My take on Virginia Tech
I try to stay away from too much political commentary on this blog. But, as usual, the gun control debate is raging again, and is getting extensive coverage here in the UK. I simply want to say that I believe heightened security measures can become oppressive and lead to a poorer quality of life. So, as long as American continues to have a lax policy on guns (especially hand guns) then they should expect events like those that have happened in the 24 hours. I personally would not want security measures put in place which restrict my freedom of movement, cause me undo delay in going about my day to day tasks, or hampered others from living their lives. This is especially important on university campuses, where such freedom is one of the ways we learn to live away from the family structures of our childhood.
5 comments:
Interesting dilemma. The shooter had been removed from a English class because of the violent nature of his writing. The instuctor was teaching him one on one. When she reported him to the police they could not do anything because he had not broken the law. The University could not even report his actions to his parents because he was of legal age. Could this have been avoided had action been taken? Would violation of his personal freedoms been appropriate in this case? Does your right to throw a punch end at my nose?
And does it depend on how big your nose is? But seriously, see this interesting article: http://www.slate.com/id/2164427/fr/rss/
Like I said in my blog, follow the money
I don't think I was specifically talking about freedom for the shooter more the shootees. But I also realise it is often hard to discern who might be a killer. As long as the gun control issue is debated through the constitution the US will never get anywhere. The constitution speaks in terms of well -regulated militia. You don't go into combat with a handgun unless you are a chickenshit officer. Where is the regulation of this so called militia anyway. The strict gun control of the UK hasn't entirely wiped out the problem, but I can't honestly say that I live in mortal fear of someone coming in to church on a Sunday morning and taking out half my congregation. The possibility is remote, not because their aren't would be mass killers in the UK, but because their access to handguns or guns of any sort are highly restricted. So, we have a goodly share of stabbings, and some fine messes at soccer matches, but I don't walk down the street wondering who might be packing heat.
One more point. . .On some Sundays half my congregation appear dead anyways. Usually about mid-sermon.
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