Letter: Gun registration, background checks won’t help
January 28, 2013 at 6:00 pm in Worthington Daily Globe
Most of the shootings we hear about are done by angry, unruly young males who may have mental problems and don’t know the word “no.” Let’s control them. Continue Reading
In 2010, according to NICS (the agency that does the backgrounds) 72,142 people were denied the right to buy a gun. And according to Mayor Bloomberg, about 40 percent of gun sales go without a background check. Now Bloomberg is for regulations. And his number is fairly accurate from a survey 15 years ago. Those against gun regulations will surely not be satisfied with the data or the number. But lets remember how much the NRA loves government research on guns (they don’t). (http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/jul/25/michael-bloomberg/mayor-michael-bloomberg-says-40-percent-guns-are-s/)
When the anti regulation side can calmly and rationally argue against banning a specific type of gun, although I disagree, I can see the argument. But when it comes to opposing background checks, I see no rational argument that could support this. I find it hard to believe that closing loopholes and requiring every sale have a background check is too outrageous. In one year, 72, 142 people were denied the purchase of a gun because they were not fit. Maybe it’s true they went to the ‘street’ or got a gun some other way…but why should we make it easier on them? To simply say universal background checks won’t help is ridiculous. To say, background checks won’t eliminate gun violence however, is true. But we shouldn’t be okay with making it easier for criminals because we can’t stop them all.
And although I respect the author’s opinions, I find it heart wrenching that some people continue to blame a ‘godless society.’ That we blame government’s attempt to remain secular as the reason for this violence. As a Christian, I don’t necessarily do things because God would want me to. I do things because it’s the right thing to do. To be quite frank, people don’t need God to know that killing is wrong. We do not know the religion of every criminal, who’s to say they weren’t very religious? People do horrible things in the name of God all the time.
And as a Christian, I know my religion is the most privileged in society. The government hasn’t taken the Ten Commandments out of public view; they have just simply prevented teachers from teaching a specific religion. That isn’t a teacher’s job. Students can however, read the Ten Commandments and the Bible in school every day.
“Catering to other religions.” Maybe it’s because we are starting to cater to black people? Or gay people? Maybe that’s the real reason for all this violence. See how insensitive this sounds? This “catering” might be the signs of what most people call acceptance or equality. Christians are not being oppressed; people who act like it is need to wake up.
Those same people need to stop making excuses and take responsibility. We don’t tell our kids to not study and just pray you’ll ace the test. We encourage them to be proactive towards achieving a high grade (while still praying). We can do the same with gun violence.
Hot debate. What do you think?
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I agree and what you say makes total sense.
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Although I agree with SOME of your points Washington, citing “Politifact” doesn’t help your argument one iota. They are very well known for leaning waaaaaaaay to the left on all subjects they “fact check.” NOT a good source for fair and balanced research.
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