As most know, we as America had another fatal, unprovoked shooting in Arizona only a few days ago. As I recall, 6 dead – including one Federal judge, 13 wounded, and one congresswoman in critical condition. What a shame.
This situation undoubtedly brings up the question of America and its gun policy. Of course, this topic has been brought to forefront many times – namely, Michael Moore’s film, “Bowling for Columbine.” But coming from a profession where I literally carry around an Assault Rifle as the foundation of my job, I feel I can provide some unexpected, unique feed back. Most gun haters I think tend to be extremely left-leaning, if not unrealistic. Thus, my following commentary.
To begin, I think the whole modern American culture surrounding guns is more than ridiculous. Yes, people have a rite to bear arms under the second amendment. This I am fully aware of. However, is that really necessary today? Notice I how inserted the word “modern” in front the “American culture” above. Yes, as westward expansion took place, life was probably somewhat Hobbesian – as in, short, nasty, and brutish. People needed to often hunt for food, as well as protect themselves from others. But, NEWSFLASH, those environmental settings no longer exist. We live in the safest era in human history. The only thing that keeps America from being extremely safe is, well, guns themselves. Understand that many things have been legal/illegal in this country that are now considered more than absurd. No one goes around stating that we should still maintain slave labor or that women shouldn’t be allowed to vote.
Now, think about most of the shootings that have occurred over the years. Many have been from some punk teenage kid(s). This latest shooting came from an deranged young man in his early twenties. If I recall correctly, the Nebraska mall shooing only a few years ago was a teenager. And surely no one can forget the atrocities of Columbine (as a prior jock and lover of my high school, few things make me as mad as watching those lunatic trench coat mafia kids killing other people, particular the popular kids). Among everything that is wrong with these situations, it seems odd that many forget to mention one of the most important aspects – that is, how in the hell did these people even have the right to attain semi-automatic weapons? Clearly, a stricter gun policy should be invoked, but is that really enough?
Surely no one can argue that guns do not do more harm than good. Murders in this country are almost always completed with gun, as are robberies and many rapes. Gun proponents always like to argue that “guns stopped (insert number) robberies last year.” Maybe so, but that only stems from the fact that guns are so readily available. Ironically, gun usage only propagates more gun usage. This is in direct contrast to their supposed purpose – security. Unlike something like drugs – which only affect the individual (which some know I am favor of complete legalization), guns sole design is to hurt other people – that is the very nature of the weapon (excluding hunting obviously which I think is ridiculous also). I am usually never in favor of massive government involvement, but when it comes to regulating something whose sole design is the injury or murder of another human, then I really don’ have a problem with bureaucratic oversight. What is wrong with making someone wait an extra six months, or even a year, to attain an assault rifle? But then again, why would someone even need an assault rifle?
In addition, the whole gun culture I think represents a powerful example of what is wrong with much of American politics – that is, lobby power. Any type of gun regulation is immensely difficult because the NRA organization yields the influence it does. The video is a little off topic in that it doesn’t flow that well with my post, but Michael Mooore, as much I don’t like him, asks some poignant questions; questions well worth answering in full. It’s a shame the leader of the NRA is so pathetic in his response.
In a further side-note, Moore would have been much more powerful, in my opinion, if he didn’t have that cheesy ending with asking Heston to look at the picture of the murdered girl.
To conclude, I mentioned earlier that the nature of my profession – a soldier – is simply the management of violence (fortunately I haven’t had to actually experience that yet). Ironically, once I leave the military, I would prefer to never have to see a gun again. Not because I don’t like guns. On the contrary, many are fascinating pieces of machinery and history. But because I know that if I am looking at one, it will likely be at the helm of law enforcement agent – meaning I fucked up royally, or at the hands of a bad person. Both of which I prefer not to happen.
The saddest thing is that, though I am not in favor of personal gun possession, I will have a weapon in my house. How could you not in this country?
Lastly, Japanese studies have shown that due to the increase in heat, Ice Showers actually make one fall asleep faster at night – even after the shocking experience. Again, I am literally falling asleep 5 minutes after my body becomes re-acclimated.
