Why does the U.S. continue to have mass shootings while the rest of the industrialized world does not? Because the gun manufacturers are more concerned with making a profit. They like money more than they care about people dying.
The world is (figuratively) on fire, and there's so many things I can be ranting about today, but the guns are what's on my mind. Why? I couldn't tell you specifically.
I guess I was thinking about greed. The gun manufacturers created the NRA. They use it to lobby politicians. The politicians like the money flowing from the NRA, so when another mass shooting makes the news, they offer "thoughts and prayers", but then do nothing about restricting the guns.
Make no mistake, the Second Amendment stuff, the "guns don't kill people...", the discussion of "rights" and "protection", the drumming up fear of someone attacking you, all of this is just a way for the gun manufacturers to keep making money. Because really, it would be very simple to restrict the guns. Restrictions are popular. People wouldn't mind registering their weapons or getting a license or being trained, etc. But this would cost the gun manufacturers money.
So, they muddy the waters. They give all sorts of excuses as to why "you" won't want these restrictions. Really, they don't.
And so, they pay off politicians so they won't enact legislation. And we the people are stuck with unfettered access to guns, guns that fall into the hands of people who have no business with guns. People who are going to use them for nefarious purposes. People who choose violence against whoever they happen to want to lash out against.
What's the saying? Love of money is the root of all evil. I think it goes something like that.
What would it take for those in power to finally limit access to guns? I don't know. Because, if anyone knew, they would have done this decades ago.
Money money money is right. Money rules, I don't think it's ever been more true than right now.
ReplyDeleteEven the sainted Justice Scalia knew there were limitations …the current crop doesn’t seem to understand that.
ReplyDeleteThe current people in power aren’t going to put restrictions on guns. Or will they? If we lose everyday freedoms we take for granted, like speech or free exercise of religion, they may well become afraid of a well armed populace . How ironic might that be?
ReplyDeleteEven if gun laws were stricter, there would still be illegal guns on the streets for people to buy who have bad intentions. Right now at least in my state you have to pass a background check to buy a gun and you do have to register it.
ReplyDeleteIt's also the type of guns allowed. The average gun owner has no need for some of the ones used in mass shootings. I know the laws in CA are stricter than here, my late husband owned guns (which even I couldn't access, they were in a gun safe with a combination lock) for target shooting, and for a time for work (ATM repair people are armed, so don't sneak up on them!). He didn't mind the background check and waiting a few days. No one should. Unless they are like Homer Simpson, "Five Days? But I'm mad now! I'd kill you if I had my gun."
ReplyDeleteI know and it is depressing and shocking how "normal" it has become.
ReplyDeleteAllie of
www.allieny.com
Yes, Liz, sadly gun violence is all too common. It's unfortunte that inspite of tragedies playing out over and over again, no solution is pursued.
ReplyDeleteI am sure there was a context when the 2nd Amendment was brought in. It's high time it's relooked.
Talking of money, yes, not just in this context in the US, but everywhere, including here in India, it's greed for money that's wreaking havoc.
(My latest post: A coffee spill that nearly ruined an interview)