Locals React to Recent Shootings

‘Gun control’ this. ‘Mental health funding’ that. Even violent video games have all become explosive topics on popular social media sites, as well as in person.

People are asking a lot of questions, simply trying to find answers for the terrible crimes that have occurred recently in Connecticut, Wisconsin, Colorado and now Alabama.

“You know, guns don’t kill people, people kill people. It’s one of those things. I own guns, and I wouldn’t want anyone to take them away from me,” said Mike Sorrell, employee at Electrical Wholesale Supply in Pocatello.

Studies have shown, surprisingly, gun ownership in the last 50 years has dwindled, but out of the 11 deadliest shootings in our nation, five of them have happened since 2007. Out of the 20 worst shootings worldwide, 11 happened right here in the U.S.

“I’m feel that no matter how many gun controls {they} have,” said Ken Curtis, a retired law enforcement officer, “And I understand it’s split sort of 50-50 I guess, for and against. But still, it’s our right.”

In Idaho, the gun law says a license can only be issued to someone who is over 21, a citizen of the united states and who has no serious mental disabilities as defined by the law. The process isn’t complicated, but involves several steps, like going to the County Sheriff and applying for a permit. You are also required to take some type of course, like a hunter education or safety course. If you already have a permit, you do not have to take a course.

Even with these guidelines, once you have your concealed weapon, you can’t carry it in any government building, school or correctional facility.

But it’s not just gun control people are talking about. violent video games have taken a front seat in the debate. Many people think that addressing that would help more than tighter gun control laws.

“I have mixed emotions on that. I think video games are okay, but I think parents should definitely monitor them closely,” said Jen Weinheimer, Certified Medical Assistant and mother of three. “We let our kids play video games, not very often, but we definitely monitor the ones they do play. Violent, shoot them up, kill them up? We don’t allow that.”

Then there’s mental health funding. Many say that many mental health issues in general have long been underfunded.

“Because those people can’t help themselves, you know?” a concerned Darrell Paulsen stated. “People like me or every other citizen should be able to help fund it a little more,or give what they can.”

And yet, with all this debating, people are trying to focus on the lives of those 20 children who will never have a chance to debate at all.