|
As this deals with a very serious topic, I have tried to avoid any of my typical attempts at humor.
I offer my condolences to all involved at VTI.
TRAGEDY IN BLACKSBURG
Copyright: April 17, 2007
TOM HYLAND
Almost every local TV channel, as well as many out-of-state stations are broadcasting live from this tiny town in Virginia. A little over twenty-four hours ago, a solitary deranged gunman slaughtered over two dozen innocent people! A similar number were wounded, and many expected to recover from their wounds, physical at least! This calamity is technically worse than that of Columbine!
Although details are still being investigated, and millions of concerned citizens nationwide are praying both for the survivors, as well as the deceased, along with all of their families, and all the other students, faculty, and local residents, the big question that is being repeated over and over, and over, is WHY? WHY did this happen? HOW did this happen? WHO was the perpetrator? WHY did he do it? WHY? WHY? WHY?
I’d like to offer my opinions.
Is it because mental illness isn’t being diagnosed and treated sooner? Is society at large responsible? Is it our judicial and criminal justice systems? Is it because many individuals can’t handle the word “NO?” Was he a rejected lover who couldn’t handle it? Can we blame it on the individual? Did Mommy and Daddy “Spare the Rod and Spoil the Child?” Is the onus on his parents?
Could it be because of WOMD – Weapons Of Mass Destruction - are they too damned easily obtainable in this country? While we do not yet know the exact amount of firepower and weaponry he used, consider just for a moment that many automatic handguns can hold a clip of eight, ten, or even twelve rounds. Within seconds, another clip can be exchanged. Handguns, rifles, shotguns, AK-47’s, Uzis, whatever… how much firepower is enough?
Where did his weapons come from? Did he buy them? Borrow them? Steal them? Does it really matter now? Obviously, dangerous people and guns don’t mix! GUNS DO NOT KILL PEOPLE – PEOPLE USING GUNS KILL PEOPLE!
Just what are the statistics on the number of household ‘break-ins’ that were successfully DEFENDED by homeowners? Contrast that answer with the number of accidental deaths to family members in households OWNING guns! The results might surprise you, and cause you to wonder about these phenomena also. WHY?
How really important is the “Right to bear arms?” What are the ODDS that some invading enemy is going to select your door, and kick it in? Probably higher that it will be the local Police, or FBI, or other defender of the infamous “Patriot Act.”
How really necessary is it for any so-called ‘Sportsman’ to be able to legally buy almost anything from a ‘pea-shooter’ to a TANK? Target shooting…deer hunting…bird hunting…are these really truly necessary endeavors? Could they be merely ‘releases’ for people who ENJOY MURDERING THINGS? WOW! I’ll bet the N.R.A. just loves me for that one!
What if ALL firearms were confiscated, melted down, converted into SINGLE-SHOT SPEAR GUNS, and then re-distributed ONE EACH to every man, woman, and child? Sure, people could still kill people – but not as many, so quickly, and without effort! They might be more aptly called WOSD – Weapons Of Single Destruction – NOT MASS!
Consider for a moment how many millions upon millions of KNIVES exist in the world – maybe ten times the number of guns? Perhaps a hundred times? A maniac, or knife-fighter, or trained assassin might hold off a gang of people for a while, but the probability and possibility of his being over-powered is certainly much greater than that of someone wielding a GUN!
As I attempt to close this article, I realize that I have not given any real answers to the question, WHY? As long as there are people on this earth, there will probably be innocent victims. Bullies and cowards and maniacs, as well as terrorists, have always been around --- would that I had a MAGIC BUTTON!
In the meantime, if you OWN any guns, make sure they are SECURE! Pray for the victims and families of Blacksburg! And thank GOD for your own personal Blessings! “There, but for the Grace of God, go I!”
PAX TECUM!
|
Second, as the White House said, this is not the day for a discussion of gun control.
Third, as evidence unfolds, it points in the direction of mental illness. Schizophrenia tends to manifest itself in the late-teens and early twenties. In all likelihood, that is what happened here.
Fourth, let us simply offer our thoughts and prayers to the Hokies and lend a helping hand however we possibly can.
A very good question, and one that was addressed by the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban.
Back in 1994, domestic gun manufacturers were required to stop production of semi-automatic assault weapons and ammunition clips holding more than 10 rounds, except for military or police usage.
This bill also banned, by specific name, the manufacture of 19 different assault weapons, including A-K 47s, Uzis, and AR-15s.
But unbelievably, this law only had a 10-year life span, and in 2004, neither our Congress nor our President felt it important enough to extend.
I shudder to think what types of weapons are easily obtainable today, by almost anyone at all.
How can you raise responsible kids when you have drugs and "irresponsible behavior" in the home? The only models these kids have in their formative years is their home life. How much and how often is irresponsible behavior "enabled?" You see it every day, Tom. This is the fallout.
Everybody has a bad day. We don't kill others. We get over it. We do something "responsible" like finding a quiet spot to get out crap together. We don't go out and shoot people.
Elizabeth