What’s New Port Richey Saying About Gun Control?
As America continues to reel in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., slayings we asked New Port Richey residents to weigh in about proposed gun control legislation.
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As people across the country talk about tightening gun control legislation in the aftermath of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., New Port Richey residents have their own opinions on the topic.
When Patch asked people across Tampa Bay what they thought about banning assault weapons, here’s what New Port Richey Patch readers and Facebook fans had to say:
It has nothing to do with gangbangers, etc. They will always have guns. That is the way things are. Law abiding people also have the right to protect themselves.
What is insane is that people want to own semi-automatic combat weapons. What does anyone need that kind of fire power for? There should also be more stringent controls to keep as many as possible out of the hands of the mentally ill.
Michael Mirra, New Port Richey Patch readerI have NO problem with a ban on automatic and semi automatic guns. To adequately protect oneself. A gun that shoots one bullet at a time is all you need. That way, if someone goes off the rails, the carnage may not be stopped but the body count will not be so high. You can't completely stop the crazies.
Jennifer Eichenberger, New Port Richey Patch Facebook fan
I guess I don't understand how I, a law abiding citizen that may be banned from owning a semi-automatic weapon, can protect myself from a criminal who WILL have a semi automatic weapon with a gun that can only shoot one bullet at a time. How can anyone in their right mind believe that a ban on these guns will keep them out of criminal hands.
Susan E. Ferguson, New Port Richey Patch Facebook fan
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
J N
11:50 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
"I have NO problem with a ban on automatic and semi automatic guns. To adequately protect oneself. A gun that shoots one bullet at a time is all you need. That way, if someone goes off the rails, the carnage may not be stopped but the body count will not be so high. You can't completely stop the crazies.
Jennifer Eichenberger, New Port Richey Patch Facebook fan"
Semi-automatic IS one at a time, ignoramus, and the ban on automatics has been in effect for decades. Only collector preban automatics costing more than your car are in circulation, and these aren't getting used in crimes at all.
It's unsettling that the ignorant and terrified think they should have a voice in laws regarding firearms.
John E Madden III
11:54 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
the only guns the authorities will be able to seize, are those owned by law-abiding citizens....the crimminal element will not comply, with any such order. IF all the guns in America are taken...the disturbed will build a pipe bomb, and do their evil anyway.
In Ct.---had this kid, no access...he would have strangled his mother, taken her car keys...and waited for the kids to mass at a bus stop..."you gonna ban cars next?"
When will we stop treating the symptoms, of a problem...and begin to treat the "disease"? Our nation has been festering for 50 years...we have raised a generation of wolves...and they are beginning to eat us. De-senistized to violence, an abscence of Faith or Spirituality----(indeed!...more like, an attack on GOD, has happened), --------------We have allowed ourselves to become ROME...and we are burning......get yourelves together, and bring the family unit closer.....determine to do one good deed each day, for someone you do not know---and let us re-build America, again.
John E Madden III
12:22 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012
part two: I would like to add this; thinking back to Columbine, and through Va. Tech, and Aurora,Co, Gabby Giffords'.....and now Sandy Hook elementary. What were the ages of the shooters?
All under 30!!!-------we DO have a problem in our Nation, but it isnt the amount nor, type of weapon. NOR, is it our first Amendment Right---that allows such violence on tv,Movies or music.....Truthfully our Rights and Liberties are NOT at fault, if we want to find blame, for our tragedies----the cause awaits us, in the mirror, Let us endeavour to be better Parents,Mentors and people each day.
(and for Gods' sakes...stop giving ur kids the wrong message, by giving them a "particpation trophy", when they lose!!! Life is tough, and sometimes you lose---just pat 'em on the head, and hit the backyard for more practice, for next year!!!)
Larry Andersen
3:22 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012
Look at what we condone in our society, violent games, violent movies, violent music. We confuse our children in school, don't touch but bully all you want if we do not see you! The punishment handed out in schools is a joke, the kids think its funny, and authority a joke. Then the children come home and plays a game where they kill hundreds of "the enemy" per minute (but do not touch ME) how can we condone these confusing signals and not expect problems with REAL LIFE. Congress will blow a cloud of smoke with gun regulations and never come close to the real problem...............Parents who let society set the standards for their children, and how we treat mental health. In Florida a child who seems dangerous to others by threatening someone, is Baker Acted, that is a police man arrests them (I wish to say not the fault of the police this is state policy and must be followed) takes them to a state run clinic where they are drugged for usually three days and then sent home, no treatment, no on going sessions, no inspection of their home environment or what caused the problem. We have hundreds of thousands of young people in this environment when one snaps and acts out in violence and kills REAL people we are outraged and look for a simple answer. This latest tragedy at Sandy Hook elementary is beyond horrible and we as Americans will debate gun control and not the root of the problem. My heart goes out to the parents of Sandy Hook, may God Bless them and comfort them.