POST SCRIPTS

I think we have too many guns. People that own guns don't seem to be very responsible at keeping them out of the hands of siblings. At the least they should keep them locked up. Children are very emotional because of under developed social skills and they often act irrationally or over react to a perceived offense. If a gun was around you can see how it might be used thoughtlessly and with regret later when it is too late. I don't hate guns, but I think we should be thinking of ways to limit them in our society for our own good. School should be a safe place to be, without fear of being shot!

"I think we have too many guns. People that own guns don't seem to be very responsible at keeping them out of the hands of siblings."

Liz, I couldn’t disagree with you more.

I grew up in Northern California and I have seen two significant changes, not just here, but in the country.

#1, when I was growing up the majority of my friends owned guns or lived in families who owned guns. We were taught that they were tools, for protection and sport, hunting or target shooting. We were also taught a respect for human life, and we didn't settle our differences with them. The people who did these things were responsible for their own actions.

#2 the mind set that guns are evil. This is ridiculous, but it seems to be a school of thought that is growing and growing. A blanket statement that gun owners don't seem to be very responsible about keeping them out of the hands of siblings, or children is a broad statement which would be considered "stereotyping" if it was applied to any other group.

What I noticed as the result of the second change, is that people who had never before thought about having a gun, will go out and buy one when ever new legislation comes down to limit the access to them.

I don't know why our society is so intent on not putting responsibility where it belongs, but I can tell you this is not a gun control problem, this is a morality problem.

If you don't believe me, look at the gun crime statistics in the areas that have the most stringent gun control laws. New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles come to mind.

During the episode I was facilitating a violence prevention class as a guest speaker at Prospect High School in Oroville. Quite naturally the students in my class were upset while we were in "lock-down" (interestingly this term is a prison term and is used in our public schools.)
On the local evening news there was coverage of the last 2 student hostages sharing their participation in the situation. One of them spoke of talking the young gunmen to give up his weapon to her and she took it and threw it out of the room. The other young woman gave Greg Wright, the gunman her cell phone to communicate with the authorities.
I did not notice any mention of these two heroes in your coverage of this local story. We have two young and very courageous negotiators who deserve recognition.

I can agree with what you said Mr. Freitas but can't you agree that too many parents are not careful about the handling of guns in the home? Parents need to be better supervisors of their siblings and know when they are at risk of doing something stupid like we saw at LP. Parenting in America is not what it used to be.

This situation is NOT about gun control! My very own son is a student at Las Plumas and was there Friday. I am not about to blame this high stress situation on guns. This situation is about parenting and having teenagers today!
We (my husband and I) own guns. However, even though our son was raised around them and has attended all classes relating to guns, we still keep our guns LOCKED UP! That is responsible parenting! The boy who was the gunman needed serious help. You do not know the full situation of the boy, therefore should keep your opinions closed mouthed untill you know the facts.
As one of the mothers who's child was THERE, I do feel he should be tried as an adult and all counts should stick. However, the last thing we need is this sad situation made into some "gun control" issue. This CLEARLY has nothing to do with gun control. And is not about responsible gun owners. I very much take offense to your accusations of "every gun owner is not responsible". This same thing could have happend with a kife!
What is really bad is people like you who view this as an oppertunity to raise a stink about guns. Why dont you, for just one minute, think about the world today and the pressure's on today's youth.
And for the record I am not defending this boy, as a matter of fact I am pretty pixxed off, however, that does not change the fact that this is about home life, no gun control.
Blaming guns for killing is like blaming pencils for misspelled words.

(slight change in text per editorial discretion)

Liz, I can agree with your point in the same way I agree that too many parents do not instill safe driving techniques in their children.

It still is not the cause of problems like we saw at LP or at the numerous other schools.

I would say one mishap is too many. But again, it goes to the wrongfulness of the act, not the inanimate object used.

Parenting is apparently not what it used to be. I was raised knowing that using a gun or any other weapon in this manner is wrong.

And my point goes to teaching children not only safety, but the difference between right and wrong. Because, after all, if you don't do that, why would they honor a gun ban?