The Horrible School Shooting in Florida

Few if any of us and not saddened by the death of 17 students and the resulting the pain of other students, families, and friends. Emotions run high as they should.

There are many things that need to be addressed with dispatch and resolve.

As best as I am able, I like to share some insights. I don't expect agreement from all of you.  I do hope that there are issues worthy of consideration.

Mass Violence in Schools and Society!

Yes, we must all need to rationally deal with the issue if mass violence! There are no reasonable excuses to not consider all possible cures for violence. As easy as it is to place blame, it cannot be placed on any one institution or person. Answers are complex and never simple. Every law restricts rights!! Every law cuts two ways. Every piece of legislation steps on someone’s toes.

The causes of mass violence are many. Maybe you can add more issues.

Ignorance, Despondence, Feeling of Hopelessness, Mental Disorders, Friendlessness. Lack of reasonable homelife, Lack of affirmation and worth, Feeling of superiority, Disenchanted. Being bullied or feeling Disenfranchised.

One teacher hands out questionnaires questioning who kids would pall around with and similar questions. She keeps the answers confidential. She reviews the answers to see who is never or seldom mentioned. You can see how many might fit the some of the conditions above.

If school counselors and teachers could seek more insight into potential problems then many issues could be addressed. Obviously, that might avoid mass shootings as well.

Reinforcing existing laws and creating new ones around gun legistaion and safety are open for discussion.

Education of the public imperative. Dispelling fact from emotions is critical.

Methods of Mass Violence

Certainly, Guns in the hand's of deranged people are incredibly destructive. If guns are not available, people intent on destruction can use explosives, fire, stabbing, airplanes, cars, chemicals to kill people in mass. Of course, many of these involve far more preparation. You can an add to the list! Look at 9-11

Indeed Kids Should be Protected!

In addition, we need to deal with the underlying issue of those inclined to violence. That is “the” core issue. If the is no desire to kill guns are a non-issue. If perpetrators are bent on killing better ways of identifying them and dealing with the issue beforehand is critical. We are woefully short of sensing the potential for this. Many of the kids prone to these issues may have been sharing some of the bitterness for years. Help may well have changed them for good. We owe it to them too.

Facts

Most people think the AR 15 is different from other regular weapons!

Wrong! The AR15 is just another rifle. All guns are for killing. An AR15  is no more powerful nor shoots any faster than any high-powered rifle intended to kill animals such as deer, bison or other wild game animals. All weapons are in reality semi-automatic. They shoot one round each time the trigger is pulled. No one wants to reload each time a round is fired. Thus the need for clips or revolvers such that carry additional ammunition.

Guns are not a new thing. They have been around for hundreds of years. They also save lives not only by law enforcement but by law-abiding citizens.

Somehow in the midst of frustration and hurt, we cloud issues. Somehow we falsely think taking guns away solves the problem. Taking guns away from law-abiding citizens will not likely deter many who are set on violence. Guns are in America by the many millions. Gun traders from all over the earth can and will sell guns to criminals.

Should we have tighter laws? Yes, Of course. Will that help? Only in degree and probably less than we can imagine. Any help is positive! That said, We live in a very divided world. In our own country, “each” political party has proponents that accuse the other of hate and more.

Despite all our efforts, kids are bullied and torn apart that do not fit the mold nor popular. Morals have declined to the lowest levels. Honesty has become irrelevant to power and economic gain. Getting higher grades on in school has caused many children to embrace cheating. The acts of achievement have often taken the place of morality. Having a desire for others power often corrupts our own desires.

The gun lobby protects the welfare of the constituency and rightfully so. However, they too may have to make allowances to deal what best for our nation.

In any event, there is much to do beyond guns! Let’s look at all issues not simply put the blame on one. There a plenty of issues that cause this kind of behavior. We need to have proper gun laws but they are only one of many major issues we need to address.

Feelings

Pain is real! Placing blame is the first reaction. Time for healing is necessary! Simple answers seldom work. 

I'm not here to support gun laws but to get beyond emotions and to look deeply at the entire issue!