America - Guns & Mass Shootings

KUMB's 24-hour rolling news channel. The Forum in which to discuss non sport-related news and current affairs, including politics.

Moderators: Gnome, last.caress, Wilko1304, Rio, bristolhammerfc, the pink palermo, chalks

Post Reply
User avatar
Shabu
Posts: 11931
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2020 6:38 am
Location: San Diego, CA
Has liked: 4161 likes
Total likes: 2013 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by Shabu »

Johnny Byrne's Boots wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 6:01 pm Unless the American people, and by that I mean every individual with a vote, stop voting for lawmakers who continue to oppose gun reform, I'm sorry to say they're part of the problem.
That is the problem. Those who want stricter gun laws are not as vocal or aggressive as those who want no gun laws.

And somehow more guns equates to more freedom. I've been told, more than once, that if Americans lose their guns they'll be overrun with Muslims just like Europe.
User avatar
Shabu
Posts: 11931
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2020 6:38 am
Location: San Diego, CA
Has liked: 4161 likes
Total likes: 2013 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by Shabu »

Grandad

Greatest Hits Vol1
Posts: 554
Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2011 2:42 pm
Location: BML
Has liked: 438 likes
Total likes: 37 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by Greatest Hits Vol1 »

Shabu wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 5:53 pm It was also a great slap in the chops as the troops that burnt down the White House where escaped slaves - who were incredibly brave and able soldiers.

Unfortunately the USA got their revenge on them down in Florida a few years later.
The burning of the White House was revenge for the yanks burning down the Houses of Parliament in Toronto.
WCpete
Posts: 32733
Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2002 12:11 am
Location: San Francisco, CA
Has liked: 1404 likes
Total likes: 3070 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by WCpete »

Plashet Grove Pete wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 9:39 am Good post Bendy. Regarding your first point though - yes, I listened to the coach, and he talked a lot of sense. But ultimately ordinary Americans vote in their politicians. The people are complicit in what gets passed into law.

How can you point all the blame at the senators when there are more guns in America than there are people? American politics is f*cked up (as you can argue it is over here), but at the end of the day surely the American public gets what the American public wants.
You can't point all the blame at the Senators for the number of firearms in circulation in this country, but you can blame them for obstructing the electorate's desire to change laws on background checks, limits on the types of weapon available to purchase, limits on the number of firearms anyone can possess etc. Our government works for the gun lobbies, the military lobbies, energy lobbies, pharmaceutical lobbies etc. It isn't true that the electorate can change the conditions in this country at the ballot box, not in this instance. And changing laws associated with gun ownership and use will have no affect on the underlying cultural and social issues that are embedded in the mindset of a great many here. Nor will changing laws limit the flow of firearms being manufactured and sold, nor diminish the the quantity of weaponry in circulation. But, fundamental change in the cultural mindset cannot happen without first changing the laws, and changing the laws is something that the Senate will not do. Our representatives do not represent their electorate in the Chambers of Congress. They simply don't.

The root of this and just about every other problem in this country at its most base and rudimentary level is that people have been taught to believe, "Don't tell me what to do!". People believe that individual rights supersede the rights of the collective, until, of course, it suits them to benefit from being part of a specific segment of a collective. And, 'We the people' confuse rights with privileges, or worse, 'We the people' understand the difference and choose their platform contingent on which benefits their personal needs in any given situation. Unscientifically, I believe that a lot of these mass shootings result from this mindset. 'Don't tell me what to do', but when it feels like no one else gives a damn, or if someone is aggressively pushing their "rights" on me, then 'f*** you I'll kill a bunch of you if I feel like it. That's my right.'

Having said all that, It isn't fair to say that all Americans sit on their hands and do nothing to stop these repeated massacres. It isn't fair and it isn't true. By any measure the majority of Americans want to change the laws and conditions of gun use and ownership here. And a great many of them try to push change at the ballot box. But there are too many Americans that say "Don't tell me what to do!", and there is a government in power whose handlers have no desire to change the way things are. This country is fundamentally broken. Has been for a very long time. It's painful. It's disheartening. And it's inhumane.
WCpete
Posts: 32733
Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2002 12:11 am
Location: San Francisco, CA
Has liked: 1404 likes
Total likes: 3070 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by WCpete »

The process for buying a gun around the world. Is it so much to ask to approach some of the added steps used elsewhere?

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/201 ... &smtyp=cur
User avatar
Shabu
Posts: 11931
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2020 6:38 am
Location: San Diego, CA
Has liked: 4161 likes
Total likes: 2013 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by Shabu »

In the last five years, just in Texas alone.....

2017 Plano shooting Plano September 10, 2017 9 Domestic violence

Sutherland Springs church shooting Sutherland Springs November 5, 2017 27 Deadliest mass shooting in Texas history. Deadliest shooting in an American place of worship in modern history.

Santa Fe High School shooting Santa Fe May 18, 2018 10 School shooting

2019 El Paso shooting El Paso August 3, 2019 23 Shooting inside a Walmart and its surrounding area. The shooter, 21-year-old Patrick Crusius, was arrested by the police. 23 others were injured.

Midland–Odessa shooting Odessa and Midland August 31, 2019 7 Mass shooting at shopping centers and Cinergy movie theater

West Freeway Church of Christ shooting White Settlement, Texas December 29, 2019 3 Gunman opened fire during Sunday morning church service, killing two, before being killed by armed members of the congregation.

Robb Elementary School shooting Uvalde, Texas May 24, 2022 21 Gunman shot grandmother at home, then drove to an elementary school and opened fire, killing 21 people, before being killed by police.

Meanwhile, gun laws in Texas have been loosened to make access to guns easier & no licenses required to carry their killing machines in public. In the face of increasing gun violence they are make it easier to carry out these atrocities.

And today the governor of Texas blamed this on mental health, not easy access to guns.
User avatar
Shabu
Posts: 11931
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2020 6:38 am
Location: San Diego, CA
Has liked: 4161 likes
Total likes: 2013 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by Shabu »

WCpete wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 7:54 pm The process for buying a gun around the world. Is it so much to ask to approach some of the added steps used elsewhere?

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/201 ... &smtyp=cur
Only subscribers can read this.....
User avatar
jastons
Posts: 12533
Joined: Fri May 07, 2004 7:23 am
Location: Here
Has liked: 885 likes
Total likes: 837 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by jastons »

I apologise if this has already been asked.

Do any of our posters based in the US own a gun? If so, why?
WCpete
Posts: 32733
Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2002 12:11 am
Location: San Francisco, CA
Has liked: 1404 likes
Total likes: 3070 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by WCpete »

Shabu wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 8:20 pm Only subscribers can read this.....
United States 1Pass an instant background check that considers criminal convictions, domestic violence and immigration status.
2 Buy a gun.

Japan 1Take a firearm class and pass a written exam, which is held up to three times a year. 2Get a doctor’s note saying you are mentally fit and do not have a history of drug abuse. 3Apply for a permit to take firing training, which may take up to a month. 4Describe in a police interview why you need a gun. 5Pass a review of your criminal history, gun possession record, employment, involvement with organized crime groups, personal debt and relationships with friends, family and neighbors. 6Apply for a gunpowder permit. 7Take a one-day training class and pass a firing test. 8Obtain a certificate from a gun dealer describing the gun you want. 9If you want a gun for hunting, apply for a hunting license. 10Buy a gun safe and an ammunition locker that meet safety regulations. 11Allow the police to inspect your gun storage. 12Pass an additional background review. 13Buy a gun.

New Zealand 1Pass a background check that considers criminal, medical, mental health and domestic violence records. 2Provide character references. 3Authorities interview or advise, in person, your partner or next of kin. 4Pass a home security inspection that checks for proper firearm storage. 5Take a gun safety course. 6Wait for approval for a firearms license, which could take weeks or months. 7Buy a gun.

South Africa 1Join an accredited hunting or shooting club, or document a need for self-defense. 2Complete firearm safety training and pass a written test and practical assessment. 3Give two employers, friends or community leaders as references. 4Get fingerprinted. 5Pass a review of criminal behavior, history of domestic violence and drug abuse and, in some cases, interviews with family and neighbors. 6Buy a gun safe that meets safety regulations. 7Allow police to inspect your storage. 8Wait several months for a federal review of your application. 9Buy a gun.

Mexico 1Get a letter from the local authorities confirming that you do not have a criminal record. 2Submit a letter showing your employment status and pay. 3Pass a background check that considers criminal history, employment and current gun ownership. 4Travel to Mexico City, where the only store authorized to sell guns is located. 5Get fingerprinted. 6Buy a gun.

Australia 1Join and regularly attend a hunting or shooting club, or document that you are a collector. 2Complete a course on firearm safety and operation, and pass a written test and practical assessment. 3Arrange firearm storage that meets safety regulations. 4Pass a review that considers criminal history, domestic violence, restraining orders and arrest history. Authorities may also interview your family and community members. 5Apply for a permit to acquire a specific type of weapon. 6Wait at least 28 days. 7Buy the specific type of gun for which you received a permit.

Austria 1To get a handgun or semiautomatic rifle, prove you are in serious physical danger. 2Pass a review of criminal history. 3Fill out a mental health survey, and complete a psychological and physical test. 4Complete a course on safe gun handling and storage. 5Install safe gun storage. 6Buy a gun. 7If you bought a hunting rifle or shotgun, wait three days before coming back to pick it up.

Canada 1To buy a handgun, prove that you practice at an approved shooting club or range, or show that you are a gun collector. 2For any gun, complete a safety course and pass both a written and a practical test. 3Ask for two references. 4Apply for a permit, and wait 28 days before processing begins. 5Pass a background check that considers your criminal record, mental health, addiction and domestic violence history. 6Buy a gun. If you bought a handgun, register it with the police before taking it home.

India 1Join a shooting club, or show that you or your property are under threat. 2Attend a practical training course on firearm handling and shooting. 3Obtain a certificate of physical and mental health from your doctor. 4Affirm that you have a safe place to keep the firearms. 5Pass a review that considers three years of tax returns, criminal history, mental health history and domestic violence and that includes interviews with you, your family and neighbors. 6Buy a gun.

Germany 1Join a shooting club, obtain a hunting license, demonstrate you are a gun collector or prove that your life is threatened. 2Demonstrate specialized knowledge of firearms, which may involve a written exam and practical demonstration of safe handling. 3If you are under 25, submit a certificate of mental fitness from a public health officer or doctor. 4Arrange proper firearm storage. 5Pass a background check that considers criminal history, mental health and drug addiction. 6Apply for a permit to purchase a specific gun, which may include an additional short background review. 7Buy a gun.

Britain 1Join a shooting club, or document hunting arrangements. 2Ask for a character reference. 3Arrange proper firearm storage. 4Pass a background check that includes a police interview at your home. Your storage arrangements may be checked. 5Buy a gun.

Brazil 1Write a statement about why you need a gun for self-defense. 2Complete a course on firearm handling and demonstrate that you can strike a target​ from 16​ and 23​ feet away with ​60 percent accuracy. 3Obtain a statement from an accredited psychologist certifying that you are mentally fit to fire a weapon. 4Obtain a certificate confirming that you have no criminal record​ and are not under criminal investigation. 5Buy a gun. 6Register your gun with the federal police. 7Fill out an online form in order to transport your gun. 8Return to the dealer and pick up your gun.

Russia 1Get a hunting license, or explain why you need a gun for self-defense. 2Pass a test of relevant laws, handling and first-aid skills. 3Get a doctor’s note saying you have no mental illness or history of drug abuse. 4Attend a firearm safety and handling class and pass an exam. 5Apply for a license. 6Pass a background check. 7Buy a gun.

Israel 1Join a shooting club, or prove that you live or work in a dangerous area authorized for gun ownership, including certain settlements. 2Get a doctor’s note saying you have no mental illness or history of drug abuse. 3Install a gun safe. 4Release your criminal and mental health history to the authorities. 5Buy a gun and a limited supply of bullets, usually about 50. 6Demonstrate that you can use your gun or a similar gun at a firing range before taking it home.

China 1Establish a specific reason to possess a firearm, such as for hunting or sports shooting. 2Arrange to store your gun at a gun range, remote hunting ground or pastoral area. 3Demonstrate knowledge of safe gun use and storage. 4Pass a background check that considers mental illness, criminal record and domestic violence. 5Buy a gun.

Yemen 1Go to a gun market or find a seller online. 2Buy a gun.
WCpete
Posts: 32733
Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2002 12:11 am
Location: San Francisco, CA
Has liked: 1404 likes
Total likes: 3070 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by WCpete »

jastons wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 8:30 pm I apologise if this has already been asked.

Do any of our posters based in the US own a gun? If so, why?
No I don't.
User avatar
War Pony
Posts: 1063
Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2011 10:15 am
Has liked: 23 likes
Total likes: 86 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by War Pony »

Formatted it so it's abit easier to read.

United States
1 Pass an instant background check that considers criminal convictions, domestic violence and immigration status.
2 Buy a gun.

Japan
1 Take a firearm class and pass a written exam, which is held up to three times a year.
2 Get a doctor’s note saying you are mentally fit and do not have a history of drug abuse.
3 Apply for a permit to take firing training, which may take up to a month.
4 Describe in a police interview why you need a gun.
5 Pass a review of your criminal history, gun possession record, employment, involvement with organized crime groups, personal debt and relationships with friends, family and neighbors.
6 Apply for a gunpowder permit.
7 Take a one-day training class and pass a firing test.
8 Obtain a certificate from a gun dealer describing the gun you want.
9 If you want a gun for hunting, apply for a hunting license.
10 Buy a gun safe and an ammunition locker that meet safety regulations.
11 Allow the police to inspect your gun storage.
12 Pass an additional background review.
13 Buy a gun.

New Zealand
1 Pass a background check that considers criminal, medical, mental health and domestic violence records.
2 Provide character references.
3 Authorities interview or advise, in person, your partner or next of kin.
4 Pass a home security inspection that checks for proper firearm storage.
5 Take a gun safety course.
6 Wait for approval for a firearms license, which could take weeks or months.
7 Buy a gun.

South Africa
1 Join an accredited hunting or shooting club, or document a need for self-defense.
2 Complete firearm safety training and pass a written test and practical assessment.
3 Give two employers, friends or community leaders as references.
4 Get fingerprinted.
5 Pass a review of criminal behavior, history of domestic violence and drug abuse and, in some cases, interviews with family and neighbors.
6 Buy a gun safe that meets safety regulations.
7 Allow police to inspect your storage.
8 Wait several months for a federal review of your application.
9 Buy a gun.

Mexico
1 Get a letter from the local authorities confirming that you do not have a criminal record.
2 Submit a letter showing your employment status and pay.
3 Pass a background check that considers criminal history, employment and current gun ownership.
4 Travel to Mexico City, where the only store authorized to sell guns is located.
5 Get fingerprinted.
6 Buy a gun.

Australia
1 Join and regularly attend a hunting or shooting club, or document that you are a collector.
2 Complete a course on firearm safety and operation, and pass a written test and practical assessment.
3 Arrange firearm storage that meets safety regulations.
4 Pass a review that considers criminal history, domestic violence, restraining orders and arrest history. Authorities may also interview your family and community members.
5 Apply for a permit to acquire a specific type of weapon.
6 Wait at least 28 days.
7 Buy the specific type of gun for which you received a permit.

Austria
1 To get a handgun or semiautomatic rifle, prove you are in serious physical danger.
2 Pass a review of criminal history.
3 Fill out a mental health survey, and complete a psychological and physical test.
4 Complete a course on safe gun handling and storage.
5 Install safe gun storage.
6 Buy a gun.
7 If you bought a hunting rifle or shotgun, wait three days before coming back to pick it up.

Canada
1 To buy a handgun, prove that you practice at an approved shooting club or range, or show that you are a gun collector.
2 For any gun, complete a safety course and pass both a written and a practical test.
3 Ask for two references.
4 Apply for a permit, and wait 28 days before processing begins.
5 Pass a background check that considers your criminal record, mental health, addiction and domestic violence history.
6 Buy a gun. If you bought a handgun, register it with the police before taking it home.

India
1 Join a shooting club, or show that you or your property are under threat.
2 Attend a practical training course on firearm handling and shooting.
3 Obtain a certificate of physical and mental health from your doctor.
4 Affirm that you have a safe place to keep the firearms.
5 Pass a review that considers three years of tax returns, criminal history, mental health history and domestic violence and that includes interviews with you, your family and neighbors.
6 Buy a gun.

Germany
1 Join a shooting club, obtain a hunting license, demonstrate you are a gun collector or prove that your life is threatened.
2 Demonstrate specialized knowledge of firearms, which may involve a written exam and practical demonstration of safe handling.
3 If you are under 25, submit a certificate of mental fitness from a public health officer or doctor.
4 Arrange proper firearm storage.
5 Pass a background check that considers criminal history, mental health and drug addiction.
6 Apply for a permit to purchase a specific gun, which may include an additional short background review.
7 Buy a gun.

Britain
1 Join a shooting club, or document hunting arrangements.
2 Ask for a character reference.
3 Arrange proper firearm storage.
4 Pass a background check that includes a police interview at your home. Your storage arrangements may be checked.
5 Buy a gun.

Brazil
1 Write a statement about why you need a gun for self-defense.
2 Complete a course on firearm handling and demonstrate that you can strike a target​ from 16​ and 23​ feet away with ​60 percent accuracy.
3 Obtain a statement from an accredited psychologist certifying that you are mentally fit to fire a weapon.
4 Obtain a certificate confirming that you have no criminal record​ and are not under criminal investigation.
5 Buy a gun.
6 Register your gun with the federal police.
7 Fill out an online form in order to transport your gun.
8 Return to the dealer and pick up your gun.

Russia
1 Get a hunting license, or explain why you need a gun for self-defense.
2 Pass a test of relevant laws, handling and first-aid skills.
3 Get a doctor’s note saying you have no mental illness or history of drug abuse.
4 Attend a firearm safety and handling class and pass an exam.
5 Apply for a license.
6 Pass a background check.
7 Buy a gun.

Israel
1 Join a shooting club, or prove that you live or work in a dangerous area authorized for gun ownership, including certain settlements.
2 Get a doctor’s note saying you have no mental illness or history of drug abuse.
3 Install a gun safe.
4 Release your criminal and mental health history to the authorities.
5 Buy a gun and a limited supply of bullets, usually about 50. 6Demonstrate that you can use your gun or a similar gun at a firing range before taking it home.

China
1 Establish a specific reason to possess a firearm, such as for hunting or sports shooting.
2 Arrange to store your gun at a gun range, remote hunting ground or pastoral area.
3 Demonstrate knowledge of safe gun use and storage.
4 Pass a background check that considers mental illness, criminal record and domestic violence.
5 Buy a gun.

Yemen
1 Go to a gun market or find a seller online.
2 Buy a gun.
User avatar
Shabu
Posts: 11931
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2020 6:38 am
Location: San Diego, CA
Has liked: 4161 likes
Total likes: 2013 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by Shabu »

jastons wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 8:30 pm I apologise if this has already been asked.

Do any of our posters based in the US own a gun? If so, why?
I don't. Never even touched one. A lot of my anti gun work colleagues do though :lol:
User avatar
Plashet Grove Pete
Posts: 4513
Joined: Sun Aug 28, 2005 9:32 pm
Location: I'm riding down Kingsley, figurin' I'll get a drink ....
Has liked: 261 likes
Total likes: 459 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by Plashet Grove Pete »

WCpete wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 7:43 pm You can't point all the blame at the Senators for the number of firearms in circulation in this country, but you can blame them for obstructing the electorate's desire to change laws on background checks, limits on the types of weapon available to purchase, limits on the number of firearms anyone can possess etc. Our government works for the gun lobbies, the military lobbies, energy lobbies, pharmaceutical lobbies etc. It isn't true that the electorate can change the conditions in this country at the ballot box, not in this instance. And changing laws associated with gun ownership and use will have no affect on the underlying cultural and social issues that are embedded in the mindset of a great many here. Nor will changing laws limit the flow of firearms being manufactured and sold, nor diminish the the quantity of weaponry in circulation. But, fundamental change in the cultural mindset cannot happen without first changing the laws, and changing the laws is something that the Senate will not do. Our representatives do not represent their electorate in the Chambers of Congress. They simply don't.

The root of this and just about every other problem in this country at its most base and rudimentary level is that people have been taught to believe, "Don't tell me what to do!". People believe that individual rights supersede the rights of the collective, until, of course, it suits them to benefit from being part of a specific segment of a collective. And, 'We the people' confuse rights with privileges, or worse, 'We the people' understand the difference and choose their platform contingent on which benefits their personal needs in any given situation. Unscientifically, I believe that a lot of these mass shootings result from this mindset. 'Don't tell me what to do', but when it feels like no one else gives a damn, or if someone is aggressively pushing their "rights" on me, then '**** you I'll kill a bunch of you if I feel like it. That's my right.'

Having said all that, It isn't fair to say that all Americans sit on their hands and do nothing to stop these repeated massacres. It isn't fair and it isn't true. By any measure the majority of Americans want to change the laws and conditions of gun use and ownership here. And a great many of them try to push change at the ballot box. But there are too many Americans that say "Don't tell me what to do!", and there is a government in power whose handlers have no desire to change the way things are. This country is fundamentally broken. Has been for a very long time. It's painful. It's disheartening. And it's inhumane.
Great post Pete, albeit a very depressing read. Actually it sounds to me like it's very close to acknowledging America as a dictatorship - essentially you've ended up with a small group possessing absolute power without effective constitutional limitations. And the majority seemingly unable to change or even threaten the status quo. Hardly the land of the free. Hardly the definition of a democracy.

How did the USA get itself into this mess?
User avatar
bonzosbeard
Posts: 13223
Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2005 2:48 am
Location: somerset
Has liked: 2115 likes
Total likes: 1336 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by bonzosbeard »

'stone hammer wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 12:53 pm So far this year, there have been 250 mass shootings in America, with 27 of them taking place in schools according to the Wikipedia list.

An average of 1.66 mass shootings per day.

There were 693 mass shootings in 2021, an average of 1.89 shootings per day.
Statistically speaking things are looking up!

I'm being facetious but I'm sure a gun lobbyist will actually say that.

I just don't get allowing guns to be sold to 18 year ods with mental health issues trumps the welfare of others.

Pardon the pun.
User avatar
Shabu
Posts: 11931
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2020 6:38 am
Location: San Diego, CA
Has liked: 4161 likes
Total likes: 2013 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by Shabu »

bonzosbeard wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 11:17 pm Statistically speaking things are looking up!

I'm being facetious but I'm sure a gun lobbyist will actually say that.

I just don't get allowing guns to be sold to 18 year ods with mental health issues trumps the welfare of others.

Pardon the pun.
It was the same with the school shooting in Florida a few years back. Kid was obviously deranged but allowed to legally buy weapons of war
User avatar
Johnny Byrne's Boots
Posts: 32128
Joined: Mon Jun 05, 2006 5:19 pm
Location: Care home dodger
Has liked: 1785 likes
Total likes: 2071 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by Johnny Byrne's Boots »

You can legally buy a gun at 18 in Texas. You must be 21 to buy a beer.
WCpete
Posts: 32733
Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2002 12:11 am
Location: San Francisco, CA
Has liked: 1404 likes
Total likes: 3070 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by WCpete »

Plashet Grove Pete wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 9:21 pm Great post Pete, albeit a very depressing read. Actually it sounds to me like it's very close to acknowledging America as a dictatorship - essentially you've ended up with a small group possessing absolute power without effective constitutional limitations. And the majority seemingly unable to change or even threaten the status quo. Hardly the land of the free. Hardly the definition of a democracy.

How did the USA get itself into this mess?
Civil war simmers a lot closer to the surface than people are willing to acknowledge. The country is so fractured, however, that I have no idea how or whether it would be possible for sides to coalesce enough to fight one another. You'd think it would be as simple as blue vs red, but no one group is group enough to make a power grab. If and when it does kicks off, no one is going to know who to attack. It would be one giant live action Fortnite. Neighbor against neighbor. And I bet a lot of people would be good with that. After all, they've got all of these guns lying around gathering dust. What's the point in that?

How did the US get to this point? I don't know. The country is too big and too diverse to understand itself but these days everyone can be in each other's business immediately with the touch of a button. I suppose if you follow the bouncing ball from pre Revolution to today there is some logical throughput for being armed, owning slaves, spreading democracy (read markets) to other nations, disguising our own with corporate (read imperial) consumerism, worshipping a white bearded pacifist and hoarding resources and killing in his name, and so forth and so on..... you'll get to some portion of the truth at some point. Honestly though, I don't know what our problem is. We've probably had it too good.
WCpete
Posts: 32733
Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2002 12:11 am
Location: San Francisco, CA
Has liked: 1404 likes
Total likes: 3070 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by WCpete »

Johnny Byrne's Boots wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 11:45 pm You can legally buy a gun at 18 in Texas. You must be 21 to buy a beer.
And if you take your wife to get an abortion you'll get thrown in jail.
User avatar
Danny's Dyer Acting
Posts: 8982
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2009 1:37 pm
Has liked: 642 likes
Total likes: 1853 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by Danny's Dyer Acting »

Fox News have now had 50 different suggestions on stopping school shootings over the last 36 hours. Still haven't reached "less guns" yet sadly.

Image
WCpete
Posts: 32733
Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2002 12:11 am
Location: San Francisco, CA
Has liked: 1404 likes
Total likes: 3070 likes

Re: The Latest Mass Shooting In America

Post by WCpete »

Tax breaks? I can’t even come up with a clever quip
Post Reply