The U.S. has more guns than people, with 121 guns for each hundred Americans, which was still 88 in 2011. It puts America at the top position on the world ranking of gun ownership. The runner-up is Yemen, with 53 percent. It's lonely at the top.
Great, depressing article, Alex. The authors of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution left a bloody legacy with the tragic ambiguity of 27 words in a nation where pro-gun fanatics cry “freedom” for any interpretation, no matter how absurd and deadly: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”
Thank you, Alexander. Your article was well written. We appreciate it. We don’t have to wait for one hundred years. We all know this is just crazy..and so preventable…if we cared for our fellow human beings.
As another person said, I also am so ashamed of this country. A beacon on the hill?? That light went out decades ago.
The repugnant Rep. Ogles, his party and the NRA have the blood of the three children and three adults on their hands...and previous victims and the millions traumatized by the continuing gun violence. It’s exasperating that the Senate and House Republicans have allowed themselves to be bought by the gun lobbyists. Their thoughts and prayers were meaningless and are now also insulting and infuriating. Silence is complicity. Now is not the time for self pity. We need to say no more and vote for candidates who won’t sell out to the NRA.
The numbers around gun-related deaths are too appalling to even wrap my head around in this (my) country. It doesn't seem to matter who we elect at the Federal level, the lobby is too powerful and basically everyone capitulates and allows / condones the senseless killings as the 'price' of freedom. "Live free AND die" has become our new slogan (as opposed to Pennsylvania's motto of "Live free or die.") The Michigan State legislature did take some positive, common sense baby steps following the tragedy at MSU a few short weeks ago, but that is a pretty isolated response looking at the national landscape. We seem to be more interested in banning books, persecuting people who identify differently than many, and restricting women's control over their bodies than protecting the fundamental right of a child to live a full life or helping a troubled individual to get help rather than using the easily accessible gun to end their life. I know this sounds like a downer, but I remain an optimist. I will keep voting for people who truly "get it" and care. I will keep sending letters and signing petitions. I will continue to be kind and lend a hand who those who need it.
Thank you Mike, you're so right. Banning books instead of guns, it's so absurd. It's hard to believe we live in such a time. I heard of a school in the south where Anne Frank's diary is now forbidden. It was considered too stressful for the students, who I suppose do their next shooter safety drill in their classrooms completely stress free. Those future historians have to make sense of all this, I can't.
Shocking stats. I would really like to live elsewhere, where healthier minds prevail, yet family ties deter me. Feel lucky to be in Massachusetts, at least, which is a bit of a refuge.
“We need a new approach to reducing gun violence. Rather than demonizing gun owners, perhaps we should focus on cutting funds from the gun profiteers. Instead of concentrating on the issue of rights, maybe we should approach it as an issue of conscience.” ― Shane Claiborne, Beating Guns: Hope for People Who Are Weary of Violence
We know who is counting on that “militia” to bring down this house of cards. One other thought that haunts me is the immigrants clawing their way to our borders by land and sea. The Statue of Liberty 🗽 should have her beautiful torch turned off and be sent back to France (having their own issues); it’s message is a lie. But we knew that in 1939 didn’t we and there she shines in New York Harbor at Ellis Island where many of our ancestors came through on their way to points west. We denied immigration to so many Jews whose families might have survived but for our disbelief in what was happening in Europe. People the world over still seem to have the idea that there is an American dream to be had;
that’s difficult to understand now for those of us paying attention. I’d leave tomorrow if I were able! Then there are those elderly folks who’ve lived through the worst of times and survived. Dan Rather keeps reminding us that we’ve been through bad times before and found a way to go on. So does my 94 year old aunt. I just don’t “feel” it now. The attitudes and core values have been stolen by the super rich few who have exploited Capitalism for personal wealth they can never spend. When will reality finally be enough to turn the tide, if ever? There are too many hiding their heads in the sand while resuming their post Covid worlds, or so they think. Others are just “doomers” the new catch word of the day. Enough. You all know the truth of what’s happening here. “What it is .....not exactly clear.....” Beatles I think, the tune is stuck in my head but the words escape me. A haunting melody 🎶. Younger generations are so very angry if you read what they write in their unique shorthand with acronyms I cannot possibly keep up with. Lies perpetuated in the news cycles that repeat and still manage to omit messages from President Biden who is the best thing we’ve got going for us; while hecklers tear him down for trying in his own uniquely calm way to keep Democracy alive. Ageism creeping into the conversation to limit his opportunities for “righting the ship.” He is not perfect; but I now understand his rationale for Willow & that helps a bit. I could let out the hurt all day but you have lives to live so get on with it this chilly morning in the South. I’ll do what little I can and move on. Good day, everyone. Thanks for being there Planet community! 🌎 (my side!)🗽🇺🇸🕊️
About 84% of all American adults have had at least one child. Yet only 57% want stricter gun controls?
I’ve railed against this insanity for decades. I know the precise day hope for change in my lifetime died: December 14, 2012. It is beyond my comprehension how so many US parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles can make some sort of peace with children being slaughtered in their classrooms. How “active shooter drills” have so easily become part of life. It’s a mentality that I have yet to meet anywhere else in the world, and one I have no intention of meeting halfway at home.
I’m exhausted with the circular excuses people make and the way they’ve accepted a perverted Constitution. My birth country is sick and it’s increasingly looking like it’s terminal. It’s time to do my protesting, letter writing, and hoping for change from somewhere else. For me, the “American way of life” is too mind and soul-numbing. And increasingly life-threatening. Perhaps that will change, who knows?
Wishing some level of peace to those directly affected by yesterday’s shooting, the shootings of the past, and all the shootings still to come. 💔
Again, this day, I’m completely ashamed of being American. As a voter, I do what I can. But it’s never enough to stop the American Tragedy or cycle of corporate greed. 🥲🇺🇸
Words fail me, it's just too horrible. The trauma caused and the people being re-traumatized with every single mass shooting. Unimaginable!
I have one town to remember. It's Zug (September 2001). It was terrible and laws were changed really quickly. It hasn't happened again and nobody took anybody's guns away.
"The only country in the world with more guns than people."
Welcome to America. :/ It is absolutely sickening. And that "Christian family photo" with the rifles?!? God help us, is all I can say. It is too much for my mind to process.
I am so ashamed of my country. 💔😪
Sending hugs.
Great, depressing article, Alex. The authors of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution left a bloody legacy with the tragic ambiguity of 27 words in a nation where pro-gun fanatics cry “freedom” for any interpretation, no matter how absurd and deadly: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”
One more thing...assault weapons ought to be banned, not books and drag queens!!!
Thank you, Alexander. Your article was well written. We appreciate it. We don’t have to wait for one hundred years. We all know this is just crazy..and so preventable…if we cared for our fellow human beings.
As another person said, I also am so ashamed of this country. A beacon on the hill?? That light went out decades ago.
The repugnant Rep. Ogles, his party and the NRA have the blood of the three children and three adults on their hands...and previous victims and the millions traumatized by the continuing gun violence. It’s exasperating that the Senate and House Republicans have allowed themselves to be bought by the gun lobbyists. Their thoughts and prayers were meaningless and are now also insulting and infuriating. Silence is complicity. Now is not the time for self pity. We need to say no more and vote for candidates who won’t sell out to the NRA.
The numbers around gun-related deaths are too appalling to even wrap my head around in this (my) country. It doesn't seem to matter who we elect at the Federal level, the lobby is too powerful and basically everyone capitulates and allows / condones the senseless killings as the 'price' of freedom. "Live free AND die" has become our new slogan (as opposed to Pennsylvania's motto of "Live free or die.") The Michigan State legislature did take some positive, common sense baby steps following the tragedy at MSU a few short weeks ago, but that is a pretty isolated response looking at the national landscape. We seem to be more interested in banning books, persecuting people who identify differently than many, and restricting women's control over their bodies than protecting the fundamental right of a child to live a full life or helping a troubled individual to get help rather than using the easily accessible gun to end their life. I know this sounds like a downer, but I remain an optimist. I will keep voting for people who truly "get it" and care. I will keep sending letters and signing petitions. I will continue to be kind and lend a hand who those who need it.
Thank you Mike, you're so right. Banning books instead of guns, it's so absurd. It's hard to believe we live in such a time. I heard of a school in the south where Anne Frank's diary is now forbidden. It was considered too stressful for the students, who I suppose do their next shooter safety drill in their classrooms completely stress free. Those future historians have to make sense of all this, I can't.
Shocking stats. I would really like to live elsewhere, where healthier minds prevail, yet family ties deter me. Feel lucky to be in Massachusetts, at least, which is a bit of a refuge.
“We need a new approach to reducing gun violence. Rather than demonizing gun owners, perhaps we should focus on cutting funds from the gun profiteers. Instead of concentrating on the issue of rights, maybe we should approach it as an issue of conscience.” ― Shane Claiborne, Beating Guns: Hope for People Who Are Weary of Violence
We know who is counting on that “militia” to bring down this house of cards. One other thought that haunts me is the immigrants clawing their way to our borders by land and sea. The Statue of Liberty 🗽 should have her beautiful torch turned off and be sent back to France (having their own issues); it’s message is a lie. But we knew that in 1939 didn’t we and there she shines in New York Harbor at Ellis Island where many of our ancestors came through on their way to points west. We denied immigration to so many Jews whose families might have survived but for our disbelief in what was happening in Europe. People the world over still seem to have the idea that there is an American dream to be had;
that’s difficult to understand now for those of us paying attention. I’d leave tomorrow if I were able! Then there are those elderly folks who’ve lived through the worst of times and survived. Dan Rather keeps reminding us that we’ve been through bad times before and found a way to go on. So does my 94 year old aunt. I just don’t “feel” it now. The attitudes and core values have been stolen by the super rich few who have exploited Capitalism for personal wealth they can never spend. When will reality finally be enough to turn the tide, if ever? There are too many hiding their heads in the sand while resuming their post Covid worlds, or so they think. Others are just “doomers” the new catch word of the day. Enough. You all know the truth of what’s happening here. “What it is .....not exactly clear.....” Beatles I think, the tune is stuck in my head but the words escape me. A haunting melody 🎶. Younger generations are so very angry if you read what they write in their unique shorthand with acronyms I cannot possibly keep up with. Lies perpetuated in the news cycles that repeat and still manage to omit messages from President Biden who is the best thing we’ve got going for us; while hecklers tear him down for trying in his own uniquely calm way to keep Democracy alive. Ageism creeping into the conversation to limit his opportunities for “righting the ship.” He is not perfect; but I now understand his rationale for Willow & that helps a bit. I could let out the hurt all day but you have lives to live so get on with it this chilly morning in the South. I’ll do what little I can and move on. Good day, everyone. Thanks for being there Planet community! 🌎 (my side!)🗽🇺🇸🕊️
About 84% of all American adults have had at least one child. Yet only 57% want stricter gun controls?
I’ve railed against this insanity for decades. I know the precise day hope for change in my lifetime died: December 14, 2012. It is beyond my comprehension how so many US parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles can make some sort of peace with children being slaughtered in their classrooms. How “active shooter drills” have so easily become part of life. It’s a mentality that I have yet to meet anywhere else in the world, and one I have no intention of meeting halfway at home.
I’m exhausted with the circular excuses people make and the way they’ve accepted a perverted Constitution. My birth country is sick and it’s increasingly looking like it’s terminal. It’s time to do my protesting, letter writing, and hoping for change from somewhere else. For me, the “American way of life” is too mind and soul-numbing. And increasingly life-threatening. Perhaps that will change, who knows?
Wishing some level of peace to those directly affected by yesterday’s shooting, the shootings of the past, and all the shootings still to come. 💔
Again, this day, I’m completely ashamed of being American. As a voter, I do what I can. But it’s never enough to stop the American Tragedy or cycle of corporate greed. 🥲🇺🇸
Sending hugs your way.
Well written. Can't have been easy. Thank you!
Words fail me, it's just too horrible. The trauma caused and the people being re-traumatized with every single mass shooting. Unimaginable!
I have one town to remember. It's Zug (September 2001). It was terrible and laws were changed really quickly. It hasn't happened again and nobody took anybody's guns away.
"The only country in the world with more guns than people."
Welcome to America. :/ It is absolutely sickening. And that "Christian family photo" with the rifles?!? God help us, is all I can say. It is too much for my mind to process.