Another horrible gun attack took place today in Newtown, Connecticut at Sandy Hook Elementary school, early reports are that 26 people have been murdered, 18 children and 8 adults. Details are very sketchy right now, latest reports are that there was one shooter, allegedly his name is Ryan Adam Lanza, around 24 years old. His mother was an elementary school teacher at this school which is where he shot her and many of the children in her classroom. As always, early reports are not always reliable so take this information with measure.

Of course, the first attention and great compassion should be focused on the parents and families of those who have been killed and wounded. For any parent, especially those of the youngest and most vulnerable children of elementary school age, this is the kind of nightmare that is unimaginable.

As the days go by though and the emotional and human side of this attack are addressed, there needs to be a united response to the NRA and their political puppets in the GOP and on Fox News when they say, “This is not the time to talk about gun control.” The response needs to be, “This is exactly the time and we’re not only going to talk about, we’re going to do something about it!”

Earlier in the week there was a shooting in a Portland, Oregon shopping mall that killed 2 people. A week and a half ago, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher murdered his girlfriend then shot himself. In August, in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, a gunman shot 6 people in a Sikh temple. In July, there was the mass shooting killing 12 people in Aurora, Colorado at the Dark Knight Rises opening, an unarmed 17 year old Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by the shameless and lying murderer, George Zimmerman…sadly, a larger list could be provided.

The question is, in order to protect the profits of the firearms industry, which is the sole reason the NRA actually exists, do we as Americans have to accept murderous gun attacks on innocent children and adults on an almost monthly basis? This is insane, there is NO other industrialized country that has this kind of proliferate mass murders by independent, well armed citizens. And there is no other nation as insane about making it easier for more people to have more guns…let alone passing laws that not only allow but encourage people to shoot other people by letting them claim after the shooting that they felt threatened, as the Stand Your Ground laws do.

As is no secret, an unholy alliance has been successfully built between the manipulative corporate gun industry and Republican and rural voters. The GOP has happily rolled over for the NRA and their alliance in return for voters (as the unapologetic prostitute the GOP is) and there are a number of Democrats, especially in red and purple states who echo the same pro-gun agenda out of fear for their re-election.

The bullshit is that all of these people care about The Constitution. Instead, this obsessiveness over the 2nd Amendment is all about greed for the gun industry, power for the NRA and both of those things for politicians.

They have other BS justifications that don’t pass the facts or logic test. First, people need guns to protect themselves in their homes. Put aside the studies showing that there are next to no incidents in a given year of people “protecting themselves” in their home (from who or what?), let’s go with anecdotal evidence. We all know how “sexy” a story like that would be to the media, they’d broadcast it all day but how many incidents have been heard of on local or cable news where anyone protected themselves in their home from harm solely because they had a gun? Now count how many times you’ve heard stories about someone shooting their spouse, family member or some other person in their home because a gun was available?

And this involves a kind of twisted logic. Gun industry corporations, through the NRA and ALEC also promote the concept that people need guns to protect themselves from “bad guys” who have guns. It’s really sociopathic, they are essentially trying to make it sensible that the solution to bad people having guns is not to prevent bad people from getting guns…because they represent good paying customers as well…but to just use them as an excuse to sell more guns to “good guys”.  And the stats are that thanks to lax laws and guns being sold at gun shows, around 40% of all legally owned guns are bought without any background check. So there is an active system protected by the NRA that promotes the sale of guns to the mentally ill, terrorists, etc.

Our government has been so detached from the majority of the population on so many issues, on the economy and tax fairness, on gay rights, on drug laws, on immigration but when it comes to supporting the gun culture in the U.S., they are actually right with the majority that has been misled into thinking that the freer guns are, the freer they are.

It is high time that the vocal minority opposing loose gun laws and the gun culture in America step up and turn around those who have been manipulated into thinking that building a more dangerous environment for us and our kids will somehow keep us safer.

No, this is not about reversing the 2nd Amendment or trampling on any Constitutional rights, it’s not about outlawing guns. It’s about having a rational and sane policy about the acquiring of guns (ammunition laws could go a long way!) and their availability to those who shouldn’t have them.

The gun industry, the NRA and the GOP know what an easy game this is for them to win. As long as they can instill fear, fear of those who are black and Latino, fear of a tyrannical government, fear of terrorists (ironic that gun owners have proven to be the majority of terrorists who have acted out in this country), fear of the unknown and the foreign, they have their “army” marching under them. What makes the job of the sane people harder is that they usually can only use intellect to reason instead of emotion.

Except when a horrible thing like this happens…which is why at such moments, the NRA and their pawns fight aggressively against any discussion about gun control even being mentioned. Any person with a fraction of humanity can’t help but be disgusted and appalled that a 24 year old can have such easy access to a murderous weapon and end the lives of so many children who will never grow up and have a chance to even learn what the 2nd Amendment is. Now is a time that the voices of those opposing the proliferation of guns would be heard by some who otherwise might tune them out. So the campaign begins today by the Right Wing to shoot down any conversation about gun control.

Now is not the time to discuss this? No, this is exactly the time to discuss this and they know it. Those who agree should be very visible and vocal, contacting President Obama, their US Senator and House Representative, now is indeed the time to act and fight back against this corporate-backed terrorism.

Today we mourn and send prayers and best thoughts to those suffering with the results of this horrific act. Tomorrow, we need to stand up against the escalation, against more and more senseless gun murders, against an America where the arbitrary murdering of innocent people isn’t accepted as necessary to protect the rights of gun manufacturers and the re-election of Republicans and conservative Democrats.

Now is not only the right time to talk about the growing threat of gun violence in our society, it’s the right time to do something about it.

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Kalima
Admin

While I was sleeping. 🙄 Is this it? Is this all they have? What a bunch of untrustworthy creeps. I suppose it was too much to expect anything else from these buggers.

“dashes hopes of gun control advocates looking for debate”

I disagree with this thought, the NRA don’t govern or make laws in America and the debate needs to go ahead because it’s what more than half of what the American public expect and deserve.

—-

NRA chief breaks post-Newtown silence to call for armed guards at schools

Wayne LaPierre’s statement – twice interrupted by protesters – dashes hopes of gun control advocates looking for debate

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/21/nra-newtown-armed-guards-schools

Kalima
Admin
monicaangela
Member

Much has been revealed since you wrote this post but, for the most part you are correct in everything you are saying…My question is: Why do we even care what the NRA has to say? Why do we give that lobby any control over conversation, debate, legislation, or anything else that has to do with the safety of the citizens of this nation. The NRA doesn’t now, nor has it ever been an advocate for 2nd Amendment rights, it is a lobby for gun manufacturers and distributors plain and simple…let’s learn how to take them out of the equation..and while we’re at it, let’s take every Senator and Representative that is bowing to their wishes out of the equation..2014 elections should be a start to the process.

KillgoreTrout
Member

Westboro Baptist Church to Picket Sandy Hook Elementary

http://news.yahoo.com/westboro-baptist-church-picket-sandy-174800179.html?bcmt_s=m#ugccmt-container

These sick fuckers need to be prevented from getting anywhere near these funerals, or the school or the town itself. The 1st amendment allows them to picket, but it would great if law enforcement simply turned a blind eyes, and let the townspeople run these bastards off (preferably with baseball bats and clubs). WBC can’t possible sink any lower.

KillgoreTrout
Member

Apolgies Kalima, I posted this before I clicked on the link you offered. These people should be thrown, screaming from a helicopter!

Kalima
Admin

No problem KT, if you scroll down, bito also left a link for a petition against these nut jobs, and yes, I have never understood why they were allowed to picket private funerals, makes no sense to me, and wouldn’t be tolerated in either Europe or the U.K.

Here is the link from bito.

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/legally-recognize-westboro-baptist-church-hate-group/DYf3pH2d?utm_source=wh.gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=shorturl

KillgoreTrout
Member

Absolutely done. Thank you.

Kalima
Admin

Well done. I would have signed but there are some things I can’t sign. 🙁

KillgoreTrout
Member

We know where your heart lies Kalima! 😉

Kalima
Admin

That’s good to know. 🙂

Kalima
Admin

6 Worst Reactions to the Newtown Massacre

The horror of the massacre in Newtown, Conn. is still fresh, and yet already, there are people out making fools of themselves in its wake.

It’s not particularly surprising that gun fetishists would be resisting calls to consider — just consider — some reasonable changes in gun safety policies. But that’s not what elevates a reaction to the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School to truly reprehensible. No, the men and women who make this list reached it trough a combination of bigotry, cluelessness and an almost pure lack of empathy for those people grieving sons and daughters and parents in Newtown. Here, without further ado, are the six worst reactions to the killings in Newtown.

http://www.care2.com/causes/6-worst-reactions-to-the-newtown-massacre.html

bito
Member

Kalima, it really is hard to pick out one that is the most despicable, they are all almost equal in their own way and the more some of the open their mouths they make it easier.

Kalima
Admin

Yes bito, they are all despicable, and something the majority of us wouldn’t even think, never mind say out loud to anyone. I hope that their words and actions at this time are never forgotten, because they are the dregs of society. A sickness of the soul no pill or shame can cure. When I read them again in one list, I shuddered as if some evil had passed me by, for these people can’t really be human.

Kalima
Admin

Breaking: (No link yet)

“NRA, in its first statement after the Newtown shootings, says it is prepared “to help make sure this never happens again”.

EDIT:

Found this from AP. Blah, blah, blah….

NRA PROMISES TO HELP PREVENT SCHOOL SHOOTINGS

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_NRA_SILENCE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-12-18-17-27-15

Right. 🙄

LEAKED NRA Members Video: ‘Borderless’

bito
Member

I can’t find the link yet either, Kalima.

Kalima
Admin

I’ll post it as soon as I get one bito.

Then I read this and have to wonder about these people.

“Gun sales surge across US after Newtown amid fears of crackdown”

From Oregon to Connecticut, gun shops reported soaring sales over the weekend as national attention returns to gun control

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/18/gun-sales-surge-newtown-crackdown

bito
Member

Kalima, that does seem to happen after every mass shooing from what I’ve read. I think a majority of the sales may be the same group of RW gun nuts afraid over and over again and again. Like AdLib says the NRA don’t represent gun owners, they represent gun manufactures. The NRA’s job is to constantly stir up fear both with the populace and fear in the congresspersons.

Kalima
Admin

Yes I thought the same bito, that those buying already own guns. Any normal person would do the opposite and turn away from guns. I’ve never liked them or seen a reason for private use or ownership, then again, I’m against hunting too. Now I feel sick just seeing a picture of one. Your Second Amendment is outdated and has been abused.

Kalima
Admin
KillgoreTrout
Member

Look, SQUIRREL! Talk about changing the subject! Then there are those on the right that slam Obama about operation Fast and Furious, where guns were, without a doubt, coming from America into Mexico.

Of course these lunatics won’t show Columbine, or Aurora, and most recently Newtown! What a bunch of fascist liars!

bito
Member

‏@Shoq

Forcing every Fox News watcher to get a mental health exam will stop a lot more senseless slaughters than an ammo ban will. #p2

agrippa
Member
agrippa

Congress may do something; such as re instate the assault weapons ban. I think that Congress will be doing well if it does that much. Some states may take action. But, I am not optimistic.

What people in our society can do is to move away from wanting to own firearms. I have the legal right to own a weapon, but I decide not to own one. We should move away from the idea that we ought to have a weapon.

I expect that public places will try to have increased security.

Kalima
Admin

It’s a start.

Obama faces fierce pressure over gun control as senators call for weapons ban

Newtown school massacre reignites gun control debate as politicians call for a law ‘to get weapons of war off the streets’

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/16/obama-gun-control-pressure-newtown

—-

Connecticut Sandy Hook school shooting: latest

Latest updates as Barack Obama arrives in Connecticut to meet with families of the victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9748253/Connecticut-school-shooting-live.html

Occupy Wall Street poster

Kalima
Admin

I signed this petition a few hours ago, just in case you want to join me, here is the link.

Don’t worry there were quite a few signatures from around the world there as well so didn’t feel out of place. So many are concerned about this kind of senseless mass shooting in the U.S.

“President Obama: We Need to Talk About Gun Control, TODAY”

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/546/934/954/

—-

A Timeline Of Mass Shootings In The US Since Columbine

http://www.care2.com/causes/a-timeline-of-mass-shootings-in-the-us-since-columbine.html

SallyT
Member

AdLib, it is not too early to talk about gun control, it is too late. Everyday gets us later and later from doing something! More lives lost is too late! If having more guns makes us safer, with all the guns in the United States we should be the safest place on earth. But, we are not such a place. We are not a new country, with no army with weapons to protect us, we no longer need to feed ourselves from our daily kill of animals, nor do we need to protect ourselves from the natives that we are stealing from. This is why our Founding Fathers put it in the constitution. And, those crazies that think we need weapons to protect us from our government, well, get real! The government has drones now! Even semi automatic weapons will not hold off a tank! There is no logic to the 2nd Addendum now as it was originally intended.

Okay, maybe if you live were there are rattlesnakes and you don’t have a big rock, a pistol might be handy to have!

KillgoreTrout
Member

I just found out that this kid’s mother was the one who owned the guns. Why in the world, would a kindergarten teacher need an assault rifle and two semi-auto handguns? I’m not blaming her for what her lunatic son did, but man, it just doesn’t make sense for a kindergarten teacher to have massive firepower.

kesmarn
Admin

KT, do you know anything about the father in this family? Could the guns have belonged to him? The older brother?

KillgoreTrout
Member

No kes, I know nothing at all, so far, about the father. I do get the impression that he did not live with this kid and his mother. I don’t know the accuracy of the report, but it said the guns were registered to the mother and she obtained them legally.

Right now it’s difficult to get the facts in order. There always conflicting reports in the immediate aftermath of such a horrible incident as this.

kesmarn
Admin

Wow…they were registered to her? Strange.

I did learn via ABC’s live updates that she apparently was a teacher’s aide, not a teacher there. And that she was shot at home, following which Adam apparently then went to the school and continued with the shooting rampage.

You’re right. It takes a long time to sort things out.

Nirek
Member

KT, being legally obtained punches a big hole in the NRA argument that criminals obtain their guns illegally.

KillgoreTrout
Member

It sure does Nirek. They can’t use that tired old excuse this time. Actually, many of these mass murderers used guns that were purchased legally.

SallyT
Member

Kes, it is my understanding that they are upper middle class. The father and mother are divorced. He is in the financial industry as well as the older son. The older son said that he had not been in touch with his brother for nearly 2 years. The guns apparently were registered to the mother. I don’t know why she would have them nor can I understand it.

Nirek
Member

KT, nobody needs an automatic weapon or a hand gun that holds many rounds. Those are military type weapons and should NOT be available to just anyone.

funksands
Member

We have 300 million Americans and 300 million guns. A gun for every man, woman and child in America. Even if our laws, policy, and populace were rational, with our nation awash in weapons, many people will die simply due to odds.

Anyone can get a weapon easily. Near-military grade.

With the skids greased by the conservative entertainment complex and in local/state/ and federal govt. to keep a population armed, angry, and fearful this horrifying scene will happen again and again and again.

SallyT
Member

Funk, if as they say, we had more guns the safer we will be were true with all the guns we have in the United States under this logic we should be the safest place on earth. Their logic is shot to the moon! Pun intended.

Kalima
Admin

I woke up to this senseless tragedy, and agree 100% that your second amendment is outdated. Laws must change, there has to be stricter gun control, and all assault weapons must be banned. The NRA has so much blood on their hands, and any politician in their corner should also be held responsible. The time to change the law is now while people are still reeling because some nutjob decides to kill his mother and 20 innocent children in their school. You all know as well as I do, that this won’t stop until something concrete changes. My heart goes out to all the victims and their families at a time when many of those killed should have been looking forward to the coming holiday season, and those who witnessed this will have their young lives changed forever.

As you say AdLib, the time to do something is now, and I can think of no better person to tackle this than President Obama and the voices of outrage from the American people.

I’m glad I’ve lived in three countries that banned guns for private citizens, but I worry about all of you and your families and friends. I worry about America, and about how many more have to die before something is done. When is enough, enough?