Terrified into owning a gun.

It's devastating to hear of the students killed in the shooting in Virginia today. In the UK we are so protected from gun crime that most of us have never seen a live firearm up close. From what I've gathered, in America it seems that people believe it is their right to own and bear arms. It sounds to me that families think someone is likely to walk through their front door and gun them down while they watch tv. That fear would make anyone want to own a gun but its not likely to happen. But unfortunately people in America seem to think that it will, and that they need to be prepared for it.

In Virginia where the shooting happened today, you or I could walk into a shop and buy a gun with no checks whatsoever. You can't even rent a flat in the UK without a background check. But sadly the laws in America are never likely to change and again, it was so sad to hear that after the last time in America where 12 people were killed, the gun laws have been relaxed. Why, are people allowed to be so terrified into owning guns. Surely people should feel safe enough in their neighbourhood that they can sleep without a rifle under their pillow.

Ok, I'm exaggerating, I'm not naive enough to believe that every family in America is packing a shotgun. But if what I've heard is true, then its certainly normal. I understand that any responsible parent wouldn't let their child near the family firearms, but I bet that many do. And I bet that those children grow up with the fear that their parents did and get themselves a gun to protect their family.

It really is so sad to think of those kids in Virginia who thought they were in a safe place. Living away from their parents, studying and living with friends. I bet some of the 33 who died today were exactly like me and my friends. Except they happened to live in a culture where guns are acceptable. Where guns can be bought down the local Tesco and where 33 innocent people are allowed to die because some maniac felt like it. Those kids should be protected, how many more have to die before gun laws in America are tightened.

This won't be the last killing spree in the States. The NRA will see to that.
And its heartbreaking to think of the families of those killed today. How will they feel when we see the next time, and the time after that? But nothing will change, why would it? George Bush thinks its acceptable for people to protect themselves with guns. The NRA are one of the most powerful organisations in the world. And oh yeah, they have guns. How are we supposed to compete with that?