What's Dunedin Saying About Gun Control?
As America continues to reel in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., slayings we asked Dunedin residents to weigh in about proposed gun control legislation.
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As people across the country talk about tightening gun control legislation in the aftermath of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., Dunedin residents have their own opinions on the topic.
When Patch asked people across Tampa Bay what they thought about banning assault weapons, here’s what New Port Richey Patch readers and Facebook fans had to say:
I have at least four handguns and have not killed anyone with them. I served in Korea and Viet Nam and probably killed several people, ( hope so) but never thought about turning guns on my own people, especially children............... A very sad day for all.
- Bob Jackson, Dunedin Patch reader
Our Forefathers lived in a different time and repeatedly told us to update the Constitution on a regular basis. We have not. The government is ours to use and change as needed, unfortunately individuals filled with greed have become experts in this area and have exploited that which makes us Americans in the first place. Whether people like it or not we are part of a global existence and that is not going to change. There are no secret groups within the our government planning to take over your lives. The only secret groups trying to alter your life for their benefit are lobbying groups like the NRA, 100's of Religious groups and various corporations all looking to benefit off us, the American people. The country is finally waking up to the bias, racist greedy actions of these people and groups that have been abusing us for 150 years. So you might want to hurry up and stockpile all the large mag's, Bushmasters, high powered ammo and other weapons, tools of killing others, because YES they will be unavailable at some point soon. This will be a hard fight but it will not be won with bullets, it will be won with words and a pen. I look forward to the day when your stockpile of guns no longer functions because they have either rusted or gummed shut and no longer can fire. Fire Arms are the perfect example of NOT taking something in moderation. Now it is and will crumble under it's own weight. RIP NRA!
- Ed Harris, Dunedin Patch reader
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
James P.
8:08 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
There is a black market for just about anything that is illegal. If we make guns illegal, they are not just going to go away just like that. Criminals will still be able to get and have guns. Law abiding citizens will be unarmed and more helpless against criminals. There is truth to the statement, If you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns.
Stacy Rush
11:53 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Lets talk about the root of every shooting over the last several years. Big Pharm, Doctors handing out pills for every thing. What about Mental Health, Court System, Schools and Law Enforcement. With every one of these there were warnings months and years in advance. Yet they ignored it. Do you really the Gun Control will stop someone from killing? Criminals and Mentally Challenged are not concerned with laws when they having killing people on their minds. Stop Big Pharm and stop some problems.
Regina B.
10:53 am on Thursday, December 27, 2012
..."Doctors handing out pills for every thing. What about Mental Health,..." "Stop Big Pharm and stop some problems."
According to your above statements we stop the doctors from prescribing medicine for the mentally ill, and yet you're saying the mentally ill are part of the problem? So we don't help them, by withholding medication, and this benefits whom?
michele caputo
3:52 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
No Ammendment in our Constitution is absolute. We have our first Ammendment right of freedom of speech. However, we also have laws against libel. Character assassination is illegal. We have laws against inciting unrest in public places. It is against the law to shout "Fire!!" in a theater. For some people, child pornography is a form of entertainment, but we have laws against it.
We need to restructure the way we view our rights. We need to be more inclusive and consider steps towards safety. Individuals do have rights, but isn't it our job as Americans to consider the safety of all of us. I teach English language to non-native adults who are on their path to becoming US citizens. It has been interesting explaining the 2nd Ammendment to them and the fact that some Americans feel the need to have a militia in order to protect themselves from our government. Their jaws drop in astonishment and disbelief.
There is no doubt this is a complex issue and assault weapons and rounds of ammunition are a very real part of the issue.
patricia donati
3:52 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
in the USA ,we are 5% of the world population, we own 50% of the guns! something doesnt seem right?????
Stacy Rush
11:49 am on Friday, January 18, 2013
Regina, you missed the point. Do you listen to side effects of the meds Big Pharm pushes? I am saying side effects often cause the mental issues to be worse. Once a person is demend mentally ill they should be in data bank that prohibts them from buying weapons.
Stacy Rush
11:49 am on Friday, January 18, 2013
Why is it that those for gun control refuse to place blame on Courts system and Big Pharm. The reason for 2nd Amend is to protect Americans from Government when they become out of control. I feel as many do we are there. What about Congress will past no law that places them ahead of us. Dudda Affordible Health Care does not apply to Congress. They have the best medical insurance for life. We get garbage. Teach truth not spoon fed government trash. Amarica is no longer a free nation.