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- Apr 1, 2005
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All,
I've started this new thread to discuss the topic of possible new gun control legislation. I would prefer that the final Newtown Police report of the tragedy be out first but with the understanding that I reserve the right to change my opinion as evidence is released, I will tentatively press on with discussing this topic. I'm still on my Christmas break so it may be a few days between responses.
To begin with, I do agree that this horrible event in Newtown has forced a public discussion on the topic of gun control. My specific concern is that both sides are trying to proceed without knowing all the relevant information... although one side certainly benefits from trying to push their agenda by keeping the tragedy in the news and therefore causing what I refer to as "knee jerk" reactions from the public.
With regards to the specifics of the Newtown incident, we do appear to know the following:
1. There were three weapons on the shooter - a rifle (Bushmaster AR-15 type clone, apparently used to do all the killing) and two pistols (Glock and Sig, specific models unknown). There was also a shotgun in the trunk of the shooter's vehicle.
2. All of the weapons were apparently legally obtained by the shooter's mother and registered accordingly under CT state law.
3. The mother was killed in her bed by the shooter. Was the weapon used to kill her one of her own? This would imply that the shooter had easy / quick access to the weapons. He subsequently took 4 weapons and the mother's car to the school.
4. CT has its own version of a so called "Assault Weapons Ban" in place and apparently the Bushmaster did not meet the criteria to the ban.
Based on items 1-4 above, it would appear that all state and federal gun laws were followed.
QUESTION FROM LEE:
A. Did the mother keep her firearms locked up or use trigger locks? There is apparently a CT statute that requires safeguarding of firearms if a child (under 16) will be in the house. The shooter was 20 so that law was not violated.
B. The mother was apparently concerned about her son's mental state, based on recent reports. If item A from above was not in place, why did she not correct this? Was there ever talk about this?
C. Child was trained by mother to shoot. No harm in and of that but if the child was psychologically unstable, should not the mother have been more cautious?
I cannot reliably discuss / debate items A-C until the police report comes out.
Until I know if any state or federal firearms laws were violated, I do not feel comfortable (as in sure of my statements beyond any doubt) addressing calls for additional gun legislation. What failed? What worked? The big buzz words of the moment include the re-institution of some variety of the first failed assault weapons ban. I say failed because there is no conclusive proof that it really did what it was intended to do:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS...apons-ban-work/story?id=18000724#.UNtx7oWd8QV
Still I am willing to discuss theory and try to respond to questions. I certainly have my opinions and don't mind sharing them.
More later,
ltstanfo
I've started this new thread to discuss the topic of possible new gun control legislation. I would prefer that the final Newtown Police report of the tragedy be out first but with the understanding that I reserve the right to change my opinion as evidence is released, I will tentatively press on with discussing this topic. I'm still on my Christmas break so it may be a few days between responses.
To begin with, I do agree that this horrible event in Newtown has forced a public discussion on the topic of gun control. My specific concern is that both sides are trying to proceed without knowing all the relevant information... although one side certainly benefits from trying to push their agenda by keeping the tragedy in the news and therefore causing what I refer to as "knee jerk" reactions from the public.
With regards to the specifics of the Newtown incident, we do appear to know the following:
1. There were three weapons on the shooter - a rifle (Bushmaster AR-15 type clone, apparently used to do all the killing) and two pistols (Glock and Sig, specific models unknown). There was also a shotgun in the trunk of the shooter's vehicle.
2. All of the weapons were apparently legally obtained by the shooter's mother and registered accordingly under CT state law.
3. The mother was killed in her bed by the shooter. Was the weapon used to kill her one of her own? This would imply that the shooter had easy / quick access to the weapons. He subsequently took 4 weapons and the mother's car to the school.
4. CT has its own version of a so called "Assault Weapons Ban" in place and apparently the Bushmaster did not meet the criteria to the ban.
Based on items 1-4 above, it would appear that all state and federal gun laws were followed.
QUESTION FROM LEE:
A. Did the mother keep her firearms locked up or use trigger locks? There is apparently a CT statute that requires safeguarding of firearms if a child (under 16) will be in the house. The shooter was 20 so that law was not violated.
B. The mother was apparently concerned about her son's mental state, based on recent reports. If item A from above was not in place, why did she not correct this? Was there ever talk about this?
C. Child was trained by mother to shoot. No harm in and of that but if the child was psychologically unstable, should not the mother have been more cautious?
I cannot reliably discuss / debate items A-C until the police report comes out.
Until I know if any state or federal firearms laws were violated, I do not feel comfortable (as in sure of my statements beyond any doubt) addressing calls for additional gun legislation. What failed? What worked? The big buzz words of the moment include the re-institution of some variety of the first failed assault weapons ban. I say failed because there is no conclusive proof that it really did what it was intended to do:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS...apons-ban-work/story?id=18000724#.UNtx7oWd8QV
Still I am willing to discuss theory and try to respond to questions. I certainly have my opinions and don't mind sharing them.
More later,
ltstanfo