So, what would I do? First, as discussed in "My Take, Part I," I would enhance school security. The Israelis are a good role model. Is it going to be expensive? Yes. But as I said, we spend trillions of dollars annually. Let's spend some on securing our schools. And, I suspect there are current or retired law enforcement officers willing to volunteer their time. The same for ex-military. I am talking about men and women already trained in the use of firearms.
Also as discussed in Part I, I agree with the Rebbe's concern about declining religious involvement and the need for a non-denominational school prayer. But this is a societal and family problem. As the Wall Street Journal opined in their 5/26/22 editorial: "The modern welfare state is adept at writing checks, but not much else. Today's young killers aren't motivated by material deprivation. They are typically from middle-class families with access to smartphones and X-boxes. Their deficit is social and spiritual. The rise of family dysfunction and the decline of mediating institutions such as churches and social clubs have consequences." To my thinking, the societal, family and religious issues are far more significant than the issue of guns.
In March, 2018, and following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, then Governor Rick Scott signed into law some new legislation regarding guns. The age at which someone could buy a rifle was raised to 21. I agree with this, and here's why. I am well aware that 18 year old's serve in our military. But they are trained and disciplined in the use of firearms. I am also aware that in many states people under age 18 grow up with firearms, and are taught the proper and safe use of such weapons at an early age. But I also know that many 18 year old's are emotionally immature. And shooters often dwell on perceived slights that they experienced in high school. My hope is that being away from school and out in the real world for a few years, will lessen whatever emotional impact they experienced in school.
The Florida law also put in place red flag laws, which the legislation called "risk protection orders." I am in favor. I discussed in Part I the difficulty in banning gun ownership based on a diagnosable psychological condition. The law in Florida has given judges the ability to at least temporarily ban purchasing a gun by people who have been reported to the authorities to have made threats. Is there a risk of abuse, say by an abusive spouse against the other spouse, making the victim of the abuse defenseless? Yes. Is there is a risk of abuse by liberal judges who too readily issue such orders? Yes. But I also read quite a few instances online where such risk protection orders were not only appropriate, but likely highly effective in preventing shootings. I understand that no law is perfect.
The Florida law also allowed school staff trained in the use of firearms to carry a weapon. I have mixed feelings about this, but I come down in favor. I would want it to be a concealed carry. And, I am in favor because of the risk of a shooter getting past the armed guard at the entrance.
I am sure that those on the left will be disappointed by my not advocating for greater gun control, if not outright banning of the private ownership of guns. And I suspect some on the right will disapprove of my support for red flag laws and raising the age to purchase a rifle to 21. I welcome all (respectful) comments.
To clarify, the red flag laws should also remove guns from the possession of those the Court deems to be a threat to others, until such time as the threat passes. I also have no objection to Florida's 3 day waiting period after purchase, to gain possession of the gun.
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