Michael

Mon, 27 Mar 2006 13:55:25 -0800

Just as a reflexive counterpoint to the statement that "banning guns doesn't work," I feel compelled to point out that a) we'd have to have tried it first, and b) gun control and less gun-related homicides do have a correlation in other (not all) countries, and c) is that really a principle you want to endorse? We can only pass laws that we can be sure criminals won't break? When driving 90 mph is against the law, only outlaws drive 90 mph. And they stand out. As might people with trucks full of ammunition.

Gomez

Sun, 26 Mar 2006 23:27:54 -0800

Totally agree that all sorts of external factors, including ravers, goths, the all-ages music scene and anyone in their twenties who throws a house party, will come under fire. Readers of The Stranger's Slog and Forums vehemiently deny it, but it's the truth. Witness Columbine and how school administrators across America went after any group of kids wearing trenchcoats, or any kid wearing trenchcoats for that matter. People lash out by looking for someone to blame, something to ban, something to attack. Trey Parker and Matt Stone created the activist Shiela Brozlowski character on South Park to illustrate this. In reality, this was just a senseless attack by someone who went crazy, that's all it is and there isn't much you can do about it. No, banning guns doesn't help, because it's like the adage: if you outlaw guns, then only outlaws will have guns. Someone crazy enough to go on a rampage like this will find a way to get their firearms one way or another.

Seattlest: Day After the Capitol Hill Shooting

Michael

Gomez