Subject: RE: New Yorker article on Bob Costas and Jovan BelcherNone of the author’s assertions are new or even incorrect, necessarily, but the fact is it’s a Constitutionally-protected right, and whether or not fewer guns will mean less domestic violence or more of it, more murder-suicides or fewer doesn’t really matter. Guns aren’t going away, and, liberal though I am, I’m increasingly impatient with the continued focus on getting rid of guns versus better enforcement of existing laws.
Belcher acquired his gun legally and there was no reason why he shouldn’t have had it, based on the existing laws. For there to have been a gun easily accessible to Perkins, when she was with an infant child would have been irresponsible on her part.
There have been a number of incidents that shine a light on what is, IMO, the unnecessary ease with which people with criminal records or previously diagnosed psychological problems can arm themselves. And I’m not of the opinion that we would be a safer society if more people had guns than already do. But this particular incident, as many here and elsewhere have said, is a domestic violence issue more so than a gun issue, and it’s unfortunate that the focus has been on the latter more so than the former. That does a great disservice to Ms. Perkins and other women like her.
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