Can You Name the Slain Sheep?
This is a very important article and an idea that needs to be spread. I agree that the attention and fame given to mass murders is way out of place. I appreciated that the author of the commentary, John R. Lot Jr. refrained from using any names in his article. It is a tragedy that the names of the murderers are more recognized than their victims. Think of the hour long documentaries on various channels that chronicle the lives and horrible murders of these people. It is certainly a point the media should consider.
I also agree, however, that the freedom of the press should be upheld. Any attempts to regulate what is newsworthy and what is not puts our country onto a precarious path. I believe this about the first amendment, however when it comes to the second amendment, I do lean toward wanting tighter rules and legislation concerning the type of guns citizens may own and how they go about requiring them. It seems to me that while I understand that "guns don't kill people, people kill people", if assault rifles like the ones used in these latest shootings were not available, would we be spared such horrible tragedies? If a gun was not kept in the home, how many fewer suicides would occur because the means to carry through with a split second decision would not be there?
My first instinct with regards to regulating gun ownership is to think it is a reasonable proposal. This article has got me thinking though. I can see supporters of no gun control using the same "slippery slope" argument and I can agree that they have a point. I appreciate articles like these that challenge my thoughts. It's certainly an important debate and far from black and white. This article and my colleges comments have been helpful in providing more food for thought.
