Heavy Thoughts... Gun Control, Safety...

I think majority of people in our society have limited experiences with guns and generally, fear guns. Our experiences with guns is through news and media, which is more than often about violence and death. I know I fear guns even though a gun by itself is simply an instrument. It is an instrument to kill and to harm, as well as an instrument to protect. I prefer not to have a gun around even knowing that it can be a means to protect, for fear of accidental shootings that we also hear in the news. It is something I prefer not to have to think about or worry about and definitely, I do not want the responsibility that comes with a gun. However, the news we hear far too often nowadays, compels me to have at least, an evaluative thought process on the best chance of survival.

I remember my first visit to a shooting range with some friends that are in the military. It was scary to hear a gun being fired at such close proximity. It was nerve wrecking to hold the cold, heavy metal in my hand and to touch and feel a bullet. At the same time, I was extra cautious to make sure that it never pointed in the direction of a person. I am glad that, while limited, I learned the basics of using a gun. Truth be told, I would have no problem using a gun to protect my family. Still... I do not like the idea of guns being around. It would be nice if guns could be eradicated from this earth and people had to fight with bare fists. That will not happen, so I need to re-evaluate safety knowing that guns 1) can and will fall into the wrong hands and 2) there are upstanding citizens, other than police, that would take arms to protect society if necessary.

I listen to NPR and co-workers and various debates lately since the tragedy of Sandy Hook unfolded. It chokes me up when I think of those kids and I wish that they had a fighting chance. Crazies do not make sense and there is no absolute safeguard against crazies. Ideally this is what I would like to see happen:

1) Semi-automatic weapons should be banned.
2) Policies in place that monitor and track gun, ammunition purchases with smart data evaluation that can trigger red flags.
3) Stricter gun purchase evaluation process that includes psychiatric assessments and interview with people in person's surrounding environments
2) Emergency disaster PROACTIVE plans should be in place
3) Qualified protectors in schools, workplaces, etc. that undergo training and have access to secured guns
4) Re-evaluation and restrictions on violence in video games, movies, and media
5) Overhaul on mental healthcare

Guns will fall into the wrong hands, but policies need to be put into place to make it so that it is harder to fall into the wrong hands and harder for crazies to carry out mass destruction. First level of protection is for prevention. Reduce the number of people with mental issues. Second level of protection, make it harder to obtain weapons by stricter policies and bans of semi-automatic guns. Assuming first and second level of protection fails, the third level is to make it easier for us to defend and to protect. Give a fighting chance for our protectors to protect the innocent. Secure firearms that can be accessed by trained and well-evaluated individuals (such as principals, teachers that want to be trained..). Create safety task forces of volunteers in all environments, just like the emergency responders are society volunteers. While the police are our protectors, there just aren't enough of them and by the time they arrive, it is already too late. Good does prevail over evil.. we see that, so let the everyday heroes come out and give them the means to fight. I so wished the teachers had more resources to protect the kids.. even a baseball bat. And last means of protection, teach to be proactive and to fight. Chances are slim at that point, but hiding is only as good as being a sitting duck. At least with fighting, maybe there can be a chance that enough chaos and confusion occurs that some will have a chance to survive and escape.

In summary, while I don't like guns at all.. while I am scared of guns... while I do not think I could be heroic enough to grab a gun for safety means, if it boiled down to it I would want to have access to one if the unimaginable happens. I think we all would if put in that situation.

(Note: I do not like the NRA and I don't like their recommended solution. I think it is short-sighted.)

Feel free to object or comment to this.. I am, probably like most citizens, trying to find answers for a safer environment.