Can we do anything about mass shootings after Texas?
In an all-too-common theme for our questions of the week, another mass shooting has us questioning what can be done to stop them. The recent shooting at a high school in Santa Fe, Texas, left 10 dead and 13 injured.
The 17-year-old attacker allegedly used a shotgun and a revolver, and had made explosive devices. He supposedly took the weapons from his father, who legally owned them.
One thing is certain, no matter your political affiliation, no one wants kids to die in a senseless act of violence. And, the reality is that the right to bear arms is enshrined in our Constitution. Guns, in America, are here to stay. So the question then becomes: Is there anything we can do?
That’s our Question of the Week for readers.
Houston police Chief Art Acevedo has been calling for action on guns since the Parkland, Florida shooting in Februrary. After the shooting in Santa Fe, Acevedo took to social media.
“It’s a time for prayers, action and the asking of God’s forgiveness for our inaction (especially the elected officials that ran to the cameras today, acted in a solemn manner, called for prayers, and will once again do absolutely nothing),” he said.
Meanwhile, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick reiterated calls for arming teachers. He has also questioned the logic of current school designs that he believes has “too many entrances and too many exits.”
So what is to be done? Are there “common-sense” gun laws that could avoid these shootings? Although the shooter didn’t use an AR-15 or other comparable weapon, should we continue to discuss an assault weapons ban?
Are schools putting students in danger by making themselves “gun-free zones?” Should some teachers be armed? Could schools be constructed in a way that places more emphasis on safety?
Should we be focusing more on mental illness? Do we need better mental health funding and training? Are we missing the warning signs?
Email your thoughts to letters@trentonian.com. Please include your full name and city or community of residence.