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April madness
Ten years after Columbine, and two after Virginia Tech, the gun debate goes on
Date published: 4/20/2009
TEN YEARS AGO, the world watched in horror as a tragic scene unfolded at Columbine High School near Littleton, Colo. Two young shooters, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, roamed the hallways, dealing death to 12 students and a teacher. Few of us watching then could have believed the tragedy would find an echo at our own Virginia Tech eight years later. In April, the air is turning sweet and warm and the blooms are arriving. Spring is supposed to be a time of renewal, of Earth's bold reawakening and life's triumph over cold, dark winter. But all too often, the Grim Reaper stalks the season: April 19, 1993, Waco, Texas, the burning of the Branch Davidian compound; April 19, 1995, the Oklahoma City bombing; April 20, 1999, Columbine; April 16, 2007, the Virginia Tech massacre. And this spring, in the space of just a few weeks, random mass shootings across the United States have claimed 57 people. From what simmering pool does such violent come? A New York Times editorial links Columbine with the recent shootings at a Binghamton, N.Y. immigrant center and says they are "yet another reminder of America's terrible gun problem." The Times calls on lawmakers to "insist on common-sense gun laws." Yet common sense does not automatically indicate more restrictions on firearms. It is certainly easy to point to the gun used in a crime, far more difficult to probe the mind and the heart behind the weapon. Deconstructing the psychology of a killer, the twisted motivations and violent ideation, and then prescribing cures and preventatives (and defenses for society) requires more wisdom than ordinary mortals are allotted. In the 10 years since Columbine, experts and pundits have tried to assess its causes. They've pointed to the "availability of guns," as well as bullying, an obsession with violent video games and music, the Goth subculture, poor parenting, a desire for attention, depression, and even prescribed antidepressants.
Date published: 4/20/2009
Savedbythe bell
(posted by
AtackDuck
, Apr. 21, 2009 7:43 pm)
Not one of your statistics is correct or anywhere near real. Your ignorance is incredible.
Guns
(posted by
raymaelynn57
, Apr. 21, 2009 3:58 pm)
There are facts back and forth. However, 60,000,000 Americans shoot guns. 60 million. The gubment can't and are not taking them away. THREE THOUSAND CHILDREND ARE ACCIDENTLY killed each year by guns. A homeowner is 43 times more like to kill a relative or a neighbor (accidently) that to ever defend himself/herself against a burglar with a gun. If that is what you like, that is what you like
patrick
(posted by
GBrody
, Apr. 21, 2009 10:13 am)
don't let the door hit you on the way out.
Yep
(posted by
patrick4hp
, Apr. 21, 2009 10:07 am)
The gun lubbers get to pick and choose their arguments as long as no one takes their play things away from them. It is stupid, and Obama isn't doing anyone any favors by keeping these one issue voters at bay. But, I would rather live in Europe where you don't have to worry about gun violence. I would not like to live next to some of you, chances of being "accidently" shot are too high.
All guns should be illegal
(posted by
GBrody
, Apr. 21, 2009 6:57 am)
then no one would ever have them and there would be no violence. Drugs are illegal and no one uses them...and prohibition worked like a charm!
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