Sandy Hook, there oughta be a law!

As many bloggers around the country have done I am going to dedicate a post to the terrible tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.Get ready for a long read but PLEASE I beg you if you have ever read a single post of mine read this one! I wanted to do this sooner but I felt that my disgust, sadness and anger, as well as the medias race to report "facts" might lead to me making comments based on information that was incorrect if done too soon. Yes, it is possible that information may be forth coming that will change certain views and elements of this blog post and if something major is revealed I will address it it a future blog post. I am glad that I did not do what so many others have done and jump on a "there oughta be a law" parade.

I am going to start by offering prayers and thoughts to all of those affected by this senseless tragedy. I have said it here and in other places if there is one thing I could change about this world it would be that no parent would ever lose a child in ANY circumstance. As painful as this is for the parents that lost children in Connecticut I am sure it is very painful to be 80 years old and lose a child of 50.I also am going to point out that in incidents of child death with 1 victim the parents of that child grieve NO less than the multiple parents grieving in Connecticut tonight, including those that lost adult children in this tragedy. As excruciating as it was to lose my father before his time, I am thankful that he never had to face my death or the passing of any of my sisters. I just cannot compute that situation in my mind, a parent losing a child.As I go through this and give my thoughts remember that in the beginning I promised you that sometimes what I have to say might be a bit harsh but it will be real.

As expected the general public and those in leadership positions want 3 things after such a terrible incident. Also, as expected in an emotional frenzy ideas and realities are disjointed. They want to know how such a thing could happen, why did such a thing happen, and what can we do to prevent such a terrible thing from ever happening again. I will whole heartily agree that this discussion should happen, what I do not agree with is that gun laws in the United States of America is the place to start this discussion. This is going to get pretty long winded but I ask you to hear me out. 

I think we can all agree that a knee jerk reaction in any situation is rarely the best and prudent solution. When ever these things happen we immediately jump to the idea that "there oughta be a LAW", thinking that somehow if we just had some type of legislation all heartache, evil, senselessness and stupidity in this world would suddenly disappear. So let's review. Connecticut has some of the most stringent gun laws in the country. Here is a quote from the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence http://www.bradycampaign.org/stategunlaws/scorecard/CT/ ;            "Connecticut has strong gun laws that help combat the illegal gun market, prevent the sale of most guns without background checks and reduce risks to children, according to the Brady Campaign. In the organization’s 2009 state scorecards released for all 50 states, Connecticut earned 58 points out of a total of 100 and has the nation’s fourth strongest gun laws. “Connecticut has done more than most states to combat illegal guns and has worked to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people.  In fact, Connecticut has a one-of-a-kind law that allows a judge to remove guns from people who have been determined to be a threat to themselves or others,” said Ron Pinciaro, President of CT Against Gun Violence.

How is THAT working out? 4th STRONGEST gun laws in the USA and yet 20 children and 6 adults including the alleged perpetrators mother are now gone , yeah effective laws working there.It should also be noted that Adam Lanza broke no fewer than 6 laws before he even entered the school including MURDER.  So how do we work to prevent these terrible tragedies from the likes of such f*cktards as Adam Lanza? Oh you don't like my characterization of Adam as a "f*cktard"?. Fine, let's instead call him a loser, a freak, an evil no good weakling.  Well let's start there in how we combat these incidents in the future. Stay with me folks, my straight forward commentary may not be easy to digest, but honesty and reality should be the focus.

We have become hyper-sensitive in this world, words like retard, faggot, nerd, and ethnic slurs like cracker, nigger, spic etc. while very offensive to many have somehow become justification for violent responses.Lately on social media my 2 favorite terms describing posters have been "wolf humpers" and "leaf lickers". If tomorrow one of those I have directed this term towards goes on a murderous rampage am I at fault? Come on people! I guess I missed out on my own violent responses when my views or simply my occupation or picture has spawned the term of hick,hillbilly,murderer, redneck, goat f*cke r, earth rapist etc. Have we really become this thin skinned, are we really this emotionally weak? Does someone have to die because they slighted us or made us feel inferior? *shaking my head*  As a society we have focused so much on "inclusion" and potential "bullying" that we have lost "tolerance" and "maturity". If we outlaw any derogatory term would we never have to face these incidents? How about every "leaf licker" as well as every "hillbilly" get a damn grip and have some maturity and personal responsibility for actions.

So let's look into that point, maturity. On this issue, as well as the whole issue of human violence, I certainly do not have all the answers but it is a problem. I can firmly say that at 12 years of age I and the vast majority of my peers had more maturity and personal responsibility than many of today's 25 year olds. Why did we have this maturity and personal responsibility? I believe it was because the focus from our parents and educators was personal responsibility, ability to face disappointment as well as an ability to celebrate success and a strong work ethic to achieve success. Our self esteem came as much from WITHIN ourselves as it did from the accolades of fellow students, educators or parents. We also knew that if you screwed up you would likely face the end of a paddle on your ass instead of being coddled into some special program. Thank you Mr. Arnold and Mr. Arlington! In today's world we have traded those values for instant gratification, everyone is a "winner" and gets a trophy, and those that are successful must have achieved it through illicit or illegal means. Coveting and jealousy have become acceptable and celebrated emotions.No wonder so many are so sensitive to terms such as "loser". The terms that hit the depth of our hearts are those that hit closest to the truth. That does not mean people should exact "revenge" especially through killing others each time they feel some kind of slight.

Next, let's look into the issue of mental health. Believe me, as someone that has experienced this issue through relatives and myself I know this is sensitive and the answers are not always black and white. We cannot lock up everyone that has a quirk in their personality. If someone loses a close friend or loved one and receives 6 weeks of counseling or anti-depressants does that alone disqualify them from firearm ownership? I know many people including myself that have struggled with this issue but at the same time never decided that going on a rampage in a elementary school was the answer even in a passing thought. In today's world of cutting publicly funded  budgets (which I mostly agree with) mental healthcare is one area that needs to be publicly funded and supported. That being said it will not stop all the evil in this world no matter the $ we throw at this issue. I know one thing for sure, when this issue of violence is discussed the mental health system in this country needs to be discussed long before gun control.

The next issue is social media and being social in general. Part of being a man and becoming a man in my opinion is what I call the "walk of shame". I remember the hours and sometimes days spent debating asking a girl out on a date.I remember the sting of rejection and the pain and humiliation that such a situation entailed, but not nearly as much as the joy as a "yes" response to my affections. In today's world asking a girl on a date is as easy as a text message. If she happens to say "no" hopefully she keeps it to herself and nobody has to die because some young mans "honor" has been violated. In today's world kids can use social media but how many of them posses the maturity and guts to make a presentation to a large group of strangers? We are so electronically social that younger people don't know how to act or TALK to people!Should we banish text messaging? No! Should we better educate our youth as to the realities of the world and that face to face contact and interaction is STILL the one skill that will propel you to financial prosperity and personal contentment? Hell yes! How often are these killers described as someone that is focused on video games, shy, withdrawn and labeled as a "loner"? Believe me, I don't know all the answers but these are the questions that should be asked long before what freedoms 99.999% of law abiding citizens should forfeit. How did we become such a society that is so informed, so in touch with the latest news while also becoming so insensitive to those around us that someone 20 years old could kill a child by ANY means? Did Adam Lanza's brother Ryan go on a rampage because he was initially falsely accused by the media? NO! If this incident happened 30 years ago I likely would not have heard about it until the next morning as my Dad; who always picked up the TriCity Herald at 4:30 a.m.; would have related it to me.As to that issue how many young men don't have the self esteem and personal responsibility because their parent(s) offers zero support? Is our quest for up to the second information somehow a detriment to society? No, but these killers are all but glorified because today's media drones on incessantly about them.Sadly, maybe we need a reality show where those feeling slighted can kill someone and get it out of their system and then at the end of the show we can find out it is all staged and the killer can have a sense of pride knowing millions got to see them on television and they now have a sense of self importance.  Of course, I remember driving a pickup to school with a Remington model 870 12 gauge shotgun and a .22 caliber Marlin rifle in a gun rack in the back window and nobody blinked an eye and never once did I or those in charge of my education question my motivations or a potential danger. It wasn't that long ago, (graduated HS in 1985) what has happened since then? Yes we need a discussion.

When I say this discussion needs to take place but that the focus should not be on gun control I offer to you these FACTS. For those of you predisposed to gun control these facts will make you angry, please don't shoot anyone over these facts!. It is my sincere hope that we can have a discussion without my hillbilly, redneck, goat raping, earth exploiting, and cowboy logic coming into the conversation. Assault weapon ban? The country was plagued with multiple victim shootings including all of these that took place during the Clinton "assault weapon ban". One happening very close to where I live! Some of these were committed with "assault weapons" some were not, the point being that several laws were broken in each incident BEFORE anyone was shot.

• January 12, 1995: Seattle Washington A student left school during the day and returned with his grandfather's 9mm. He wounded two students. The incident is portrayed in the documentary Cease Fire.^{[citation needed]}

• October 12, 1995: Blackville, South Carolina A suspended student shot two math teachers with a .32 caliber revolver.^{[citation needed]}

• November 15, 1995: Lynnville, Tennessee A 17-year-old boy shot and killed a student and teacher with a .22 rifle.^{[citation needed]}

• February 2, 1996: Moses Lake, Washington Two students and one teacher killed, one other wounded when 14-year-old Barry Loukaitis opened fire on his algebra class.^[39]

• February 19, 1997: Bethel, Alaska Principal and one student killed, two others wounded by Evan Ramsey, 16.^[39]

• October 1, 1997: Pearl, Mississippi Two students killed and seven wounded by Luke Woodham, 16, who was also accused of killing his mother. He and his friends were said to be outcasts who worshiped Satan.^[39]

• November 27, 1997: West Palm Beach, Florida Conniston Middle School 14-year-old John Kamel was fatally shot in the chest at 8:40 a.m. outside school on a sidewalk by 14-year-old Tronneal Mangum after an argument over an Adidas watch that Mangum had taken from Kamel.^{[citation needed]}

• December 1, 1997: West Paducah, Kentucky Three students killed, five wounded by Michael Carneal, 14, as they participated in a prayer circle at Heath High School.^[39]

• December 15, 1997: Stamps, Arkansas Two students wounded. Colt Todd, 14, was hiding in the woods when he shot the students as they stood in the parking lot^[39]

• March 24, 1998: Jonesboro, Arkansas Four students and one teacher killed, ten others wounded outside as Westside Middle School emptied during a false fire alarm. Mitchell Johnson, 13, and Andrew Golden, 11, shot at their classmates and teachers from the woods^[39]

• April 24, 1998: Edinboro, Pennsylvania One teacher, John Gillette, was killed and two students wounded at a dance at James W. Parker Middle School. Andrew Wurst, 14, was charged.^[39]

• May 21, 1998: Springfield, Oregon Two students killed, 22 others wounded in the cafeteria at Thurston High School by 15-year-old Kip Kinkel. Kinkel had been arrested and released a day earlier for bringing a gun to school. His parents were later found dead at home, shot to death by their son^[39]

• June 15, 1998: Richmond, Virginia One teacher and one guidance counselor wounded by a 14-year-old boy in the school hallway^[39]

• December 10, 1998: Detroit, Michigan One professor killed by a graduate student. ^[40]

• April 20, 1999: Littleton, Colorado 14 students (including 2 shooters) and one teacher killed, 27 others wounded at Columbine High School. Eric Harris, 18, and Dylan Klebold, 17, had plotted for a year to kill at least 500 and blow up their school. At the end of their hour-long rampage, they turned their guns on themselves.^[39]

• May 20, 1999: Conyers, Georgia Six students injured at Heritage High School by Thomas Solomon, 15, who was reportedly depressed after breaking up with his girlfriend^[39]

• February 29, 2000: Unidentified 6-year-old offender in Michigan school shooting. 1 student fatality.^[41]
• May 26, 2000: Lake Worth, Florida Lake Worth Middle School Florida teacher Barry Grunow was fatally shot by his student, 13-year-old Nathaniel Brazill, who had returned to school after being sent home at 1 p.m. by the assistant principal for throwing water balloons. Brazill returned to school on his bike with a 5 inch Raven and four bullets stolen from his grandfather the week before. Brazill was an honor student. Grunow was a popular teacher and Brazill's favorite.^[41]
• August 28, 2000: University of Arkansas shooting at Fayetteville, Arkansas At approximately 12:14 pm, Dr. John R. Locke, 67, Director of the Comparative Literature Program was shot and killed in his office by James E. Kelly, 36, a Comparative Literature PhD candidate who had recently been dismissed from the program for lack of progress towards his degree. Kelly shot Dr. Locke three times before taking his own life in Dr. Locke's office after it was cordoned off by campus police.^[42][43][44]
• September 26, 2000: Darrel Johnson, 13, offender in Louisiana school shooting with 1 student fatality.^[41]
• March 5, 2001: Charles Andrew William, age 15, offender in California school shooting, 15 wounded 2 of which died.^[41]
• March 30, 2001: Donald R. Burt Jr., age 18, offender in Indiana school shooting with 1 student fatality.^[41]
• September 24, 2003: John Jason McLaughlin, age 15, offender in Minnesota school shooting with 2 student fatalities.^[41]
• February 2, 2004: Unidentified offender in Washington, DC school shooting with 1 student fatality.^[41]
• May 7, 2004: Unidentified 17 year old offender in Maryland school shooting with 1 student fatality.^[

Yeah, Columbine happened during this "assault weapon ban" how could that be? There oughta be a law, oh wait, there WAS!!!!!! Now those of you that discount HUMAN violence and evil in schools and that gun control is the answer let me ask you a simple question. WHERE in the HELL are the FEMALE shooters? Maybe my hillbilly, redneck, goat roper intelligence is skewed but are there ANY laws in the USA that allow males free and easy access to firearms that preclude females from the same access? I mean if guns are the problem and 50% plus of the population is female surely at least some of these mass killings would be done by girls? Oh,oh logic again! Every feminist in the world should either be jumping on my bandwagon or feeling tremendously slighted that their gender has not had the same success at killing that the males of society have been able to achieve in school killings! Really ladies don't be slighted because at a base level this comes down to men (boys) and some men's (boys) inability to be anything less than a cowardly pussy when they feel slighted. Oh, oh, my sensitivity is showing again! Maybe we should pass a law that all people regardless of gender over the age of 10 should have access to a vagina to limit human violence in the USA. Absurd? Hell yes, but argue on the statistics instead of emotional knee jerk reactions to tragedies such as Sandy Hook. Am I unaware of some gun control law that excludes females from purchasing or stealing the same weapons that Adam Lanza was able to acquire? Firearms that were LEGALLY purchased by his mother and NOT used in a criminal manner before this incident I might add! This is NOT about guns, this is about young men (boys) getting to a certain age and finding out that they are really NOT that special. This is difficult because they have been told their whole life that they ARE special.

Do we need to have a discussion as to why HUMAN violence happens in this country? Yes we do! Do we need to start that discussion based on gun control? Hell NO! As a point of discussion on this issue let me offer a starting point from a LEADERSHIP position. When these tragedies happen why does the President of the United States give a press conference and feel the NEED of notes and a teleprompter? Cannot the supposed leader of the free world not speak from the heart without the security of notes and a teleprompter without being afraid of the political ramifications of what he may say? PATHETIC! Have we really become so hyper-sensitive, immature, lacking in mentally stability, and personal responsibility? Are we so afraid of media including social media,that we have to be that measured to discuss the issue and to offer in my opinion disgustingly fake emotion and commentary on gun control to make us feel we have addressed a problem that is not going away as long as we won't face the reality of what the base issue to a problem is?

Over 260 MILLION firearms in the USA were NOT used to commit any crimes on Friday December 14th 2012, but 3 were used to kill children in Connecticut that day. Does this deserve a nationwide discussion? Yep! Does that discussion need to start with limiting the FREEDOM of law abiding citizens of the USA and their ability to posses and responsibility use firearms? Absolutely not you retard,cracker,nerd,gay, leaf licking, hillbilly, pussy! If guns are the problem then when was the last time a mass shooting happened at a gun range, a gun show or an NRA convention? No these incidents USUALLY take place in a "GUN FREE ZONE". But, but, there was a law!

Prayers and strength to those that are victims of this terrible massacre in Connecticut. I could never imagine or empathize with your pain, nor could I ever logically think that a federal law could limit your exposure or placate your pain.That being said, in today's litigious society you just watch how many lawsuits will happen to try and remove this pain through huge monetary judgements.Disgustingly, every last child that died in Newton will be assigned a monetary value based on emotion and blame in the years to come through our legal system These kids were 6 and 7 years old but somehow society will assign them each a monetary value and in some instances cite "future" earnings to justify those "values".Those with the best legal counsel and most emotional juries will have children that had a higher value than those without. 1 year from now most of the world will no longer know the name of a single victim but 90% of the world will know the name of Adam Lanza. Yes, there are some problems to address, the answers to these problems will not be easy.

 What we do know is Adam Lanza was very intelligent, possibly a genius. Adam had a great command of mathematics and computers. Adam was raised in a family that the often unjustified EXCUSE of economic poverty was not an issue. Adam had some mental issues going back many years. Adam for whatever reason felt so worthless,was so angry, was so unhinged, that killing his mother, 5 other adults and 20 schoolchildren as well as himself was the BEST option he had last Friday in his mind. Yet the problem is guns and access to guns? REALLY? I mean REALLY?????

 So go ahead and make a law, outlaw certain guns and certain magazines and think you have made a difference but when the next incident happens just remember that millions of law abiding citizens in this country have given up basic CONSTITUTIONAL rights just so we can keep from having a discussion about what really are the problems in the USA. At the same time do not be disappointed when organized crime, gangs and government factions including the police exert more power and control over law abiding citizens.

Today's picture is of my 3 gorgeous daughters doing a pose they have done before as "Larry's Angels" at Amanda's wedding in Cabo San Lucas Mexico.Unfortunately they did not have their own firearms because of travel laws related to such.  One of my favorites is of them years ago in camouflage gear posing for the same picture after a day of shooting on the ranch that I do not have on this computer. All of my girls were taught firearm safety and respect at a young age. They were also brought up with a respect for others, a sense of self worth, personal responsibility and work ethic. I do NOT worry about their ability to defend themselves, I DO worry about their future ability to do so!

Today's YouTube music selection is a bit of lighthearted humor from Mac Davis. Yes, the song is a bit over the top, but I feel if more young men in today's society had this level of self worth we would not have as many instances as we witnessed last week. Thanks for hearing me out!