Ted Nugent and gun violence
I noticed over the last several months CNN is trying to shed the perception of partisian news by publishing many op-ed pieces from both sides of many issues. I applaude this effort, as it's nice to see a news organization making an effort to shed partisan bias (Fox News should take a cue from them!).
Today, I noticed that CNN had posted a piece by the hard driving, hard living rocker Ted Nugent. Apparently Ted is a pretty big gun enthusiast, and feels that gun-free zones are a bad idea. Although I agree with Ted's points here, and I think he makes a good point in highlighting many crimes that were stopped by law-abiding citizens that used their firearms within the boundaries of the law. Ted apparently also thinks there are situations where people should be summarily shot for their crimes. As the owner of a firearm, I could not disagree more. Gun owners have a responsibility to work within the legal system and have a larger burden to carry than citizens who do not own guns. Owning a firearm in this country does not give anyone the right to act as judge, jury and executioner. It DOES mean that owning a gun brings with it an obligation to have a better understanding of the law-to understand when it is and is NOT acceptable to use deadly force. I am a staunch supporter of the 2nd Amendment, but statements like the one Mr. Nugent made are the main reason I want nothing to do with the NRA.