Thursday, November 12, 2009

Opinion

NRA to Blame? Should Gun Control Advocates Use Shootings to Further the Cause?

Posted April 7, 2009

Commenting on the recent slew of tragic shootings, principally the cop killings in Pittsburgh, Bonnie Erbe writes: "If you listen to the NRA, guns don't kill people, people kill people. Could Poplawski have killed these Pittsburgh police without all his sophisticated weaponry? Heck no!" Is it right to use tragedies like the Pittsburgh shooting to argue for gun control? Post your thoughts.

Previously: Who Do You Trust More?

  • Print  |
  • Subscribe  |
  • |
  • |
  • Sphere: Related Content

Reader Comments

Gun Owners: How many will turn their guns on their fellow humans?

We are a nation of gun owners. Millions of guns in the hands of both legal and illegal gun owners might not be so bad if all gun owners were persons of high morals. Sadly, this is not the case. During the End Times so vividly described in the Bible, gun owners, in their fury, frustration, and helplessness will turn upon each other. American will become a battle ground with the strong against the weak. Gun owners will savagely kill anyone who dares to stand in their way as they search for food, water, and anything else that will help them say alive.

This planet will once again demonstrate the truth of the divine law: The wages of sin is death.

Binghampton shootings

The reporst from Binghampton seem to sensationalize the tragety with some untruth. The statements from authorities says 98 shots were fired in "a little over a minute".This would mean the gunman reloaded his pistols probably four times each (with 15 rounds per clip). One would usually use two hands for this task which would require setting down one gun, ejecting an empty clip,pushing in a loaded clip,releasing the slide to load and begin fireing.If this could be done in 5 seconds at four clips per pistol, makes 8 X 5 sec =40 seconds. This leaves "a little over" 20 seconds to fire 49 shots from each pistol and make it possible in "just a little over a minute".No production pistol I know of on the market can fire 49shots in 20 seconds. Never mind the task of aiming enough to kill 13 people and be under the stress the gunman was under in doing this horrible act.This reporting makes good honest,lawful gun owners and sportsman look bad. The poor reports of information like this comes from people not being educated in gun use and their capabilities.I don't think any malace by the authorities is intended but misrepresentation of facts can lead people to believe and fear guns instead of resprcting them and using them safely and properly.More people need to be educated and taught to shoot so they realize the privilage we hold thanks to our second ammendment. I suggest they enroll in hunters safty courses or join the N.R.A.. Visit a local gun club and show an interest in shooting. The people at any local gun club will be happy to talk to you and lead you to the proper way to learn to shoot and respect firearms.Gun Control in New York is one of the toughest states in the country,yet disturbed people still do these terible things.More laws are not the answer, more education is the way to safe and proper use of a priviledge we've inherited from our past leaders. If you don't know anything about guns, don't just fear them,learn about them.You may be surprised at your interest in guns if you try shooting the proper way.You will realize what what the whole gun control situation is and you can make a proper decision on your own.

Your heading betrays your bias

"...further THE cause", oh please why not just aqdmit that the editorial position of the magazine is pro-gun-control and dispense with the illusion that this topic is discussed in an even-handed manner.

Add your thoughts

Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

advertisement

Crossword Puzzle

Do You Like Crosswords?

We've added a new feature to our weekly digital magazine: an exclusive crossword puzzle!

advertisement

Cartoon Gallery

Editorial Cartoon

Political Cartoons

Check out our most recent cartoons.

Robert Schlesinger

Robert Schlesinger

Beware the Urge to Purge

Punishing apostasy is fun--right up until the other side takes over.

Harold Evans

Harold Evans

The Double Standards Facing Israel

What would Israel's critics have the country do?

Healthcare Cartoon Gallery

Editorial Cartoon, Healthcare

We've assembled some of the best editorial cartoons on the healthcare debate. Check them out.

Thomas Jefferson St.

Obama Should Watch His Spending

Gridlock may be an issue, but spending is where the Democrats are in real trouble.

More Republican Wins Predicted for 2010

More independents are showing preference for the generic Republican candidate.

Islam's Leaders Need to Speak Out

If Islam is a religion of peace, why don't more clerics publicly condemn violence?

Alan Simpson on Guns and Jail for Kids

A bit of context for the Supreme Court hearings.

Congressional Term Limits

The introduced amendment would limit the amount of permanent politicians.

Google's Christmas Gift

Try it for free ... right up until you can’t give it up.

Recess Politics and Healthcare

Pelosi needed her votes before Veterans' Day break.

No More in Afghanistan

Don't stress the Army any more.

Your Photos

President Barack Obama speaks about combat troop level reductions in Iraq as he addresses military personnel at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Obama in Your Town

Has the president visited your town? Send your photos to obamaphotos@usnews.com, and we'll post our favorites online.

Courtesy Greg Meinert

Thousands cheer as Obama becomes the 44th president.

Your Inauguration Photos

Thanks for sending us such great shots from this historic event.


A baby kissing an Obama poster for Washington Whispers.

Your Campaign Photos

We asked to see your personal election pictures and you delivered.

Public Opinion

Who Is Right About Afghanistan?

Should Obama heed the advice of U.S. Ambassador Eikenberry or General McChrystal?

advertisement

Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.
Make USNews.com your home page.