Another mass shooting. Real close.

[spiderrey]

It seems to be becoming common place. Cowards shooting unarmed people. I just don't get it. My daughter in law works in the hospital across the street from the shooting. She is actually tending to the wounded. My sons friend was shot point blank while she was hiding behind a desk. How does someone look over a desk at an unarmed person and just pull the trigger, like nothing.

[Ramzi]

I'm so sorry... I can not possibly imagine.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims.

Ramzi

[spiderrey]

Thanx Ramzi' My sons friend is doing fine now.

[azruss]

Several years ago I found myself very close to a mass shooting (look up Kip Kinkel if interested). I was the shop manager of a small machine shop. My boss's wife was at ground zero when the shooting started. They were personal friends of the Kinkels and new Kip well. The discussion of why and what could have been done to prevent it is for another forum. It does change your perspective on life when you are so close to such tragedy.

[cormac]

I am in Oregon, and remember the Springfield shooting, the Umpqua shooting was close to home as well.

Just a little closer was the arrest in Chicago, a very scary email I received from UChicago last Sunday night saying that school for my daughter was cancelled because of a threat of violence/shooting. A very sobering thought that the quad my daughter walks thru with regularity was intended to be a killing ground for some crazy coward.

I have 2 kids in college, one in high school, one is a cancer survivor...do I have to worry that their lives might be cut short by gunfire. I have always been an empathetic person, but have I had my "head in the sand" as well.

1.4 Million (a conservative figure): Americans who died in all Wars fought since 1776.
1.4 Million: Americans who died via household Guns since 1968
as of Nov, 2015

400,000: Americans who died fighting in World War II.
400,000: Americans who died by household Firearms since 2001
as of Nov, 2015

3,400: Americans who died by Terrorism since 2001
3,400: Americans who died by household Firearms since five weeks ago
as of Nov, 2015

there are other figures that are staggering...some are not up to date, as how can you really keep track when the figures look like this

2015 up to December 2

mass shootings 353 (a mass shooting is defined by 4 persons or more shot)
deaths 462
injured 1312

the following might not be completely accurate (might not be up to date)

since Sandy Hook in 2013 there have been 161 school shootings (including suicides, injuries, deaths and non-injuries)...almost one a week

I don't want to start an argument about rights etc...but support for gun control is less now than ever before...go figure. I am having to ask myself questions about the innate nature of man, evil, selfish, or just stupid??

[TX82FIAT]

I have a few firearms and I know the intent here is not to debate rights. So I won't.

As A society we need to value life and respect differences.

Narcissism originated from Greek mythology, where the young Narcissus fell in love with his own image reflected in a pool of water. With four kids of my own I can tell you it is very easy for these kids to be narcissistic. They are good kids, they are surrounded daily by egotistical noise at school, TV, Facebook, video games. The "me first" culture we live in makes it a daily battle to reinforce teachings in the home. Many parents do not hold their kids responsible for actions. Just yesterday a friend was arguing that his son should not have been in trouble for dress code because the school had not enforced the rule on all kids at all times. This was a 45 year old man making excuses for his kid. Tell the kid to follow the rules! When individuals put themselves and their beliefs above all others in our current spoiled society the internal frustration erupts when they are finally told no or rejected in some way. Narcissistic people value what they want more than they respect others. We are seeing more violence erupt because people disagree with beliefs, views, politics. If you respect others and life these differences do not evolve into mass shooting. Now, think of a society where people overwhelmingly value their own interest above others. Not a place I want to be but a direction we are heading. Personal accountability needs to be taught from an early age so the small mistakes kids make are corrected. That way they do not become narcissist taking others lives because what they want is of such great importance.

As A society we need to value life and respect differences.

[cormac]

I am driving, but wanted to say very well said...thanks. Might say more when able to.

[georgeramos]

Well said. Thank you. I am very disheartened by these shootings and the attitude of the extremist right wing in this country. I am not pointing a finger at Trump (Cruz, maybe) but it is like the rise of the Third Reich is happening again.

[CajunMike]

Sorry to hear this spiderray. Glad to hear your loved ones were not among those killed in this senseless act. Back in July a man walked onto a local theater (less than 10 mi from my house and one that my family usually goes to) and killed two people and injured a number of others with a handgun. No motive, just for the hell if it. He had a history of domestic and mental problems but was able to legally buy a handgun WITH an approved background check. It's difficult to comment on what additional laws would have prevented this.

While we are proposing more gun control laws, and since this is a car forum, I propose that anyone that buys alcohol should also be barred from driving cars because drunk driving kills a whole lot of people annually also. And everyone knows that anyone that buys alcohol will eventually kill someone while drunk driving.

Sensible solutions to problems, not more government intervention, is what is needed here whether you lean right or left.

[narfire]

In Canada firearms are considered a privilege not a right. Kinda like a drivers licence. I think most other countries in the world are much the same.
Recently my firearm possession licence expired and I had to take a 1.5 day course to start the process to renew with an acquisition licence. Then an approved photo with a guarantors signature a reference ( who IS contacted by the RCMP), the spouses signature and a three page application. Cost is $60.00.
When I get it, I have a licence to possess and purchase non restricted firearms, basically long guns/shotguns. For handguns (restricted firearms in Canada) I'd have to take an additional 1 day course and same paperwork. To purchase a handgun here I'd have to be a member of a recognized gun club or under a very few circumstances ie. forester, free miner one may purchase a handgun. No way one can carry a hand gun unless they are police or some security. A free miner or Forester can carry when in the bush with permits. (brother has one)
Handguns,shotguns and rifles do have magazine capacity limits here as well.
military type assault rifles and full auto capable weapons are prohibited. Possession is possible for those but not sure of the hoops to jump through to have one in the house.
Yes we have mass shooting incidents as well, regardless of the hoops to go through. No shortage of drug idiots in the lower mainland ( Vancouver area) blazing away each night as well. Concern there is that it takes many hundreds/thousands of rounds to become proficient with handguns and these goofs don't have that skill. They have killed one bystander a few months ago.
As an afterthought how much is being spent in North America on homeland defence and how much being spent on keeping drunk drivers off the road and weapons out of the hands of irresponsible people.
OK enough ranting for the first day of the new year...... I do hope everyone here and their family's have a safe, healthy and fun Fiat driving year without breakdowns....
Chris