[Damocles]

Originally Posted by Peregrino

Ummm - NO, I don't. To be blunt, while it is an incredible tragedy for those directly involved and my prayers go out to those families, it's a pimple on an elephant's ass when looked at from a national perspective. It isn't a symptom of "out of control guns", it's a symptom of a disasterously inadequate mental health system.

Gun control isn't about guns, it's about control. And this tragedy is another opportunity for the Left to exploit a crisis, whipping up their base into a frenzy to advance their control agenda. [ . . . ]

Personally, I'm tired of having my rights stripped from me by statists, sheep, and assorted physical/moral cowards who want to stick their heads in the sand and ignore the real problems.

Originally Posted by Peregrino

[ . . . ]

Not to worry though, in this instance your appeal falls on deaf ears. In order for compromise to work both sides need to see a win-win. There is no win for conservatives when negotiating with the left; there is only a delaying action and I for one am sick of continually losing. One test for insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results each time. Compromising with the left meets that test. As examples, I offer the current budget impasse, and any federal firearms law you wish to examine. I’m tired of suffering the “death of a thousand cuts”. Turn the other cheek has been an abysmal failure; the time has come to return each incivility in kind, proportional to the insult.

The problem is not and never has been firearms. Firearms are tools, and like all tools can be used responsibly or otherwise. Tools only do what the mind using them directs. Failures in the mental health system, the criminal justice system, and the zero personal responsibility/soccer trophy for everyone mindset that has shaped American society today are the root causes. Until actions have consequences and people are held accountable, the amoral, self-centered, and destructive behaviors that lead to these tragedies will not stop.

As an example I invite you to look at http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/24...tern-ny-blaze/. Especially the part about his “extensive criminal record” – one that made him ineligible to possess firearms. This tragedy could have been prevented by executing the perpetrator for the murder of his grandmother years ago.

You (or anyone else of like mind) are cordially invited to offer a solution that is effective (20,000 gun laws already on the books in this country haven't stopped these incidents) and that does not compromise my rights. Implementing new laws that have already been proven ineffective and demanding in the process that I surrender a right so sheep can bask in the illusion of security isn't an acceptable option.

Personally, I think America has passed the 50% +1 that marks the turning point in every society. The ancient Chinese curse about living in interesting times has come to pass. I feel for the next generation. Indications are they will not enjoy the opportunities and freedoms we did – and it’ll largely be because Conservatives surrendered them without a whimper because they couldn’t stand being called “insensitive” by the left. So no – I’m not better than this. You can only kick a dog so many times before you get bit. Maybe leftists should give that some consideration.

If ever given the chance, I will buy any/every QP I meet a beer. However, you, Sir, I will buy two. Maybe more, cash flow permitting.

Well said on both counts.