What is your take on Liberals and Politicians using the tragic Florida shooting as momentum to ban guns?

2016-06-12T15:10:41-04:00

50 innocent people were slain when a gunman identified as Omar S. Mateen, a 29-year-old Florida resident and U.S. citizen (who is alleged to support ISIS/ISIL) went on a shooting rampage in Orlando Florida.

Immediately, many liberals and politicians have began shouting this is the fault of guns. Articles already stating that an "assault rifle" was used. Clearly, disregarding the fact that the shooting was a lunatic who supported ISIS.

In my opinion, if guns were "banned" people would only be that much more vulnerable. Those intending to do harm would either find a weapon, or make one. A knife wielding man can take down dozens of people - a suicide bomber, even more.

This event could arguably have been stopped if someone had been open/concealed carrying in the area and taken a shot. Instead, dozens of innocent people lost their lives waiting for Law Enforcement to arrive on scene and put an end to a madman's rampage..

I'd love to hear your thoughts..

Response by SSgt Charles Freeman made Jun 12 at 2016 3:11 PM

2016-06-12T15:11:51-04:00

Not surprised. This is like Christmas to the gun control crowd.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Jun 12 at 2016 3:14 PM

2016-06-12T15:14:07-04:00

I hate it... they waste no time. Instantly they blame the tool used. But if a doctor botches a surgery they don't blame the scalpel. If a hacker steals your identity they don't blame the computer.

Response by SGT Edward Wilcox made Jun 12 at 2016 3:17 PM

2016-06-12T15:17:24-04:00

What is your take on Conservatives using the tragic Florida shooting as momentum to relax gun laws?

The crass politicization on either side is disgusting. Only this time, it starts with you PO2 Martin.

Response by MSgt Michael Bischoff made Jun 12 at 2016 3:18 PM

2016-06-12T15:18:09-04:00

What about the comments "of the guns rights" people quick to judge others and also saying concealed carry would fix this.
There was someone there with a visible guns and he fired and yet over 100 people shot.
Guns or lack of guns can't fix ideology!!!

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2016 3:27 PM

2016-06-12T15:27:48-04:00

Since the LGBT community is at the forefront of the "civil rights" debate, where are the same people shouting civil rights with regards to their right to coexist with the muslim community?

In orlando several days ago, this idiot advocates that the killing of gay people is being compassionate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBlwxqqAprQ

Gays Must Die Says Speaker At Orlando Mosque - WFTV 9 Orlando Report

The United West investigative team uncovered a story so disturbing Field Sutton of Channel 9 news in Orlando, FL broke the story on their newscast. The Husse...

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jun 12 at 2016 3:29 PM

2016-06-12T15:29:38-04:00

Is there a single FL elected official that isn't parroting the local LEOs or FBI? ATF stated he bought his firearms over the last few days. How could that happen, given background checks, and two FBI investigations in 2013/2014, regarding terrorist contacts. This is more than passes the smell test.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2016 3:31 PM

2016-06-12T15:31:23-04:00

HRC is off and flying her broom stick to ban guns I'm sure. Guns don't kill people, Cars don't kill people. Crazy extremist do kill people.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2016 3:33 PM

2016-06-12T15:33:12-04:00

First, I'm very liberal and I'm also pro gun. There are also conservatives who are anti gun, so this is not a conservative vs. liberal issue IMO. Democrat and Republican officials from rural areas tend to be pro gun rights while officials from urban areas tend to be anti gun. The Democrat party is far more Urban than the Republican party, so it also tends to be opposed to gun rights. My point is that it's more an issue of demographics than liberal or conservative ideology.

Second, there is no change to gun laws (that might have a snowballs chance in hell of passing) that could have prevented or likely even mitigated this tragedy. My understanding is that the guy was a security guard, was not a felon and was born in the United States. He had a serious issue with gay people, and used his religious beliefs to justify a horrible evil.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Jun 12 at 2016 3:36 PM

2016-06-12T15:36:26-04:00

First of all they don't even realize that taking out 50 unarmed people in a crowded nightclub does not require an AR15. It simply requires the will to do so. But of course the social media is already full of people demanding a ban on Assault weapons so this can't happen again. I read one on FB that claimed to be a former infantryman and he even called the AR an assault weapon. And Bernie is calling for the same.... It's disgusting that we ignore the real problem, We are at war with an ideology. Plain and simple...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2016 3:42 PM

2016-06-12T15:42:39-04:00

Got a better idea. How about ban ISIS!!!!

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Jun 12 at 2016 3:43 PM

2016-06-12T15:43:35-04:00

Reading this, you make it the liberals fault to believe that, but on the right there will be someone who claims had they been afforded the ability to carry in the club this wouldn't have happened. Labeling everyone and then using absolutes is wrong. There are many liberals who love weapons, carry weapons, and are really good people. The same thing with conservatives. So is it any better that liberals want less access (not taking anything away), or the right (put more weapons in circulation)? No nightclub in the US allows people to carry inside. The alcohol makes that a very dangerous proposition. I also know that celebs protective services could be armed at time, but they're not drinking.
On the nutjobs on both sides, they refuse to meet in the middle where most Americans reside in their views. There could be an easy compromise and dialogue held, but those nutjobs cannot see the greater good unless it's going their way.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jun 12 at 2016 3:45 PM

2016-06-12T15:45:57-04:00

Considering that it happened in a nightclub, assuming FL carry laws are similar to TX, this would be another mass shooting that happened in a "gun free zone".

Yes, there are those misguided people that will call for stricter gun laws, and history will repeat itself, the rhetoric will prompt more people who have never owned or trained with a gun to go out and buy a gun.

In other words talk of gun control leads to the opposite result as intended, it puts more guns on the street and in the hands of people who probably shouldn't have them.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jun 12 at 2016 3:55 PM

2016-06-12T15:55:39-04:00

PO2 Think it's bad now. Wait until Obama and Hillary starts. We all know that the gun did what it was suppose to. It the nut holding the gun. If it is ISIS you know what and how they feel about LGBT.

Response by MSgt Michelle Mondia made Jun 12 at 2016 4:02 PM

2016-06-12T16:02:54-04:00

I'm sure republicans would much more prefer we ban gays not guns. Lol...

Response by PO1 Michael Fullmer made Jun 12 at 2016 4:11 PM

2016-06-12T16:11:33-04:00

Unfortunately, BOTH sides of this argument will attempt to use the tragedy to their advantage, and personally I think it's deplorable. The ONLY concern right now should be for all the hurting families.

Response by SGT Damaso V Santana made Jun 12 at 2016 4:12 PM

2016-06-12T16:12:39-04:00

You have told it like IT IS. The sick perverted Progressive Vitriolic narrative is all the media Will present, all designed to sway low information citizens and enlist them against our Second Ammendment.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 12 at 2016 4:59 PM

2016-06-12T16:59:31-04:00

It's already happened, right here on RallyPoint. This was posted even before the bodies were cold... https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-m-so-sickened-by-gun-violence-the-second-amendment-has-failed-us-how-should-it-be-amended-to-right-the-wrongs

I'm so sickened by gun violence. The second amendment has failed us. How should it be amended to...

The latest tragedy of gun violence against the LGBTQ community is just a continuance of the attack in the SC church, the campus shootings, Navy Yard assault, Theater attack, and assaults upon our children at schools. Assault weapons are the issue, not "guns." How do we fix this?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2016 5:41 PM

2016-06-12T17:41:10-04:00

Hey I have an idea... let's make laws against murder....

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jun 12 at 2016 6:08 PM

2016-06-12T18:08:11-04:00

They heard Obama mention gun control in his message today about the Orlando shooting so that was probably their reason to keep brining it up?? Omar Mateen was on an FBI watch list because of his ISIS comments on his blog & association with an ISI suicide bomber but was allowed to purchase a hand gun and rifle a few weeks ago, and worked for a Security Company.

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Jun 12 at 2016 6:53 PM

2016-06-12T18:53:20-04:00

ENS Private RallyPoint Member Apparently a security guard did attempt to intervene and the terrorist made it into the nightclub anyway where he started his massacre. When Chicago (a highly regulated gun free zone) becomes the model for gun control then perhaps we should sit up and take notice. The terrorists are already in place and armed (apparently), so you can turn your personal safety over to others or assume that responsibility for yourself. Government cannot save you from a determined foe dedicated to your destruction; they will bring the chalk to outline your body and write reports about it.

Response by SSG John Erny made Jun 12 at 2016 7:17 PM

2016-06-12T19:17:58-04:00

What happened in Florida if ISIS backed would have happened any way, had they no local access to a weapon it would have been smuggled in the country. You think not, bet you can get hour hands on smuggled drugs. Their attack is multi pronged, it is an attack on lives and our freedom, both of which radical islamists hate.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2016 8:20 PM

2016-06-12T20:20:49-04:00

Make gun education mandatory curriculum in schools, and give people the opportunity to defend themselves. There are plenty of ways to kill people without guns. Bombs, homemade flamethrowers, biological radiation and chemical weapons, etc. The list goes on, and people can get all of the materials for the listed at their local hardware store (except biological).

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Jun 12 at 2016 8:30 PM

2016-06-12T20:30:49-04:00

I have been following this since I arose at 0600 hours this morning. I have yet to see any widespread calls from the liberals about banning any firearms. I have seen a lot from those on the right accusing the left of doing so.

Response by Maj William W. 'Bill' Price made Jun 12 at 2016 8:41 PM

2016-06-12T20:41:57-04:00

My take is one of disgust, ENS Private RallyPoint Member. Events are spun to support a chosen agenda. The carnage is immaterial if not preferred, since the carnage leads to bolder headlines. The one thing liberals will not talk about is the very thing we should be focused on: Islamic terrorism.

Response by CPT Robert Boshears made Jun 12 at 2016 9:09 PM

2016-06-12T21:09:14-04:00

An AR-15, AK-47, SKS, (bought in the US), are all semi-automatic, with a maximum capacity of 30, except the SKS, which is a strip loaded 10 round weapon, and there are many more varieties in this category. A Calico .22 has a top fed helical magazine that holds 100, and the Calico 9mm holds 50, which can be reloaded with a fully loaded "mag" very fast. At short range, like a night club, the .22 would be a logical weapon of choice. This weapon was manufactured in Bakersfield, California before the State started their many changes. My point is, the weapon is nothing more than a tool, it is the defective human pulling the trigger, and the never ending "up for re-election" politicians who make all weapons sound like a SADAM device (I hope some of you remember this weapon and its intended use for the Fulda Gap). The second amendment has two very good points...the legal ownership of a weapon, and the ability to use said weapon not only for self defense, but to remind those governing our country, that the citizens have the right to change corrupt politicians without the lengthy process of a vote, which today is bought by special interest groups.

When you give up your legally bought and registered weapon, you might as well leave your front door open posting a diagram to your daughters bedrooms and all your valuables, because weapons can always be obtained by the illegal method, and that is something I don't want to see. The day I can be assured the bad guys, movie stars and elected officials are not protected by individuals with guns, then we can discuss disarming. But keep in mind, Japan made very logical statements of why they would or could not invade the United States...to paraphrase (I think it was Admiral Yamamoto) that behind every tree or bush was an armed American. It not only bothers me, but scares me to see that Field Grade Officers (not combat arms) would even consider changing the second amendment.

Logically, who would spend over one billion dollars for a $400,000 dollar job, without selling promises to those who helped pay? Would you trust your children's lives on a school bus driver, close to or over 70 years of age, or one that has a history of bad health?

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Jun 12 at 2016 10:07 PM

2016-06-12T22:07:14-04:00

What's my take on them? Nothing I haven't seen yet. They acted the same, and said more or less the same stuff after Sandy Hook, Aurora, and others. I'm waiting to see if the Florida state government will buckle to the antis or not. Colorado and Connecticut did. Heck, CT was so bad most gun manufacturers moved out, and to think only a century ago CT was the place you wanted to go and set up shop if you were in the firearms industry.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jun 12 at 2016 10:15 PM

2016-06-12T22:15:43-04:00

I think legislating under the influence of tragedy is tragedy in and of itself. You don't have to look far for calls for it in my window this thread is right below the one I'm writing in: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-m-so-sickened-by-gun-violence-the-second-amendment-has-failed-us-how-should-it-be-amended-to-right-the-wrongs

I'm so sickened by gun violence. The second amendment has failed us. How should it be amended to...

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made Jun 12 at 2016 10:26 PM

2016-06-12T22:26:33-04:00

I think we need to ban Muslim extremists.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2016 10:34 PM

2016-06-12T22:34:21-04:00

Pot meet kettle. Oh, and the shooter was an American citizen, bought the guns legally, had a concealed carry permit, had been a security guard and correctional officer, and was pending an application to the police academy. Plus, there was a "good guy with a gun" there too - the club security guard - who did, in fact, engage the shooter. Lastly, I seriously doubt that some inebriated club goers with guns would've made a difference. Those are my thoughts.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 1:03 AM

2016-06-13T01:03:43-04:00

I think that the fact that you're only saying liberals and making this'll political so soon is disgusting. That's my vote

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 13 at 2016 2:36 AM

2016-06-13T02:36:57-04:00

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Jun 13 at 2016 6:52 AM

2016-06-13T06:52:44-04:00

The slime we tend to send to Congress anymore needs no motivation of any sort to further their career and this is just another example of one standing on someone's coffin to make political hay. It didn't take much gray matter to know that the anti gun nuts would be beating their chests within hours yet not one can admit that a high powered handgun with an extended magazine can do as much damage. I don't know what sickens me more, this act of violence or the politicians using it for personal, political gain.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 13 at 2016 7:31 AM

2016-06-13T07:31:43-04:00

No comment really, might tick off a few people.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 8:26 AM

2016-06-13T08:26:10-04:00

It just reminds me of what Obama's little Crony Rahm Emanuel said.
"You never let a serious crisis go to waste. And what I mean by that it's an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before."
Rahm Emanuel
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/r/rahmemanue409199.html

Rahm Emanuel Quotes at BrainyQuote.com

"You never let a serious crisis go to waste. And what I mean by that it's an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before." - Rahm Emanuel quotes from BrainyQuote.com

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jun 13 at 2016 8:57 AM

2016-06-13T08:57:49-04:00

PO2 What else would you expect from Obama. He is already calling for more gun control. That is before the investigation. The left want us defenseless with no weapons. Pray tell me how or they going to find and take all the illegal guns. I was told by a city cop where i could go in town for a gun, anything i wanted. And I live in a town with 10000 people.

Response by SSG Drew Cook made Jun 13 at 2016 9:03 AM

2016-06-13T09:03:09-04:00

Nobody is going to or trying to ban guns. Enough of that, please.

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Jun 13 at 2016 9:17 AM

2016-06-13T09:17:03-04:00

Liberals believe that guns kill people. Yeah the believe that guns have their own mind, arms and legs. Also they love buying guns but don't like anyone else buying them.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Jun 13 at 2016 10:22 AM

2016-06-13T10:22:12-04:00

The liberal progressive tools live for emotional outbursts, they lack critical thinking abilities.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 13 at 2016 10:26 AM

2016-06-13T10:26:45-04:00

No one is going to ban anything. This is a politician's attempt to rack up votes by using the anti-gun demographic.

Response by Cpl Benjamin Long made Jun 13 at 2016 11:21 AM

2016-06-13T11:21:03-04:00

Strawman argument on the part of liberals

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Jun 13 at 2016 11:54 AM

2016-06-13T11:54:43-04:00

ENS Private RallyPoint Member it disgusts me that anyone is using this for any kind of political agenda. AMERICA was attacked. Regardless of whether one agrees with their lifestyle or not, they were Americans. This was an act of terrorism. It was an attack on our way of life. Our way of life in that we embrace our individuality. We embrace allowing people to live as they want to live. This was his attempt to attack that. Instead of this being a political issue, let's make this an America issue.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jun 13 at 2016 12:14 PM

2016-06-13T12:14:17-04:00

https://beslagsmed.wordpress.com/

Thoughts of a Crazy Old Man

How I see life!

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 13 at 2016 12:25 PM

2016-06-13T12:25:07-04:00

Unfortunately, I find it sad that in the wake of a tragedy, opportunists would use it to push an agenda. Common sense is not a common virtue.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 13 at 2016 12:55 PM

2016-06-13T12:55:59-04:00

My take is that it's just another incident that adds fuel to their agenda.....so of course they are going to use it.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 12:59 PM

2016-06-13T12:59:47-04:00

This should be a time for mourning, and a time for action. Instead of spinning this according to a political agenda, America should see it for what it is - an attack on her people and their way life. Yes, the shooter was American born, but he not only agreed with ISIL's ideologies, but he went as far as ending 50 innocent lives to further their agenda.. We must mourn for the fallen, but we also must ensure we serve avenge them by extinguishing this..

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 1:00 PM

2016-06-13T13:00:19-04:00

A guy who had been investigated by the FBI as a possible terrorist and who had a history of domestic violence was able to legally buy a semiautomatic rifle and a large quantity of ammunition.

If you truly, sincerely believe that someone like that should be allowed to purchase and own guns, I honestly question whether there's any circumstance that would cause you to say "That guy is not capable of exercising his rights responsibly, so he is prohibited from owning a gun."

NO right comes without the requirement to exercise it responsibly. You can't yell fire in a crowded theater and call it free speech. You can't commit human sacrifice and call it freedom of religion. You can't libel someone and call it freedom of the press. Why do so many people believe the right to keep and bear arms means unregulated, unfettered, and irresponsible gun ownership?

I'd like to believe that everyone could agree that a person whose background OBVIOUSLY indicates that he is a high risk -- someone who has expressed support for a terrorist group, and who has assaulted his spouse -- should be prevented from owning guns.

Apparently I'm wrong.

Response by SGT Tracey "Tra" Cooper-Harris made Jun 13 at 2016 1:47 PM

2016-06-13T13:47:22-04:00

I am a moderate, so I have some conservative, liberal, & independent ideologies. No one is going to take away gun rights unless you are a felon, have some seriously unstable MH issues, or want to start WW III. My issue is that folks are using guns to take out their animosity on a group/religion/orientation or whatever that is in conflict with their beliefs. Get cut off on the road, there's cap in your behind. Mexican/Asian/Black kids/men playing their music too loud and posturing at me? Cap in your behind. Neighbors throwing crap in your backyard? Wife leaves yo for another man/woman? Unresolved issues from childhood that carries out into anger issues as an adult? Uneasiness about your own manhood, fear of being ridiculed, or insulting of your religion because of what others are doing around you that don't affect you? Yep...that's a cap in your behind.

There are many responsible gun owners out there. And there are folks that I wouldn't want within a mile of a weapon. As a nation, we need to ensure our MH funding isn't cut, folks who have been convicted of DV/threaten harm or death to groups of people/on the Do Not Fly List do NOT have access to guns OR jobs in security that can afford these opportunities. We also need to do studies and research about this issue. I know I will get flack for it, but it's my opinion. There's even something out by Astronaut Mark Kelly & GEN Petreaus about a study on guns through Veterans Coalition for Common Sense, which many veterans and 2A advocates will be skeptical of.

I grew up in a rougher neighborhood where gun violence wasn't uncommon in & out of school, & we had weapons in the house for protection. By the time I was 14, I was wondering why the shootings in school didn't make the news. Then Columbine hit 10+ yrs, & we had so many folks wonder what could've been done to prevent the tragedy. Maybe if we had looked into trying to fix this problem in neighborhoods like mine back in the late 80s, we wouldn't have the issues in the nicer areas years later. My ex thought I was heartless for equating one with the other, but we'll never know if looking into those senseless acts of violence when I was a kid could have helped prevent the tragedies we're seeing now. And I don't want to wonder if I had done everything in my power to lessen the chance for other families to deal with the tragedy that my friends & family have experienced with some idiots with guns.

I am pro gun and there's no way in hell I would go into a club with a weapon or CCP in an urban area/large scale event in or outdoor. I was at West Hollywood Pride marching in the parade. If a shooting/threat had happened, there's no way LEO's would know who's the perp & who's the upstanding citizen trying to protect their community. There's a time & a place. This club, major events, college classrooms, in the mall is NOT the place for taking out a threat when there are innocent civilians around & also no idea of if there are others in collaboration with the original gunman laying low. You trespass on my property or break into my home? You will be shot because as a woman living with another woman,I will do what needs to be done to protect my family like anyone else.

This will be a tough issue. Doing nothing is not helping. Arguing isn't helping. What are we going to do?

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Jun 13 at 2016 4:40 PM

2016-06-13T16:40:04-04:00

I don't believe they are CALLING for a ban on ALL guns! I believe its just Assault Weapons!

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Jun 14 at 2016 12:03 AM

2016-06-14T00:03:26-04:00

ENS Private RallyPoint Member An armed off-duty cop working security apparently shot at Mateen who made it inside anyway. Other officers quickly arrived but a decision was made not to hot pursue the suspect into the building. SWAT responded, failed to breach the bathroom wall with explosives, then rammed an armored vehicle into the wall creating a hole and allowing hostages to escape, all this over the span of 3+ hours. Despite FBI scrutiny, how did Mateen legally buy weapons just days before? Was some LEO hoping that allowing Mateen 'to walk' would lead them to a terrorist cell? Just wonderin'...

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jun 14 at 2016 2:01 AM

2016-06-14T02:01:55-04:00

Rahm Emanual and his philosophy of taking political advantage of a crisis.

Response by Capt Michael Greene made Jun 14 at 2016 2:36 AM

2016-06-14T02:36:37-04:00

1. Could you name just one influential person who is calling for banning guns?

2. Are you advocating that we stick a Glock in our belts when we want to go clubbing, drinking and dancing? I'm not sure that arming 320 drunk/high badass 20-year-olds at a Saturday night dance club is an improvement.

3. There was a "good guy with a gun" there. The security officer was an off-duty cop, and they engaged right from the get-go. Didn't stop Omar from shooting over 100 people.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Jun 14 at 2016 11:15 PM

2016-06-14T23:15:35-04:00

Well, this is a huge issue. Gun control advocates tend to wait for these kind of events to denounce guns and the other side uses these incidents to attack gun free zones. The truth is that we are in the middle of a clash of civilizations. Western civilization has generally adopted the classical liberal ideologies of free markets and governance by republics and democracies (depending on the country ) with a couple of constitutional monarchies with figurehead monarchs. The middle east is more of a theocratic civilization with limited capitalism, but more often mercantilism. They have governments ranging from absolute monarchy (Kingdom of Saud ), Quasi Republics (Iran), and depotism (Syria). Western liberalism is encroaching on their civilization through economics. Along with markets becoming more free, people demand to have more say in their government because they shoulder the cost of government. Despots and monarchs hate western ideology because it takes absolute control from them. Their only option is to use religion as a tool to cling to their weakening power systems. The Kingdom of Saud is the perfect example. The most prevalent type of Islamist is one that holds to Wahhabism. This was developed by the Sauds to maintain a grip on power. There is a passage in the Koran that paraphrased says that they (the rulers ) have a right to rule over all. They use this to whip devout followers into a frenzy and unleash them on people who don't toe the line. Eventually, they become powerful enough to challenge their bankrollers and then groups like ISIS and AL Qaeda are born.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 3:43 AM

2016-06-15T03:43:18-04:00

Liberals use it to push gun control for the same reason Trump uses it to push a Muslim ban. Politicians have no shame.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jun 15 at 2016 11:44 AM

2016-06-15T11:44:32-04:00

The 2nd Admendment has not failed but leadership has failed. So many people want to mold life to fit their "script" they will stop at nothing to reach their goals; for instance, spreading established philosophies, the 2nd Admendment, to cover illegal actions like hiring a known sympathizer to murder American citizens.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jun 15 at 2016 12:02 PM

2016-06-15T12:02:57-04:00

These unfortunate events always stirs up the gun debate. Both sides assert their positions on gun control before evaluating all the factors involved and properly addressing them.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Jun 15 at 2016 12:35 PM

2016-06-15T12:35:29-04:00

I think it is about the same as Republicans using these tragic events to justify a ban on Muslim immigration into the United States, but probably way more justified than the GOP bitching about the term Radical Islam.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 12:54 PM

2016-06-15T12:54:12-04:00

Anyone with a brain knows that banning guns (rifles, handguns, shotguns) will not stop terrorism or violence, in general. It will lower our defense capability as not as a country, but as citizens. Those who use weapons to defend and protect (policemen, military, etc.) how will we defend when we are fired upon? Shoot bean bags at them, taser them, mace? What if someone is too far of a distance but is still able to cause damage, what do we use then?

Response by 1LT John Heddens made Jun 15 at 2016 1:26 PM

2016-06-15T13:26:38-04:00

When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns.

Response by 1LT John Heddens made Jun 15 at 2016 4:34 PM

2016-06-15T16:34:30-04:00

*We've always had guns- but we haven't always had the 24 hour news cycle, internet, and culture glorifying perceived victimization.*
I think a lot of these mass shootings have a lot to do with the attention seeking behavior our country is plagued with. Everyone wants to be a victim, everyone wants to be famous. Capping a bunch of people is a morbid way to achieve both- in a mentally ill mind. These people see the incessant 24 hour media coverage and romanticizing of the perpetrators, and they picture immortality and perpetual victimization. Just like the shooters at Columbine, who were attributed the motive of being bullied and misunderstood- then had literal decades of news specials and documentaries about them.
*Stop glamorizing this madness. Stop justifying bad behavior because of typical life stressors. Stop the 20-20 Specials, the Dateline baloney, and everything else that gives attention to these wack jobs.*

Response by SSgt James Atkinson made Jun 16 at 2016 10:04 AM

2016-06-16T10:04:14-04:00

When I look at the situation in Orlando, I look at the background of Mateen, and then I look at his parents, and how they and he got into this country as refugees from Afghanistan, and given his age, and the GWOT it is unlikely his homicide streak was born in the United States, but rather it originated in the Middle East, and merely festered as he got older. Much like the Boston Marathon Bombers, he appears to be a radical militant who was living in the United States and festering his/their hatred of this country. The killings in Orlando could have been much, much worse, because he could have used pressure cookers, and in that densely packs on a building the deaths could have been 5 to 10 times higher. It is the fault of the politicians, the fault on Congress, the fault of both Houses, and the fault of all the political parties, and most especially the fault of the Executive Branch.

Response by ENS Matthew Fleming made Jun 16 at 2016 12:06 PM

2016-06-16T12:06:38-04:00

There are so many factors here. Even if the firearm used were illegal, I believe that most states would still have allowed this bonded, licensed security agent who was employed by a federal contractor to purchase the gun directly from Sig Sauer under their discount program. Furthermore, I am very grateful that this murderer did not take a cheaper route and visit his local feed store and gas station to take the Ammonium Nitrate route. The death toll would have been much higher. All this to say, even putting aside the lack of any data supporting the success of gun bans, a ban would have made no difference in this case. And no matter what gun control is passed, it will not change the fact that there are angry, deranged people out there who will find a way to kill.

Response by SSgt James Atkinson made Jun 16 at 2016 7:58 PM

2016-06-16T19:58:33-04:00

Is this the same Orlando shooting where the police ran away from the scene, and for THREE hours they "negotiated" with the terrorist? Three hours... think about that for a minute, in a crowded building the police let the shooter roam free for three hours. The thin blue line in Orlando see to have a bit of a yellow shading to it. THREE HOURS.

Response by CPL Patrick Brewbaker made Jun 17 at 2016 10:58 PM

2016-06-17T22:58:32-04:00

It's BS. There mantra is never let a good crisis got to waste.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 4:24 PM

2016-06-18T16:24:08-04:00

i agree if somebody had a weapon the numbers could have been lowered, but i will say had federal agencies talked to earch other maybe he wont have had the weapons, from all the reports on line he was investigated twice by hls, went to saudi, even though he worked in security weres the vetting and who does it, thats who we need to be asking questions, again its people that kill no matter the way dont blame guns blame those that do it

Response by MSgt Dennis Bailey made Jul 2 at 2016 9:14 AM

2016-07-02T09:14:24-04:00

It's well-intended lunacy! They want to do SOMETHING--but don't use facts to determine what to do. Gun Free Zones are the problem. 90+ percent of mass shootings are in gun-free zones, but liberals want to create a nation of gun-free zones. Why don't we just make Murder illegal? The only way to stop mass shootings, is to make sure would-be mass murders know that they are likely to meet armed resistance wherever they go.

Response by TSgt James Carson made Jan 19 at 2017 6:38 PM

2017-01-19T18:38:50-05:00

In California Gun owners go through back ground checks for guns and now for bullets. If you own a AR-15, it is considered a assault weapon because it has a pistal grip. Dissabled people wecome this type of design because they can more safely handle that fire arm. Politicians don't know or understand guns at all. that's why we have such dumb laws. Politicians are just lazy and collect pay checks from us for doing as little as possible. Get responsible politicians to repair our laws and leave good law abiding gun owners alone. PLEASE.