# Uvalde, Texas school shooting - the political thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [May 24, 2022, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036 "2022-05-24T21:36:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/81 "2022-05-25T01:58:24Z")
Canada has about 1/10th the gun homicide rate, and about 1/4 the number of guns. So, it’s _only_ the guns? Maybe there is something else. Maybe the drug wars in our inner cities caused by racism, poverty and a failed war on drugs? Because that is where most of the shootings are. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/82 "2022-05-25T02:00:42Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > It clearly isn’t _just_ they have less guns. So in Canada - (a) guns everywhere Whereas in the U.S. - (a) guns everywhere (b) lots of people who are “Hey look, a gun, I can kill someone with that!” Call me simplistic, but doesn’t that make it _more_ urgent to do something about (a) in the U.S.? ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/83 "2022-05-25T02:03:42Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Maybe the drug wars in our inner cities caused by racism, poverty and a failed war on drugs? Because that is where most of the shootings are. It is a myth that violent crime with firearms is just an urban problem: > **[As gun violence spreads to small towns, one suburb contends with a mass...](https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/09/25/collierville-shooting-kroger-smalltown-guns/)** > > The mass shooting a Tennessee grocery store has renewed attention on how gun violence is steadily upending a sense of safety in small towns across the United States. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/84 "2022-05-25T02:04:23Z")
Who in this thread has said it is only the guns? Is this yet another “We must look at every other possible factor on Earth before even mentioning guns!” diversion? I hope the fuck not. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/85 "2022-05-25T02:11:17Z")
There is obviously nothing funny about school shootings, but comedian Anthony Jeselnik had the right interpretation of people and politicians who respond to disaster with their “thoughts and prayers”. You hypocrites! You aren’t really offering your time, your money or even your compassion. All you are really saying is “don’t forget about me. I’m here! I’m offering my thoughts and prayers! Don’t forget about me!”. ---
**Author:** ![Martin\_Hyde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/47e85d/32.png) [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/86 "2022-05-25T02:26:02Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Maybe it _shouldn’t_ be political. I mean where does that leave it, though? I’m genuinely not hostile to gun control, much as people confuse my intents here. But I feel a deep “weariness” about what I feel is the Kabuki theater of these incidents. These terrible things happen, a very, very predictable series of posts is made (and outside of the SDMB, various condemnations by public figures, celebrities et cetera), but it feels like there is zero willingness to seriously sit down and craft _some kind_ of viable legislation. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/87 "2022-05-25T02:29:46Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > So, it’s _only_ the guns? > > Maybe there is something else. You are correct. There _is_ something else. Here is a brief overview of Canadian gun regulations. From the online [Canadian Encyclopedia.](https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/gun-control) > In Canada, there are three classes of firearms: non-restricted; restricted; and prohibited. The three classes are defined by the Firearms Act. The RCMP administers the classification of restricted and prohibited firearms. > > The non-restricted class includes any rifle or shotgun that is neither restricted nor prohibited. Restricted firearms include some handguns and some semi-automatic centerfire firearms. Firearms in this class are often used in target practice or shooting sports; they can also be sought as collectibles or required for a profession. Prohibited firearms include fully automatic firearms; some semi-automatic firearms not reasonably used for hunting; and most types of handguns, listed in the Criminal Code or classified as such by the RCMP. Handguns are either restricted or prohibited; there is no such thing as a non-restricted handgun in Canada. Looks like some fairly strict firearms regulation in Canada. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/88 "2022-05-25T02:31:30Z")
I didn’t know it when I posted the above, but the NRA is going to have its next convention in Houston … roughly 72 hours _after_ this Uvalde kiddie massacre. IOW … just like the Denver convention close on the heels of Columbine – The Original Mass Slaughter of School KidsTM. Couldn’t happen to a nicer bunch of people … And look who will be in attendance: > **[Abbott, Cruz to Attend NRA Convention Days After Texas School Shooting](https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/abbott-cruz-to-attend-nra-convention-days-after-texas-school-shooting/2976742/)** > > Former President Donald Trump was also scheduled to speak at the convention. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/89 "2022-05-25T02:33:07Z")
Well, if you actually read what I posted, you will see I said we need > [@DrDeth](#): > > We need the common sense background checks on all gun sales. The GOP has blocked them consistently: But comparing the USA violent crime rate to other nations is specious and useless. . How about instead we get people to vote, to get a solid Dem majority in Congress so those common sense, practical gun laws could be passed? I don’t give a rats ass about the gun violence rate in Luxembourg. That is a red herring. How about the violent crime rate in _America?_ Let us stop the GOP from blocking every single piece of decent legislation. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/90 "2022-05-25T02:33:23Z")
There is no unwillingness to craft effective legislation. There is an unwillingness to be seen even contemplating the subject at all out of greed of power and fear of losing votes. Enough of this “both sides” crap- you know there isn’t a proposal on Earth that the Republicans will touch with a ten foot gun barrel. ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/91 "2022-05-25T02:38:31Z")
Does the Republican controlled legislature in Texas need the SDMB’s help? ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/92 "2022-05-25T03:20:54Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > So, it’s _only_ the guns? Yeah, that’s a very big part of it. 1.2 guns per US citizen versus .33 for every Canadian. That is a gigantic discrepancy. I would think it is almost harder to come by an illicit gun in Canada than the US. Does Canada allow you to buy them without any checks from a private seller as many states in the US? Also, since this is a thread about school shootings, can you show where Canada has the level of mass school shootings? They aren’t really related to drugs and gangs… ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/93 "2022-05-25T03:25:43Z")
Who cares? Again, gun laws in Canada, France or San Marino have nothing whatsoever to do with gun laws here, all of which are blocked by the GOP. Saying the the gun laws in Denmark are good and USA bad is meaningless. We all know the USA needs better gun laws, and the GOP blocks each and every one. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/94 "2022-05-25T03:29:08Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Canada has about 1/10th the gun homicide rate, and about 1/4 the number of guns. > > So, it’s _only_ the guns? > > Maybe there is something else. Maybe the drug wars in our inner cities caused by racism, poverty and a failed war on drugs? Because that is where most of the shootings are. > [@DrDeth](#): > > Again, gun laws in Canada, France or San Marino have nothing whatsoever to do with gun laws here, all of which are blocked by the GOP. > > Saying the the gun laws in Denmark are good and USA bad is meaningless. We all know the USA needs better gun laws, and the GOP blocks each and every one. Is it gun laws, or drug wars? I’m going to say it is the 1.2 guns per US citizen with ease of access that is the problem. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/95 "2022-05-25T03:36:08Z")
They don’t meet until January, I believe. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/96 "2022-05-25T03:37:56Z")
I think I heard on the news tonight that the meeting is scheduled for the Memorial Day weekend. And that John Cornyn has suddenly discovered… errrr… hhhrrrmmmm… a conflict with his schedule that will take him back to DC and unable to attend. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/97 "2022-05-25T03:56:05Z")
So is a teacher who died, and we can assume most of the students are, too. Uvalde is also a very poverty-stricken town. Like I’ve already said, for those reasons, I’m surprised it’s on the national news, period. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/98 "2022-05-25T03:57:31Z")
And probably children who look like him, too, which would bother them even less. ---
**Author:** ![China\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/99 "2022-05-25T04:11:08Z")
@Martin_Hyde Care to cite where Republicans are actually more effective at dealing with crime? I have been hearing this as an oft repeated canard since the 60’s. Along with memes such as the Republicans are fiscally responsible, ad nauseum ---
**Author:** ![DWMarch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwmarch/32/1010_2.png) [@DWMarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DWMarch)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036/100 "2022-05-25T04:15:52Z")
What is the value added in making access to guns so easy in the US? How is American society improved by the slaughter of these children? Why is there so much effort put into protecting children in the womb when it is essentially legal to execute them publicly once they exit? I am going to invent a time machine just so I can go back and grab each and every one of the Founding Fathers one at a time and I am going to show them some of these scenes and the ensuing debate that they started with their ambiguous fucking phrasing. I am going to show them in absolutely explicit detail how they have legalized mass murder with their “shall not be infringed” rhetoric. And I am absolutely certain each and every one of them will respond “while thy breeches appear unsoiled most assuredly thou shittest me!” And when I send them back to whence they came they will rewrite the 2nd Amendment so that it says THESE GOD-CURSED THINGS SHALL NOT BE POSSESSED BY ANYONE NO EXCEPTIONS NOW AND FOREVER. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-the-political-thread/965036.md?page=6)