Thoughts On Guns

I was sent a video recently of a story on ABC News regarding gun control in the United States filmed after the Virginia Tech shooting. I felt I should give you my stance on this as best I can.

First off, let me say this is NOT how we should go about solving the problem...

For me, I'm on the fence. On one hand, I'm all for our rights as Americans. On the other hand I believe something must to be done in order to combat mass shootings. 

I guess you can say my main problem is not with hand guns as the video from ABC News addressed but semi-automatic and fully-automatic rifles. Why do average citizens need the kind of guns you see freely propagating around war zones? It's ridiculous.

Now, another part of the whole debate I take issue with is the involvement of the media. I don't know about anyone else but I've seen multiple TV shows and movies that were violent and have played some pretty violent video games as well. You don't see me going out and shooting up a school now do you? I know I'm just one person but I think the mainstream media is being used as a scapegoat to try and explain these shootings when it isn't totally to blame here.

I believe parents, families and friends need to share in the blame as well. 

The suspects in all of the mass shootings as of late have been young men. What does that mean? I believe it means that parents need to do a better job of parenting. I don't mean to constantly dog your children to the point they hate your guts but I would say be smart in what you let your children watch, play, etc. Most importantly, be there for them. It does no good whatsoever if you're not there to give your child the support he/she needs.

Another thing that boggles my mind is why don't people say something when they see a family member or friend acting strange or going through a rough time? It's ridiculous how we hear the family saying it wishes it would've told someone that the person had some problems after the fact. 

We need to take personal responsibility to be there for our children, family and friends to help them if needed. Crazy as it sounds, just taking some time to talk to the person may help tremendously.

Like I said, I'm on the fence about this issue and I believe no one truly has the answer.