Originally Posted by Kptlt. Neuerburg (Post 2541775)

The only thing that will happen is the talking heads will talk about we should do this or we should do that, the politicians will do the same, the lobbyist will lobby for what they think is best and in the end either nothing will get done or something will be done and considered right when it would be the worst thing to do because that's what governments do.

Originally Posted by August (Post 2541564)

Well first of all it's the Bill of "Rights", not the Bill of "Needs" so what one person thinks we need is immaterial but the 2nd Amendment does mention "well regulated" which in 18th century parlance meant "proficient".

So let me ask you can you think of a better militia weapon than an AR-15? Is there another weapon that shares the same ammo, aiming system, cleaning kits, spare parts and accessories? Is there another weapon that would be better for familiarizing civilians with our countries basic battle rifle short of actually issuing them a real one like the Swiss?

Originally Posted by Skybird (Post 2541554)

I think it is also a cultural and mentality thing, a different attitude towards violence and a certain fetishism for firearms in general. Especially Germans and Americans are probably the two most extreme poles on this. The truth I think must be found somewhere between the two.

And no, I do not think I represent the German mainstream attitude towards fiorearms, for German standards my stand on firearms and their private possession already counts far too lenient. For American standards I probably already count as a dictator in the eyes of the NRA at least. :D

Originally Posted by Mr Quatro (Post 2541847)

This is a true statement in the past ... these shootings could wind up influencing the next election more so than the Russians did in 2016.

Promises of more gun control could sink a politician on the other hand a pro gun stance could ruin that politicians chance.

One things for sure those students are going to need some answers when school starts up again.

Originally Posted by Kptlt. Neuerburg (Post 2541914)

Indeed, the topic of gun control is very much a double edged sword in this country even more so once you get into the realm of politics.

Personally what I think is the main problem on the topic of gun control is.....

Originally Posted by Commander Wallace (Post 2541898)

Lots of great posts and analysis. I completely agree with you August on the right to bear arms / weapons and the reasons why. Armistead had mentioned full gun racks in the trucks of students and I remember the identical situation at at my somewhat rural High School as well. I further remember a few High School teachers and one time the principal outside in the parking lot discussing rifles, calibers and grain weight of the bullets in bringing down game. Not that it matters but we were High School football players and students, some of whom hunted and not connected with any sort of militia. There was never an incident then with weapons of any kind as there was a high degree of trust and respect between us students and the teachers and administration of the school. Our parents in those times taught us respect for people and life and insisted we act in accordance with those tenets. That's as it should be. You couldn't bring hunting weapons to school today as the times are way different.

Shootings such as been seen recently would have been completely unthinkable then.

Platapus also hit the nail on the head with his analysis. Platapus had stated the mind set of those who want to kill and not necessarily surviving the encounter. It's really not possible to be 100 % safe all the time. It would seem to make sense that an armed person and citizen makes a poor target. Most law enforcement and prosecutors point to illegal recreational drugs as fueling the increase in crime. People steal and rob to get money to buy drugs. This doesn't seem to be the case in this instance. This sick individual just wanted to kill people and boasted to that effect in social media.

As a number of forum members have already said, the answers in the coming weeks and months won't come easy. However, one possible solution is relatively easy to implement and that is a multiple layered security approach at the schools. Security checkpoints, metal detectors and staff trained to use them. Bullet proof glass in a receiving atrium for all visitors as well. Any visitors would have to be cleared in advance of the visiting day and go through the same screening process as the students in addition to submitting a reason for the visit and be approved and escorted. If a visitor / intruder poses a threat, then that threat could be isolated by means of remote locking doors, contained and if necessary, neutralized within the bulletproof atrium.

None of these provisions will keep the average person on the street safe and aren't meant to but would go a long way toward keeping our children in school safe from armed threats. These may well seem like extreme measures and I certainly would have thought so in High School when I attended. Then again, I never would have thought the carnage we have seen lately would have been possible either.

We owe our kids and their parents this much that they should be able to be safe while learning and protect the lives of their kids. It's clear that actions need to be taken in light of the times to insure our kids safety. While we may differ on what changes need to be implemented I think we can all agree increased security at our schools is a good idea. These changes may be cumbersome at first to enact but I think in the end, well worth it.



You may well be right Sky however German history and that of the creation of the U.S differ. Our fore fathers wanted it's future citizens to be able to protect themselves from tyranny which some governments like to engage in. It's also true that outside casual observers from Germany, England or wherever may be able to see the trees through the forest so to speak and make useful suggestions as it never hurts to listen.

Originally Posted by Buddahaid (Post 2541923)

There are millions of guns that are under that radar.

Originally Posted by August (Post 2541845)

Maybe if the FBI leadership spent less time trying to overturn elections and more time doing their job we would have less of these terrible incidents.

Originally Posted by Dowly (Post 2541994)

Good try to blame the Russian probe on 17 dead kids. Shame on you.

Originally Posted by Dowly (Post 2541994)

How does Mueller's probe impact on the rest of the FBI for doing their jobs?

Originally Posted by Nathaniel B. (Post 2542014)

I think you meant "blame the death of 17 people on the Russia probe."

...At least I hope that's what you meant.