gun violence

     there is no quick solution to the problem of gun violence in this country - there is only the possibility of alleviation of the factors which allow it to take place.  the government cannot confiscate all guns - think of the field day criminals would then have - and there are too many guns in circulation - plus the second amendment - for a "ban" to be effective.   christ, the government can't even keep track of its own guns - i give you "fast and furious" - let alone yours and mine.

     one good start to correcting the problem would be to have a national list of prohibited persons and households - to include criminals [obviously], the mentally deranged and their households. it would be a relatively easy list to create - and update - in this modern, computer driven age.

     i'll tell you a story about home armament.  the loaded pump shotgun [by one's bedside] is the most effective home invasion deterrent there is.  i wouldn't suggest a shell in the chamber - but for this reason alone:  the "snick, snick" of an action loading a round is terrifying to the invader.  i know this to be true because there was much grumbling in the local police force when its members were required to "upgrade" from pump guns to automatics...there is no "snick, snick" with an automatic.  the officers' claim, when challenged, was that felons trooped out of hiding, hands in the air, about a quarter of the time upon hearing "snick, snick".

     guess what's by my bed.