Twenty-seven school shootings have taken place, as well as more than 200 mass shootings.
Enough is enough.
Some members of Congress and state legislators have their hearts and prayers going out to the victims and their families as a pre-packaged response.
Enough is enough.
Spending more on mental health programs will solve the crisis. Yet, most of the shooters have been turned to violence by social media hate groups or some perceived wrong done to them – or expected to be done – during their lives.
The truth is the shooters got their idea when they were sane; planned the shooting when they were sane; bought the ammunition and guns when they sane; and carried out their plan when they were sane.
Enough is enough.
The Second Amendment was pretty clear in 1791. “A well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right to keep and bear Arms, shall not be abridged.”
Our Founders were afraid the British would be back or another opportunist country would attack our fledgling nation. The predominant long gun in 1791 was a musket and not an AR-15.
Enough is enough.
Ten years after Sandy Hook, finally – finally – serious negotiations are going on in Washington. Let us have our hearts and prayers support the adoption of a law that does not falter because it attempts to legislate the perfect – rather than settle for the good.
Florida, with a conservative legislature and a conservative governor – to their collective credit – adopted a modest law after the Parkland massacre. The first element of the law raised the age to buy a gun to 21. The second element created the ability of local sheriffs to issue Risk Protection Orders. The third element is the Guardian Program, which allows volunteers, staff members and teachers to be armed to protect the school.
In Florida, enough was enough.
Folks, we all love our children, grandchildren and other family member’s children. If something terrible happens at their school, will hearts and prayers be satisfactory to you?
Let’s hope you never have to say “enough is enough.”
Roger Carlton writes a bi-weekly column for The Graham Star. He can be reached via email, rcarlton57@hotmail.com.