Gun Control and Video Games

I've heard a lot of people criticizing the video game industry and the entertainment industry for romanticizing violence.  My generation was the first to be inundated by violent video games, movies and media, however we weren't the first generation to commit heinous acts of violence, as a matter of fact, according to all the information I have read, this is the SAFEST time in American history.  Now, don't get me wrong, I do believe that the violence we see portrayed in entertainment,  media and video games desensitizes Americans, it isn't the cause of violence but rather a product of violence.  I'm sure if parents didn't let their children sit and play Call of Duty day in and day out, it would probably be for the better but I highly doubt it would prevent any crime. 

Unfortunately, we have a bunch of pretty messed up people in America - and I don't know why. The divorce rate is high, drug use is rampant, everyone seems to be walking around with a sense of entitlement, and all these crazy people just keep on breeding.  Maybe, if parents quit spending so much time keeping up with the Jones' and a little more time teaching their children about morality, we might start to see some progress.  Maybe, if parents instilled family values in their children, they would learn to respect one another and we might see some progress.    I don't want to end up on a rant here but Americans need to take a good, hard look in the mirror, it won't be a gun staring back - just you.  Do you have substance abuse issues?  A gambling problem?  Road rage?  Domestic violence?  Anger?  Even if you do, or any one of the other myriad problems that are out there, you probably won't admit it - not even to yourself.  And your kids will grow up believing that it is okay to do drugs, or harm others, or disrespect people, or hate, or whatever else it is - bad begets bad - and on goes the cycle. 

There are ways to combat the problem of violent crime in America - but banning guns is not one of them.

Gun Control and Sandy Hook

First off, I am just as sad as anyone that 26 people were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut last Friday. It breaks my heart even more that 20 of them were the most helpless among us - children.

With that being said, Americans need to understand that politicians have, can and will use tragedies such as this to utilize people's emotions to pass irrational and unconstitutional legislation. We as a country, need to remember that our government is not a separate entity from the people, it is OF and FOR the people.

Now, as far as guns are concerned, I can assure you that legislation WILL NOT prevent mass killings anymore than it has stopped people from using illegal drugs. Herein lies the problem, we as Americans look to our government to fix all of the problems of society when more often than not, WE the people (who are essentially the government), are the problem. After every one of these shootings, I read about people who knew the shooter and "aren't surprised" by his actions. Every one of these people has had a history of socials and mental health issues. Unfortunately, until we as a society, can recognize AND act appropriately to prevent these individuals from having the means or opportunities to commit these violent acts - they will continue to happen. Banning certain types of weapons is not only ineffective but illogical and ignorant.

The "firearm" was invented in 1364 and there is no going back. We cannot un-invent it, as long as there is a single firearm on earth there will remain the need for many.  Banning guns will not stop violent crime any more than banning hammers would stop houses from being built. As long as there remains a desire to harm people there will remain a means to do so. Laws DO NOT prevent people from committing crimes - values and morals do.  I don't not kill people because it is illegal, I don't kill people because it is wrong and I have been taught to have respect for human life.  I don't not steal because it is illegal, I don't steal because it is wrong and I was taught to respect other people's belongings.  Ask yourself why you don't commit crimes.  If your answer is "Just because it is illegal." please seek help, you ARE part of the problem.

Our 2nd amendment right to bear arms is very important and has nothing to do with hunting or protecting yourself from a burglar, Americans have the right to keep and bear arms to protect ourselves from an unjust and tyrannical government.  Why do we need high capacity magazines and assault rifles?  Simply because they exist, if we could somehow un-invent the assault rifle, we would no longer need them but as long as there is one, so remains the need for many.  Now, for those of you who say "Well, the government has nukes and so why do you think you have a chance against them?" Simply put, I doubt that there is a member of our armed forces  who would execute, not to mention ALLOW, weapons of mass destruction to be deployed against the citizens of America, after all, the armed forces ARE citizens of America. Get real.