Gun Control?

First of all, I want to state that I am not, and never have been a fan of politics.  That being said, I think that our differing political parties both have good points when it comes to gun control in this country.  On one hand we want to uphold our 2^nd amendment right to “bear arms”.  I think most people would agree that this right was given to us during a time in history when it was very important for men to be able to provide security and well-being for themselves and their families.  While some of this transfers to our current lifestyles, guns simply don’t play the same role in today’s world that they once did.  This brings us to the other side of the argument.  Better control of where guns and ammunition are sold will limit who can own them, and protect innocent people from tragic events that cost lives.  While I understand both sides of the argument, I tend to lean towards the right for legal, law abiding, responsible citizens to purchase and own these guns.  We are at a point in time where we will never be free of crime, hate, or murder.  I have no issue with the attempt to make our cities and towns safer, but I don’t think that new laws that restrict the “good people” will have much, if any effect on the people determined to cause harm and chaos.  Not everyone will agree with me, but that’s fine, we’ll move on to the real problem.

                While gun control is always on the long list of political agenda, it doesn’t really come to the fore-front until an awful event happens such as the recent “movie massacre” in Colorado.   Why is it that the answer to this problem is always “we need better gun control”?  Do we really think that adding more paperwork to the process is going to solve anything?  What about the price?  If these disturbed people want to cause the tragedy, they will find a way to do it.  Guns aren’t the only things that kill.  Why aren’t we focusing on the root of the problem?  What gets into the heads of these people that would make them want to kill another human being?  Hmm… Could it be the countless movies and TV shows that we are watching?  We are all guilty of enjoying the action and suspense involved in getting the bad guy.  We sit on the edge of our seats as we see people getting killed one after another so that the hero comes out on top.  Or maybe it’s the hundreds of video games out now that focus on killing our enemies.   We’ve literally made a game out of death and destruction.  With all of this mind pollution available to our younger generation, how many of them are becoming incapable of realizing the difference between reality and virtuality?  How many of these people are losing the respect for human life?  How many of them have never been taught that respect at all? 

                So where does this leave us?  What can be done?  Well, maybe we should tighten the rope on the entertainment industry.  Or maybe we should just be more aware of what we’re watching, or more importantly, what our children are watching.   There was a time when some of these movies and games were unimaginable, a time when they were clean and wholesome, but still entertaining.  What has happened?  I think it’s taking more and more for us to be entertained.  We need more action, more edginess.  After all, this is America, we should get what we want, right?  “Don’t take away my right to be entertained!”  We can’t have it both ways, people.  If we’re feeding our minds with the violence, there’s bound to be violence coming out somewhere.  Controlling the guns is NOT the only answer.