Breaking: Shots fired inside D.C. naval facility

[Peikko 1,575]

Perhaps people with mental health issues don't get the care they need because the health care system in this country truly sucks?

[Teddy B 17,252]

It's not much of a surrender, just an acceptance of a reality that I don't like. I want to see gun control reform in this country, but I don't have any realistic expectations of it happening in a way that will actually be beneficial.

The easy access to guns is terrifying to me. The clinging to the constitution as an excuse to arm yourself to the teeth is also terrifying. But that gun culture is so ingrained into the minds of people here that I don't see it changing, as much as I want it to.

It's been the biggest culture shock since moving here, to be honest.

Same for my wife. She cannot believe how Americans have such disregard for human life. She hates watching the news.

[Sousuke 1,214]

It's not much of a surrender, just an acceptance of a reality that I don't like. I want to see gun control reform in this country, but I don't have any realistic expectations of it happening in a way that will actually be beneficial.

The easy access to guns is terrifying to me. The clinging to the constitution as an excuse to arm yourself to the teeth is also terrifying. But that gun culture is so ingrained into the minds of people here that I don't see it changing, as much as I want it to.

It's been the biggest culture shock since moving here, to be honest.

The only major difference I see between US and Canada's laws are that Canada required a 60 dollar license with a 5 year renewal. As a part of that license, you take an exam.

Canada recently rejected registration as being ineffective.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

The shooter apparently called police a few weeks ago saying he "was hearing voices". I'm noticing a trend in every shooting where people become aware of the person's mental issues and yet do nothing....

He was treated, wasn't he? And there was nothing else to worry about. He liked to carry guns. What could possibly go wrong?

[Sousuke 1,214]

Perhaps people with mental health issues don't get the care they need because the health care system in this country truly sucks?

Agreed. Though my only other experience is with the NHS which has gone from good to suck in the last year or so due to conservative budget cuts.

We've had a family member in and out of hospital from 2011 to now, and his last two stays have been atrocious.

Edited September 17, 2013 by Brown Dwarf

[Penny Lane 8,159]

The only major difference I see between US and Canada's laws are that Canada required a 60 dollar license with a 5 year renewal. As a part of that license, you take an exam.

Canada recently rejected registration as being ineffective.

Individuals who wish to possess or acquire firearms in Canada must have a valid possession-acquisition, or possession-only, licence (PAL/POL); either of these licences allows the licensee to purchase ammunition. The PAL is distributed exclusively by the RCMP and is generally obtained in the following three steps:

1. Safety training: To be eligible to receive a PAL, all applicants must successfully complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course^[16] (CFSC) for a non-restricted licence, and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course^[17] (CRFSC) for a restricted licence; the non-restricted class is a prerequisite to the restricted licence. The RCMP publishes information on the locations and availability of these courses.^[18]
2. Applying for a licence: Currently only one type of licence is available to new applicants, the possession-acquisition licence (PAL). People can request a PAL by filling out Form CAFC 921.^[19]
3. Security screening: Background checks and investigations are performed. All applicants are screened, and a mandatory 28-day waiting period is imposed on first-time applicants, but response time may be longer.^[20]

Licences are typically valid for five years and must be renewed prior to expiry to maintain all classes. Once licensed, an individual can apply for a firearm transfer;^[21] and an authorization to transport^[22] (ATT) for restricted firearms.

(Note: People may hunt with firearms in Canada only with non-restricted firearms. This requires an additional "Hunting with Firearms" course)

It basically boils down to guns not being as easy to get AND there simply isn't a love affair with them in Canada. If someone wants one, they can go through the channels to get one. And somehow, magically, Canadians don't seem to enjoy killing each other as much.

[Sousuke 1,214]

He was treated, wasn't he? And there was nothing else to worry about. He liked to carry guns. What could possibly go wrong?

He should have been stripped of his permit for X amount of time and required to transfer his firearms to next of kin for X amount of time. Some states already require this.

[Peikko 1,575]

Agreed. Though my only other experience is with the NHS which has gone from good to suck in the last year or so due to conservative budget cuts.

We've had a family member in and out of hospital from 2011 to now, and his last two stays have been atrocious.

Bummer, I haven't been in an NHS facility for a while so I don't know how things are now, but I do know that I have had to pay stupid money to have ingrowing toenails fixed on my son, and it's still not right now. Next he has to go to a 'specialist' and I will no doubt drop another $300 or more on this toe. It therefore does not surprise me that people simply don't bother to get treatment for simple ailments and opt instead to 'cope' until it gets acute and requires emergency treatment. A great way to maintain the health of the population, not.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Same for my wife. She cannot believe how Americans have such disregard for human life. She hates watching the news.

I don't watch the news anymore. This issue and the attitude towards healthcare have been the biggest eye openers for me. Not in a good way.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

He should have been stripped of his permit for X amount of time and required to transfer his firearms to next of kin for X amount of time. Some states already require this.

Ah, you want to confiscate guns from law abiding citizens. I see.

[Protocol417 161]

You notice how quick all the NRA , gun nut yada yada died when they found out this scenrio confirmed everything

we have ever said about why gun control will not work

I may have missed a few comments but I think there was only one person here who was saying this, at least in any serious way.

That said, I don't follow your train of thought on how this proves proposed gun control cannot have any impact. Your argument seems rather black-and-white to me (it sounds like you're saying that if it can't stop every single scenario, it doesn't work) but perhaps I'm misunderstanding your point.

[Sousuke 1,214]

Ah, you want to confiscate guns from law abiding citizens. I see.

Not confiscate. For instance, the California Department of Justice is currently running a program where they knock on people's doors and confiscate without providing the owners an opportunity to transfer. Thats wrong, its seizure of private property and they are misusing funds to do so.

Instead the property should be transferred to another family member.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

why are you using duncan's avatar?

I didn't see his name on it. BTW, where is the contrary POS?

[Harsh_77 718]

He was treated, wasn't he? And there was nothing else to worry about. He liked to carry guns. What could possibly go wrong?

Alexis had been treated since August by the Veterans Administration for his mental problems, the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the criminal investigation in the case was continuing. The Navy had not declared him mentally unfit, which would have rescinded a security clearance that Alexis had from his earlier time in the Navy Reserves.

http://washington.cbslocal.com/2013/09/17/aaron-alexis-profile-insight-into-d-c-navy-yard-shooter/

[RGinWA 816]

the truth really pisses you off. doesn't it?

Yep...stick with Bill O and Fox...solid unbiased news.

I'm not pissed, its the GOP and the base that wallow in self pity over Obama ruining their lives...bla...bla...bla.

Enjoy the next 3 years...and the 4 after that...and here's a tissue. LOL