LRR, As Queen Victoria would say; "We are not amused!"
I know accidents happen but, any accident has the element of human, or equipment, error. It may be, inadvertent, that an adult is remiss in placing a gun in a safe place, or inoperable condition, but it is still a lapse in a very important responsibility. In such a case, the death of the child is a punishment far greater than any court of law could conceive.
Keeping the "unfit" from owning guns, is the hardest nut of all to crack. It's easy to prevent a convicted felon ex-con from getting a permit but, what such person is going to go through legal channels to get the gun in the first place?? I don't see how any one can determine if a "regular" looking person, with no record is going to blow his top and go on a killing spree. Not all people whose appearance does not fit "society's" mold, are bad eggs. One thing that I would fight, with whatever means I have, is the concept of having guns ONLY in police and military hands. That is the beginning of a police state and, under the wrong leader, becomes a dictatorship.
I agree that education, and more education, is the key. The "powers that be" must become convinced that guns, no more than any machine, is not, by existence, evil or dangerous. Gun handling and safety is not a hard thing to accomplish if the stigma is removed. Well educated gun owners, and handlers, will be a great step in reducing, if not eliminating the accidental deaths but, IMO only strict, and severe, punishment for any crime in which a gun is used, can be any sort of deterrent. And, that won't help a lot unless the punishment is strong enough to create fear of repetition in the heart, and mind, of the perpetrator. That may sound harsh but, I care about the victims, and have no pity for the criminals. Leniency begats repetition. ~H~ |
