Janet, I am so sorry this happened. DDIL is active as an advocate against gun violence. I need to get more active. DS1 has a girlfriend who absolutely will not come to the US because of our violent culture and I don't blame her. Foreigners are not treated well here and can be targeted.

Joy, that is completely reasonable, but completely heartbreaking at the same time. The US was historically known as a nation of immigrants, and attitudes have changed so drastically as to not only make immigrants feel unwelcome, but also unsafe. The interpretation of the Second Amendment and the NRA have essentially done a 180 in their positions, and I personally feel it has created a volatile and hostile environment. Worse yet, I live in a semi-rural area where my views are unwelcome and my vote doesn't count (due to the apparently constitutional redistricting). Clearly, I feel strongly about this, but I do not want to hijack Janet's post.

To stay on topic, this should encourage everyone to support local, independent news outlets, which are having a hard time surviving in today's media environment.

Echo, I'm in agreement with everything you wrote, 100%.

This is such a sadly weird time. I know of business owners in the town who have not posted a single thing about the shooting on social media, even though they have posted about other things over the weekend. (Others are posting photos, tributes or even just a simple #annapolisstrong banner.) Expressing shock and sorrow at the loss of five innocent people who were simply doing their jobs should not be a polarizing issue. But it seems that is the case.

Oh Janet, more hugs from me. I'm sorry to hear about this on all levels

I am so sorry, Janet.

Just catching up, been off the forum lately. Janet, so very, very ironic that what brought you to this friendship was an article on gun ownership. Would you post a link or PM it? Interested.

Heart pouring out to our neighbors in Annapolis. Thinking about you especially.

Laurie, here is the original article:

https://www.capitalgazette.com.....y,amp.html

It links to my husband’s videos. They definitely sparked conversation, and some controversy, especially in east Texas, BUT I have to say that many conversations uncovered more common ground than difference. When it comes down to it, many gun owners DO want common-sense regulation and enforcement — simple things like enforced waiting periods and thorough background checks that cross state lines. Many people didn’t get why he would destroy the guns rather than sell them, but his point is that those type of weapons are simply unnecessary for anything other than combat-style killing. No hunter needs an AR.

I also want to say thank you to all of you for your thoughts and sympathy. I’ve been clicking on the little “therapy” feedback buttons for each response, but that seems inadequate. Posting from my phone makes responding to every post impossible, but I want you all to know I read and appreciate every single thought.

Words fail me. My sympathy. I hope that your community can make some lasting changes to improve things.

I now live in the edge of a small town and have coyotes roaming my neighborhood. There is a rifle range within earshot with shooting on Sunday. It’s not advisable to ban all guns.

However, I’ve seen and heard teenage gang members shooting at one another fairly frequently when I l lived in Chicago, and that kind of gun violence doesn’t seem to be improving and no one question this needs to be stopped. But how to solve it is much more difficult to say.

Janet, I LOVED the video, and I very much agree with his reason for doing it. Good for him for spurring discussion.

As a Canadian, I try to stay out of the gun debate in the US, but I’m applauding your husband’s attempt to stir up a discussion about what kind of gun ownership makes sense.

I grew up in a ranching community where coyotes, bears, cougars—and firearms—were part of the natural environment. Never once, though, did I ever see anyone ever use—or indicate a need for—an automatic weapon on a ranch. The thought of someone using an AR to shoot a coyote flabbergasts me. All the gun owners I knew supported common-sense regulation and enforcement, and they would be the first to applaud Jamie’s decision to destroy those weapons instead of selling them.

I am so sorry, Janet. I am moved by your situation and response.

Thanks for posting the article and video. Kudos to your husband - very moving, and a strong statement.