Tragedy in Aurora Again Raises Questions of Gun Control
Do you believe stricter gun control regulations could have prevented the tragic shooting at the screening of 'The Dark Knight Rises' in Aurora, Colo. on Thursday.
With the nation still stunned over the tragic shooting of a reported 71 people, resulting in 12 deaths, at a showing of "The Dark Knight Rises," gun control again features prominently in the debate.
According to a story in The New York Times, the alleged shooter, James Holmes, 24, was able to order almost 6,000 rounds of ammunition over the Internet, which it claims has a virtual gap in oversight. He also reportedly had amassed an arsenal of weapons. There are those who believe stronger gun control regulations could have prevented him getting his hands on these weapons. The Wall Street Journal reported that New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg immediately called for tighter gun control regulations.
Conversely, there is the argument from supporters of the 2nd Amendment that it was laws against guns in the theater that gave him free reign to shoot without fear of counter attack. This was featured on the Sunday talk shows on FoxNews as many struggled to deal with the tragedy.
But is the bigger debate what needs to be done about mental health issues and what can be done about identifying mental health problems before it's too late?
What do you believe is the primary debate that should be prompted by the Aurora shooting - gun control and the 2nd Amendment or mental health issues facing many in the country?
Bruce Howard
5:00 pm on Wednesday, July 25, 2012
It is interesting that every time an incident like this happens, we are quick to attack a Constitutionally protected right but remain quiet regarding an even greater killer.
More people die from traffic accidents each year than by gun violence. Where's the righteous indignation? Where is the call for greater regulations? Where is the clamor to limit the ability of citizens to legally own vehicles?
Just within the past few days, 13 people (one more than the number of fatalities in Colorado) died in an over loaded pick up truck in east Texas. How do we respond? With a yawn. And automobile accidents kill and maim EVERY DAY.
Stop the hypocrisy!
William Compton
3:00 pm on Friday, July 27, 2012
They use it as an excuse Bruce, I agree with you. As far as the question, if anything mental health issues should be addressed for those that do have a condition and harsh justice for those that try to use it as an excuse.