I think the answers are fairly evident: better gun control and an effort to improve the way we treat the mentally ill in this country, and the resources for those in need. But a popular meme running through the media right now is the idea that video games are somehow responsible. You may hear this as you saunter on home to friends and family this holiday weekend, so keep this link handy:
The Washington Post: "Ten-country comparison suggests there’s little or no link between video games and gun murders
It might help you too keep your sanity as people cast about for a scapegoat.
I love Mass Effect...Black Ops...Left 4 Dead...Max Payne 3....these are all great games. But I am a nonviolent man who appreciates violence where it should be: in fiction, on screen, and in the realm of fantasy and make-believe. I am not merely pro gun control but have harbored a personal desire for the banning of gun ownership in a country where such a view is regarded as crazy talk, despite the fact that half the people I know who own guns are (with evidence aplenty) not fit to carry a device designed specifically to kill.* The other half are hunters who seem to have some measure of responsibility. Anyway... Just felt the need to share this.
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| Lets keep gun ownership in the hands of virtual avatars, who need them to wipe out zombies, and out of the hands or real people, m'kay? |
*Qualifications: born and raised in Arizona, lived ten years in Seattle, and am in New Mexico for the last 6 years. I've seen the rural southwest attitude toward guns as a "god given" right and I've seen the harsh realities of big city living and can safely say the pro/anti gun attitude can vary precisely based upon population density. I can count the number of people I know who own guns and who I would trust to continue owning guns on one hand. I don't have enough appendages to count the number who own guns and really have no business doing so.
I personally believe in the right to bear arms, but I believe it should be licensed and controlled much like we do drivers - with licenses, testing, registrations and God forbid, mandatory insurance.
ReplyDeleteWow - I'm gonna be hated by the left AND the right ;)
LOL I would be happy with a setup like you describe. I'm not fond of weapons ownership....I feel much safer in the house with a taser and pepperspray, for example, than a gun, but like I said, I know of people who are clearly responsible gun owners; I just know of way too many who aren't.
Deletecan't own a taser in NYS - but you can own a handgun
ReplyDeletego figure
The folks pointing at the video games and movies forget or ignore that other folks in other countries are playing these same games, watching these same movies... and somehow not having mass shootings every other week.
ReplyDelete