As probably the only liberal on these forums who supports gun rights, and tends to stay away from gun debate threads I’ll say this.
I understand the frustration. I saw a video of what these kids went through. Hearing the fear in their voices, I cried.
I shouldn’t have brought up different kinds of guns, or how fun they can be. Not in a thread about children losing their lives due to a mass shooting. I apologize for that, this isn’t the time.
But what can be done about mass shootings? More gun regulations? I haven’t seen reasonable regulations that would have stopped this shooting. Assault weapons bans? Wouldn’t have helped in this case, and banning a weapon on looks is just ineffective and ridiculous.
All that’s left that can be done with gun regulation is an outright ban. That’s not happening, and fundamentally disagree with a gun ban. I believe the right to self defense, is a human right. Honestly, whenever the left brings up guns, and why people shouldn’t have them. It feels like liberal, ivory tower, elitism. “You don’t need guns for self defense, that’s what police are for!” Conservatives are right, police can no be relied on for self defense. Not when danger is immediate, and help is minutes away.
As liberals we should be looking at root cause mitigation. What is the cause for gun violence, and mass shootings? Address those issues. When it comes to mass shootings, I know some disagree, like Sneaky, but I believe mental illness is the root cause here.
We need better mental illness awareness in our schools, better counseling in our schools, affordable mental health for families, and a society that doesn’t stigmatizes mental illness.
Unfortunately, since Columbine, mass shootings like this are here to stay. The would be shooters idolize the Columbine shooters, and there is nothing that can be done, outside of addressing mental health.
