The Cullman Times
CULLMAN —
While the families of the Colorado shooting victims are attempting to come to grips with the horror of a troubled young man’s rampage, many pundits are stirring up debate over gun control laws.
Sitting in a Colorado courtroom with orange hair, the accused shooter, James Holmes, appeared as some kind of demented jester. Family members of many victims expressed outrage at this appearance and his demeanor.
Considering the odd appearance of Holmes and the fact that he had legally purchased a variety of firearms and ammunition to equip a small army, the debate over gun control laws cannot effectively focus on just one point, such as “guns are bad.”
Most reasonable people agree that guns are bad in the wrong hands. Drug dealers, street thugs and people with questionable abilities to weigh right and wrong are individuals that a typical citizen would like to ban from owning guns and ammunition. But that’s just wishing in the United States.
The full profile of Holmes is still being compiled. Word is spreading that he was highly intelligent, but a loner. Does that make every loner a ticking time bomb? Is high intelligence a fuse? Do guns kill people? How do you find a balance between responsible gun ownership and the no-conscience killer?
Americans, as a whole, love guns. The right to bear arms is taken seriously in the United States. Most citizens object strongly to government limiting gun ownership.
Even so, the emergence of assault rifles and handguns on the consumer market that hold dozens of rounds of ammunition is traveling a road too far. Do you really need 15 or 30 rounds in the clip to kill a deer? Do we need to provide such easy access to military-styled weapons for hunting or home protection?
The American Revolution is over. The only militia stirring in this country is probably a bunch of extremists who believe the brave moments at Lexington and Concord will be repeated in their lifetime.
Gun control? The right to own weapons is fine. The ability to gather a personalized military arsenal is not necessary and, if anything, should raise the suspicion of anyone who respects life in this country.
