Shootings At Va. Tech Spark Gun Debate

Two Experts On Opposite Side of The Spectrum Appeared On "The Early Show" To Talk About Gun Policy

(CBS)  The deadliest campus shooting in U.S. history has renewed the debate over gun control.

Advocates of wider gun control blame the recent string of deadly shootings, including the Amish school shooting in October in Pennsylvania, on the availability of guns in the U.S. They say there has been no new legislation on control of guns since the Columbine incident, which occurred eight years ago this week.

But those in the pro-gun camp say that if people are allowed to carry concealed weapons to protect themselves, they can prevent these kinds of tragedies from occurring.

Maggie Rodriguez, who is filling in for The Early Show co-anchor Hannah Storm, moderated a debate between Paul Helmke, president of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, and Suzanna Hupp, a former Texas state representative and concealed weapon advocate. Hupp saw her parents gunned down at Luby's Cafeteria in Killeen, Texas, in 1991 when George Hennard killed 23 people and wounded 20 others before taking his own life.

"It's been eight years since Columbine," Helmke said via satellite from Washington, D.C. "We've done nothing as a country. It's been six months since the Amish school shootings. We've done nothing as a country. We need to be asking out elected officials what they can do to prevent people from getting these kinds of high-powered weapons."

Hupp said she also believes that this kind of horrific incident is preventable, but she and Helmke disagree about how to do it.

"It amazes me that our politicians don't get the fact that these mass shootings only occur in places where guns aren't allowed," said Hupp, who spoke via satellite from Austin, Texas. "They occur in gun-free zones. Think about it. Columbine, he mentioned — post offices, day care centers, other schools, universities. Why are we removing my teachers' right to protect themselves and the children that are in their care?"

If she had her gun the day her parents were killed, Hupp says she would have been able to make a difference and perhaps save some people.

"There's absolutely no doubt in my mind things would have been different that day," she said. "I believe in this particular scenario, when Virginia Tech apparently stood up in front of a hearing and said they didn't want people to be able to protect themselves on campus, at that point, they had the responsibility and the liability to protect those people and they didn't. You basically are creating a shopping list for a madman. Somebody who wants a high body-bag count goes to a gun-free zone."

Helmke said that Hupp raised legitimate points, but a deeper problem is that many politicians don't even want to open discussion about the problem of guns — whether it is solved by having more control or less.

"Most politicians just run away from this issue," he said. "We need to start asking them what their proposals are … Maybe if you have strict licensing, permitting and registration, maybe you would have more guns.

"Actually, these killings occur all sorts of places. Fairfax, Va., police station, just 11 months ago, had two police officers killed at the police station. We make it too easy to get these guns.

"Let's prevent these folks from getting these guns in the first place. Then we can argue about how best to react when they're coming to the shooting. If they can't get that gun with a high-powered clip that's shooting off that many rounds that quickly, then we're making our whole — our community safer."

But Hupp pointed out that the shooter at Virginia Tech did not have an automatic weapon but rather a semiautomatic, which meant he had to pull the trigger each time he fired. But even if the shooter had used revolvers, Hupp said that people need the ability to protect themselves.

"When you make gun laws like this, it only takes the guns out of the hands of the normal, sane people, if you will," she said. "It keeps them from protecting themselves. None of the mass shootings have occurred in places where guns were allowed. You don't see these things happening at NRA conventions or the dreaded gun show that you all talk about frequently."

But Helmke pointed out that guns, other than the ones being displayed, have been banned from entering gun shows. He said cities, states and countries that have more guns have more violence and that "we need to prevent these people from getting the guns in the first place."

Hupp interjected: "How do you do that?"

"Stop high-capacity clips," Helmke said. "A semiautomatic weapon, you can get off 25 rounds in under 15 seconds — generally if you know what you're doing. It's just a single finger twitch."

Those on his side of the issue have proposed things like assault weapons bans and background checks, mostly to no avail, Helmke said. In Virginia, he said, people don't even have to go through a background check if they are buying from a non-licensed dealer or non-licensed seller at the gun show.

"Do an assault weapons ban ... Ban these high velocity clips," Helmke said. "Stop multiple sales of handguns. Look at registration licensing. There's a lot of things. But nobody has done anything."

But Hupp said she doesn't think guns can effectively be kept out of the hands of people who want to do harm. That is why people should be allowed to protect themselves.

"You cannot name me one place where a mass shooting has occurred where it wasn't in a gun-free zone," Hupp said. "I want my children protected. I want my teachers to be able to protect themselves."

[gspears3-2009]

uh, I dont' recall any recent events where a criminal used "semi-automatic fire" to commit a crime. Whether it's a knife or a gun, it's still a crime. Put these idiots in jail and keep them there.

[bluestardad]

helmke he was my mayor he did nothing but raise taxes and annex high level housing neighborhoods to increase city tax base! he did nothing for gun rights in fort wayne, I live there! his mouth is set in a grin like he did it with some face job! he is so hated he could not run for dog catcher in indiana!

The focus spin is trying to be changed from the fact that the authorities did not lock down the campus after the first shootings with the suspect still at large for two hours then the other 30 people could have been saved if this had happened! So the focus is being diverted to the devisive issue of Gun Control to distract from the real messing up of the State Law Enforcement and College Leadership! That let this guy go back to his dorm room change clothes and then go back into the campus buildings and start shooting again!

[infidel_us]

A MAJOR lib tactic. Use a profoundly tragic event to push the utopian lib agendas of GUN CONTROL and UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE. This is nothing but contemptable, political pandering.

I have an idea.....why don't you libs go after the CRIMINALS instead of law abiding citizens.

1) You will NEVER get guns out of the hands of criminals or nuts who intend to do harm.
2) Even if drakonian gun laws were passed, you will NEVER be able to collect the weapons in existence.

So keep dreaming and move on.

[pghlady3]

WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!
You may take guns away from the public, but YOU WILL NEVER get the guns possesed by criminals, NEVER.

[tucano2]

It seems obvious we need a legal requirement that all American Citizens age 18 and up carry a concealed pistol or revolver. In the VaTech matter perhaps there would have been only the shooter's death from 32 bullets.

[bizzzz-2009]

I love my guns, but why the heck was a foreign exchange student on a visa able to purchase two handguns???
When I bought mine, they did a background check on me. Did anybody bother calling south Korea about this guy?

[macusweil]

It was nice to see all the VA gun owners respond so quickly to defend their community & themselves in this time of crisis. Great too the way gun owners across US are supporting the rights of this mass murderer. What about the rights of the dead?-- guess they should have been carrying a hand gun too, very pathetic argument NRA!!

[macusweil]

"WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!
You may take guns away from the public, but YOU WILL NEVER get the guns possesed by criminals, NEVER."

Yeah right!! MF and where would this kid from another country have found a gun in VA if they didn't have laws making it easier to get a gun than the morning after pill?

[macusweil]

didntinhale? you could have fooled me!! everything you say always sounds completely stoned. lol

"You're doing a heck of a job Bushy!"

[wiccantexan]

If guns are why people get shot? Then spoons must be why Rosie O Donnell is fat?
Posted by didntinhale

Well, that would actually be a good example. In both cases, the tool was a conscious decision to use in a destructive way, by folks with deeper issues.

[mellene-2009]

Now is the time to express the outrage most Americans feel for lack of adequate gun controls. The nation said last week that the times have changed for unacceptatble words to be aimed at our college kis, so why are bullets okay instead?

[wiccantexan]

I love my guns, but why the heck was a foreign exchange student on a visa able to purchase two handguns??? When I bought mine, they did a background check on me. Did anybody bother calling south Korea about this guy?
Posted by bizzzz at 01:34 PM : Apr 17, 2007

From reports, he's been in the U.S. since he was 8 years old. Calling South Korea would have been pointless. Any problems would have arisen right here in this country.

[MIpapaof4]

In VA they do not do back ground checks when you buy a gun. duh Usually it should take 3-5 days to do a back ground check. VA is at fault here, not the legal gun owners. If you take away the guns from the public, only the criminals will have them. Is that what you want? The second amendment guarantees us the right to bear arms. We should all have guns along with concealed weapons permits. That way we could protect ourselves and not have to depend on law inforcement to get there in time. That way you have the right to blow their *** away when they attack you. Maybe then the criminals would think twice, not knowing if you had a gun or not. Jails also would be less crowded, so then we wouldn't have to pay to keep these idiots.

[hunter10039]

Criminals ALWAYS find ways to obtain illegal things....guns...drugs...etc.

places and countries where guns are allowed, NEVER have large amount of unarmed people killed by a lone insane gun-man.

so gun controls only help the criminals or the insane .... to be able to more fully do their intended crime..... without fear of interference.

[wiccantexan]

Now is the time to express the outrage most Americans feel for lack of adequate gun controls.
Posted by mellene at 02:06 PM : Apr 17, 2007

I'm outraged that the Gov't has taken away my right to protection of life and property. Want to control gun crime? Give law-abiding citizens equal footing. And where exactly did you get the "most Americans" stat?

[MIpapaof4]

Some of you people are on the wrong track. If these guys can't get guns, then they'll use knives,clubs or whatever. IT IS NOT THE FAULT OF THE GUNS, it is the people who use them. You'll never ever take away my guns, NEVER. Get it!!! The US CONSTITUTION states that I can have them and no one, and I repeat, no one will ever take them away from me. You wanna try? Go right ahead.

[wiccantexan]

What about the rights of the dead?-- guess they should have been carrying a hand gun too, very pathetic argument NRA!!
Posted by macusweil at 01:35 PM : Apr 17, 2007

If at least the teachers had been certified to carry, we wouldn't have to worry about the "rights of the dead" because the only dead one would be the shooter.

[infidel_us]

What about the rights of the dead?-- guess they should have been carrying a hand gun too, very pathetic argument NRA!!
Posted by macusweil at 01:35 PM : Apr 17, 2007

OH PAHLEEEEEEZEEE!!!!! This is, without a doubt, the most PATHETIC post I have seen thusfar. The rights of the dead????? What a LOSER!!!!

[guysdigdirt]

Now is the time to express the outrage most Americans feel for lack of adequate gun controls. The nation said last week that the times have changed for unacceptatble words to be aimed at our college kis, so why are bullets okay instead?
Posted by mellene
------------------------------------

You make a good point. You say we should lose our right of free speach and once we feel comfortabel losing one right we are like sheep to the slaughter and will more accept the next loss of another right.

Oh, and most of the county is outraged at this kind of tragedy, but most of the country is not for more gun control. That is what the media like Couric wants you to believe. they want you to feel stupid if you do not want that. But they will still have their armed guards. they just want to be the only ones to have them.

Take your guns, then take your rights, you will not have the means to fight back.

[guysdigdirt]

If guns are why people get shot? Then spoons must be why Rosie O Donnell is fat?
Posted by didntinhale

Well, that would actually be a good example. In both cases, the tool was a conscious decision to use in a destructive way, by folks with deeper issues.
Posted by WiccanTexan

Also a good point, but if you get rid of all the tools, there would be no cars, steak knives (or any other kind of knife), baseball bats, most chemicals would be gone for fear of bombs being made with them, no glass, no pipes,... shall i keep going?

Why not try and help the people with the issues? Shall we kill the messanger or the one who sent the message?

[bobacorn]

Guns are for *******.

[guysdigdirt]

If i have a fire in my home, i will fight it even ater the FD comes to put it out. If an intruder comes into my home, I will not wait and hope the PD can take care of it before it kills me or my family. what is the difference.

Do not try and take my gun, it is my protection for my family.

[guysdigdirt]

Guns are for *******.
Posted by bobacorn
-----------------------------------
Spoken by the very person I need to protect my children from.

If a pervert molester comes to my home to get my kids, they hope I am not armed. This moron is like that, wants me to feel bad for wanting a gun.

Stand up for your rights, do not let anyone take your rights.

[guysdigdirt]

For those who want guns banned. Guns have been banned in Japan forever. Most Japanese have never even seen a real gun, not in a museum or anywhere.

Yesterday the Gov. of Nagasaki was shot, by a gunman, with a gun.

Our countrymen have had a God given right to own a gun forever. If you ban them now only the criminals will have them and all mayhem will ensue.

[wiccantexan]

Why not try and help the people with the issues? Shall we kill the messanger or the one who sent the message?
Posted by guysdigdirt at 02:36 PM : Apr 17, 2007

I know where you're coming from, but I still need to protect my family from the ones who have not, or will not, resolve their issues. The VT shooter was, according to reports, on medication for depression. Someone WAS trying to help. But 31 people are still dead.

[infidel_us]

I don't own a gun, but by the end of the week, I will. You slackers who would use this time to espouse your left wing gun control ideology have really set me off.

Any gun owners care to suggest a nice pistol with a goo d size clip...like a 9mm?

I'm sitting here at work listening to some muslim towel head offering up his thoughts and prayers to allah at Va Tech. Pathetic.

[wiccantexan]

Guns are for *******.
Posted by bobacorn at 02:38 PM : Apr 17, 2007

The domestic housecat, by virtue of attitude and heritage, is actually considered one of the more dangerous and fearless animals on the planet. So... you bet!

[wiccantexan]

I'm sitting here at work listening to some muslim towel head offering up his thoughts and prayers to allah at Va Tech. Pathetic.
Posted by Infidel_US at 02:58 PM : Apr 17, 2007

Would you rather he be praying to Allah for more bloodshed? Or participating in a common cause for good, as a free and united America should?

[phoenix1218]

I am willing to bet that this student did NOT have a license to carry a weapon which would mean he was carrying them illegally. Most of the shootings that have been in the news (although not all) are from people who steal guns (from Dads locked cabinet) or criminals who steal or buy them ilegally. There are some cops that cannot carry a gun outside of their job THAT is how strict the rules are. I happen to have my license to carry and it was obtained by going to a gun safety class and then applying for it through my local police station. It is not as easy as people think to obtain a LTC, neither is it impossible.
What happened at VTech is a horrible, horrible thing and my prayers go out to all the victims and to the families of those victims. I hoep they can get through this by leaning on eachother.
I have heard that parents want the President of VTech to step down. At first it was one shooting they thought was related to a domestic dispute and they did what they had to do for that incident when the second one happened. Maybe he could have done something more, maybe not...I tend to think not. I know these families are hurting and need someone to blame, why not look at the student who actually did it, or his family for how he was raised? Do NOT blame this on the President of VTech.

[wiccantexan]

"CBS News has learned one of the guns used in the massacre -- a 9MM semi-automatic Glock 19 -- was purchased brand new at a Roanoke, Va.
gunshop, Roanoke Firearms, 36 days ago."

[infidel_us]

Would you rather he be praying to Allah for more bloodshed? Or participating in a common cause for good, as a free and united America should?
Posted by WiccanTexan at 03:03 PM : Apr 17, 2007

Islam is a cult.....it's not a religion. I'd prefer that it not be elevated to the same level as Judeo-Christian faiths. I do not like or trust them. Fair enough? Just being honest.

[infidel_us]

Glock 19 -- was purchased brand new at a Roanoke, Va. gunshop, Roanoke Firearms, 36 days ago."
Posted by WiccanTexan at 03:09 PM : Apr 17, 2007

Thanks!

Hey, bobacorn......just call me a gun owning pusscataur! :)

[phoenix1218]

"The focus spin is trying to be changed from the fact that the authorities did not lock down the campus after the first shootings with the suspect still at large..."
Posted by bluestardad

Actually they had the building where the first shootings happened in lockdown. The police cannot get there lighting quick and even campus security cannot get there RIGHT away so this guy probably had a few moments where he was able to get out where he did more damage across the campus IF it is the same guy. They are not saying one guy did both shootings, although there is much speculation that he did.

[thetruth2001]

I don't think we need to ban handguns, but its ridiculous that semiautomatic weapons are legal. If you're just defending yourself you don't need to shoot that fast.

And why don't we have registration and licensing at gun shows?

[samael2014]

This Hupp lady is simply amazing. She tries to make an argument that these mass shootings only happen in gun-free zones like single classroom Amish school houses, and yet her own parents were killed by a gunmen who drove his gun storing pickup INTO a gun-free zone. These sociopathic freaks just don't seem to realize yet, it is the gun-toting and concealing self-protection people that are doing all the killing, the one's our society needs to worry about and protect itself against. All it takes is a little motivation, opportunity and a gun in your hand; can you imagine how many people in a given day would act on a grievance if they were armed? I'm not talking about people who have a criminal record, or a record of violence, or anything that would prevent them from getting a gun in the state of Virginia the minute they start feeling no way out.

I guess what amazing me most is the use of words like 'shocked' and 'stunned' for a country that should least of all be either of these.

[dogband]

Gun control: I am torn here and do not have a complete opinion or solution. Up until this I was OK with regular citizens owning regular guns [handguns, rifles and shotguns for hunting, not the so called automatic weapons-there is absolutley no point in these. I do have some thoughts, not solutions:

1. I own a six shot revolver handgun primarily for use in the most extreme circumstances, eg to prevent someone who has forced their way into my house from hurting my family before the police arrive.
2. In my humble opinion one cannot help but believe that the statistics are REAL that show lowered gun deaths in countries with stiff laws prohibiting handgun ownership.
3. The constitution never envisioned the firepower that one person can own under the right to bear arms.
4. I read it takes 20 minutes to buy a gun of this magnitude in VA. How can anyone think that this is right and proper?

[wiccantexan]

Islam is a cult.....it's not a religion. I'd prefer that it not be elevated to the same level as Judeo-Christian faiths. I do not like or trust them. Fair enough? Just being honest.
Posted by Infidel_US at 03:09 PM : Apr 17, 2007

It comes from the same root Abrahamic sources as Judeo-Christian. And if you cannot separate the deeds of extremists from the good behavior of the majority, then nothing will change in our society. Might as well give up being Christian as well.

[dogband]

5. A prior reader noted an analogy that someone could have chained the door and used gasoline to burn the victims to death. While I like analogies, and search for a good one, with all due respect this is not a good analogy. The amount of gas to do this much damage, and the time it would take to do this damage does not compare to the firepower held in one hand of a Glock 9mm. I need a better analogy to try and form a rational opinion. The only thing I can think of that is legal to purchase, that can harm this many people so quickly is a vehicle, and one used with the intent of harming large numbers in a crowd. But the size does not fit, it could not be driven into the interiors of buildings.

Is there any legal object, purchasable by anyone, that can be so easily carried to almost anywhere, that can do so much damage so quickly? I can't think of any.

And knowing that such a small device has so much potential to do so much damage very quickly would we want to allow it in the hands of everyone in the population? Are there benefits of such a device that the population needs that outweigh its potential danger.

I do not know the answer on this one. I do know that folks holding onto "my way or the highway" type opinions will leave us exactly where we are today.

[wiccantexan]

Actually they had the building where the first shootings happened in lockdown. The police cannot get there lighting quick and even campus security cannot get there RIGHT away so this guy probably had a few moments where he was able to get out where he did more damage across the campus IF it is the same guy. They are not saying one guy did both shootings, although there is much speculation that he did.
Posted by Phoenix1218 at 03:17 PM : Apr 17, 2007

It looks likely he did both, since ballistics link at least one gun with both locations. Also, a two-hour time lapse is hardly "lightning fast" reaction.

[wiccantexan]

It comes from the same root Abrahamic sources as Judeo-Christian.
Posted by WiccanTexan at 03:32 PM : Apr 17, 2007

Just a quick note before that degenerates into a religious debate. My point is, we are an increasing separatist society. Why was the shooter a loner? Why was he isolated? Was he lumped into some category? This needs to be addressed if resolution is to come about in stopping such tragedies from occurring again.

[usbrit-2009]

The only thing that would have been different if Ms. Hupp had had her gun at Luby's is that she'd be the first one shot.

[phoenix1218]

"One law enforcement official said Cho's backpack contained a receipt for a March purchase of a Glock 9 mm pistol. Cho held a green card, meaning he was a legal, permanent resident, federal officials said. That meant he was eligible to buy a handgun unless he had been convicted of a felony."-Associated Press

I have seen people type that he should not have had a hand gun and I agree, because of this kids emotional issues he should not have had one. However, unless he has a felony on his record he is legally able to own a gun. Some cities (although not all) require a letter from your doctor saying you are mentally capable of carrying a weapon. That does not seem to be the case here.

[phoenix1218]

Actually they had the building where the first shootings happened in lockdown. The police cannot get there lighting quick and even campus security cannot get there RIGHT away so this guy probably had a few moments where he was able to get out where he did more damage across the campus IF it is the same guy. They are not saying one guy did both shootings, although there is much speculation that he did.
Posted by Phoenix1218 at 03:17 PM : Apr 17, 2007

It looks likely he did both, since ballistics link at least one gun with both locations. Also, a two-hour time lapse is hardly "lightning fast" reaction.
Posted by WiccanTexan at 03:34 PM : Apr 17, 2007


What I meant by lighting quick response is that people, after the fact, seem to have this unrealistic mindset that the second something terrible like this happens that someone (security/police)needs to be there. And the two-hour time lapse...who knows, maybe (if the 2 shootings ARE connected) the kid got out before they put the first crime scene into lockdown. As for the guns being linked to both shootings, I have not read about that, although I wouldn't be surprised to read it at some point.

[saneman944]

States with strict waiting periods for guns purchases just run your name in a cross reference to make sure your not a felon or have a restraining order. Its the same electronic check that states with the instant back ground use, you just wait an extra ten days before taking it home. Its not like they call people to check up on your stability.

Prohibition didn't work with alcohol. The simple fact that guns do exist means bad people will get ahold of them legal or not just like drugs.
If an individual wants to hurt alot of people they will still find away be it a fire, explosion or whatever the imagination can devise.

[wiccantexan]

From CNN: "Flinchum said ballistics tests show that one of the two guns recovered at Norris Hall was used at Norris and at the dorm, both located on the 26,000-student campus. (Watch police disclose new information about the shooter)"

[phoenix1218]

I HAVE CAPITALIZED MY COMMENTS, AS WELL AS PUTTING MY COMMENTS INSIDE OF PARENTHESIS, INSIDE OF THE COMMENT MADE BY samael2014

"...These sociopathic freaks just don't seem to realize yet, it is the gun-toting and concealing self-protection people that are doing all the killing, (ME SO NOT TRUE) the one's our society needs to worry about and protect itself against. All it takes is a little motivation, opportunity and a gun in your hand; can you imagine how many people in a given day would act on a grievance if they were armed (ME YEAH MAYBE IF THEY ARE DERANGED, PLENTY OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE AN LTC HAVE IT FOR RECREATION SUCH AS HUNTINGhave OR FOR PROTECTION, MAYBE THEY LIVE IN A BAD AREA OR HAVE BEEN ATTACKED BEFORE)? I'm not talking about people who have a criminal record ( ME YOU MUST NOT HAVE HEARD ABOUT EX-CONS WHO OWN GUNS OR GO BACK TO JAIL FOR VIOLATING PROBATION/PAROLE FOR BEING IN POSSESION OF A FIREARM), or a record of violence (ME I HAVE A COUSIN WHO WAS SHOT TO DEATH, AND HE LIVED IN A SAFE AREA), or anything that would prevent them from getting a gun in the state of Virginia the minute they start feeling no way out.

I guess what amazing me most is the use of words like 'shocked' and 'stunned' for a country that should least of all be either of these.
Posted by samael2014 at 03:30 PM : Apr 17, 2007

[phoenix1218]

"States with strict waiting periods for guns purchases just run your name in a cross reference to make sure your not a felon or have a restraining order. Its the same electronic check that states with the instant back ground use, you just wait an extra ten days before taking it home. Its not like they call people to check up on your stability...."- Posted by saneman944

I don't know about VA gun laws, only Massachusetts where you must take a gun safety class, bring the certificate to your local police and apply. In some MA cities you must also get a letter from your doctor stating you are mentally capable of carrying a gun.
When I got my LTC there was no such letter from the doctor required. I think the letter is good to be able to keep people who are not mentally capable from carrying a weapon. I applied, gave my certificate to my local police & waited.I was apporved. Of course I was working in security at the time which is why I applied for the LTC, to get a better security job.
One thing I learned in my gun safety class is that some cops cannot carry a weapon outside of work for some small crime (such as stealling a hub cap when they were teens) they committed.
I agree that better laws need to be set regarding gun ownership laws. But people saying that no one should be able to own a weapon, that is just wrong. People need to be able to own a weapon for work and or to protect themselves and or family.

[finn2056]

You'll never ever take away my guns, NEVER. Get it!!! The US CONSTITUTION states that I can have them and no one, and I repeat, no one will ever take them away from me. You wanna try? Go right ahead.
Posted by MIpapaof4 at 02:13 PM : Apr 17, 2007

What a strange comment...your love of guns is certainly disturbing...a fascination with guns and firearms is one of the warning signs to look for in perpetrators of this kind of violence.

Personally, I don't give a rat's hairy butt whether you want to own guns or not...but I don't want them to be easily obtainable, and I certainly don't want people carrying them around concealed- there are just too many angry people and dim bulbs out there.

And for those who want to make this a red/blue issue, or blame the liberal media for sparking anti-gun sentiments- I think you're way off...
the Gun Debate is not just the libs sparking this with calls for increased gun control- it's the gun nuts too, with their "If everyone was armed, this wouldn't happen" cr*p. They all sound like junior Harry Callahans: "Yeah, well, if I were there, with MY gun, it would be like, you know, go ahead, make my day." (Said with an obvious erection).

And before we go pointing fingers, I think the only one to blame is the shooter. If someone is going to shoot 32 people, and then shoot themselves, why don't they just do it the other way around and save us all the trouble?

[charlesdjohn]

This massacre is the direct result of the gun ban laws. These laws disarmed the entire student body and faculty at the university. These laws enabled this wacko to gun down those students like turkeys at a turkey shoot.

[usbrit-2009]

In an ideal world guns would not exist. Thus no-one would be killed by one (or the person holding one). This is the only way that such a horrible incident could be 100% avoided. Unfortunately that Pandora's box has long since been opened. With or without the country's much misplaced adherence to the 2nd amendment, 200 million guns do exist in this country and (unfortunately) they will not go away. Thus the problem is how do we ensure that ownership is more exclusively reserved for "responsible and legal gun-owners." Now one of the mantras of the NRA is "If guns are outlawed etc." and they and their followers are the ones decrying the usual "liberal" reaction to this and other similar disasters. I would think that it would do their causes no end of good if they could just come up with one idea to stop the criminal class getting a hold of weaponry so easily. What say you guys - you can do it!!!