The hot topic of gun control laws

Gun control is certainly a hot topic of the day but the proposals to outlaw semi-automatic weapons and passing of “red-flag” laws are unrealistic, unenforceable and patently unconstitutional.

On top of that these “solutions” only address the symptoms of a much deeper problem which is causing these horrific incidents. We would be much better off by coming together to study the root cause of these problems which would lead to more positive solutions.

There is a big problem out there, no doubt about it.

But outlawing semi-automatic weapons, which would include all handguns and shotguns in addition to the ‘look alike” AK47’s, just won’t work.

First of all, in our society guns would still be available to those who wanted them. They would just be supplied by the black market as are so many other prohibited items.

Secondly, many gun owners would not willingly give up their guns without a fight so this solution could actually cause more violence and conflict than it is meant to alleviate.

Third and most important, any such law is clearly unconstitutional as the words “shall not be infringed” are very clear. This law could only be implemented as a constitutional amendment which, I suggest, would be very difficult to get passed by three-fourths of our states.

The red-flag laws suggesting that some bureaucrat or judge could make a judgment regarding whether or not someone could have or possess a gun are even worse.

On what basis would such a judgment be made: an accusation from a disaffected employee, an angry spouse or a dishonest political opponent?

How would the “judger” be controlled and by whom?

This suggestion is as ridiculous as it is unconstitutional. The words no person can be “deprived of life, liberty or property without the due process of law” means a trial must take place before any such actions can be taken against any individual which would be terribly expensive and, in the end, ineffectual.

But these solutions only concentrate on the symptoms of a much deeper problem.

We have always had guns but fifty years ago and even thirty years ago we didn’t have any of these incidents. There is something in our present-day society which is making people feel hopeless, despondent and angry — angry enough to act out by shooting numbers of innocent people.

So, what is it?

Is the use of drugs (both legal and illegal) a large contributing factor?

Perhaps it could be the violence we see in movies and/or the computer games younger people play? Or is it the depiction of males as weak, insipid and stupid in our ads, movies and in society in general.

Maybe it’s caused by the teaching of “secular humanism” in our schools, a world view that in and of itself, is clearly hopeless. Maybe it would be better to outlaw these things from our schools, our movies and from our computers.

And maybe, just maybe, this could have something to do with the war on Christianity which started about fifty years ago. Maybe we, as a society, should be more accommodating to this wonderful message and philosophy.

After all what have we got to lose.

So, let’s forget about unrealistic “knee-jerk” so called solutions which have no chance of being implemented.

It’s not the guns that are the problem.

Let’s work together to find out the real reason why people are doing these horrific things.

Then, when we truly understand the cause, we can come together with workable, enforceable and constitutional laws and/or programs which will get to the true root of the problem. One can only hope.

- Mark Agather, Kalispell