I get into plenty of arguments with people over gun control. I support background checks. I am mixed on the idea of “reduced” magazine size. But I am all for the “right to bear arms.” But with that “right” comes responsibilities. And that is where many things go wrong.
In a case here in NJ where a 4-year old shot and killed his 6-year old friend, the father has been charged with child endangerment and enabling access by minors to a loaded firearm. This is exactly what should happen in all of these cases. Far too often you see an incident classified as an “accident” (and it is to the extent that there was no malicious intent on the part of the 4-year old), such as the case where the 4-year old nephew of Deputy Daniel Fanning shot and killed his wife when he “accidentally” discharged a gun that Fanning had left laying on the bed. The Tenn Sheriff investigating the incident called it “a terrible accident” and while the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations is examining the incident, over a month later, no charges have been filed.
I realize that ever since the Newton shooting, we are all hypersentive to children and guns. But let up lay blame where it belongs. When an adult is guilty of manslaughter by leaving a loaded firearm around that causes death, charge him. Then hopefully the next person won’t be so careless.

