protection and knew what to do. And on a couple of situations, when I saw “them” coming, I warned them from distance. They realized I wasn’t fooling and turned away. **I’ve heard this said. If you really believe, then put a sign (Gun free zone) in front of the home. No one does that. Why?

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      • That’s what uneducated people with no firearm’s experience, those who have been brainwashed by the media and other institutions of learning think. The disinformed masses. Never had any problems by responsible gun owners. Never. Never heard of any.

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        • I’ll pit my education against yours any day, dolphin. And my ability to think, to find non-violent solutions, and to care about others. You’ve never heard of any non-responsible gun owners??? Seriously? Turn on the news someday, pick up a paper.

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