Parkland, Florida, School Shootings

The killing of 17 people at the high school in Parkland on February 14 has led to renewed calls for various forms of gun control, including measures to prevent those with mental health problems that make them dangerous from having access to firearms. There have also been people who have said, "Let's not politicize the tragedy." Speaker Ryan cautioned against a "knee-jerk reaction" before all the facts and data are known.

My response to Speaker Ryan is, "If you won't do anything about Parkland, there are many previous mass shootings about which all the facts and data are known. Do something about them."

As for politicizing the issue, the question is what is meant by "politicizing." If it means, "seeking solutions through governmental action," there is clearly nothing wrong with doing that. That is part of our rights as citizens. If it means "attempting to win advantage for one political party over another," the real possibility that some people will politicize the matter is not a sufficient reason for others to ignore the problem. Such hyper-partisanship is an increasing problem in our politics*, but rather than yielding to it, we should refuse to let it stop people of good will from seeking to resolve problems.
       
       *The fiasco on February 15 in the Senate on immigration legislation, leaving the Dreamers unprotected is the most recent example.


The proposals I'm aware of include general restrictions on sales of guns — background checks, banning sales at weapons shows, waiting periods, etc. — banning certain types of weapons and accessories frequently used in mass shootings, such as AR-15 rifles and bump stocks; and restrictions on persons, preventing dangerous individuals from owning or purchasing firearms. I think all approaches have merit, and I see no validity in saying only one facet — sales, weapon types, or mental health — is the problem. All contribute to an intolerable situation, and all should be addressed.

Some people will claim that the Second Amendment prevents some of the proposed actions. But the courts have already recognized that the Second Amendment is not absolute. It would be absurd to suggest that individuals have a right to possess nuclear devices or guided missiles. When there are types of arms unknown to the framers of the Amendment, it is at least questionable whether the original intent of the Amendment was to include them. Therefore, it is proper for legislative bodies to consider whether they can be restricted and for courts to decide whether such restrictions are constitutional.


The response of the students themselves gives me real hope that this time something will be different. In addition to grieving the loss of life and honoring those who responded heroically, this time they are angry, and they are articulating that anger powerfully in a clear demand for long overdue action. I believe that this anger-driven demand for action is likely to a effective movement driving politicians to respond with legislation, not just the empty pieties that have followed past acts of this sort.