If you're wondering, I fully support the right to bear arms, and I believe that is fully compatible with a demand for regulation. It is a fallacy to see this in black and white: guns everywhere, unchecked and uncontrolled, versus no guns at all. I am also skeptical of the slippery slope argument, which warns that gun control will lead us to a dystopian anarchy where all the criminals carry black-market M16s and the good folk of America are powerless to defend themselves. The way I see it, if we institute better gun security, anyone who wants and is qualified to own a gun should have nothing to worry about. If you're worried that you couldn't pass a background check or a gun training class, then you have bigger problems than being denied a firearm. Who saw Skyfall? Remember the personalized handgun that only Bond can shoot via palmprint recognition? That technology is real. It could reduce black-market gun proliferation, and eliminate the threat of lost or stolen weapons. Guess who's blocking it? Both the NRA, which claims it will limit freedom of gun ownership, and the Violence Policy Center, which is afraid that this will hurt the cause of gun control by making guns less scary. I feel myself teetering on the brink of a rant, which I think would be inappropriate in this time of sorrow.
Stay strong, America, and let's do something.
This post was inspired by Lulu's facebook status yesterday, which I've share below:
Lulu is a razor-sharp and fearless thinker. She always bucks convention and says the difficult thing. She's also got a way with words, which I invite you to enjoy by following her on twitter : https://twitter.com/luluchuru
This post was inspired by Lulu's facebook status yesterday, which I've share below:
to those saying "don't make this about politics:" my "thoughts and prayers" aren't helping the parents whose children were shot to death, they're not helping the victims, they change nothing. i don't know what, but something needs to be done. this "politics" -- the law itself -- may be the only way to curb these ever more prevalent atrocities. maybe evil can never be eradicated. but slaughter certainly shouldn't be easy.
Lulu is a razor-sharp and fearless thinker. She always bucks convention and says the difficult thing. She's also got a way with words, which I invite you to enjoy by following her on twitter : https://twitter.com/luluchuru
What happened yesterday was beyond tragic. I agree with your point about gun control because it will not solve all the problems. Mental health needs to quit being labeled as a negative thing and help should be more available.
ReplyDeleteRight on. It is the sign of a mature mind to not give in to the band-wagon-jumping people that rapidly seek to bash every single gun owner in America and the world as if they were responsible. Nothing but false emotions from people that lack experience in the real world and lack the ability to think independently.
ReplyDeleteHandprint recognition would be one step. The next is to ban anyone with an IQ below 100 entrance into a gun store or any place with guns(museums, etc.). Many will call that racist, since we both know what race would "suffer" most from that idea, but if we really want to secure our right to defend ourselves, then we need to take action before the brainless people that just shout without thinking end up influencing(weirdly enough) congress and the president and they end up sending the gestapo to take all the guns from the homes of good citizens. Gestapo might be an exaggeration...at least for now, but you get my point.
During the LA riots when ghetto criminals were plundering the streets, Asian storekeepers were brave enough to shoot back and DEFEND themselves from the brainless criminals. Some thugs break into your house, full armed...what does an anti-gun person do? Nothing, he/she dies. Criminals don't obey laws, yet the anti-gun people think a criminal would cuddle him/her for not trying to defend himself/herself.
Great post.
RIP innocent children.
Sophia, you're a brilliant and incredibly talented writer. Great post!
ReplyDeleteHi, beautiful text. I learn book the of mother, is a great history. This is it remember of Brazil with: "História dos dois filhos de Franscico"(history of the Franscico two son) maked movie, speak about a father that believe in capacity of your son and forces they study music, the be singer. But, Francisco have a dream, however, haven't financial conditions, beyond of be illiterate, want that your sons learn for osmosis, that if proves yet he not give them musical instrument, books, class lessons for learn. Those difference between your mother and Francisco. Sorry for my english.
ReplyDeletePain of tragedy of attack in school, university, other. This already occurred in the Brazil, not the same dimension of EUA, yet, a often was of a bussiness administrator, that is schizophrenic, the mother obtained court order for her be internation, when bailiff and some people that the accompanied were comply with the order and pick it up, he shot the officer and justice and some people who were there.
ReplyDeleteHe had a collection of high-caliber weapons. But, the weapons were illegal or registered? The Brazil has a strong political ante-arms.
Were registered, he managed to record all thanks to a loophole in the law, there was a period that could record them in without federal police to perform this test of sanity, and it was during this time that he recorded. That is, to possess weapons should be strong demands for this, as the examination of sanity or not? Please, me responds comment Sophia.
I'm assuming you mean automatic weaponry, but in the Constitution it states that Americans should be permitted usage of firearms of equal power to any opponent they may face, and this was meant to level the playing field between the military and militia. We cannot implement stricter rules on automatic or assault weaponry without taking it out of the hands of our military as well, which cannot be sacrificed as our national security would be at stake with a weakened military.
ReplyDeleteSwitzerland has one of the strongest militaries in the world, and gun ownership is forbidden, except for:
Delete- members of the army, who have to undergo strict psychological testing and are actually taught how to use the weapons.
- people in possession of a gun-carrying permit, who have to fulfil strict conditions.
So I have to disagree when you say that Americas military would weaken if stringent conditions were placed upon the ownership of guns.
Thank you both for your sobering persepctive. I hope America's politicans use yesterday's events to remind themselves of the innocents at risk from lax gun laws.
ReplyDeleteNice blog! Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteEloquent and cogent post as always, and absolutely right. I can't begin to describe or imagine the tragedy of those deaths and what the families are going through. Was the massacre near where you live in Connecticut?
ReplyDeleteWhy do you believe you have a right to bear arms? The right doesn't exist where I am.
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing this particular blog entry because it really hit home to me vs others (blogs, media, news and etc).
ReplyDeleteAs a Brit I simply don't understand the peculiar attachment Americans have to the idea that one is entitled to own a gun. In the UK we changed gun ownership laws in light of the Dunblane tragedy, which saw a number of young children killed in their classrooms by a lone gunman. Apparently, America has more gun related deaths than anywhere else in the developed world. Something is clearly not working. On another note: how heroic were those teachers who sought to protect the children in their care? As Sophia says, my prayer will be for all those affected by this atrocity to have strength as they walk through this abyss.
ReplyDeleteSophia,
ReplyDeleteYou are wise beyond your years. Thank you for your very eloquent post. And you are so right about the gun in Skyfall--you need to lobby congress on that point!
Of course as a Brit you don't understand. You are nothing but "subjects" of the "queen" and her little "royal" family. You people stab each other and your girls at the age of 13 start having sex and acting like harlots. You bash and bash and just keep bashing America, yet do as the world does- you use our items, listen to our music(including tawdry rap) and wear our clothes. So on and so on. Durrr, remove all guns and all crime will be gone. OF COURSE, your "majesty." Because criminals have proven themselves to be obedient and in the entire course of history, they are the shining examples of law-abiders. Right? Of course not, British simpleton.
ReplyDeleteu wot m8.
Steady on mate!
DeleteSophia, thank you for your post. This has been so heart-breaking and my deepest, deepest condolences to the victims' families and everyone in your state that is suffering and trying desperately to make any sense of this. Keeping fingers crossed for a better world with better policies.
ReplyDeleteRespectfully,
Ila
You're quite obviously a very intelligent young lady and I agree with what you're saying...On the other hand, I think taking a harder look at gun control is only the part of the solution. There's a lot wrong with our culture that breeds this sort of violence and I do hope that people wake up and realize what we're teaching our future generations.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this senseless tragedy. Like everyone else, I am heartbroken and as a parent, the loss of these beautiful children broke my heart into a million pieces.
Please come back! You haven't written any posts about your everyday life since August, and I miss you.
ReplyDeleteI know this doesn't pertain to this post, but is your mailing address the same as the one you put on your blog? I'd love to write sometime.
ReplyDeleteNot related to this post but I noticed you answered questions from the public and I didn't see a way to PM you so... Anyway. I was just wondering what you think life would have been like if your Mom had a product available to her while you were growing up called, "Soft Mozart"..? It's completely hypothetical but feels like a fun topic for me.
ReplyDeleteSince the guns used in the Connecticut tragedy were legally obtained by a woman with (presumably) no criminal history and no mental health issues, I'm not sure how you're insistence that we fight for better regulation is even relevant here. What type of regulation would have kept weapons out of this woman's home? Are you suggesting that the regulations include preventing adults with family members that suffer from mental illness from purchasing guns?! Laughable at best. I'm sorry, but I just don't understand our country's obsession with this "right." Enough already with the damn guns!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I must admit that you are an exceptionally eloquent writer. Lately, I have been reading about improving gun control laws in response to the shooting in Sandy Hook Elementary School and I am completely puzzled by it. I personally believe we already have very demanding and proper regulation in place for people who want to own a firearm legally. For people who want to own a gun illegally; I do not believe any law can stop them. I am not sold on the idea of a world with personalized handgun via palmprint recognition. First of all, it will make the cost of owning a gun really expensive and I believe that will lead to another controversy. In addition to that having smart gun in the market will not eliminate regular gun and people with bad intention will still find a way to get them. With that being said, I am in support of adding regular background and physiological check for people and their current household who want a gun permit. At the end of the day, a gun will not fire until someone pulls the trigger. We just need to make sure it is not a crazy person who is pulling the trigger.
ReplyDeleteSince I have a large piano competition coming up, can you give me some advice on how to do well in such a nerve-wrecking environment? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes, gun control is necessary though some bid guys dislike it.
ReplyDeleteI googled social media internships and found some cool opps!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm so glad that you picked a major where you get to write and speak a lot cuz you sure as heck are amazing at both. You should do a vlog at some point!
have you ever watched the tv show Prison Break? If you like Breaking Bad, i think you'll def like Prison Break! xD
ReplyDeletehttp://snapperheadsoup.blogspot.com/2012/12/why-george-zimmerman-is-best-argument.html
ReplyDeleteThis is why unprivileged people like myself need guns. YOU are too rich and privileged to understand, princess brat moral narcissist.
Hey Sophia,
ReplyDeleteWhat is your opinion on Aristotle's The Nichomachean Ethics and his definition of happiness and virtue?
Also, please upload some more cute party pics! You must be sick of hearing this by now, but I love your style. :)
have you ever considered journalism?
ReplyDeleteI tweeted u as well listen ill repeat im a journalism student in delhi university and we have to make a tabloid and id really like to take ur interview via email,skype whatever u prefer. Itll be big for me ill get an A . Im a completely legit human being plz tell me how i can contact u i dont wish to throw my ow info all over the web maybe if u followed me then i could direct message you my email and questions if that what you prefer. Please consider it im not a pyschopath and the projects due 10th of Feb so please consider me please. @tweetalising
ReplyDeletewere you in student council in high school?
ReplyDelete