PackFansXL said:
Packchem91 said:
packgrad said:
PackFansXL said:
Chem, that was a surprisingly good article considering it came from CNN. Based on your FBI link, they mistakenly claimed that the AR15 is the weapon most used in mass shootings. Per the link you posted, handguns are the weapon most used. Other than that, it wasn't too bad.
Regarding red flag laws, they can be very good if managed at the local level by competent law enforcement. There are many reasons to avoid passing a federal red flag law though. The editors at National Review have been advocates for state passed red flag laws for quite some time, but not national laws. The Feds are not trustworthy and don't have the authority in the first place.
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Legalities aside, it would be a mistake for the federal government to try to create and administer a red-flag system itself. If such laws are to work effectively, it will be because the government that administers them inspires confidence and is close and accessible to the people availing themselves of the laws. There is far too much distance between the federal government and the citizenry for this to work at a national level. There is a reason that Florida's red-flag law which was passed after the 2018 Parkland shooting is run on a county-by-county basis, and administered by local police, and that reason is that, in this matter, local is better. The FBI is not set up to execute such a system, and the federal courts are not set up to adjudicate it. And, even if they were, Americans would be right to oppose elevating yet another question to the national level.
After the last few years, especially, it is not irrational for the citizenry to worry about putting such a sensitive power in the hands of people (i.e. Joe Biden) who are on record arguing that they shouldn't be able to own mainstream firearms in the first place. It is likewise not irrational for the citizenry to mistrust the capacity of the FBI and the federal bureaucracy to keep political bias out of the process. It was only two weeks ago that this administration was laboring to wield a mass shooting in Buffalo as a club against anyone who watches Tucker Carlson or frets about the demographic impact of immigration. The last thing America needs is one more fundamental right whose security varies by who wins the next presidential electioncitiiz
Excellent breakdown on red flag laws not being done at a national level. Federally, the left has already weaponized the fbi and cdc. Hard to imagine giving the fbi more overreach and power.
absolutely no issue with states defining this. The FBI studies should help empower those making decisions based on behavior, not suggest the FBI has to be invovled with implementation.
But...do something. If FL can do it, why can't NC, NY, and other states. And of course, it will not solve all, nor will it prevent every disaster.
NY already has red flag laws. They even detained the Buffalo idiot but let him go without blocking his access to legally purchase firearms.
If we make laws at the federal level, the FBI will be empowered to enforce them. They already are empowered to make decisions on who can purchase and who can't. They already fail in that role on a routine basis. They are highly politicized as recent history has made glaringly obvious.
Few, if any, red flag laws require counseling for the person who has most shown the need for it. This is an obvious needed improvement.
One more point about this discussion. The reason folks point to the horrific gun crime in liberal run cities is not to deflect from a school shooting, but to draw attention to the fact that the democrats really are not serious about solving our gun violence problem. They only care about issues they think will motivate their supporters to vote them back into office. Dead school kids? Surely that will galvanize the democratic base to vote despite abysmal performance in office. Dead gang bangers? They have already passed draconian laws in those cities to no avail, but they already own the local politics; so, there is no benefit in looking at gun violence there. This is not a new phenomenon. Why do you think Biden is against improving security at schools? Let that sink in. The POTUS, or his handlers, are only interested in one aspect of the solution space because they think it will help them come election time. It's disgusting and it's wrong.
Oh no doubt -- there are surely some existing opportunities that just aren't being enforced -- its why i've said -- if we want a tangible change, it can't just be left to the police. For mental health / behavioral driven items, you're going to need citizens to step up (parents, neighbors, coaches, teachers, etc) to suggest someone take a look.
THEN...hold those empowered accountable if they do nothing. And i get it still wont be perfect.
As for the last para....i'll accept that from you...but BBW...nahh, he's not interested in that all, and I;ve seen enough of his posts and antics that I'll not be convinced otherwise.
But to your point...first, show me a politician who is not looking to play to his base? As for the inner city violence taht drives the volumes...other than the very local politicians who represent those districts, why is anyone going to care? Most are incredibly impoverished, and I'd guess, don't participate in the election cycle, or support thereof, so there is no bloc to appeal to. Its cynical, yes, but its reality.
Anyone here telling the truth doesn't care one iota about what is happening there. We just don't. I also think handguns are just not going to move the needle, because reasonable people can say "sure, i get that for protection"....but ARs....a whole bunch of reasonable folks can find no reason to have one. So they are much easier to debate over action.
