After ten straight months spent in the U.S., we are about
to fly to Poland. We are leaving just when on the streets of Seattle incidents
with weapons occur – on the campus of Christian Seattle Pacific University, a madman
shot and killed a another young man. A
student, armed only with pepper spray, quickly put down the striker and has
been hailed as a hero.
Just a few thoughts before departure.
After the tragedy, students and residents of the
city lit candles and prayed at the university, which was supposed to be a gun
free zone. Just as after the mudslide in Oso, Washington, initiatives supporting
victims started pouring in. Already
substantial sums of money have been donated.
city lit candles and prayed at the university, which was supposed to be a gun
free zone. Just as after the mudslide in Oso, Washington, initiatives supporting
victims started pouring in. Already
substantial sums of money have been donated.
Not so long ago, in neighboring California, another tragedy
took place. I still do not understand how the attacker from Santa Barbara, who
had evident and documented mental problems, could have legally bought a gun and
ammunition? What also disturbs me is the fact that in the U.S. one can legally
buy a gun at the age of 18 years, while alcohol not until 21.
took place. I still do not understand how the attacker from Santa Barbara, who
had evident and documented mental problems, could have legally bought a gun and
ammunition? What also disturbs me is the fact that in the U.S. one can legally
buy a gun at the age of 18 years, while alcohol not until 21.
The attitude toward guns in America remains a mystery
to me. Rarely major changes in the law at the state level are implemented. It
is almost as if the shooting took place in another place, a “virtual world.”
to me. Rarely major changes in the law at the state level are implemented. It
is almost as if the shooting took place in another place, a “virtual world.”
I’ve heard opinions that the changes in the law will
probably take at least 12 years. It is unlikely
that President Obama can pass reforms before the end of his term,
and it is likely that he will be followed by two terms of firearm favoring
Republicans. The Democrat who will likely follow might have a real chance of making
something happen in America.
probably take at least 12 years. It is unlikely
that President Obama can pass reforms before the end of his term,
and it is likely that he will be followed by two terms of firearm favoring
Republicans. The Democrat who will likely follow might have a real chance of making
something happen in America.
It has to be pointed out, that the Mayor of Seattle
has supported once again the legislative initiative, which although supports
the Second Amendment authorizing the possession of weapons, but forces mandatory
background checks when purchasing guns in the state of Washington. A few days
ago the authorities of nearby Tacoma unanimously endorsed these checks.
has supported once again the legislative initiative, which although supports
the Second Amendment authorizing the possession of weapons, but forces mandatory
background checks when purchasing guns in the state of Washington. A few days
ago the authorities of nearby Tacoma unanimously endorsed these checks.
Despite the recent sad events, last months were
filled with pleasant memories and interesting observations. Dear Readers, I will post new entries in July.
Now we’re getting ready our suitcases, passports and supplies of melatonin.
filled with pleasant memories and interesting observations. Dear Readers, I will post new entries in July.
Now we’re getting ready our suitcases, passports and supplies of melatonin.
H.xx
