When the Gun control debate is personal.

I'm the former pastor & friend of Anthony & Stacie, murder victims of an assault rifle, legally obtained by an in-law whose previous gun charges should have prevented this, but the gun laws didn't apply. Again, as a former NRA member & gun owner, it's time to ban assault rifles: 1 step in a culture wide change, as per my previous posts suggestions.

Gunman's 3 weapons, 3 victims ID'd in Saturday shooting          http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_22341460/gunmans-3-weapons-3-victims-idd-saturday-shooting

A man who police say fatally shot three people in an Aurora townhome before officers shot and killed him on Saturday  

 The Netherlands has the highest "consumption" of violent video games. Canada is home to 1 of the largest producers of violent video games. Both have very low gun murder/assault rates. It's time to take steps to change the gun culture of the US. Real gun control will leave intact the intent of the 2^nd amendment by leaving citizens with more than enough guns to equip militias against foreign/domestic invasion: especially England, the source for the intent of this amendment. the source of the intent of this amendment.

The Colbert Report - January 14, 2013  www.thecomedynetwork.ca

Joe Biden develops gun law recommendations, Ted Nugent references Rosa Parks, and Piers Morgan talks gun control.

Stephen Colbert: "The Second Amendment trumps all the other amendments, because it's the one that's packing." Comedic yet astute observation of the sad state of the current debate.

Say what you will about Obama, when my 2 former parishioners were gunned down 2 weeks past, by a family member who had purchased an AR-15 in Aurora, CO (the same city as the theater mass shooting), this 2^nd term president took steps to take action on gun control. While not perfect they are nonetheless welcomed by the majority of Americans. Republican have been vehemently opposed, especially to enact enforcement capabilities by the ATF which were legislated out of law by a Republican Rep. from WI.

As a former member of the NRA & a hunter, I say that there is no need for 300 million legally purchased guns in the US. And assault rifles should be banned without question. The current laws & enforcement do not work, as in the case of my former parishioners – an in law who was arrested 3 times on handgun violations, stemming from a concealed weapons charge and intoxication while brandishing a handgun. Before I moved to Canada I disposed of my guns through local law enforcement and law enforcement members of my former congregations are staunch supporters of gun control.

That’s one, very personal, acclamation of Obama in his 2^nd term from a voter who is neither enamored nor easily swayed by any president since Lincoln, a Republican.

Epiphany is the Season of Gift Giving

Happy Day 3 of Epiphany Season. 'Tis the season for presents. Move over St. Nicholas & solstice festivals. Remember, before you there were Magi who brought gifts: gold/frankincense/myrrh . There's your origin for Christmas/holiday gifts and the impetus for those birthday presents you enjoy. That's the Word! (I’ve been using that phrase since before Colbert was on the air so take that Stephen). +_+