It is really sad. It is really sad we are in a place where it no longer surpises us that this happens. It is the "norm" that kids can just get shot at school. 

It stems from nobody of power or influence gives a damn about trying to solve the problem and eliminate mass shootings. You can say, well it is a mental health issue, and maybe that makes you feel better. Well, maybe it is a mental health issue, so how do you address that? The feds, states, and local governments are gutting those programs, so words do not lead to action. 

Maybe the FBI did know a lot and just failed to follow up or maybe thye had other more important cases that came up, I don't know.

The important thing is nobody gives a damn anymore to even attempt at trying to prevent or stop this. We all say, oh this is sad, thoughts and prayers, , good luck, and then move on. Rinse and repeat. 

We live in a world where it is now ok for kids to get shot in the school and in the end, that's not problem we need to solve. 

Btw, I appreciate you guys keeping this thread relatively civil.

posted by SportsAndLady

What’s your solution then mr passive aggressive? 

If I had a solution, I wouldn't be fucking off on this site right now.

posted by ppaw1999

Our high school has a full time officer. There has been many mornings where he has passed me headed to the high school driving 10 to 20 miles over the speed limit in the police cruiser. He is usually the first one out of the school at the end of the day. Basically he has turned it into an onsite retirement job. 

I wouldn't have much confidence in him if something serious were to happen. He would probably be the first one to hide.

 

Also....schools are spread out...even if our own small school one could do a rampage in a spot nowhere near the shooter and likely not able to do anything 

We had a "cop" too at my highschool and that was in the early 2000s. He was a glorified mall cop. I'm not even sure he was packing. 

posted by Automatik

fwiw, I'm not calling for bans, gun grabbing, etc. I'm all for responsible ownership, even CCW.

But too often this happens and the "gun weirdos" throw up there hands like "well that's just the way it is!" Even the thought of addressing the issue sparks outrage. It's unreal. 

There are those who spout the "shall not be infringed" mantra, even though all rights can be restricted in cetain circumstances. Others throw up their hands after the other side spews the same crackpot solutions after each tragedy, not even pretending to notice than none of them are applicable.

I agree completely. One side....BAN ALL GUNS! While the other is lined up out the door of Cabela's to hoard from the evil grabbers.

It's fucked.

It's been said over and over, but I think it is a terrible idea to show the shooter's face, comment about him, etc.  In their twisted way, that is probably their main goal - I was a loser, now everyone knows me.  

posted by ptown_trojans_1

We live in a world where it is now ok for kids to get shot in the school and in the end, that's not problem we need to solve. 

I don't think we're living in the same world. In the one I'm living in, it's a really complicated issue with no easy solution.

posted by justincredible

I don't think we're living in the same world. In the one I'm living in, it's a really complicated issue with no easy solution.

 

We do live in the same world.  I meant to say the policy makers and people that have influence do not agree that it is a problem we need to solve. 

Sure, I agree, it is complicated, but we cannot even get to have the discussion about all the nuances or complex portions of the problem to get to potential solutions from those people of power/ influence. 

I think there definitely needs to be gun reform. I don't like statistics on gun violence though because it doesn't tell the whole story.. They say you're almost 50% more likely to die from gun violence than a car crash in the US. But a large number of gun deaths are suicide. So it's a bit gray for me as I also think you should have the right to end your life, so I wouldn't include suicide into that statistic. But I think we need reform because A. there still is a ton of gun violence, and B. its morally repugnant to have kids getting shot en masse. To the last point... I don't think it's an epidemic like people/media try to make it. But I know why they do. It's pretty much the only way to get a largely apathetic populous to act. Hence skewing the numbers of shootings. So yeah.. reform needs to happen, but not by banning guns. We do need to toughen restrictions and background checks though which the NRA and others are hell bent against. And we need to do research on gun violence to see what other reforms might be suggested. The simple ban guns, ban semi auto..etc.. isn't realistic and basically is just dumb. 

This world is going to hell in a handbasket. If only there was a good guy with an AR-15 to sort it all out.

posted by kizer permanente

 They say you're almost 50% more likely to die from gun violence than a car crash in the US. 

I don't know who says that with actual facts. And agreed that suicides shouldn't be included in gun deaths.

Also, the majority of gun deaths are pistols (Chicago, Baltimore, etc) but no one seems to give a shit so only complain about ARs.

I haven't heard one reasonable law that would have prevented any "mass" shooting recently.

I'm fine with banning bump stocks, but when the sides start adding other shit the measure fails. 

posted by Devils Advocate

This world is going to hell in a handbasket. If only there was a good guy with an AR-15 to sort it all out.

There are millions of good guys who own AR-15s. If the world is falling apart, it ain't their fault.

posted by iclfan2

I don't know who says that with actual facts. And agreed that suicides AND justifiable homicides shouldn't be included in the stats.

Also, the majority of gun deaths are pistols (Chicago, Baltimore, etc) but no one seems to give a shit so only complain about ARs.

I haven't heard one reasonable law that would have prevented any "mass" shooting recently.

I'm fine with banning bump stocks, but when the sides start adding other shit the measure fails. 

This will add fuel to the fire:

PARKLAND, Fla. (AP) — Leader of white nationalist group has confirmed suspect in Florida school shooting was member of his organization.

posted by queencitybuckeye

There are millions of good guys who own AR-15s. If the world is falling apart, it ain't their fault.

Indeed. The most popular rifle in the country, with millions in circulation, but due to a dozen or so psychopaths all of us that own them are bad guys. 

posted by ptown_trojans_1

This will add fuel to the fire:

PARKLAND, Fla. (AP) — Leader of white nationalist group has confirmed suspect in Florida school shooting was member of his organization.

I mean, he killed white people too..  So I'm not sure what this has to do with the shooting. Other than verify he's a fuck head.

posted by kizer permanente

I mean, he killed white people too..  So I'm not sure what this has to do with the shooting. Other than verify he's a fuck head.

Similar to ISIS claiming credit for acts of terror regardless of whether it's true?

posted by ptown_trojans_1

We do live in the same world.  I meant to say the policy makers and people that have influence do not agree that it is a problem we need to solve. 

Sure, I agree, it is complicated, but we cannot even get to have the discussion about all the nuances or complex portions of the problem to get to potential solutions from those people of power/ influence. 

Maybe it's time to stop looking to government for a solution? It seems like we, as a society, lean too heavily on a system that has shown time and time again that it really doesn't give a shit about anything but expanding its own power and influence. Or maybe I'm just too cynical when it comes to government.

posted by queencitybuckeye

Similar to ISIS claiming credit for acts of terror regardless of whether it;'s true?

Right.. and it's a weird thing to claim unless you're a terrorist cell like ISIS who wants these deaths. Not that a white nationalist group is a beacon of light. Just weird to claim to me.

I want to see the stats that say your 50 % more likely to die from a gun than a car wreck.

posted by thavoice

I want to see the stats that say your 50 % more likely to die from a gun than a car wreck.

From my quick look, you are more likely to die by car than gun IN GENERAL, even when they include suicide and justifiable homicides. Much less once you take the stupid suicide stat out.

posted by thavoice

I want to see the stats that say your 50 % more likely to die from a gun than a car wreck.

http://www.businessinsider.com/gun-death-statistics-assault-mass-shootings-accidents-2017-10

posted by justincredible

Maybe it's time to stop looking to government for a solution? ...

Agreed.  I we the people really want it solved we can keep it from happening but that would take vigilant effort of societies part.