maine

[Moliphino]

The gun problem isn’t about accidents or suicides.

They are part of the gun problem. How many stories do you see about little kids getting ahold of guns and shooting themselves/other kids (I don't feel as bad when the person they accidentally shot is the one who left the gun where they could get it). Too many.

 

[robinb]

So easy to erase peoples' lives with the standard weapon of choice of mass murderers. So sad we have arrived where we are today.

People, these are people. They were alive, like you and me, on Wednesday, enjoying life with their friends and families. Now? Today? Dead. And 13 others? Wounded by a killing maniac a killing maniac with a killing machine. Very sad where we are today.

Ronald G. Morrin, 55

Peyton Brewer-Ross, 40

Joshua A. Seal, 36

Ryan MacFarlane, 41

Joseph Lawrence Walker, 57

Arthur Fred Strout. 42

Maxx A. Hathaway, 35

Steven Vozzella, 45

Thomas Ryan Conrad, 34

Michal R. Deslauriers II,51

Jason Adam Walker, 51

Trisha Asselin, 53

William A. Young, 44

Aaron Young, 14

Robert E. Violette, 76

Lucille M. Violette, 73

William Frank Brackett, 48

Keith Macneir, 64

View attachment 805607
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May their memories be a blessing.

I was expecting more younger victims since there was a children’s event at the bowling alley.

 

[Moliphino]

Yes. Again, Maine apparently has more deaths caused by accidental firearm discharge and suicide by firearms, and Massachusetts has about 50% more homicides per capita by other means, so comparisons between the two states are irrelevant.

When you're talking about the problem of guns then gun deaths is a very relevant statistic.

 

[Douglas Dubh]

When you're talking about the problem of guns then gun deaths is a very relevant statistic.

Why is the problem gun deaths and not murders?

 

[disneydreamer781]

May their memories be a blessing.

I was expecting more younger victims since there was a children’s event at the bowling alley.

I thought I'd heard that many of the kids were shielded by some of the adults.

 

[robinb]

I thought I'd heard that many of the kids were shielded by some of the adults.

That could be. I’ve not seen an age breakdown of those hospitalized. I heard an interview with one child who was saying that they didn’t know if they would live or die. How terrifying. To ponder your death at 10 or 11 years of age. To watch friends and family die next to you. And for what? All so Joe Two-A can add a weapon of war to his collection. It’s disgusting.

 

[Moliphino]

Why is the problem gun deaths and not murders?

Why do you think there can only be one problem?

 

[Douglas Dubh]

Why do you think there can only be one problem?

If there’s multiple problems why is the rate of gun deaths in Massachusetts relevant?

 

[kdonnel]

Until people stop turning a blind eye to the public health crisis that is tobacco (480,000 deaths per year in the US, 41,000 of those due to secondhand smoke) and alcohol (140,000 deaths per year in the US) nothing will be done about 48,000 gun deaths per year in the US.

I believe that anyone that thinks guns should be banned but is not also willing to admit that alcohol and tobacco should be banned as well are not being truthful with themselves or sincere in their goals for the ban they advocate.

 

[gmi3804]

Until people stop turning a blind eye to the public health crisis that is tobacco (480,000 deaths per year in the US, 41,000 of those due to secondhand smoke) and alcohol (140,000 deaths per year in the US) nothing will be done about 48,000 gun deaths per year in the US.

I believe that anyone that thinks guns should be banned but is not also willing to admit that alcohol and tobacco should be banned as well are not being truthful with themselves or sincere in their goals for the ban they advocate.

The problem with your logic is that tobacco and alcohol deaths are self-inflicted, and not the result of some madman with an axe to grind targeting random innocents and using a weapon designed to do the most possible damage in the least amount of time.

 

[sam_gordon]

The problem with your logic is that tobacco and alcohol deaths are self-inflicted, and not the result of some madman with an axe to grind targeting random innocents and using a weapon designed to do the most possible damage in the least amount of time.

The problem with your logic is both tobacco and alcohol cause deaths that AREN'T self-inflicted. @kdonnel mentioned deaths from second hand smoke. Or are you arguing that they could have "walked away"? I think that's a stretch, but OK.

I'm not sure HOW you get that alcohol deaths are ALL self inflicted. How many auto accidents are caused by drunk drivers that kill (or harm) innocent others?

I'm not sure I totally agree with @kdonnel's premise, but I will admit it's interesting to consider.

 

[CdnCarrie]

Until people stop turning a blind eye to the public health crisis that is tobacco (480,000 deaths per year in the US, 41,000 of those due to secondhand smoke) and alcohol (140,000 deaths per year in the US) nothing will be done about 48,000 gun deaths per year in the US.

I believe that anyone that thinks guns should be banned but is not also willing to admit that alcohol and tobacco should be banned as well are not being truthful with themselves or sincere in their goals for the ban they advocate.

That makes zero sense.
People choose to smoke. And the effects are long term not instantaneous.
Not the same as being shot.

 

[sam_gordon]

That makes zero sense.
People choose to smoke.

No comment about the alcohol deaths?

 

[CdnCarrie]

No comment about the alcohol deaths?

Yes drinking a beer means instantaneous death similar to being shot by a bullet. Which is why the USA allows 18 years to own guns but not buy a beer.

 

[Genie+]

Until people stop turning a blind eye to the public health crisis that is tobacco (480,000 deaths per year in the US, 41,000 of those due to secondhand smoke) and alcohol (140,000 deaths per year in the US) nothing will be done about 48,000 gun deaths per year in the US.

I believe that anyone that thinks guns should be banned but is not also willing to admit that alcohol and tobacco should be banned as well are not being truthful with themselves or sincere in their goals for the ban they advocate.

Why stop there. Millions and millions of years are being shaved off American lives by over processed foods. For the first time in history US life expectancy is going down.

How many lives are being saved by driving laws. Do the numbers justify it enough to bother?

Pilots over a certain age need to get 2 physicals a year. How many lives does that really save? Less than 48K? Why are we even bothering.

I’m sorry but I’m not following what type of hypocrisy you’re trying to call out here. Is it just to people who want all guns banned. Or certain guns banned? Some laws changed? Etc.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I think a point of clarification is helpful here. I have seen several thoughts here over the past few days of folks suggesting that those who would like to see SOME gun regulation at the national/federal level are advocating that guns (guns with no modifier of types of guns) should be banned.

I don't think I have ever seen, listened to or read an intelligent discussion by folks who advocate for SOME gun regulation suggest that guns (again, with no modifier of types of guns) be banned, taken away or anything similar. What gun regulation advocates would like to see is a ban on military type weapons that have been the default weapons of choice of mass murderers over the past many years. Weapons capable of killing many people, very quickly, with oftentimes the victims being killed outright, or, passing away from wounds due to the severe internal body destruction. that these weapons inflict.

Also, more effective (or even, in some states, any) background checks. And effective red flag laws.

Nobody is suggesting to ban guns, or take guns away.

spelling​

 

[kdonnel]

More lives are ruined by tobacco and alcohol every year than by guns but because it happens slowly instead of all at once it is easy for people to ignore. It’s not in your face like a mass shooting.

The indirect consequences of alcohol and tobacco use contributes to families destroyed, people killed, children abused, etc.

Alcohol and tobacco are gigantic public health crises that are ignored by so many.

 

[gmi3804]

The problem with your logic is both tobacco and alcohol cause deaths that AREN'T self-inflicted. @kdonnel mentioned deaths from second hand smoke. Or are you arguing that they could have "walked away"? I think that's a stretch, but OK.

I'm not sure HOW you get that alcohol deaths are ALL self inflicted. How many auto accidents are caused by drunk drivers that kill (or harm) innocent others?

I'm not sure I totally agree with @kdonnel's premise, but I will admit it's interesting to consider.

No. Smokers/drunk drivers do, unfortunately, take casualties with them as a result of their self-destructive habits/addictions. They seldom set out to destroy as many lives as possible by using instruments designed for war.

 

[Karin1984]

No comment about the alcohol deaths?

Each year thousands of people die because of alcohol.
Also each year thousands of people are born because of alcohol.

 

[Genie+]

Alcohol and tobacco are gigantic public health crises that are ignored by so many.

I’m still not understanding your point. It’s so vague.