17 Dead in Florida. GOP does nothing.

[Bojack Horseman]

CNN refuses to show his face or say his name for some reason. Probably because he’s white and not a Jihaddist so he’s mentally ill and not a terrorist.

Or perhaps because giving these creeps publicity encourages more events?

I highly doubt that. If that were the case then these incidents would have stopped a long time ago. Evil needs to have a name and face. They can’t hide his name and picture forever in this case considering that he’s going to be tried (and probably executed) for this crime.

[henster]

If he didn't have any prior convictions or mental health flags, probably would've passed a universal background check if AWB in effect would've used a handgun or another gun. Really skeptical any law would've stopped this these people will find any means to kill.

[fluffypanther19]

Just because I stand against blue dogs on like one issue out of many does not make me other. Contrary to what people might think, very few people besides hacks are 100% one thing, then again, this is Atlas...

i thought we were teasing you because supporting the repeal of the 2nd amendment is def not a blue dog position or attribute... but im sure you are a blue dog; I mean look at your signature and endorsements

[Ban my account ffs!]

A Trumptard....looks like the bloods on Trump but it's honesty on the GOP for not passing gun control after Sandy Hook.

Will you do me a personal favor and shut up

I appreciate the sentiment but any policy has potential downsides, so if we try something we should have some sense that it might actually work.

The problem is that no dialogue is happening whatsoever to even figure out where to go next. Half of us are tweeting "thoughts and prayers" and the other half are tweeting "something should be done". That's not a solution, but it's where the discourse goes to die. There will not be any concrete solution or even so much as a discussion to come out of this.

Tells a guy to shut up out one side of his mouth and bemoans the lack of dialogue out the other...

[henster]

People harping about an AWB, remember there was one in effect from 1994-2004 and there were 15 mass shooting during that period about the same as before and after the ban.

[Alabama_Indy10]

If he didn't have any prior convictions or mental health flags, probably would've passed a universal background check if AWB in effect would've used a handgun or another gun. Really skeptical any law would've stopped this these people will find any means to kill.

Bingo

[Roronoa D. Law]

Only in America can you buy an AR-15 at 18 but can't buy a handgun until your 21. Can't make this stuff up anymore.

[Dr. Arch]

This country is sick, and it disgusts me.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

CNN refuses to show his face or say his name for some reason. Probably because he’s white and not a Jihaddist so he’s mentally ill and not a terrorist.

Or perhaps because giving these creeps publicity encourages more events?

I highly doubt that. If that were the case then these incidents would have stopped a long time ago. Evil needs to have a name and face. They can’t hide his name and picture forever in this case considering that he’s going to be tried (and probably executed) for this crime.

Who said it could be kept hidden? Just because the name is knowable doesn't mean the infotainment channels should make an effort to spread it. That said, if the only restraint they show is not mentioning the name, it won't do much good. Except in the local area, I'm firmly of the opinion that this story warrants at most a one-minute synopsis per news cycle.

[Bojack Horseman]

CNN refuses to show his face or say his name for some reason. Probably because he’s white and not a Jihaddist so he’s mentally ill and not a terrorist.

Or perhaps because giving these creeps publicity encourages more events?

I highly doubt that. If that were the case then these incidents would have stopped a long time ago. Evil needs to have a name and face. They can’t hide his name and picture forever in this case considering that he’s going to be tried (and probably executed) for this crime.

Who said it could be kept hidden? Just because the name is knowable doesn't mean the infotainment channels should make an effort to spread it. That said, if the only restraint they show is not mentioning the name, it won't do much good. Except in the local area, I'm firmly of the opinion that this story warrants at most a one-minute synopsis per news cycle.

It’s the same reason that they should have released the Basements Tapes after Columbine. The public has a right to know and researchers like myself should have it available. The contagion theory is BS and especially in a case like this where the shooter is now in custody, he should be named and shamed.

[Ye We Can]

Sad.  It's hard to comprehend that society is getting crazier by the day.

[henster]

Mmmhmm

You must be logged in to read this quote.

https://twitter.com/gelles/status/963979095951409154

[Joey1996]

Only in America can you buy an AR-15 at 18 but can't buy a handgun until your 21. Can't make this stuff up anymore.

I mean I could understand the logic. AR-15's might look like scary military weapons, but in reality they serve the same functionality as a mini-14 or any other popular semi-automatic hunting rifle. Whereas handguns are concealable and are actually used far more often in gun violence incidents. I also don't think the age limit is the problem in this case, as I think the age of majority should be consistent (however certain places don't check for agw at all and 13 year olds wind up getting guns).

During most of these incidents we later find out there was some loophole or flaw in the background check that allowed a person who shouldn't have had a gun to get one and commit a massacre. Just like employment background checks cover social media, I think background checks for guns should as well. Most of these murderers openly post their sick fantasies publicly online.

[Rookie Yinzer]

There's not going to be any meaningful gun control. Republicans won't do it and despite the bluster Democrats won't either when they get back power in fear of political backlash. This debate doesn't even get me riled up or emotional anymore. Just stay safe as best as you can.

[Joey1996]

There's not going to be any meaningful gun control. Republicans won't do it and despite the bluster Democrats won't either when they get back power in fear of political backlash. This debate doesn't even get me riled up or emotional anymore. Just stay safe as best as you can.

I don't understand how universal background checks can't get passed when over 80% of gun owners support it

[Holy Unifying Centrist]

CNN refuses to show his face or say his name for some reason.

Good

These sh**tstains need to not be glorified

[KingSweden]

Only in America can you buy an AR-15 at 18 but can't buy a handgun until your 21. Can't make this stuff up anymore.

I mean I could understand the logic. AR-15's might look like scary military weapons, but in reality they serve the same functionality as a mini-14 or any other popular semi-automatic hunting rifle. Whereas handguns are concealable and are actually used far more often in gun violence incidents. I also don't think the age limit is the problem in this case, as I think the age of majority should be consistent (however certain places don't check for agw at all and 13 year olds wind up getting guns).

During most of these incidents we later find out there was some loophole or flaw in the background check that allowed a person who shouldn't have had a gun to get one and commit a massacre. Just like employment background checks cover social media, I think background checks for guns should as well. Most of these murderers openly post their sick fantasies publicly online.

^^^^^

Good points in this post

[Tekken_Guy]

There's not going to be any meaningful gun control. Republicans won't do it and despite the bluster Democrats won't either when they get back power in fear of political backlash. This debate doesn't even get me riled up or emotional anymore. Just stay safe as best as you can.

I think there will be. Most of these gun control reforms are overwhelmingly supported by the public. The worst shootings happen in states with Republican governors (i.e. Scott, Sandoval, Abbott, Haley, Haslam).

Honestly, this feels like it's going to be another "flash in the pan" shooting like the Texas shooting, rather than something ubiquitous like the Vegas massacre. While some shootings (i.e. Newtown) can be shocking, others are just sad.

[Co-Chair Bagel23]

This country is sick, and it disgusts me.

Come on, don't go that far. This is by far the best country in the world, and some nuts and complacents are not going to ruin it for me, don't let it ruin it for you either.

[Dr. Arch]

There's not going to be any meaningful gun control. Republicans won't do it and despite the bluster Democrats won't either when they get back power in fear of political backlash. This debate doesn't even get me riled up or emotional anymore. Just stay safe as best as you can.

I think there will be. Most of these gun control reforms are overwhelmingly supported by the public. The worst shootings happen in states with Republican governors (i.e. Scott, Sandoval, Abbott, Haley, Haslam).

Honestly, this feels like it's going to be another "flash in the pan" shooting like the Texas shooting, rather than something ubiquitous like the Vegas massacre. While some shootings (i.e. Newtown) can be shocking, others are just sad.

I've really lost most of my faith in this country. What can you expect of a people who shrug when dozens of children are murdered? Who shrug when whether polluting our environment and our own drinking water is a political position? Who shrug when not having some basic respect for the opposition (and the electorate that composes it) is seen as positive? Who shrug when people dying or bankrupting from lack of decent healthcare is seen as an attack on our structures?

This country has gotten to the point where all I can do is feel sad and helpless, knowing that nothing significant will ever be done.

[Dr. Arch]

This country is sick, and it disgusts me.

Come on, don't go that far. This is by far the best country in the world, and some nuts and complacents are not going to ruin it for me, don't let it ruin it for you either.

Tell me how this country is "the best country in the world." Give me some examples where this country is objectively better and is worth not having the things I mentioned in the post above.

[Co-Chair Bagel23]

This country is sick, and it disgusts me.

Come on, don't go that far. This is by far the best country in the world, and some nuts and complacents are not going to ruin it for me, don't let it ruin it for you either.

Tell me how this country is "the best country in the world." Give me some examples where this country is objectively better and is worth not having the things I mentioned in the post above.

Cause America's home, it has given opportunity and love to my family, friends, and I, and I love it back.

[Dr. Arch]

This country is sick, and it disgusts me.

Come on, don't go that far. This is by far the best country in the world, and some nuts and complacents are not going to ruin it for me, don't let it ruin it for you either.

Tell me how this country is "the best country in the world." Give me some examples where this country is objectively better and is worth not having the things I mentioned in the post above.

Cause America's home, it has given opportunity and love to my family, friends, and I, and I love it back.

[JA]

Guns aren't the problem; America's rampant poverty and lack of adequate mental health care (particularly in this situation) are the problems. Countries such as Switzerland have similarly lax gun laws, yet significantly lower gun related crime rates.

[Absentee Voting Ghost of Ruin]

If he didn't have any prior convictions or mental health flags, probably would've passed a universal background check if AWB in effect would've used a handgun or another gun. Really skeptical any law would've stopped this these people will find any means to kill.

Bingo

It's almost as though we need  more gun control that just a background check! You guys are finally catching on!

I'm really skeptical anything else he could have found and readily used, even a car, would have let him murder so many people. Certainly not in this fashion.