Shooting in Texas

[Derek 2.0]

An interesting opinion piece from a former police officer and member of the California State Assembly:

http://www.sacbee.com/2014/07/02/6527524/viewpoints-solution-to-violence.html

It has been said before and it bears repeating once again – California has the toughest gun-control laws in the country. Many on the other side of the debate put forth the idea that if we just create more laws, Californians will be safer. This has never proven to be effective.

Instead, I suggest refocusing the policy discussion around mental health. As a police officer, I dealt with hundreds of individuals facing serious mental health illness. Many experienced a system that was not equipped to serve their needs and a society quick to stigmatize and cast them aside. They often self-medicated with narcotics and struggled with alcohol abuse. Unfortunately, these individuals were never prepared to break the seemingly endless cycle until they were so far into the throes of their personal darkness that serious and violent crimes became their outlet.

Rather than myopically viewing the violence issue through a narrow lens, California requires more innovative thinking. My former colleague in the Assembly, Sen. Darrell Steinberg, recently recommended the redirection of state funds for local police departments to better train officers how to deal with members of the public who are mentally ill, substance abusers or homeless. There is still much that needs to be done when it comes to providing the necessary treatment to our mentally ill.

Based on my experience as a former police officer, this proposal is far more solution-based. I believe the mental health approach more accurately directs where we ought to focus our collective attention and can truly help prevent tragedies. These types of potentially bipartisan solutions move the issue away from the polarizing rhetoric and closer to something all Californians can rally around.

Edited July 20, 2014 by Derek 2.0

[On Guard for Thee]

An interesting opinion piece from a former police officer and member of the California State Assembly:

http://www.sacbee.com/2014/07/02/6527524/viewpoints-solution-to-violence.html

Not often you hear cops wanting to have more guns on the street in the hands of nutbars or anyone. Maybe he has a gun store nowadays?

[On Guard for Thee]

OH BOY!! An anti-gun thread... I should fit right in here..

I lived in Texas for many years.. had a concealed carry permit. Owned a .22, 9 mm and Winchester.

Personally I think everyone should be allowed to own and carry a gun..

Criminals don't care about gun legislation, if they want a gun, they will get one.. I want to be able to defend myself.

_______________________________________________

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They can sure as hell git one in Texas. Or Florida.

[GostHacked]

This was never intended to be a pro or anti gun thread or about gun control. But it did. I tried.

[Derek 2.0]

Personally I think everyone should be allowed to own and carry a gun..

Everyone? Do you mean with unfettered restraint? In the vast majority of States (including Texas), CCW/CHL has some form of regulatory prerequisite mechanisms in place, with the assumption that the onus is on the State to prove why an applicant shouldn’t ultimately have such a permit.

[Wilber]

Arizona is the easiest place, I think... still the wild west attitude..

Tombstone, AT

If you ever get a chance, take a drive to Benson, Arizona and 45 minutes south to Tombstone, AT.. Lots of original buildings including the Bird Cage, Court House and just a must see..

Better yet, keep going south to Bisbee. Much more interesting.

[Wilber]

Tombstone has pretty much turned into a theme park centered around one gunfight. We found Bisbee more intersting. Once was enough for Tombstone, would go back to Bisbee. Pima Air and Space Museum, also very cool, along with the Davis Montham parking lot.