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Sancho

(9,099 posts)
Thu Apr 2, 2015, 04:55 PM Apr 2015

Here we go again....

http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/gun-in-hudson-shooting-was-stored-in-a-home-closet/2223896

HUDSON — The 12-year-old who shot and killed his younger brother, injured his older brother and then killed himself used a handgun that had been stored in a box on the top shelf of a closet, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office said Thursday.

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People Control, Not Gun Control

This is my generic response to gun threads where people are shot and killed by the dumb or criminal possession of guns. For the record, I grew up in the South and on military bases. I was taught about firearms as a child, and I grew up hunting, was a member of the NRA, and I still own guns. In the 70’s, I dropped out of the NRA because they become more radical and less interested in safety and training. Some personal experiences where people I know were involved in shootings caused me to realize that anyone could obtain and posses a gun no matter how illogical it was for them to have a gun. Also, easy access to more powerful guns, guns in the hands of children, and guns that weren’t secured are out of control in our society. As such, here’s what I now think ought to be the requirements to possess a gun. I’m not debating the legal language, I just think it’s the reasonable way to stop the shootings. Notice, none of this restricts the type of guns sold. This is aimed at the people who shoot others, because it’s clear that they should never have had a gun.

1.) Anyone in possession of a gun (whether they own it or not) should have a regularly renewed license. If you want to call it a permit, certificate, or something else that's fine.
2.) To get a license, you should have a background check, and be examined by a professional for emotional and mental stability appropriate for gun possession. It might be appropriate to require that examination to be accompanied by references from family, friends, employers, etc. This check is not to subject you to a mental health diagnosis, just check on your superficial and apparent gun-worthyness.
3.) To get the license, you should be required to take a safety course and pass a test appropriate to the type of gun you want to use.
4.) To get a license, you should be over 21. Under 21, you could only use a gun under direct supervision of a licensed person and after obtaining a learner’s license. Your license might be restricted if you have children or criminals or other unsafe people living in your home. (If you want to argue 18 or 25 or some other age, fine. 21 makes sense to me.)
5.) If you possess a gun, you would have to carry a liability insurance policy specifically for gun ownership - and likely you would have to provide proof of appropriate storage, security, and whatever statistical reasons that emerge that would drive the costs and ability to get insurance.
6.) You could not purchase a gun or ammunition without a license, and purchases would have a waiting period.
7.) If you possess a gun without a license, you go to jail, the gun is impounded, and a judge will have to let you go (just like a DUI).
8.) No one should carry an unsecured gun (except in a locked case, unloaded) when outside of home. Guns should be secure when transporting to a shooting event without demonstrating a special need. Their license should indicate training and special carry circumstances beyond recreational shooting (security guard, etc.). If you are carrying your gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you lose your gun and license.
9.) If you buy, sell, give away, or inherit a gun, your license information should be recorded.
10.) If you accidentally discharge your gun, commit a crime, get referred by a mental health professional, are served a restraining order, etc., you should lose your license and guns until reinstated by a serious relicensing process.

Most of you know that a license is no big deal. Besides a driver’s license you need a license to fish, operate a boat, or many other activities. I realize these differ by state, but that is not a reason to let anyone without a bit of sense pack a semiautomatic weapon in public, on the roads, and in schools. I think we need to make it much harder for some people to have guns.
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Here we go again.... (Original Post) Sancho Apr 2015 OP
You just make too damn much sense. nt flamin lib Apr 2015 #1
I knew people who had guns to protect themselves upaloopa Apr 2015 #2
the gun humping pieces of shit have won Skittles Apr 2015 #3

upaloopa

(11,417 posts)
2. I knew people who had guns to protect themselves
Thu Apr 2, 2015, 05:12 PM
Apr 2015

from home invasion. These folks would never have their guns locked away because it would take too much time to get them in an emergency.
I also think no matter how much training you have there is nothing that insures you will act as you were trained.
Even well adjusted people lose it at times and if they had a gun in their hand they may kill with it.
Insurance is for after the fact. Insurance does not prevent harm.

I have come to the conclusion that as long as we have the 2nd Amendment and as long as the SCOTUS interprets it as it does we can do nothing about gun deaths.
They are just a part of our culture.
The only way to prevent gun deaths is to remove guns from our society. It doesn't look like that will ever happen.
Folks we live with our decisions like them or not.

Skittles

(158,570 posts)
3. the gun humping pieces of shit have won
Thu Apr 2, 2015, 05:51 PM
Apr 2015

we just have to tolerate endless senseless deaths and the occasional massacre to appease their paranoia and cowardice

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