After watching the pathetic news conference on Tuesday and watching the ramblings of Bob Murray chairman of the Murray Energy Group, I was amazed at the attempt to sound sincere in one breath and then defensive the next. I watched in amazement as questions about the miners where answered with glib remarks, followed by a long diatribe against the scientists who insist it was not an earthquake, the reporters who questioned his safety record, and questions about the miners condition. I watched, amused, as he built a straw man and attacked it trying to give the impression he cares. Beautiful. Then a quick remark about the miners and their families and how he has prayed for them, then back at it again. I really think this man is enjoying the spotlight and using it as much as possible to further his agenda. I don't get the feeling of support for these miners, I get the feeling he is desperate to write this off to an act of God only to spare the lawsuites that are bound to follow due to the safety infractions this mine has. I believe the tide has turned against Mr. Murray from a concerned CEO who traveled here to assist families and "spare no expense" to rescue the miners, to a narcositic person who has found a nation wide platform to push an agenda. Mr. Murray, shut your mouth and re-divert your energies to helping these miners and stop worring about you.
katghoti
With the recent tragedies in Viginia and Trolly Square, people become passionate and divided on the issue of gun ownership. One side screaming for complete control of all guns, the other screaming to arm every citizen in the state to prevent these issues. Somewhere in the middle there has to be a solution. I am a gun owner. I have a CCW and enjoy hunting and shooting with my kids. However, I am appalled at how easy it is to get a gun. For the average "Joe Blow" the requirements for purchasing a gun are quite extensive. There is paperwork, identification, and the instant background check. Then my gun is registered via serial number and in the database. Should a crime be committed with my gun, the police will come back to me regardless of my involvement. In turn, as a responsible gun owner, I am responsible for locking my guns up, treating them with respect, and using them in a safe manner. Should I sell my gun, it is my responsibility to get a bill of sale complete with purchaser's information and hold those records.
But the beauty of gun ownership here in America, is I can leagally have a gun. I can sell it if I want to, and I can own as many as I want. Reading about the shooting in Virginia, the shooter bought his first gun in March. When recovered, the serial number was filed off. This is NOT a legitimate purchase of a fire arm, and not amount of new rules and regulations are going to stop this kind of purchase. Had this person purchased the gun at a legitimate dealer, he would not be able to purchase the gun unless he was a citizen of the United States, and any legitimate seller would never file off the serial number. So we can conclude this sale was performed illegally by someone who would never follow any laws regardless of how many are put in place.
So what is the solution? Living in a country with these freedoms comes at a price. These acts are extraordinary, thank goodness, and rarely does a legitimate gun owner go on a rampage like this. Perhaps the news could do a report on what is takes to purchase a hand gun legally. Explain how the purchase of a gun is done, the requirements and the back ground check procedure. Then go under cover to the local pawn shops and see how easy it is to get a gun without ID and a background check. Then talk to the local law authorities and ask them how to conduct a legal person to person sale of a gun. Educate people. Many may not be aware of how to do this.
Don't be taken in by the rabid gun ownership clubs, like the NRA, that prey on fear and build straw man arguements, get educated. Take the time to find out how the system works. If we see a knee-jerk reaction by the government to this action (and we will) step back and think a minute. Take action to protect your rights of gun ownership, but don't fall into the trap of spewing off the rhetoric on both sides that are based on emotion not fact. The best defense is to become education and irrational.
katghoti
