PRIORITIES

It has been several days since the tragedy at Va Tech. We are hearing from both sides about how we either have to control/abolish access to hand guns or arm the faculty and certain students to prevent another tragedy.

I would like to point out an ongoing tragedy on college campuses. Prior to last week, the average number of homicides on college campuses were 22 a year ... the average number of alcohol related fatalities were 1700 per year. With the notable exception of groups like MADD, no one is up in arms about this very disturbing statistic.

Why is it that our elected officials are not debating this issue, but are quick to either defend or demonize guns. Could it be that the alcohol industry donates to both parties and the NRA for the most part only donates to Republican officials?

I am all for limited gun control ... extensive background checks, 3 day waiting periods, a limit to how many rounds a clip can hold, etc. I am even more in favor of stiffer consequences for DWI and selling alcohol to minors, and illegal possession of alcohol by a minor.

I do however understand the passion some people have about gun control. I guess if you have had a family member or friend killed by a gun, you have a right to hate them. I just feel that with 250,000,000 guns in the United States, if a criminal wants one ... he will get one. Law abiding citizens should be able to defend themselves against the criminal element that doesn't care about gun laws.

Sphere: Related Content