I’m trying to understand why guns are so ingrained in American culture, why gun possession is one of our defining characteristics. Is it residual from our frontier-taming history? Does it reflect our passion for individual liberty? Is gun-collecting a hobby or investment? Or is it darker drives bordering on paranoia or the need for macho expression? Carry a big stick. Don’t tread on me!
Why do citizens need military-style assault rifles? It can’t be for target shooting because rapid-fire guns with high-capacity magazines are not at all necessary to test one’s accuracy. Nor can it be for hunting because those types of guns only indicate that the hunter is not very skilled.
I was once a gun collector. I owned several pistols, a couple of shotguns, three assault rifles, and a World War 2-era German machine gun (deactivated so it could not fire). As an engineer, army veteran, and student of military history, there was a sort of beauty, an artistry of mechanical design function that I admired. I rationalized that I had acceptable reasons for owning weapons of war. I am still a gun owner today. I own one pistol. Do I need it? Not really. Do I want it? Yes, for the same reason I gave above.
Now, most of us agree that we have a gun violence problem in America. Gun murders in the streets of our large cities have become so common that they are hardly newsworthy. Business as usual. When our kids are mass-murdered our hackles raised a little more – but only for a short while. Our outrage quickly subsides, only to reappear the next time. It’s a reoccurring nightmare that we seem powerless to end.
I will illustrate our situation by analogy.
There is a large boat which has sprung a leak in its hull and is sinking. The people on the boat are divided on what to do. One group says “We have to bail out the water”. Another group says “Good idea, but while we’re bailing out the water, we should be working to plug the leak.” Another group says “We should call the Coast Guard.” A fourth group says “Why not do all of these?” Which is the most sensible group?
Gun people adamantly insist that the gun is off limits; the problem is with the shooter. He should be our sole focus. They demand that there be no legislation on gun control, none, zero, nada, no way. Let there be more guns. Arm teachers. Hire retired soldiers and police for school security. Gun-makers, their stock-holders, and Fox news-junkies couldn’t be more pleased.
But isn’t the problem complex enough that it requires a (forgive the simile) shotgun approach? If we really agree that we have a serious problem, why not attack it with everything we’ve got?
Restrictions or banning the purchase of weapons optimally-designed for killing the most people in the shortest time, and background checks on all gun purchasers should be part of the fix equation. That seems clear to me. The other part, the mentality of the shooter, is another. But how do we predict when someone who has been acting normally, up to a point, is suddenly going to freak out? Are danger signs always telegraphed? And even when they are, history shows that we have not done a good job of reading them and reacting. Besides, how can we arrest or order someone to accept psychiatric help before they commit a crime? I am not skilled enough to suggest answers to the shooter part, but somebody wiser should be.
Should we excoriate lawmakers for not helping with this problem, for putting job security over conscience? Remember one thing: Their jobs depend on our votes. If gun violence was considered a priority problem in this country, the representatives we elect would be forced to accede to our demands to fix it. Apparently, it is not a priority problem for lawmakers. Maybe the problem is us!
Bob Moores retired from Black & Decker/DeWalt in 1999 after 36 years. He was the Director of Cordless Product Development at the time. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from Johns Hopkins University
Darrell parsons says
Thank you for this.
Stephen Schaare says
Hi Bob, A good essay. Despite the cheap shot at Fox News, I thank you for mentioning the daily slaughter in our large cities. Correct, this bloodletting is very seldom mentioned because it cannot be blamed on white supremacists. We both know this to be the sad truth.
Oh, we do have background checks on all gun purchases, not sure why you said that.
Handgun purchase is another matter, entirely. Here in Maryland, everyone is required to complete the handgun class of the State Police. You are then fingerprinted, researched and have a four to six week waiting period. All prudent measures, in my opinion.
Thank you also for not using the term “automatic weapons” or “machine gun”. Far too many people still believe a person can walk into a gun shop and get automatic weapons. I do not understand such ignorance in 2022.
Well done. Thank you-Steve.
Bob Parker says
Mr. Schaare, are you implying that the gun deaths that occur w/in cities are less tragic than those w/in schools, houses of worship, stores and other large venues? In my view, they all are and represent a failure of our society and elected officials to protect all residents irrespective of where they reside.
Regarding your assertion (or implied belief) that we have effective universal background checks, these do not include on line, gun show or private sales. An “expansion” of background checks would merely represent a closure of this loophole.
Currently, there are more guns in the US than there are people. The data are clear, if you have more guns, you experience more gun deaths. Data have shown that the availability of guns facilitates an encounter that may have stopped with harsh words or maybe a physical encounter escalating to gun shots. We as a society should be able to agree upon an implement reasonable gun safety policies.
Stephen Schaare says
Bob, Wow, you have me wrong. No murder is less tragic than another. I have been calling for action on the disgusting urban homicides forever. These daily killings have been accepted by the news media, government and seldom get notice.
Biden, A.G. Garland and DHS maintain that the greatest domestic threat is white supremacy. This is a lie. MS 13, Crips and bloods and the homicide deaths of 9,900 black Americans last year go without mention.
You will never hear a peep out of these leaders because the killers are almost entirely people of color.
If you refuse to identify the problem, nothing will ever improve.
Of course there are too many guns.
Also are too many people whose behavior destroys society.
BTW, have you seen the record breaking stats for Urban bloodletting from this past weekend? A national disgrace.
Thanks-Steve
Deirdre LaMotte says
Why are you stating that the Democrats only care for mass shootings? That is stunningly ridiculous.
The Democrats are the only Party that, for 40 years, have been pushing for gun laws that
protect hunters but keep hand guns and semi automatics off the streets and off the hands of the underaged
and those with mental challenges. Do you not realize this effort has been to stop inner city murders as well? This also will stop mass shootings that are now de regular in this gun obsessed nation.
Are you implying that the Democrats do not deal with the inner city crime because it is “black against
Black”? Sure sounds like it.
Anyone hoping to undo the NRA financial grip on the GOP knows: all guns kill and they need regulation whether in Chicago or Uvalde, TX
Stephen Schaare says
I am not implying anything. The Dems will not mention any issue that casts people of color in a negative light.
Bob Parker says
Steve,
I believe you when you say that all deaths are tragic, but I must respectfully disagree with your position that Biden, and Dems in general, do not care about, and decry, urban gun violence. This is a focus in one way or another in essentially all their comments addressing crime. Calling out “Black-on-Black” crime (not accusing you of using this term) is a strategy often employed by those who do not want any laws passed that would reduce gun violence in this country implying that gun violence is caused by “others”. The difference between the recent mass killings and the daily inner-city gun deaths is that the assault rifles allow for large numbers of innocents to be killed in a very short period of time while inner city gun deaths largely involve handguns, a problem that is exacerbated by loose concealed carry laws. As these situations are different, they require different approaches to reduce the resulting deaths. I do not believe that either rural or urban Americans find the deaths in either community acceptable. I know that I don’t. When 90% of Americans, including approx 75% of NRA members, support stricter background checks nationally (not just at the state level) and “Red Flag” laws, and >60% support raising the age for gun purchases to 21yrs of age or a total ban on assault-type rifles, our politicians of any party should be able to sit down and come up with meaningful reforms. Progress requires that both sides of the political spectrum recognize that the problem of gun deaths involves multiple factors, one of which is the easy availability of guns in our country, and work to find meaningful, and not merely symbolic, steps to reduce this national tragedy. Claiming that a single possible reform would not prevent this or that killing is not a valid reason to not consider a particular approach. Seat belts don’t always prevent deaths, parachutes don’t always work, and people can drown while wearing life preservers, but we still wear seat belts, use parachutes and wear life preservers when in a situation that calls for them. Now is the time for our elected officials to stop playing partisan politics and pass meaningful gun safety laws even though they will not prevent all gun related deaths.
Vincent De Sanctis says
Are we part of the problem? Absolutely. Mr.Moores exposes a host of factors that paralyze us in any effective way. However, in my estimation the political system, particularly the legislative process, is deliberately structured to provide barriers to enactment of legislation that a majority would support. As long as congressional districts are shaped as they are a small, dedicated group of voters and political funders can thwart the majority by electing compliant legislators.
Jim Moses CDR, USN (Ret.) says
The problem is, as you say, us, but not for the reasons you believe. Those of us born before, say, 1950, recall being taught entirely different meanings of “militias of the states” and more importantly those pesky first few words of the Second Amendment. It was not until the wholesale replacement of the leadership of the NRA in the mid 70’s – at the behest of the firearm manufacturers – that the current “interpretation” of the Second became quasi-religious dogma.
Yes, those members of the Congress bought and paid for by the NRA must be voted out of office. But much of the electorate, believing – in good faith – the corrupted NRA version of the Amendment, will not do so unless and until they understand and accept that we now have a “standing army,” and the “militas” are our Guard and Reserve Forces.
Stephen Schaare says
Hi Jim, I see a glitch here.
My concern would be with a corrupt General, let’s say Michael Millie. This man went around the civilian Commander in Chief to pursue his own political agenda.
Would he order U.S. forces against the American people? Perhaps those pesky citizens that supported Trump? Entirely possible.
Of course, Millie was never punished or replaced.
Just a thought-Steve
Jim Moses CDR, USN (Ret.) says
Well, first of all, it’s “Milley.” But setting that aside, while a few in this country sat before their televisions cheering as the events of 6 January unfolded, the majority of us were left to wonder “what will this man try next?” It is also important to point out that while folks in our military understand they have no obligation to carry out an illegal order (e.g., a launch order absent a strike on the country), leaders of other countries may or may not appreciate that reality. It was therefore important for them to be reassured that despite outward appearances, there were still adults in the room.
Carol Voyles says
We can all agree that Chicago and Baltimore have far too many firearm fatalities; but let’s also remember that these are large populations. Republican states, without exception, have higher rates of firearm fatalities (NCHS).
Texas (lowest R rate) tied with Michigan (highest D rate), until last week. Our bottom line is that more guns equal more gun deaths, Republican states have higher rates of firearm fatalities (WY highest), and firearm fatalities have become the leading cause of death for our children.
Enough is enough?
Stephen Schaare says
Hi Carol, Where on Earth do you get the idea that firearms are the leading cause of death for children?
Thank you-Steve
Jerry McConnell says
Mr SS—
Firearms have replaced automobile accidents as the leading cause of death in children. As reported by the US Dept of Health and the CDC, from data from 2019-2021.
Also reported by Fox News in October of 2021, so you can be sure that it’s not fake.
Stephen Schaare says
I will do further research.
Anne C Stalfort says
That statistic (leading cause of death for children is now by a gun) has been in the news a lot lately. Goggle it.
Bob Parker says
Mr. Schaare, for children over 1yr of age, gun deaths is now the leading cause of death, look it up. Trauma is the largest cause of death in this age group with gun-related deaths being the largest segment w/in this category. Cancer is the largest medical cause of death over the age of 1yr but represents fewer deaths than from trauma or guns.
Stephen Schaare says
Bob, Those stats are for ages 1-19.
Thought you meant children, perhaps up to age ten.
Suzi Peel says
Thanks for this personal reflection. Here’s some relevant information to add:
There are fun manufacturers in every one of the fifty states. Elected officials will not vote to threaten employment.
Susan Baker says
A thought provoking article. A question…have any of the mass shooters been women?
Henry Herr says
I think people fail to realize how common this has always been. Since statistics began in 1968, the highest gun murder rate per capita was in 1974.
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-u-s/
We do need to demand more for lawmakers. Common sense gun legislation is very popular among the public. Our lawmakers should be able to come together with some easy compromises and work on their other solutions later. Otherwise we risk, yet again, nothing changing.
On the mental health aspect I find myself uniquely qualified to add some helpful personal experience. My mental health treatment was limited by my insurance. My ability to get well, was also limited by my insurance. I’ve been inpatient and seen people discharged that shouldn’t have been, begging to remain in the hospital, because insurance wouldn’t cover more than a week inpatient. I’ve been unable to get the medications I needed because my insurance did not want to pay for the expensive non-generic medication. I’ve had to go to the hospital with withdrawal symptoms because my pharmacy could not fill my prescription on time, and insurance will not cover an emergency few days of medications.
I have many stories and experiences. From good doctors and bad doctors. Good therapists and bad therapists. Good medications, difficult hospitalizations, and more. One simple factor remains. The mental health system is broken. The ability to get well is dependent on money. We, the American people, allow the mental healthcare system to continue to fail.
Gun murders and mass shootings are a major problem in this country. But people fail to realize, more people die by suicide from guns than those that die from gun murders and mass shootings.
Yes mental health is part of the problem. Our Healthcare system is broken. A lot of gun deaths can be solved that way. Just a red flag law won’t get guns out of the hands of the mentally ill. Let’s fix mental health problems instead of trying to limit those who are mentally ill their rights.
Barbara Lee Jefferson says
Totally agree. Great article. We own guns. Waterfowl shotguns. One pistol. It is a privilege, and a great responsibility to own guns. No one should own an AR-15. Background checks should be mandatory! I have a Special Needs Therapy Dog, and I had to have a background check to visit with my dog!!!! Anyone exhibiting any abhorrent behavior, on social media or any other contact, should be red flagged. Report these individuals! Anyone with a history of animal abuse; criminal history; should NOT have any firearms. End all Internet gun & Ammunition sales; ghost guns; add ons; conversions. Guns must be purchased through authorized dealers; with background checks, and a reasonable waiting period.
The NRA is only interested in profit. Period. Those politicians who support the NRA are ‘in their pocket.’ More guns does NOT end gun violence. PERIOD. We have lost way too many precious lives to gun violence. It has to end! Things must change! Vote for the candidates who want change.
Deirdre LaMotte says
I am so sick of gun “enthusiasts”claiming that “mental health” is the issue. Every country on earth has mental health issues: these are your neighbors, kid’s friends, Bank Presidents and Lion Club members. The one issue that sets us apart is we let anyone buy weapons that my father used as a marine officer in three wars. Actually, more deadly than what he used in WW2, Korea’s Chosen Reservoir, and Viet Nam. The ammunition manufacturers perverted the admired and patriotic NRA to push WMD. For profit. And the GOP is deep into gun profit because it helps them get elected and stop any laws that would make this nation slaughter free. And gullible people fell for it. The 2nd Amendment has been twisted, warped,
ever since and the right has used it to fool a nation. Gun laws work and they stop mass shootings, period.
A decent society should not be held hostage by these who feel they are perpetual victims because owning an armory of weapons is their “right”. No it is not and never was.
And anyone claiming to be a sportsman using these? What kind of hunter uses an AR? Oh yeah, the same kind who goes to Africa and kills a lion who is trapped in a fenced in area and then poses with the dead animal as if he showed some sort of bravery in doing so. (Donald Trump Jr.).
Another vile stain on this earth.