Gunman goes crazy in cinema in Denver Colorado

[joninliverton]

If only it was that easy Jon. The NRA (National Rifle Association) has a whole lot of clout and influence here. The constitution guarantees people the right to bear arms. Any attempts to limit weapons in the hands of private citizens is rejected out of hand by gun lobbyists as being unconstitutional. It's a very complicated issue over here.

Then you get useless soundbites like, "Guns don't kill people. People kill people."

How can America try and influence the world with their peace talks when their own constitution allows citizens to bear arms. As I said previously, we are not in the era of your gun wielding heros from the movies - we are in 2012. Surely it is up to the people to decide what laws should be changed and not to be, including constitutions ammendments or whatever. Sorry to sound so bitter but I am certainly confused and worried that there will be more such catastrophies whilst you continue to have an arms free society.

 

[JLipps4u]

How can America try and influence the world with their peace talks when their own constitution allows citizens to bear arms. As I said previously, we are not in the era of your gun wielding heros from the movies - we are in 2012. Surely it is up to the people to decide what laws should be changed and not to be, including constitutions ammendments or whatever. Sorry to sound so bitter but I am certainly confused and worried that there will be more such catastrophies whilst you continue to have an arms free society.[/QUOTE]

I'm sure you meant to say an armed society. An arms free society, would indicate that the society is free of all arms.
But I know what you meant.

You are correct. That right to bear arms however, is a right guaranteed by our constitution, and that will NEVER change! Nor should it. At best , our country may, if it ever comes to its senses, limit the type of weapons a free society may hold. That is what they call a catch-22. Besides, the American Rifle Association is one of, if not THE, most powerful lobbys in the history of our country. Rich or poor, CAtholic or Protestant, left-wing or right-wing, ALL segments of society come together to defend our sacred right to bear arms. THAT will never change. So, we will as a society, deal with these senseless acts of violence.

 

[joninliverton]

How can America try and influence the world with their peace talks when their own constitution allows citizens to bear arms. As I said previously, we are not in the era of your gun wielding heros from the movies - we are in 2012. Surely it is up to the people to decide what laws should be changed and not to be, including constitutions ammendments or whatever. Sorry to sound so bitter but I am certainly confused and worried that there will be more such catastrophies whilst you continue to have an arms free society.[/QUOTE]

I'm sure you meant to say an armed society. An arms free society, would indicate that the society is free of all arms.
But I know what you meant.

You are correct. That right to bear arms however, is a right guaranteed by our constitution, and that will NEVER change! Nor should it. At best , our country may, if it ever comes to its senses, limit the type of weapons a free society may hold. That is what they call a catch-22. Besides, the American Rifle Association is one of, if not THE, most powerful lobbys in the history of our country. Rich or poor, CAtholic or Protestant, left-wing or right-wing, ALL segments of society come together to defend our sacred right to bear arms. THAT will never change. So, we will as a society, deal with these senseless acts of violence.

What a shame.... And I refer to an early post by Miss K when I was worried about LL. Miss K stated that LL and her kids wouldnt be there because it was a late show.. However, there were kids killed there as it was a first showing and it was Batman so parents let their kids stay up late....

Going back to your constitution... There is no such word as NEVER or what it really means is not ever. No free society should allow it's citizens to carry rifles, hand guns, gas canisters, etc etc. Then sabotage their cars and appartments so that police cannot get in. Sorry to say this dude and friends - but you're headed for more craziness and more such tragedies unless you sort yourselves out.

 

[JLipps4u]

What a shame.... And I refer to an early post by Miss K when I was worried about LL. Miss K stated that LL and her kids wouldnt be there because it was a late show.. However, there were kids killed there as it was a first showing and it was Batman so parents let their kids stay up late....

Going back to your constitution... There is no such word as NEVER or what it really means is not ever. No free society should allow it's citizens to carry rifles, hand guns, gas canisters, etc etc. Then sabotage their cars and appartments so that police cannot get in. Sorry to say this dude and friends - but you're headed for more craziness and more such tragedies unless you sort yourselves out.

I dare say you are right! Things will get much worse before they get better. And yes, it is sad. I'm afraid that there is no way for our society to get back to a simpler life. We live in a world of so much brilliance and yet so little foresight.

 

[lovelumps]

I'm grateful for Facebook today. I keep watching for word from all my dearest that their friends and family are safe. It's great in times of crisis, for sure.

 

[BrokeStraightBoys]

Senseless violence again in my state. it is really sad and hits home when it is so close. They really need to make assault rifles illegal. Forget the constitution bearing arms is one thing but bearing an AR-15 which was illegal at one time is another thing. Thoughts and prayers to the families and everyone effected by this.

 

[cumrag27]

The National Rifle Association fules the roost, regardless of how crazy or illogical!

What a shame.... And I refer to an early post by Miss K when I was worried about LL. Miss K stated that LL and her kids wouldnt be there because it was a late show.. However, there were kids killed there as it was a first showing and it was Batman so parents let their kids stay up late....

Going back to your constitution... There is no such word as NEVER or what it really means is not ever. No free society should allow it's citizens to carry rifles, hand guns, gas canisters, etc etc. Then sabotage their cars and appartments so that police cannot get in. Sorry to say this dude and friends - but you're headed for more craziness and more such tragedies unless you sort yourselves out.

Dear Jon,

This whole issue of "GUN CONTROL" legislation is the work of the National Rifle Association. They basically have politicians throughout the land afraid that if they were to come out against their policies, the NRA regularly "guarantees to put that politician out of a job" Our Congressmen and some of our past Presidents simply at their feet, or maybe more correctly up their ! Not unique to the USA, we have elected so many national politicians that have their political ethics so compromised, that they simply don't "Dare cross the NRA, if they know what is good for them"! The influence peddling NRA has been run like a low-class mafia organization for decades, while claiming all the while to take the moral high ground". When President Kennedy in 1963 was assassinated, the masses clamored for gun control back then. THEY WERE IGNORED! A few year later, Martin Luther King, our premiere civil rights leader in the country was killed. THEY WERE ALSO IGNORED! This was followed by the assassination of JFK's brother, Bobby Kennedy, during his run for the Presidency. THEY TOO WERE IGNORED AGAIN! These three assassinations all took place in the 1960's!

The NRA has successfully held the American People as their "hostage" and, like any successful institution, they will do anything within their considerable power to see no "national gun control measure" ever becomes LAW! They have patterned their actions after other less successful "hate groups", like the KKK in the "Old South". They convince through coercion Americans that, unless they own a gun, they are made to feel unsafe in their own home and oppose any subsequent legislation local, state, or national limiting the use of fire arms. It is as if, when GOD created the 10 Commandments, the first one dealt with their "almost unlimited right of individuals to possess fire arms". Somehow, that never quite made it to my Bible???

Even so, people who live especially in rural areas are 1000% convinced their life is at risk 24/7, if they don't have a loaded gun at home, in the car, or on them ready at an instant. Think about the countless numbers of lost lives of innocent children who see a gun unattended and, not thinking it is really for real, they point the loaded gun at a playmate or sibbling or loved one only to get an unexpected surprise. Parents may receive a slight slapping on their wrists for such an oversight, but we all know this won't bring back the DEAD! This is the legacy of the "OLD WEST" and the "NRA", along with endless crimes committed with guns.

I was only 15 years old when President Kennedy was killed senselessly in Dallas in 1963. JFK's assassin was arranged for the price of less than $20, I think, Oswald purchased the "rifle" through some gun magazine "Mail-order" ad without any concern about the gunman's history. We lost our President of the United States for just pocket change, essentially. As insane as all this may be, the NRA always wins out through intimidation or influence peddling! When Ronald Reagan's assassination attempt happened, permanently wounding Jim Brady, his own Press Secretary, and Ronald Reagan almost bled to death, the NRA had all their Ducks in Order and defeated any related attempt at "gun control", despite Jim Brady and Ronald Reagan were both Republicans faithfully performing the duties of their offices! Obviously, human life values little to the NRA! Not even their entire party would stand up on their behalf to pass a reasonable "gun control law", regardless of their extreme personal sacrifices. Obviously, there was little sense of "loyalty" there at play, except to the "influence peddling" the NRA is so infamous for!

Essentially, they control our government lock, stock, and barrel, and along with a few key financial institutions, health care institutions, manufacturing interests, and the "top 1%'ers" (America's most wealthy of the wealthy). They all conspire equally to subvert our government by having it to "only appear" we have a "functioning government"! Appearance is everything to them! Anyone that thinks Congress is really functional, needs to give it a more thoughtful glance!



Sincerely,



Stimpy

 

[grace17]

It sounds like the NRA have a scary amount of influence, which unfortunately it's going to make any attempt at gun control difficult. But don't give up trying to get things changed, even as Mark suggested, start with limiting the type of guns allowed.

I'm as passionate as Jon about this subject because I know gun control does work are far as eliminating these horrendous mass killings.

 

[JLipps4u]

Senseless violence again in my state. it is really sad and hits home when it is so close. They really need to make assault rifles illegal. Forget the constitution bearing arms is one thing but bearing an AR-15 which was illegal at one time is another thing. Thoughts and prayers to the families and everyone effected by this.

Hopefully one day, American society will win out over the NRA lobby (and the big money behind them) and demand from their elected officials, that something be done. And you are right Mark, if they could at least outlaw and ban the sale of anything but a single action gun/rifle then we could have some hope. Somebody, sometime needs to take the first step.

 

[joninliverton]

Thanks for that Stimpy. With such an insight of what goes on over in the US, it would certainly make me think twice about moving over there should I ever have the opportunity. From what I see, things really have not changed a lot since the 1800s which is sad. The NRA seem more dangerous than any foreign power because they are ultimately responsible for the killing from within. Enough said but I fear it won't be long before we discuss this issue once more.

 

[MissDeidra]

The whole situation is just gross. I weep for mankind and dumb motherfuckers in the world that do shit like this.

 

[rrhill]

Girl against violence

5-year old Jana protests against soldiers

 

[tampa24]

Sorry to sound so bitter but I am certainly confused and worried that there will be more such catastrophe's whilst you continue to have an arms free society.

Your bitterness is well founded Jon. Nothing substantive will change here as far as gun control. And something like this will happen again. You get sickos who want to become famous by getting a higher body count than the last tragedy. But then look at what happened in beautiful peaceful Norway. So the U.S. does not have a monopoly on the violently deranged who get access to weapons.

Senseless violence again in my state. it is really sad and hits home when it is so close. They really need to make assault rifles illegal. Forget the constitution bearing arms is one thing but bearing an AR-15 which was illegal at one time is another thing. Thoughts and prayers to the families and everyone effected by this.

I agree. I don't see why assault rifles are not already banned from the civilian marketplace. It was seem to be such a no brainer. But I'm not holding my breath.

 

[joninliverton]

Did I once tell you about the time me and my family, who were holidaying in a condo in Palm Desert, got visited by a Sherif. He came to the door with a double barrelled shotgun in his hand asking about this guy that we can only assume was the owner. Imagine a terrified Brit family answering the door to that sight.

 

[tampa24]

Yikes!! And the bobbies over in the U.K. don't even carry guns.

 

[mikeyank]

I was 13 on November 22, 1963 when President Kennedy was assassinated. Shortly thereafter Reverend Martin Luther King, and then Senator Robert F. Kennedy were also assassinated.

As a young teenager, I could see how the assassins all became famous. We all knew the names of Lee Harvey Oswald, James Earl Ray and then Sirhan Sirhan. I also remember mass murderer's Richard Speck & Charles Whitman from my childhood.

It occurred to me that there was something wrong about publicizing the names and stories of these deranged murderers. It seemed to me as a young man that society was making these people famous to the extent where today, 40-50 years after these acts of horrific violence, I still know the names and the stories behind many of these deranged killers.

And now this latest maniac has made a name for himself. Unlike many of the others, he did not want to be taken down by the police, but to instead "bask" in his infamy. During a baseball game, if a fan runs out on the field, the television cameras do not show him, as they don't want to encourage others to break the law to become "famous". I have long wondered if perhaps we should also not publicize these sick people who destroy human life to boost their own ego's.

 

[mikeyank]

The right to keep and bear arms

I understand that this is one of our basic rights in this country and is the second amendment to the constitution, in what is called our bill of rights.

However that was written in the 1700's, and I do believe it is time for an amendment to the constitution and for the U.S. to join more civilized countries like Great Britain in 2012.

I quote the great American folk singer and poet, Pete Seeger who was speaking of war but I feel it also applies to maniacs being allowed to carry guns,

Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Gone to graveyards every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

 

[rrhill]

Marlene Dietrich

 

[Phantom]

I was 13 on November 22, 1963 when President Kennedy was assassinated. Shortly thereafter Reverend Martin Luther King, and then Senator Robert F. Kennedy were also assassinated.

As a young teenager, I could see how the assassins all became famous. We all knew the names of Lee Harvey Oswald, James Earl Ray and then Sirhan Sirhan. I also remember mass murderer's Richard Speck & Charles Whitman from my childhood.

It occurred to me that there was something wrong about publicizing the names and stories of these deranged murderers. It seemed to me as a young man that society was making these people famous to the extent where today, 40-50 years after these acts of horrific violence, I still know the names and the stories behind many of these deranged killers.

And now this latest maniac has made a name for himself. Unlike many of the others, he did not want to be taken down by the police, but to instead "bask" in his infamy. During a baseball game, if a fan runs out on the field, the television cameras do not show him, as they don't want to encourage others to break the law to become "famous". I have long wondered if perhaps we should also not publicize these sick people who destroy human life to boost their own ego's.

I absolutely agree, Mike. The publicity these people are receiving only encourages others to do the same. The media is only fueling the fire by giving people like this around the clock coverage. If they wouldn't do this, we might just see a reduction in such incidents.

 

[joninliverton]

Knowing very little about American law, rights or constitution I bow to your knowledge. However, an amendment to me, means that they have amended a document. So why in 2012, don't they amend the second amendment !! I'm also quite shocked that respected TV companies don't challenge the 2nd amendment - The BBC would certainly highlight and press for any change in the law should such a law need changing over here. For a country that put men on the moon, and invented all sorts of gadgets, assisted in getting rid of Hitler thus making the world a safer place to live - You (America) are so short sighted in addressing your own internal problems.