The national debate over whether or not to increase current gun legislation seems almost silly as new gun violence erupts daily across the nation. Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords spoke slowly but forcefully as she addressed Congress yesterday: "This is an important conversation for our children, for our communities," Ms. Giffords said. "For Democrats and Republicans. Speaking is difficult, but I need to say something important. Violence is a big problem. Too many children are dying. Too many children. We must do something. It will be hard. But the time is now. You must act. Be bold. Be courageous. Americans are counting on you."
Giffords echoed the sentiments of a growing number of Americans who have grown frustrated with the increasing frequency of mass shootings around the nation. Unfortunately for everyone, however, there is no legislative tool that is going to make any difference. Guns are ingrained in the American culture and they are readily available to anyone who wants them - at any time. Even with stricter background check laws and a larger commitment to keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally disturbed, there is still no way to prevent mass shootings from occurring.
And while many find his suggestions repugnant, NRA chief Wayne La Pierre's assertion that armed security is the most effective way to protect schoolchildren is simply accurate. There is no way to "fix" America's gun problem through new laws or tougher enforcement of existing laws. There are simply too many guns already on the street and too many ways for people to access them. The only viable option is for professional security personnel to be armed and visible in sensitive locations like schools. Many states already seem to be headed in that direction, which is a positive development for everyone. The work of getting Americans to move away from their fascination with guns will probably take generations - and there simply isn't time for that approach at the moment.
Giffords echoed the sentiments of a growing number of Americans who have grown frustrated with the increasing frequency of mass shootings around the nation. Unfortunately for everyone, however, there is no legislative tool that is going to make any difference. Guns are ingrained in the American culture and they are readily available to anyone who wants them - at any time. Even with stricter background check laws and a larger commitment to keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally disturbed, there is still no way to prevent mass shootings from occurring.
And while many find his suggestions repugnant, NRA chief Wayne La Pierre's assertion that armed security is the most effective way to protect schoolchildren is simply accurate. There is no way to "fix" America's gun problem through new laws or tougher enforcement of existing laws. There are simply too many guns already on the street and too many ways for people to access them. The only viable option is for professional security personnel to be armed and visible in sensitive locations like schools. Many states already seem to be headed in that direction, which is a positive development for everyone. The work of getting Americans to move away from their fascination with guns will probably take generations - and there simply isn't time for that approach at the moment.