Circular Firing Squads

It was national news.  Last Friday, in four different homes in rural Pike County, Ohio, eight members of the Rhoden family were murdered mob-hit-style.  Most were shot and killed as they slept.  There may or may not have been a drug connection.  No suspects, no leads.  A terrible, brutal crime.

So what does Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader do calm his gob-smacked citizens?  He calls for residents to arm themselves!     "OK, first, everybody panic!!  Next, everybody get a gun!"

Great idea, Sheriff.  The Rhodens were methodically executed -- assassinated in their sleep.  Having firearms (and odds are they did) would be of no use.  And there is absolutely no reason to believe that the killers are hanging around waiting to murder every person in Pike County.  They did the hit, and split.

But Sheriff Goober suggests the entire county should strap up and form a circular firing squad.  How about not?  The horror of yet another mass shooting does not excuse stupid, fear-mongering, inflammatory remarks from the authorities.

Somehow, I'm reminded of a friend ours.  She bought herself a handgun, then obtained a concealed carry license, but recently admitted to us she needs a lot more practice using her gun.  Well then, what's the friggin' point? 

Suppose, instead, one of the following:

• She has a pilot's license, but admits she needs more practice flying a plane.
• She has a pharmacist's license, but admits she needs more practice filling prescriptions.

Neither would be acceptable, let alone legal.  But hell yeah,  you can have a gun and not really know how to use it.  No problem.  Second Amendment!!


In this area, dear readers, our problem is not just crime and it is not just mental illness.  It is too damn many guns.  Way too many.  More guns is not the answer.  Guns don't make you safer, they just make gun violence more likely.  One way or another, America needs to disarm.