The Second Amendment to the Constitution does indeed guarantee some sort of right to bear arms although what exactly our founding fathers meant has been and is more than ever a point subject to debate. 

New London, Connecticut resident Rachel Pullen (C) kisses her son Landon DeCecco at a memorial for victims of the Newtown, CT school shooting
New London, Connecticut resident Rachel Pullen (C) kisses her son Landon DeCecco at a memorial for victims of the Newtown, CT school shooting (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
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As if we are not a country already divided on everything from race, religion, politics and economic status we wake up today with another topic sure to fracture us more than ever before.  Some will say now is not the time to have the gun control debate while others insist there has never been a better time.

Friday morning a very sick young man burst into an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut and began spraying automatic weapon fire.  When he was done the lives of 26 innocent people, including 20 children ages 6 & 7 were snuffed out.  This is not debatable, it’s fact.

As we continue to mourn the horror of what happened and search for answers as to WHY we know there is not a simple answer.  Over the days and weeks to come we will hear and read about the need for improved mental health care which of course will take money which means it probably won’t get done.

We will be told that every school must improve security and consider hiring armed guards.  That of course will not sit well with many and will cost money.  We will also hear from people like the Oregon congressman who believes that designated school officials should be trained and allowed to use firearms in the school building to protect themselves and children.

Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
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I would be foolish to think I have any answers to the gun problems that now make us live in fear and wonder where we can be safe.  All of a sudden you have to look around when you go to the movies or shopping mall and worse yet, an elementary school in a quiet and seemingly peaceful community.

Here is what I do know.  Having a gun to hunt, especially in certain parts of this country is a way of life and not the problem and yes I accept there are some who like to shoot targets as a hobby.

However assault weapons exist for one reason and one reason only: to kill and they should be removed from our society plain and simple.  You want to make the argument that they’re protected by the second amendment? Go tell that to 20 families in Connecticut.

 

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