Stream of Conscious Thoughts on Guns and Chattanooga

Really? Again? Another attack with guns? This time it is military personnel and looks like a police officer killed. In my home state. Maybe something will be done. But what should be done?

I have guns. I don't have assault rifles, and I can't imagine that they were ever imagined by those who came up with the second amendment. I don't know about handguns. I don't think anything semi-automatic or automatic (not that I really know the difference) is needed - and I'm not all that certain I can even justify having rifles or shotguns. I have used them before to shoot targets and clay pigeons (who are quite dangerous). I can't imagine killing an animal with a gun at this point in my life, but if I had to for food, I might. I might also go vegan - that would probably be easier for me currently.

I don't judge those who hunt. Some people I love a lot hunt. But do their rights to do that really have any bearing on the existence of the kinds of guns usually used in these kinds of crimes? Can't we all agree to outlaw some guns or make it next to impossible to get them? I know, I know - then only outlaws will have guns. But isn't it worth trying?

This person probably has some kind of mental illness also. I don't really think you can kill people and not have some kind of mental illness. Killing people isn't or sure shouldn't be a natural thing. It sure seems to be a common thing though.

If (God forbid) someone broke into my house and threatened my family, I would do anything to stop them including using a gun if I thought that would stop them. But I feel like I have a better chance swinging a bat at them. If they are out to harm me or if they are crazy, I feel like all bets are off, right? But again, does this justify our current situation? And I know of accidents involving weapons in people's homes where the innocents die.

Isn't one human life more than all guns and all gun rights?

I just wish there weren't those billboards for gun shows happening on weekends around me. I know doing away with those won't solve everything, but would it matter at all? Maybe just lose the billboards at least - that seems so brazen and terrible especially seeing one right after these things happen. But I guess the people running them will say, "It's our right." And how else will people find you? There's probably one happening around me pretty soon. Maybe even one happening soon in Chattanooga.