Sandy Hook.

There has been much debate both in the media and online about what the response to the Sandy Hook Massacre should be. While I was initially tempted about the possibility of a ban on Assault Weapons, the definition of what is an assault weapon makes this a questionable solution. After reading the details of New York’s new law I believe they have gone too far.

The other part of New York’s law makes much more sense. That is requiring a background check for all sales and transfers of firearms. This can go a long way to keeping guns out of the hands of those that should not have them. You know felons, the mentally unstable, domestic abusers, etc…

I was impressed with an interview I saw of Cory Booker, the mayor of Newark, NJ. In that interview he said that of all the gun crimes investigated in his city, only one had been committed by an individual who had passed a background check to get the weapon. The others had all been obtained through what he called the secondary market. This is gun shows and private sales. For most states, background checks are not required for these secondary market sales. That is something that should be corrected.

One thing about the Sandy Hook shooting that has not received much public discussion was the personal responsibility. Now I don’t like to speak ill of the dead, but, the mother of the shooter was irresponsible in not securing her guns so that her mentally unstable son could not get access to them. She paid with her life for that mistake.

So, what should be done?

1. Require background checks on ALL sales and transfers of firearms.

2. Make the registered owner responsible for their weapons. If a gun you own is used in a crime, because you did not properly secure it, it’s on you. If it’s stolen, report it immediately.

3. Take the time to learn how to safely use and handle your guns. The lamest excuse I have ever heard is “I was cleaning my gun and it went off” If you don’t know enough to unload the gun before cleaning; you have no business owning a gun.