Re: Oregon incident.
 

And why did it occur to the child that attacking the other child with a gun was the best next step anyway? How do they make that leap?

This country needs disarming. The culture has just gone wrong in terms of weapons.

And yes, I do know it's not going to happen.

Re: Oregon incident.
 

No, it won't and nor should it, but that's another matter entirely. However, there are still plenty of ways we can get smart about gun ownership and instill a bit of common sense in those who would wish to own one. At least getting the discussion going is a battle in itself, though.

As I said before, Canada is doing something right, they have gun ownership without the added baggage the US has. Oakvillain explained why that was the case. Americans who don't want to adopt common sense gun laws just make no sense to me whatsoever.

Re: Oregon incident.
 

I think canadian culture is fundamentally different from american culture. Differeny culture, history and approach to life. They seem to be capable of managing weapons where america is not.

Re: Oregon incident.
 

Canada's culture is certainly more British (sensible) and a bit French (run away and hide, honhonhonhon), maybe that has something to do with it.

I think America just went rogue. It's like your slightly mental cousin who you're scared to have round at your house because they go through your toy box, make a huge mess and then **** off and make someone else clean it up.

Re: Oregon incident.
 

The difference is that our local ranges all are indoor. Takes quite a bit of expensive equipment to filter lead out of the air at an indoor range.

Re: Oregon incident.
 

My children, like every child in public school and preschool in America, have to practice hiding and being quiet to stay alive. When you choose that rather than fewer guns, something as gone very wrong in your society.

Re: Oregon incident.
 

There is no excuse for what happened. Either leaving a loaded firearm out or their lack of parental skills that raises an 11 year old to even think of doing such a thing.

If someone needs to be told by a regulation that unless the weapon is in your control it should be locked away and secure, do you honestly think such a regulation would work.

There are States I think which do have such a law. It's only real use is to enable a prosecution when something like this happens. My guns are locked in a gun safe. Does that impede my ability to get to them if someone broke into my home, yes it does. But that is better than the risk with a loaded firearm being lose in the house. Responsible guns owners do the same. You can't legislate against irresponsible and stupid, wish you could.

Re: Oregon incident.
 

He was fighting for his beliefs.

Re: Oregon incident.
 

We have all kinds of laws against irresponsible behavior. We just don't have many of them with respect to firearms.

Re: Oregon incident.
 

Indeed we do. But they don't stop people being irresponsible and stupid, it just enables us to prosecute them when they are.

As one of my instructors said at the Hendon Police Training School. "You can never underestimate the intelligence of the British public." Having now lived or visited many countries in this world I would remove the word British from his comment. No amount of laws will ever change that.

Re: Oregon incident.
 

I know people aren't always going to follow the rules, but that could be said about any law. In my mind, it's better to have the law than to not, but I'm not running for office or anything, so it's just my position.

That being said - your final paragraph is the one with the best point, in that such a regulation would enable a prosecution. I think that whichever parent owned the shotgun is every bit to blame for the death of the girl than the boy who shot her and laws should be put in place to ensure such irresponsibility is dealt with accordingly.

Re: Oregon incident.
 

There are virtually no prosecutions for these kinds of shootings.

If a parent left a bottle of arsenic on the counter and his kid died from drinking it, then that parent would likely be prosecuted for a felony.

If a parent leaves out a Glock and the kid blows his head off, it is likely that nothing will happen. There are no arsenic rights activists to interfere with the former.

Re: Oregon incident.
 

Totally agree, having traded jobs into a more public facing role I have had too many WTF moments.

This thread is also evidence.

Re: Oregon incident.
 

I don't disagree about having such laws for use after the event, I much prefer to find ways to prevent the event. Unfortunately for those running for public office being pro gun control is a good way to alienate a significant number of voters.

I agree but it is punishment after the fact, not an effective means of prevention. In Oregon we have a reckless endangerment law, often used when people leave their kids in cars in the summer months. Every summer the news stations will carry stories of cops breaking into cars to rescue kids, and a parent being taken away in handcuffs.

Re: Oregon incident.
 

That seems to happen a lot here as well. Plus other major stupidities.

A friend was telling me how he go a Scout group off a 14er where it was obvious the guy leading had no clue.