If only the world were filled with guns, and everyone had one, neigh, a dozen. Then we’d all be safe, because no one would try anything. And even if they did, surely they would be stopped before they did any real damage, right?
This ridiculous myth is perpetuated among many conservatives, from Republicans to Libertarians to Democrats who don’t know any fucking better. It’s a load of bullshit, and today’s “rampage” at Fort Hood proves it.
In a crowd of men trained for combat, where it can be assumed several people, if not everyone, was armed… a dozen people are dead after an incident involving one officer and possibly two others (one shooter was killed and two people were taken into custody, details are too early to tell if they are in any way actually linked).
The whole situation is disheartening, because the shooter is suspected of being an officer who was about to be deployed to Iraq. I think we should chalk these up as deaths resulting from the wars we have no business being in. I see no need to blame the guns, but I do appreciate that reality continues to support my argument that guns cannot make you safer.
I guess there are many truths, the foremost being that this is a terrible event.
ReplyDeleteMatthew: In America, there are no tragedies, only events we twist to mean whatever we choose.
ReplyDeleteApparently none of the guys in the small room were armed since they were just there to get last minute check-ups and dental exams before deployment.
ReplyDeleteRegardless - only a fucking coward shoots into a crowded room of unarmed people because he didn't want to go back to Iraq. He could have just said he was gay.
Tidal: Part of the illusion of "guns make you safe" is the fallacy that simply having guns around will make one prepared for violence.
ReplyDeleteYou could have 500 guns in your home, but if you get robbed while you're sleeping or in the shower or taking a crap, you're in the same position you would be in if completely unarmed... except that now whoever is robbing you will make off with some of your guns.
The point is this: having guns cannot make you any safer.
Ginx, the shooting at Ft. Hood does not support your contention at all, as soldiers are not allowed to possess firearms while on base.
ReplyDeleteThe point is this: having guns cannot make you any safer.
I suppose if a few of those victims at Fort Hood had been allowed to carry a gun, the result would have been the same? Or might not some of them still be alive if they'd had the means to defend themselves.
Maybe if everyone had a gun, the two people taken into custody on suspicion would have been shot dead in the confusion.
ReplyDeleteWhat Hollywood movie are you living in, SE? You should get Michael Bay to produce it, it sounds fucking amazing.
Ginx I never said everyone should have been armed. My point was no matter what this asshole was going through mentally he was a coward as well. He knew no one could oppose him.
ReplyDeleteEven though I doubt anyone there were wearing vests, it turns out he may have used armor-piercing rounds.
ReplyDeleteIt's also interesting to me that he didn't use weapons issued to him by the army, but ones he bought privately (I presume because hand guns are easier to conceal).