The Boston Globe

Opinion

opinion | derrick z. jackson

Start the conversation on guns

After the 2011 Tucson massacre that left six people dead and 13 wounded, including Representative Gabrielle Giffords, President Obama called for a “common sense” discussion “to prevent future bloodshed.” Can we have that discussion now, in the wake of the Aurora, Colo., massacre at a movie theater that has taken 12 more lives and left 58 more people wounded?

Conventional wisdom in most of the news coverage and reaction from politicians would indicate not. But the national conversation needs to start, and it needs to be led by the presidential candidates. This may be difficult because Obama now allows guns in national parks, and presidential challenger Mitt Romney has fled from his Massachusetts record on gun control. But once upon a time, they could have been political allies on this issue.

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Let me start this conversation off with a simple question: has there ever been a mass shooting in a non - "gun-free zone?" As crazy as the shooters are, they are sane enough to NOT go to places where their would-be victims were likely to be armed. Gun shows, gun ranges, etc. all are perfectly safe. Instead, we have shootings on "gun-free" college campuses, "gun-free" movie theatres, "gun-free" malls, and so on. I personally am still stunned and shocked that the gunman in Aurora actually dared to break the "no guns" rule in the cinema. It's like he had NO respect for laws and rules or something.

I think the conversation needs to end. Shut up, already.

Sure Richmond, what's another massacre?

Agree 100% Derrick. If we don't do something, the same things will continue to happen. Assault weapons have no place in a civilized society.

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O luxury! thou cursed by Heaven's decree, How ill exchanged are things like these for thee! How do thy potions, with insidious joy, Diffuse thy pleasures only to destroy! Kingdoms by thee, to sickly greatness grown, Boast of a florid vigour not their own; At every draught more large and large they grow, A bloated mass of rank unwieldly woe; Till, sapped their strength, and every part unsound, Down, down they sink, and spread the ruin round.

I have a very liberal friend that used the same language last week about "starting a 'conversation' about guns." Please. Just get it over with and say "I want gun control." The beating around the bush is insulting and I say that as a person who doesn't own any guns.

Hmmm...you mean kind of how like Romney was FOR the assault weapons ban before he was AGAINST it? Like THAT kind of flip-flopping?

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O luxury! thou cursed by Heaven's decree, How ill exchanged are things like these for thee! How do thy potions, with insidious joy, Diffuse thy pleasures only to destroy! Kingdoms by thee, to sickly greatness grown, Boast of a florid vigour not their own; At every draught more large and large they grow, A bloated mass of rank unwieldly woe; Till, sapped their strength, and every part unsound, Down, down they sink, and spread the ruin round.

O luxury! thou cursed by Heaven's decree, How ill exchanged are things like these for thee! How do thy potions, with insidious joy, Diffuse thy pleasures only to destroy! Kingdoms by thee, to sickly greatness grown, Boast of a florid vigour not their own; At every draught more large and large they grow, A bloated mass of rank unwieldly woe; Till, sapped their strength, and every part unsound, Down, down they sink, and spread the ruin round.

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So you're saying Richmond didn't have to beef up police patrols because of gun violence? Interesting. http://www.baycitizen.org/crime/story/richmond-police-try-combat-gun-violence/

The shooter in this case was wearing full combat gear. Plus, despite Rush's bloating, Colorado does not have the "strictest gun laws in the nation." That would be us. Colorado even allows concealed carry. Nice fantasy, though. http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/StatePatrol-Main/CBON/1251594549010

Oh, his "tactical vest?" You mean, "a normal vest with a bunch of pockets, but no armor?" And yes, Colorado allows concealed carry. But the theater had "no guns allowed" signs posted. The latter trumps the former. Go get some fresh talking points. Yours have been trumped by reality.