At a time in which you would think people would be up in arms (No Pun Intended) about guns, it appears to be the exact opposite. The NRA appears to be winning the debate as it has rallied the battle charge to its members and nonmembers alike, to buy, buy, buy.
All across America, gun shows are producing record numbers of not only visitors but purchasers as well. You would think that after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Connecticut where 26 were killed – 20 of them children – slaughtered by a deranged killer, sensible folks would say emphatically and with one voice, “NO TO GUNS”.
It seems that sensibility has left the building.
House Bill 937 in Cumberland County, North Carolina allows handgun owners with concealed permits to store weapons in locked cars on public college campuses and carry weapons at some sporting events. It also would allow them on bike and walking trails, and patrons could carry a handgun where alcohol is served.
And now, more idiotic behavior is about to continue. A proposal that would allow concealed weapon permit holders to take up arms in bars and restaurants is one step closer to becoming law. The bill also would allow people to pack heat on college campuses. Yes, that’s right, Bars and on College Campuses. Let’s begin with the latter first, shall we?
Have we all forgotten about the Virginia Tech massacre? On April 16, 2007, a 23-year old student went on a shooting spree where thirty-two victims were killed. And what about the 1999 high school shooting at Columbine in Littleton, Colorado where two students systematically and strategically planned and executed 12-students and 1-teacher? This, on the surface, seems like a no-brainer right? Wrong!
The Second Amendment is thrust into the mix yet again. No one has a problem with the right to bear arms, but come on people, Schools? Not everyone carrying their gun permit is mentally stable. I have to believe that at some point, in everyone’s lifetime, a bad day occurs. The problem is Columbine, Virginia Tech and Sandy Hook are examples of bad days going terribly, terribly wrong. Guns + Schools = Catastrophic Results.
Lastly, Cumberland County is considering concealed weapons to be carried into bars and restaurants. If this were not so stupid, it would be funny. In Aurora, Co., a gunman opened fire upon a crowded theater, killing 12 and injuring 58. The key here is a ‘crowded’ area. How any “smart” person could think guns and bars is a match made in heaven is beyond my menial comprehension. Guns + Bars = Disasters Waiting to Happen.
This is just one more example of how this country is not in a Good Place. Our rationale has been distorted. The Big Picture should be on reduction, not addition. I don’t have a problem with the Second Amendment. The Constitution has given us the right, but let’s use Common Sense when we’re considering this amendment.
Ahhh…Common Sense…The missing piece to the ‘Smoking Gun’.
