Friday, August 28, 2015

People Getting Killed...Again

There's been a lot of news the last couple days about the reporters that were murdered on live television Wednesday...hard not to miss it. Unfortunately, these were only gun deaths #8,513 and #8,514 in the United States this year. As was recently pointed out, the other 8,512 haven't received quite as much attention, though the end result...senseless death at the end of a gun barrel...has been the same.

And as of this morning (two days later) the total number of gun deaths for 2015 has risen to 8,548. Right now, we're on pace to hit 13,000 deaths by gun in The Greatest Country in the World, up from 2014's total of 12,560, which was up from 11,419 in the year 2013.

Long time readers know my stance on guns...if not, I'd direct you to my 2012 post on the subject. My opinions on the subject haven't changed...we need to get rid of all the fucking guns. Period, end of story. I know there are folks who vehemently disagree with this opinion...one told me quite explicitly that he wouldn't buy my products because I am a "moron" on this particular subject.

As if I was using the money from my product to fund anti-NRA campaigns or something?

Anyway, just felt it was time to mention the subject again in the wake of the recent news/publicity. I will now return to writing about game-related items (as much as I ever do). Hope y'all are having an otherwise happy, healthy summer.

Imaginary guns in RPGs still allowed.

13 comments:

  1. I'm one of those folks who disagrees with you adamantly on that topic, both on practical and philosophical grounds. It sure didn't stop me from buying your books or reading your blog, though, nor make me regret either. Just my two coppers' worth.

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    1. @wayward:

      And I appreciate both your readership and your business. Truly I do.

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  2. I am one of those that believes more guns are not the answer. Indeed, anytime I think about that argument, I try to paint the picture of scenes where there are MORE BULLETS flying around. I'm all for being able to protect oneself, but maybe we should be working harder on technology that can inhibit gun usage rather than trying to eliminate guns, which will probably never happen given a large part of the populace still loves them too much. But if we can get rid of the OLD guns floating around, and then encourage production of guns with, I don't know, DNA readers that lock the gun if the wrong person picks them up, I would be all for it. NOW, before someone laughs at me, I give a preemptive screw you and a "remember what used to be science fiction?" Maybe guns with DNA locks are not feasible yet, but someone smarter than me will figure something out, if we put our damn minds to it.

    And don't get me started on the measly level of importance we ascribe to helping people with their mental and emotional health in this country. We need to be the keepers of our brothers and sisters, kids. We need to worry about their well-being, because, if in doing so we prevent some unhappy or mentally ill people from becoming mass murderers, we are all the winners in the end.

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  3. You make some fine products and your blog is one of my regular stops. That isn't going to change

    Heck I was going to fisk your whole piece but you know what, nah.

    Just two points, you won't get rid of all guns as some guns are necessary in day to day life. Even heavily urban UK and Japan allows some firearms as people need them.

    2nd Such a law would be both illegal (DC vs Heller, US V. Miller) or require a Constitutional amendment and would require a police state and provoke a civil war possibly the collapse of the Union . People will not comply.

    I'd tell you the thing I tell everyone, not original to me but here it is

    How many people are you willing to see the State kill or to see die in a war to get your way. I can promise you horrors would dwarf a thousand years of gun deaths in months and even in the end you might lose.

    So yeah while I understand the heart part and the desire for a better society but, its just plain foolishness to disarm decent folks because a few people misuse guns

    That said the gaming part of blog is as always great and everyone is entitled to an opinion on his own space . So no worries and have a great summer yourself.

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    1. @ 5Stone:

      Hmm...I'm pretty sure I've been clear regarding my stance on war as well: I don't want the State (or anyone else) killing anyone on my behalf, whether we're talking at home or abroad.

      Regardless of our disagreements on the subject, I do appreciate your kind words, and I do welcome your (dissenting) opinion. Thanks.

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  4. gun culture in the us is... irrational...? (trying to be polite here, ok?) that's all i can say from a european point of view.

    i'm not looking for an argument, i just wanted to let you know that there are some people that read your blog and agree with you completely on this issue. :)

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  6. US gun culture isirratioal. Two bears den within 300 yards of my house. They are welcome to stay there but if oe decides there is something yummy in my house a gun doesn't look so irrational.

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  7. I'm with you on gun, JB.
    I'm particularly rankled by people who think that people in my profession should be allowed (or required) to carry guns.

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    1. @ DMW:

      Wait a sec...aren't you a teacher? Jesus, God, no! Ugh.

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  8. I'm intrigued - was the reference to the USA as "The Greatest Country in the World" in a post about the USA's horrendously high murder rate written in jest or as a true believer?

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    1. Neither. It's just something people call the USA. Usually Americans.

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