In 1993 I was 11 years old, oblivious to a horrific murder spree being conducted next door in California. When Gian Luigi Ferri, a broker from LA, filed for divorce, he was described as lonely, sad, and hurting. He was observed sitting for hours in his car, staring into space. And yet no one reached out to him.Thanks to technology the original footage and original reporting can still be viewed and read. There was a Nevada connection, it was in Nevada where Ferri incorporated his company. A company that would suffer huge financial blows. Additionally, every weapon he used in the incident was purchased in Las Vegas. Interesting that the article said:
"The semi-automatic Intratec DC9 is legal to possess in California without registration with state officials." And even more interesting, ""Believe it or not, they are legal," said Mayor Frank Jordan, the former police chief here. "There is absolutely no place for them in an urban society. They are used for only one purpose, warfare."
Almost 22 years later, we're still asking the same questions, still arguing over gun rights and gun control, still watching loved ones die.
This is a fear of mine. Do I pass by people in pain, in need of help, without pausing to show compassion or an interest in helping them? In my head I understand that if someone has a plan and wants to hurt others, odds are they will find a way. Gun or no gun. Interference is probably not going to change the course they have set upon. But my heart says something else...
Did y'all read that email from Campus Police this morning? About the full scale emergency preparedness training taking place over Spring Break? I wonder, after hearing about the "militarization of police" what kind of equipment will be used in their training. And what type of emergency are they training for? Do they see the general public as the enemy? Will it be heavy on force? Or will the training be more of an opportunity to build relationships between all of the different first responder agencies on and off campus? Maybe they'll talk about lots of different kinds of emergencies? Power outages, weather, earthquakes...
Today there was lively debate at our state legislature about AB 148- a bill that would allow people to conceal and carry on campus, in schools, and in daycares. I'm sure there are already guns in those places. It is Nevada. I wrote an opinion on our state government website that mirrored what the Reno Police Chief said tonight. I would not feel safe knowing that anyone was allowed to carry on campus because I don't trust people to control their emotions, to continuously undergo training and safety protocol, to keep a safety on, and to not lose their tempers. In general, people don't receive training on conflict management and resolution or the de-escalation of a situation. All it takes one stray bullet near a child to irrevocably change a family. Near anyone really. But the thought of random people having guns near my child in daycare on campus and off campus at her school makes my skin crawl. At what point do we put less focus on needing a gun for self defense and protection, and more focus on creating a culture that doesn't need those protections?
1 comment:
"At what point do we put less focus on needing a gun for self defense and protection, and more focus on creating a culture that doesn't need those protections?"
Such a great question... I find that there is no way that providing more guns makes it for a safer environment... Personally, it just adds more fuel to the fire. If we allowed guns on campus, I would no longer feel safe. And what is more unbelievable is having them around at day cares! Where young children could accidentally find one. I am glad to see that RPD chief of police is against this but also worried that since he is retiring soon, that bill could change.
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