Praying for Change

I am not prefacing this one with something saying, "well, I'm not usually political" or "I hate to rant" because in this instance, saying nothing has gotten me no where so I feel it is important to share my opinion on this issue.

I know the Constitution has an amendment called the second amendment so I know it's law and someone's "right" to bear arms. BUT, in light of the craziness in our country with people shooting up movie theaters, schools, public (highly crowded) places and, now, shopping malls (http://www.oregonlive.com/clackamascounty/index.ssf/2012/12/clackamas_town_center_shooting.html); I am compelled to speak up.

You have a right to protect yourself and to go hunting for deer or rabbits or elk or bison but in these cases, do you really need a gun that can rapid fire off more than 30 bullets? I mean, in reality, do you really need a gun that can rapid fire off more than 3 bullets? If there's an intruder, one or two shots will do it...you don't need to fill 'em with 30 rounds of lead.

Why are these kinds of weapons available to your average Joe who can get a basic pistol license can get a gun (in WA state)? In what world do we need these?

I guess it's silly and naive of me to think that maybe we should peel it back another layer and say, why can't people just stop and think about the choices they make? Stop and use your words instead of a gun...it's what I'm trying to drill home into 15 Kindergarteners minds. It's just difficult to be teaching lessons about kindness and tolerance and saying the words, "you hurt me" or "I'm sorry" when our society continues to practice the contrary.

I'm just sad...very sad that people feel the need to put on ski masks/hockey masks and round after round of ammo to shoot up and damage lives. But I can't blame the individual; I have to also put blame on those people and laws allowing semi-automatic and automatic guns to be purchased by anyone. We don't need high power guns, we just don't and I am still scratching my head as to why they are available to us. Peace and love to all and prayers for change.