Good morning America… and welcome to another mass shooting!
By now, the country has sadly become accustomed (almost desensitized) to such senseless violence and even though news organizations pretend to be shocked, they are not doing much to stem this kind of barbarity.
They will report every shooting with relish but won’t campaign against restricting the flow of arms.
The sacred Second Amendment you know, and (mostly) the fear of ruffling some feathers.
No matter what the carnage, American Sunday warriors continue to cling to weapons like Christians to crucifixes.
But crucifixes have never prevented anybody from becoming shooting ducks and gun owners are not immune to random shootings either.
Disgruntled employees or resentful lovers have absolutely no qualms about shooting crucifix bearers and guns lovers alike.
And there are plenty of copycats waiting in the wings…
There is no denying that urban life today has become a dangerous environment, and sometimes people need to protect themselves against deranged individuals.
But to defend yourself you don’t need assault weapons.
Assault weapons are meant to “assault” and not to defend.
And this was the case for Aaron Alexis who in spite of known mental problems was able to buy this weapon very easily.
Most people don’t advocate the total banishment of firearms in America, but a tighter control of selling and buying procedures would be a welcome start.
Maybe after the Washington Navy Yard massacre, lawmakers will see the light and have the courage (I doubt it) to do something about it.
If they don’t, very soon children and adults alike will have to wear helmets and bulletproof vests before venturing outside their homes.
Is this something that you would like to see in the future?
Not me!
Alain La Foudre
Erratum: According to the latest news, the shooter was not carrying an AR-15 but a shotgun