I can’t speak to what victims and those affected by these events want. I would imagine most people want a higher level of gun control as that’s what most Americans (including NRA members) want. But you still have a population who think more guns is the answer to gun violence.
If we are to believe the surveys about peoples opinion on greater gun control laws, the NRA and many of the right wing politicians stance on this does not align with the majority of their constituents.
The motivation for change first and foremost should be the mass killing of innocent people and it’s all the worse when children are the target.
Out of respect for the victims and all the others affected, I think the appropriate tact is one that’s realistic. And it’s not realistic at this point in time to ban all guns is remotely feasible and as unnecessary as I think assault riffles are, that would still very much be a reach. If the argument is to make guns as “difficult as possible” to acquire will only stagnate any chance of change. We can’t have this devolve to an for/against absolutist debate.
In my opinion, the fact should be “as difficult as possible for those who should never have their hands on a gun”. So many pro-gun politicians say they want this, so it’s easier to hold their feet to the fire with it.
At the very least if assault riffles (or let’s say ALL semi-automatic weapons) should be held to the same standard as pistols are in most states. Minimum age 21 (unless military or police). Required training through a licensed instructor. Required interview with local police. Police must interview friends and neighbors of applicant. Had even one of these been mandatory for the perpetrator this whole scenario very likely could have been avoided. And as these laws exist in most states, applying them to all semi-auto weapons should not be much of a stretch.
The claim by some politicians nothing can be done is absolutely ridiculous- or that that the only answer is to “fortify” schools is the only answer. Schools should obviously have a reasonable degree of building security- but it’s a school, there’s no reason it should need to be designed like embassy. Nor should there have to be a swat team member on site full time. The fact that even suggestions are made indicates there is a serious problem.
That said, I’m not convinced the majority of our partisan leadership in particular can even have a mature conversation about this topic. These tragedies are too exploited for political reasons than actually catalyzing meaningful change.
