Death Toll Revised Down to 24 After Monstrous Oklahoma Tornado…100+ Injured…Children Among the Dead…Stunning Pictures…Woman Finds Dog During Interview!

WATCH on TheBlaze TV: Latest Updates on Tornado Aftermath, Including Updates From Glenn Beck in Oklahoma

Should Americans Learn From Israeli Gun Laws?

Dec. 18, 2012 8:38am Tiffany Gabbay

Shalom Bear Says Americans Should Follow Israeli Gun Laws

(Photo source: The Jewish Press)

In the wake of the brutal shooting spree at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, that left 28 — including 20 innocent children dead — Americans are searching high and low to make sense of what is indeed, a senseless tragedy. Of course pundits and lawmakers alike have, just as they do following most mass-shootings, politicized the event in an effort to call for stricter gun laws. In fact, California Democrat Dianne Feinstein announced Sunday her intention to introduce an assault weapons ban bill on the first day of the new Congress in 2013.

“I’m going to introduce in the Senate, and the same bill will be introduced in the House — a bill to ban assault weapons,” Feinstein told her fellow panelists on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

The veteran lawmaker and liberal stalwart had previously called on the ban to be renewed following this year’s other mass shooting at an Aurora, Colorado movie theater. Needless to say, last week’s brutality has only reinforced her stance.

While debates on gun restrictions and laws are sure to abound, one writer for the Jewish Press made an interesting point: Rather than favor an outright ban on guns and greater restrictions of Americans’ Second Amendment rights, author Shalom Bear suggested that the U.S. simply look to Israel and its gun laws as a model to emulate.

Bear noted that Jewish people have an obligation to fight calls for all out gun-bans as Israelis who live under constant existential threat rely on guns for their very survival each and every day. He also noted that “giving up the means and the right to defend ourselves is the worst mistake we could make.”

“Imagine if Germany or Poland’s Jews had been armed,” he then asked readers to contemplate.

So what, then, is the answer?

Many who visit Israel are likely struck by the number of guns they see on the streets, carried out in the open by everyday people. For Israelis, carrying guns is indeed a matter of survival, but as the Jewish Press author notes, these guns are actually more difficult to acquire in Israel than in the U.S. due to the country’s strict vetting process.

That process includes screening by government, law enforcement, trained professionals at shooting ranges and even medical professionals through psychiatric evaluations — all of whom must sign off on the person seeking a gun permit. What’s more, even those who do successfully manage to obtain a license are only permitted to own one gun.

“Appearances aside, in Israel there are fewer personal weapons per capita, and fewer homicides involving guns, than in the U.K., which has very strong and restrictive gun laws,” the author writes before adding that he believes one of the key differences between America and Israel’s views on guns is the attitude.

“Even though Israelis watch the same movies and play the same video games that glorify gun violence as Americans do, Israelis, unlike Americans, are taught from a young age a mature, respectful and structured interaction with their weapons,” Bear claims.

“In America, it’s considered a right to carry a gun, but in Israel, it’s considered both right and a privilege.”

The author continues:

Keeping guns out of the hands of law-abiding citizens is wrong and unconstitutional. But America must rethink its gun laws and make them consistent for the entire country. They must include a serious, complex vetting process, at least as demanding as the process one must endure to receive a driver’s license. In fact, I recommend letting each state’s DMV develop a process of educating and testing potential gun owners. After all, in both cases, when providing a license to drive a car and a license to carry a gun (and to register the car and gun), the state is empowering its citizen to operate a potentially lethal weapon.

Like applicant drivers, potential gun owners must undergo extensive, well structured training on the proper handling, storage and use of their weapon, before being allowed to even buy one, and repeat the process at every license renewal. And they must have a qualified doctor sign off on them too. [...]

Also, the states must get rid of the concealed carry requirement (for those that have it). It’s an idiotic idea that is actually a result of American society’s veneration of weapons, and it removes any visual deterrence it otherwise affords.

Once obvious targets for an attacks, such as schools (think JCCs, and synagogues, too) appoint visibly armed, well-trained guards, we will undoubtedly be seeing a reduction in the number of massacres perpetrated in American schools and other public places.

At the end of the day there is something to be said for Israel’s approach to emphasizing the immense personal responsibility entailed in possessing and potentially using a firearm. Perhaps looking to a nation so conversant in matters of self-defense is one approach worth considering as Americans move forward and with hope past senseless violence like the kind carried out at Sandy Hook Elementary and into what is sure to be a more robust debate on the future of gun control.

Benghazi, IRS, AP...What's next? Only TheBlaze TV offers the truth from Glenn Beck, Andrew Wilkow, and Real News from TheBlaze. Get instant access and a free trial here.

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (203)

BeingThere
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:30am
ALL gun laws are unconstitutional, PERIOD!! (And so is Diane Fineswine!)

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- naughtycal
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:52am
  Exactly Fienstein took an oath and just declared on national t/v her intent to break it……WHY IS SHE STILL IN CONGRESS?
  
  Report this comment
- Jim S
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 10:13am
  …so they can control guns but NOT rockets fired into their country…how about a article on what Israel can learn from the US on stopping rocket attacks ? Is it better if your kid is blown apart or shot ? I mean we have zero rocket attacks from Canada,Mexico,Cuba…what can Israel learn on having good neighbors?..or better yet,perhaps comparing singular incidents from one society to another is silly, simplistic and over states the problem and solution.
  
  Report this comment
- AllLost
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 10:30am
  Much of our government is unconstitutional. It will only get worse.
  
  Report this comment
- BlasberryStrat
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 10:55am
  The Gov. will make it so expensive and time consuming that with many other things, only the uber rich will be able to write a simple check and get a permit within minutes. The rest of us….a, na.
  
  So is the Gov. going to ban household cleaning items when we start having ‘kids’ run in to schools and BLOW themselves up? I’m pretty sure with proper security and training a public place can minimize a “shooters” intent. But it will be kind of difficult to say “stop or I’ll shoot” when everyone is already dead with the push of a button.
  
  Report this comment
- No_Lables
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 11:07am
  How are gun laws unconstitutional? In the 2nd amendment it clearly states “well regulated.” We have THE loosest gun regulation in the world and you’re trying to make the case that gun laws are unconstitutional? The problem here is that, for some reason, people think that the evil left are going to take away your guns. This article doesn’t say anything about taking away your guns, but simply that we need to have a more common sense approach to guns and who gets them. What is wrong with that exactly. And please, save me your slippery slope arguments here. The 20 dead children would likely want something more substantial.
  
  Report this comment
- Trigus
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 11:15am
  Crazy that the number one supplier of arms around the world, The United States Government, wants to disarm its citizens.
  
  We know from fast and furious that the United States Government provided illegal firearms to Mexican Drug Cartels. We know through NATO the United States Government did arm rebels (terrorist) from Libya to over throw a legal regime. We know through NATO the United States Government is arming rebels (terrorist) to over throw a legal regime Syria, We also know that Jordan is next. Yet this same Government that arms rebels(terrorist) are the same ones that want to disarm American citizens.
  
  Report this comment
- yechi7
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 11:17am
  Jim S,
  
  The US is fortunate that we don’t have millions of Muslim terrorists on our doorsteps, right on our borders. Israel is on the front lines – the US, geographically, is not. So, your reply about Israel being able to control their guns but not rockets shot at them is silly. You say that the US has better neighbors – well, lucky us. Israel’s crazy neighbors are obviously not Israel’s fault. It’s the crazy neighbors fault that they are crazy.
  
  Report this comment
- JRook
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 11:29am
  First and foremost, no one is calling for a ban on all guns. Second, by all means the US should adopt much tighter requirements for who can legally own a gun. All guns should be registered and the owner should be fully responsible for the gun, including its legal transfer during a sale. Gun owners should be liable for any acts committed by the gun, unless it was stolen by an unrelated party. In the case of the Chardon or CT. shooting the uncle (chardon) or mother/parents of the shooter should be liable for any and all civil damages. Their guns should be held under lock and key and checked regularly. Stolen guns should be reported within 48 hours. Gun manufactures should be criminally and civilly responsible for insuring their guns are only sold by licensed dealers who follow all registration and background requirements. Gun dealers should be responsible both criminally and civilly responsible for the legal sale and licensing of all guns they sell.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 11:30am
  The irony is, it is the many Jews in this country who are calling for, and implementing many of, gun law bans. Just two days ago this site listed several gun restriction people, Sirota, Feinstein, Bloomberg, and Emanuel. All are Jewish.
  
  Look at the names and determine for yourself:
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jewish_American_politicians
  
  Report this comment
- yechi7
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 12:00pm
  The_Jerk,
  
  Jews in the US are traditionally Liberals & Democrats. Also, Jews, by nature, are compassionate. So, they don’t want to see anybody get hurt, by guns or otherwise. The other irony is that Obama is the most anti-Israel President ever – and most Jews voted for him. The Jews that voted for Romney are as perplexed about this as everyone else who voted for Romney is. Go figure!
  
  Report this comment
- shakedowncrews
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 12:05pm
  @ NO_LABELS: the 18th century meaning of the term “regulated” did not mean controlled or legislated, but TRAINED or PROVISIONED. The “MILITIA” was understood to mean the people, as the people were the militia that was called up in national defense against enemies foreign and domestic. A well regulated militia therefore meant a well-armed and trained citizenry.
  
  It could be argued that we do not train our people well enough. However, the 2nd amendment did NOT make any training a prerequisite for gun ownership. To the contrary, the idea was that individuals who owned guns would be available for training to serve within the Militia when called up.
  
  Report this comment
- No_Lables
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 12:14pm
  @shakedowncrews and it could just as easily be argued that the 18th century definition of “arms” didn’t mean semi-automatic or automatic weapons, nor did mean high capacity magazines.
  
  Report this comment
- Cavallo
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 12:16pm
  @JRook, some of your suggestions are reasonable, others are out the window. You first must understand the purpose of the amendment in the Bill of Rights. The reason the founders did not want a unarmed populace was in case the populace needed to rise up and shoot the politicians if they became too tyrannical. The Israelis are less worried about their own government and more concerned about the blood thirsty barbarians slathering to murder them all just outside their borders. Tracking every firearm and fascistic regulation and legal oppression makes it far too easy for the government to then come get them. Yes, there are people, albeit fringe people, who call for bans on all firearms to citizens. I fear my own government far more than some psychopath. The odds of being murdered by your own government are far above being murdered by some mass murdering crazy weirdo (putting the numbers of victims of government murdering its own compared to rogue individuals). If you aren’t wary and concerned that your government can become (and in quite a few respects already is) a fascistic tyranny you are naive in the first order.
  
  Report this comment
- Evileye
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 12:22pm
  New gun laws will be hard to achieve.Both sides of the issue will not give an inch,because of the fear
  Of “give an inch take a mile”.
  It is like the Palestinian and the Jews.No matter what the Jews would give the Palestinian he will not stop
  until there are no more Jews.
  A compromise could be reached on the capacity of Magazines.But that would not stop some one from taping two 10 round magazines together and have 20 round.
  The last time they tried this the law said you could not have a bayonet lug on a riffle.
  Really when was the last person bayoneted in the United states . Probably the Civil War.
  Violent movies,Violent video game for a sociopath type person is as bad as the gun or knife
  or any other object that a sociopath will employ to meet his desired ends.
  People have been killing each other through out history and will continue to do so tell we become
  extinct. A sad commentary on the human kind but true.
  Parenting should be at home not a state function. Hillary comment that it take a community to raise a child is left wing Bull Sh–t. It take a strong father figure and a loving Mother.Preferably one that can be a home and raise her children and not have to drop them of at day care.
  Flame Away
  
  Report this comment
- ranepowel
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 12:23pm
  That’s why we’re going to change the constitution. The 2nd Amendment WILL be repealed in the next 10-20 years. I guarantee it.
  
  Report this comment
- Jim S
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 12:27pm
  yechi7…you miss my point entirely, Israel cannot control it’s neighbors or citizens…they may or may not choose to act badly….and IF Israel was surrounded by “millions” of Muslim terrorists…Israel would not be…there are however a number of terrorists that have attacked Israel..and they would all fit in a HS gym…if a few million terrorists attacked Israel..there would no need for a 2 state solution :)… millions of terrorists ?…millions of people who care less if Israel was there tomorrow I agree…millions more feel that way about Germany,England and the US…the larger point was that one society’s solutions to a problem depends on what that society accepts..England has far less murders,by gun, compared to the US..but has multiple times the property crime and assaults…they just don’t shoot each other as much.
  
  Report this comment
- Cavallo
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 12:38pm
  @Ranepowel, In a march towards complete fascistic statist autocracy, removing the second amendment would be a necessity.
  
  Report this comment
- Twigger
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 12:42pm
  Reply to naughtygal She’s still in office because dimwits keep her there. Just like our illegal pres dimwits keep him there
  
  Report this comment
- needawhitepresident
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 12:46pm
  Would psychological screening have worked? Dunno, but let me ask you this: Did that kid buy his weapons and pass background checks (and psychological tests if they were required)?
  
  …Or did he steal the weapons from his mother?…
  
  Report this comment
- SONOFNANYE-HI
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 12:51pm
  @no_labels – The definition of “arms” is implements of war which included bombs and canons as well as guns no matter how fast they would shoot so I don’t see an argument. The definition of “arms” as “Implements of war” covers quite a bit including nuclear weapons.
  
  Report this comment
- z32tt
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 1:40pm
  @ beingthere: BINGO!
  
  @ no_labels: Read the WHOLE transcript. “Well regulated” is in regards to militia; not gun laws. It does, however, CLEARLY state: “the right of the people to keep and bear arms SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED”.
  
  This is why an extensive vetting process is unconstitutional and stupid: any half-witted crook wishing to obtain a gun can/will do so quickly and in a matter not evident to the authorities IE: buy on “the black market” to avoid registration/stringent proceedures and background checks. Therefore, the only thing a strict vetting process will accomplish is a delay for law-abiding citizens to protect themselves. Furthermore, firearms are vastly important to also protect ourselves from tyrrany of the government, as a last resort. The government has no right to force registration of guns b/c of this (it paints a target on our backs). But don’t take my word for it, take Thomas Jefferson’s: “No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government”
  
  – Thomas Jefferson, 1 Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334
  
  Report this comment
- SpeckChaser
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 1:41pm
  NO LABLES
  
  Your asking grown adults to believe our founders would not have allowed the citizenry to use semi automatic weapons against the British if they had been around at the time?
  
  Your statement shows you have no understanding of of the purpose of the second amendment.
  
  Report this comment
- No_Lables
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 2:01pm
  You people are idiots and only read what you want. My reference to 18th century arms was a rebuttal to someone else who made reference to 18th century regulations. The fact remains we have, by far, the highest amount of gun related deaths of all industrialized nations. It seems to me, it’s more important for right-wingers to keep guns than it is to save innocent lives. I own multiple firearms, and I’d be more than happy to pass a written exam, show competency, and license them…as I do with my cars.
  
  Report this comment
- z32tt
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 2:31pm
  @no_labels: The VAST MAJORITY of the US’s gun-related deaths are suicides. That has nothing to do with protecting the innocent lives of others. Furthermore, gun-related homicides in the US are largely confined in cities with strict anti-gun laws (chicago, new york, etc). Your argument is moot concerning that as well. At least you “sort of” support the 2nd Ammendment…
  
  Report this comment
- ofass
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 3:33pm
  YECHI7 the guy is an anti-Semitic so don’t even try to explain to the evil.
  
  Report this comment
- muffythetuffy
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 4:24pm
  ISRAEL DOES NOT HAVE A US CONSTITUTION
  
  Its time to arm teachers in schools and deputize them. Teachers should be given the tools to protect our children and the authority to make arrests just like police officers.
  
  Report this comment
- smv803
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 6:42pm
  Some here are forgetting one simple little thing. It isn’t the responsible registered gun owner we need to worry about. What does a criminal care about whether laws are put into place, huh? The criminal will always find the means to acquire weapons; lawfully or not. Who here doesn’t want the ability to protect their families?
  
  Report this comment
- banjarmon
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 7:37pm
  @No_Lables
  Read the rest of the 2nd amendment…”The RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS, SHALL ONT BE INFRINGED”!!!!
  
  What part of that do you not understand???
  
  Report this comment
- BigRed11
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 10:33pm
  @ No_Lables – your comment regarding “well-regulated” is moronic! U.S. Supreme Court has stated that the adjective “well-regulated” implies nothing more than the imposition of proper discipline and training. Being “well regulated” has nothing to do with the government imposing regulations on its citizens.
  
  The left’s hypocrisy is astounding and never ceases to amaze. They seek to protect children by taking guns away from honest, law abiding citizens through regulation while simultaneously advocating the killing of defenseless, unborn children by claiming it is the mother’s right to do so….
  
  Report this comment
- VoteBushIn12
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 12:40am
  If everyone had a gun there would be fewer mass shootings – yes.
  BUT
  If no one had guns, there would be NO shootings (as in EVER).
  
  Ask yourself, what’s better? Fewer … or 0
  
  But you don’t want to give up your guns. Why? Because you value your gun over the lives of innocent victims slain by crazed gunmen. If giving up your gun could guarantee no more deaths, you still wouldn’t do it.
  
  You may not pull the trigger, but you’re at the very least an enabler.
  
  Report this comment
- pianodude
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 1:07am
  Jim S., I’ve read and reread your comment. Perhaps you had a point, but it escapes me. It might even make my short list of posts that make the least sense of the last year.
  
  Report this comment
- Pacific
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 5:45am
  WHAT HYPOCRITES OUR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE:
  1. FEINSTEIN__ On April 27, 1995, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) spoke at the US Senate hearing on terrorism shortly after the Oklahoma City bombing. During the hearing, she referenced her concealed carry permit and how she carried a gun with her in the 1970′s, citing the urge to arm yourself for protection- in her case from threats.
  
  She states:
  
  “I know the sense of helplessness that people feel. I know the urge to arm yourself because that’s what I did. I was trained in firearms. I walked to the hospital when my husband was sick. I carried a concealed weapon and I made the determination if somebody was going to try and take me out, I was going to take them with me.” See: http://www.mrctv.org/videos/feinstein-1995-her-concealed-carry-permit-i-know-urge-arm-yourself-because-thats-what-i-did
  2. HARRY REID: I carry a gun everywhere I go — See: http://freedomslighthouse.net/2012/12/18/democratic-senate-majority-leader-harry-reid-in-2010-extolled-the-virtues-of-guns-i-carried-a-gun-every-place-i-went-but-for-me-guns-are-more-than-that-about-self-defense-video-2010/
  3. Second Amendment Hypocrites: Senators Schumer and Feinstein Pack Heat See: http://www.federalobserver.com/archive.php?aid=10104
  THEY CAN HAVE PROTECTION– THEY CAN HAVE THEIR RIGHTS, BUT YOU CAN’T!
  
  Report this comment
- Hanner
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 7:55am
  This whole conversation is stupid. People going crazy and killing is the problem, not guns of any kind! No law or regulation will stop or prevent this. I doesn’t matter if Lanza had 10 machine guns on him or a pistol…..this kid was possessed by a devil. We are in a spiritual war. What is the devil’s goal????? To KILL, STEAL, AND DESTROY! That is the evidence of Lanza. This nation swims in an ocean of abortion rights blood, and this is the consequence of turning your back on God. The devil takes over. God has been kicked out of all public schools, and any piece of public property that the heathens can sue over. Most churches don’t even know the Lord either. What did you think would happen? When God is not wanted he is gentleman enough to back off……guess who fills that void? When a demon possessed individual is bent on destruction he/she will find anything around to use and LAWS are not regarded. The blood of millions of innocent children are crying out to God from your local county landfills. Disgusting, isn’t it? There will be a reckoning for the sins of this Nation, Israel did not escape God’s wrath and neither will we. When this Nation addresses its spiritual problem, then you will see a difference.
  
  Report this comment
- mastice
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:17pm
  @No_Lables
  ((In the 2nd amendment it clearly states “well regulated.))
  
  Way to cherry pick what words to use and completely miss the original context of the entire sentence.
  
  ((We have THE loosest gun regulation in the world…))
  
  Prove it. I would wager $100 to any person, that thinks you are right, that you are actually wrong. Without even looking up the information I am going to guess that there are many countries around the world that have even fewer ‘gun regulations’ than we do. (a few chaotic African nations, who seem to be in a constant state of war -like Somalia- come to mind)
  
  Next time, give g0ogle a spin before you make broad proclamations like that.
  
  Report this comment
- LandShark
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 5:03am
  I agree. And it’s the truth.
  
  Report this comment
- LandShark
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 5:05am
  “I agree and it’s the truth”
  
  Is in regards to:
  
  ALL gun laws are unconstitutional, PERIOD!! (And so is Diane Fineswine!)
  
  Report this comment
waresite
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:26am
Lanza didn’t even use the Bushmaster assault rifle; it was in the car. http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/14/shooting-reported-at-connecticut-elementary-school/

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- nonofmybiznez
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:50am
  Not so, that was an old article. He used the AR15 and between 4-10 30-round magazines. The shotgun was in the car. http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/national/ar-15-with-high-capacity-magazines-used-by-adam-lanza-in-sandy-hook-school-shooting
  
  Report this comment
- Uncle Dave
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 1:50pm
  Heart Attacks kill more people that any gun…
  
  REGISTER CHEESEBURGERS NOW!!
  
  Report this comment
- TeslanEdison
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 5:16pm
  Wow this seems like Benghazi style lies, I clearly heard not only on audio but from first responders that they found only two hand guns in the school, the bushmaster rifle was found in the car. I don’t see any witness statements about an assault rifle and with Obama’s recent comments I would be very leary of believing it after this recent statements. I did hear a statement from an officer questioning about a possible shotgun based on wounds he was seeing, but later it was revealed the shooter shot at close range multiple times. Both of the hand guns he used were capable of taking 20 to 30 round magazines.
  
  Report this comment
- Redhawke
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 8:23pm
  This story appears to being reshaped to include the AR as one of the weapons used.
  
  Report this comment
toomuchgovt
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:22am
The solutions I’v seen, seem a bit backwards, we put the kids in a prison like atmosphere and disarm all the law abiding citizens? Does this make any sense?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- RJJinGadsden
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:34am
  What do the fathers of James Holmes, the Aurora shooter, and the father of Adam Lanza have in common? They have both been called by Congress to be questioned regarding the LIBOR Scandal.
  http://www.examiner.com/article/libor-scandal-grows-as-the-fathers-of-two-mass-murderers-were-to-testify
  
  Report this comment
- Jim S
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 10:08am
  STOP…you could fit ALL the mass killers of the last 50 years in the average home ! DO NOT project the actions of a very very very few onto 300 million people..almost every single one of us don’t shoot people let alone children. I suppose if the latest killer had driven his car onto the playground and killed 50 kids the AAA would be under fire instead of the NRA. Imagine promoting vehicles when they are involved in the deaths of tens of thousands every year. On the other hand,do you really need a 20 round clip ?..really…I don’t. The important thing is remember is your child is more likely to be struck by a truck than shot…so be aware, be wise, be careful and DO NOT be afraid…ever.
  
  Report this comment
- momrules
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 12:07pm
  EVERYONE……….go to the link that RJJ provided and read this report. BADDOGGY posted it on another story and it was rather staggering information, at least to me.
  
  Coincidental?
  
  Report this comment
- Wisdom7
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 2:53am
  That link RJ provided was scrubbed because it was apparently fabricated.
  
  Report this comment
redsred
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:15am
have you ever heard this? guns (or knives, or cars, or bombs) don’t kill anybody. in ALL cases, some disturbed ******* pulls the trigger, lights the fuse (sic) or performs the destructive act.

rather than jeopardizing our second amendment, we could simply make applications for firearms subject to thorough investigation with as long a wait as neceessary. a review of a persons full profile is not intrusive if they want to own adeadly weapon. and for those acquiring firearms illegally, long, long prison sentences wether they commit a crime or not.

not exactly rocket science…………………

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 1:24pm
  Nope. That’s an infringement. I do not need government approval to exercise a right. That’s prior restraint. What you’ve suggested is the same things as means testing in order to vote, which is illegal. Sorry.
  
  Report this comment
- tzion
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 2:02pm
  @ghost
  What I’m in favor of is making sure that everyone who gets a gun is fully aware of how to operate and maintain it as well as being familiar with the legalities of its usage. Just as your right to vote means the government must establish a system to facilitate voting, so to a system for acquiring guns is needed. After all, who’s to say the “arms” referred to need be limited to guns? Could it not also be used to argue for limitless access to tanks. Besides, in the system the founder’s established, only landowners could vote.
  
  Report this comment
- smv803
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 6:52pm
  Again, Criminals don’t apply for permits! They don’t register guns! They don’t tell you they are coming after you and certainly, They do not come in for psychological analysis!
  
  Report this comment
BobtheMoron
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:13am
How is this going to keep a criminal or crazy from killing you with a knife and stealing your gun? STOOOOPID!!!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Bodacious_Boedi
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:44am
  You are very aptly named…….
  
  Report this comment
- tzion
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 10:10am
  Isn’t the point of the gun to prevent someone from killing you with a knife?
  
  Report this comment
- AZfreeman
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 12:33pm
  Well said Bob. In the aftermath of a disaster, clear thinking is hard to find. Israeli laws would never work in the U.S. because there are already ten of millions of guns in the hands of the general population where they should be…as per our 2nd amendment. These guns are sold person to person, traded, and anyone who wants one can get one. Make all the laws you want – require psychiatric exams – make training a requirement – threaten jail or confiscation or anything else you can dream up …. it will not keep guns out of the hands of anyone who wants one. Period !!! The people know this, look at gun and ammo sales over the last few years and that doesn’t count the underground market.
  Gun deaths compared to the number of firearms in the U.S. are very, very low..in fact, CONSIDERING THOSE ODDS, you are more likely to die almost any other way. So, get real folks. Tragedies like this school shooting are horrific, but the real horror would be the loss of our country through the destruction of the Constitution. Protect your Constitutional rights or lose them forever. !!!! ….rf
  “No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.” — Thomas Jefferson
  “The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.” — Thomas Jefferson
  
  Report this comment
- rick20033
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 6:03pm
  Bodacious_Boedi apparently doesn’t understand that just because there’s a saying “You should never bring a knife to a gunfight”, that it is true, There is plenty of evidence that if two people face of within 20 ft of each other, one with a knife and the other with a gun, the person with the knife is more likely to kill the gunslinger. He also seems oblivious of the idea that a person with a knife can walk up BEHIND someone carrying a gun, kill them, and take the gun. And finally, he seems to have failed to notice that the guns used in this shooting were all stolen from a murdered gun owner, not purchased by the killer.
  
  Report this comment
RockyMountainPATRIOT
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:13am
“That process includes screening by government, law enforcement…”

Yeah, I think I’ll keep our Constitution, thanks. I don’t want that decision in the hands of the current regime.

The way laws are passed in this country, was intended to slow the process down, so we could avoid emotional, knee-jerk reactions to things like…*this*. The only answer to this problem is MORE FREEDOM, NOT LESS. MORE armed ordinary citizens and, the elimination of, “gun free zones.”

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- jcldwl
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:29am
  Agreed
  
  Report this comment
- ranepowel
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 12:30pm
  There’s already a case going to the supreme court to re-argue that the 2nd Amendment relates only to a militia and not the common citizen. Hopefully, Obama will make a supreme court appointment in the next year or so before the case is heard, and then we can get all the guns from you tin-foil-hat wearing hillbillies ASAP.
  
  Report this comment
- OldVet
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 1:19pm
  RANEPOWEL
  Thank you for finally stating what we the defenders of our republic and the 2nd amendment have contended about you gun control advocates.
  ” and then we can get all the guns from you tin-foil-hat wearing hillbillies ASAP.”
  You try to say that banning “all” guns is not your motive, but finally you have told the truth about your agenda.
  
  Report this comment
- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 1:26pm
  @Rane
  
  You live in a fantasy world. Nobody is handing in anything, and our numbers are far more vast than your beloved enforcers whose boots you lick. We outnumber your goons by approximately 110:1. You’ll get nothing, nothing will be repealed, and you’re going to no say in it whatsoever. Your recourse is to gnash your teeth and scream into the wind, in the realization that you are an impotent, hate filled little man.
  
  Nobody will comply. Nobody will submit. Check mate.
  
  Report this comment
- Banter
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 1:51pm
  Ranepowel.
  
  Let me know when you want to come over and take my guns. Oh wait, yea, I forgot lib pansies like you and encinom don’t do that kind of dirty work. You rely on the government for everything including wiping your a$$.
  
  Let me by clear, neither you nor your king will take my guns.
  
  Report this comment
- smv803
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:14pm
  @ ranepowel
  thank you for confirming what I suspected. You’ll lose. Remember you were told. You and all your friends will be sweeping roads in a chain gang.
  
  Report this comment
BehindBlueEyes
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:09am
I don’t see any problem with requiring training in the use of guns. I see a big problem with government determining whether you qualify to have a gun.
While we’re at it every American should be required to be educated in civics.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- HMNSC
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:21am
  So what if the government took a hands off approach? What if they got the NRA involved and said here are what we would like the requirements be to own a gun and then let the NRA handle its implementation? The NRA could oversee a training program and psych evaluation in order for someone to get a permit to buy a gun.
  
  Report this comment
- BehindBlueEyes
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:36am
  @HMNSC
  The government should stick to the Constitution. That’s why we have it.
  
  Report this comment
- HMNSC
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 10:01am
  Your original post is that we should require training in the use of firearms.. I don’t see that in the constitution. I do agree that I don’t want the government in charge of who is or is not fit to own a weapon. They are going to put some sort of law into effect, like it or not, unconstitutional or not. I would at least then like for a third party to be responsible rather than the federal government.
  
  Report this comment
- nonofmybiznez
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 11:30am
  There is one big difference. People in Israel trust their government to do everything to protect them and their freedom. We don’t trust our government to do the same.
  
  Report this comment
- nonofmybiznez
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 11:35am
  How about we look at the Israelis requirement that all adults be trained to be part of the militia. If you wash out and are deemed a danger to society, you get put on a “do not give a gun” list. We need to weed out the mentally ill some way and our schools aren’t going to do it.
  
  Report this comment
- BehindBlueEyes
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:10pm
  @NONOFMYBIZNEZ
  Bingo on the trust thing.
  
  Report this comment
FANGS
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:07am
Unfortunately the American Government Hates American Values. They hate Conservative Morals. They hate everyone that doesn’t agree with them. They hate Jesus. They hate Christians. We all know who Obama sides with” Terrorism, Terrorist Dictators, Terrorist Unions Terrorists in general, Van jones Bill airs, Ritard trumpka. For Gods sake Obama just sat there and let 4 Americans die in Bangazi. And Feinstein and the dems want us to give up our Assult weapons? Are they that crazy, Every Family in America has an extensive weapons cash including multiple ar-15′s. And it’s 100% because No-one trusts the Obama admin. Obama and his select Democrats are the Craziest people in the Nation. And we will Arm ourselves. And You won’t try and Ban our only protection from Obama’s Tyranical Govt.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Salamander
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:03am
Great article! Maybe one course we are missing in our High Schools is the responsibility of EVERY citizen of The United States for the safety and security of their fellow citizens! That’s right, a gun class for the Common Good! The class should be academically rigorous, history, pros and cons, comparison of various nation states and cultures with regard to guns, AND a hands-on lab on the care and use of firearms for recreation and skills development, for hunting, and, yes, for self-defense and for the defense of everything that matters to you–the home, neighborhood, school K thru 12, college, the university, churches, movie theaters, grocery stores, concerts, ball games, transportation (and the vagaries of auto, truck, bus, train and airplane), shopping centers, malls and other public places, Think of how much we’d save on military training if everyone knew how to handle a variety of guns BEFORE enlistment! And think of how much safer we’d be if everyone had the power and training to stop the rare miscreant that is foolish enough to pull a gun on an armed and aware population! Poof! Mass killings would go the way of Polio! This course would be a mass-killings vaccine!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Fubared
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:12am
  MS13, Bloods, Crips, NBPP, AB, garden variety hood rats, they are all going to laugh at you, slit your throat and then abuse your corpse. Nonsensical bs. We have teachers that see everything gender neutral and liberal/socialist/progressive. Sure, we can make this happen next week.
  
  Report this comment
- DougHuffman
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:18am
  The fundamental culpability lies with “educators.” Admiral Rickover’s education included,
  
  “Responsibility is a unique concept; it can only reside and inhere within a single individual.
  You may delegate it but it is still with you.
  You may share it with others but your portion is not diminished.
  You many disclaim it but you cannot divest yourself of it.
  Even if you do not recognize it or admit its presence, you cannot escape it. If the responsibility is rightfully yours, no evasion or ignorance or passing the blame can shift the burden to someone else.”
  
  This was on a placard that hung in my briefing room, in Building 222, at Charleston Naval Shipyard.
  
  Report this comment
- Zipit
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 10:16am
  Doug! Great quote!!!
  
  Report this comment
bharris0
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:03am
Liberals will use ANY excuse they can find to tip the odds against their fellow citizens and in favor of an out of control government.

They are hell bent on controlling our lives and the 2nd amendment is the ONLY THING keeping them in check.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- THX-1138
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 10:20am
  “the 2nd amendment is the ONLY THING keeping them in check.”
  
  They’re in check? I’d sure hate to see them ouf of check…
  
  Report this comment
- Lordchamp
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 10:55am
  Exactly the point. If we lose the 2nd Amendment then imagine that there will be NOTHING to stop them.
  
  Report this comment
goldmind
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:02am
The key here, is vetting. If we were more consistent in vetting the political idiots that are supposed to represent US, we’d be a more streamlined Nation. Instead, their offices are bought and paid for by special interests. I see merit, in the Israeli model…but would add the need for compromise on bans against mainstream media, Hollyweird and the psychotic gaming industry. These vultures, always manage to rise from the ashes of these tragedies, unscathed.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
JJFernandez
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 8:55am
My main objection to this article: We do not have a “Right to Drive a Car”. We do have the right to bear arms. By comparing the means of getting a driver’s license to the means of purchasing a gun, you are taking away our 2nd Ammendment Right. All it takes is one gun to commit a crime. If we give in to these regulations, and only allow one gun per registrant, it doesn’t solve the problem. Actually, the same argument exists: those who follow the law will have one gun, while those who break the law will get as many guns as they can. Evaluating mental illness and restoring our moral values is the only real solution to this ordeal. Unfortunately, this will not happen overnight, and some people will never be able to “become moral beings”. We must start from the beginning and begin a solid moral foundation with our children, if morality will become a future possibility.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
progressiveslayer
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 8:54am
We don’t need to emulate Israel or any other country for that matter on this issue or any issue. ‘Shall not be infringed’ is pretty simple to comprehend,yet subsequent congresses have essentially eviscerated the second amendment with laws restricting the ownership of firearms.It’s worth repeating,every ‘gun law’ passed since the second amendment is unconstitutional.It’s a cliche but true that an armed society is a polite society. If one teacher at that school was proficient in the use of firearms many lives could have been saved.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- stealthman
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 11:09am
  Yes, but is not the dependent clause to this amendment: A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. In short the purpose of this right is so that there should be a well regulated militia which is necessary to the security of a free state. A well regulated militia seems to imply a vetting process to own a gun or at the very least certified training by the various states to handle and to properly fire a weapon. Does not the citizen have an obligation to be properly trained so if the moment should arise, he could be a member of a state militia?
  
  Report this comment
- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 1:28pm
  False stealth. It only implies “practiced”, since this was the common understanding of the word “regulated” back at the time of the writing of the Constitution.
  
  Report this comment
- stealthman
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 5:43pm
  Dear Ghost: I am pretty much a Constitutional Strict Constructionist myself. I believe that the Founding Fathers of America were both brilliant and superbly moral men who understood that their rights and the responsibilities that come with those rights come from G-d. Yet, one cannot escape two things about the 2nd Amendment. 1. All Americans of sound mind have a right to bear arms. 2. The principle purpose of bearing arms, besides the additional reason of self- defense of law abiding Americans, is to be a part of a militia at the State level. So if the Federal government were to ever become an oppressor (and it seems like that moment has arrived), an armed citizenry at the state level (like in Texas?) could defend itself against the oppressive Federal State. Well now that moment has arrived, perhaps this militia should be both well- equipped and well- trained in weapons use and firearm safety. Plus I looked up the word Regulated for its etymology. It seems to come from the Latin “Regula” meaning “to rule” which would normally mean that there are rules involved not just practices. The best bet would be for the States at the state level to take the initiative in writing reasonable rules. G-d forbid if Cass Sunstein starts to write and enforce the Rules for these regulations without the States taking the initiative first.
  
  Report this comment
- stealthman
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 6:31pm
  I just checked Bloomberg.com. Cass Sunstein is already writing the rules or has written them already and stands ready to enforce them. He has defined “The People” as a collective not “The People” as individuals. Yes, he is a tyrant along with his lovely wife Samantha Power. I mean it. States better get a move on it to write their own regulations before Cass and Samantha step in.
  
  Report this comment
Welcome Black Carter
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 8:54am
Bla, bla, bla. Would removing the right of the people in this way saved these children? No. And, you will see countless measures taken and laws passed that would not haved saved these children. How about better parenting. A father. A gun safe!!!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
NoMoMrNiceGuy
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 8:52am
HOOAH ! Ban them if you like – I guess I will be a criminal then – because I am not giving up mine !

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- CanadaRocks
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 11:14am
  No one is asking anyone to give up the guns they already have. These policies will be for future purchasers. Relax buddy. Giving people a psych evaluation and stringent traing in handling/using/storing their firearms is not evil. It is responsible.
  
  Report this comment
- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 1:29pm
  @Canada
  
  Ok, well then, you are not allowed to have freedom of speech unless the government provides you with a license. And the freedom from search and seizure only applies if you’re properly licensed and trained as well.
  
  Prior restraint. So sorry, you lose.
  
  Report this comment
- LandShark
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 4:59am
  “…for future purchases.”
  Which would mean that those who have them get to keep them….till they die. At which point they are forfeit. Not to be transferred to the family as a remembrance of the deceased or legally sold to recover monetary value for the family…. is that what you are not saying ? Because that’s what it would be. That’s what it has been.Theft of our rights on a gradual level. A little here, a little there.
  I vote you back to Canada, or for you to stay there if you already are. Your thinking is not productive
  for those who do think.
  
  Report this comment
proliance
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 8:51am
Update: Here are the reasons you can carry a weapon is Israel-

An officer in the IDF
An officer in the Police
Member if the other security forces
Live over the green line (west bank)

In the US it is a right to keep and bear arms. Don’t let it be taken away.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:02am
  Amen, we do have the right to bear arms. The Democrats want us disarmed so that there can be no effective resistance to tyrannical government that inevitably arrises with a disarmed citizenry.
  
  Report this comment
- LandShark
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 5:02am
  You can apply for a permit as a regular person also. However, you are only allowed to register one firearm. This information from an Israeli friend of mine who has lived there. There are other restrictions that I have forgotten about when we talked about firearms in Israel.
  
  So no, we don’t need to learn from others.
  
  Report this comment
Catfish
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 8:51am
I agree we dont need assualt weapons, but ban the factorys from making them for the public, but no ban on the citizens right to keep and bare arms, If we let the ban one the next year they will just add another one to the ban till they take them all away.I am a hunter and I will not give up my guns nor my rigt to defend myself or others.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Old-vet-57
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:19am
  The public cannot buy assult weapons without special permits. We may purchase black semi auto rifles. I think I’ll keep mine and maybe purchase a couple more. Looks like stupid is taking over out there.
  
  Report this comment
- waresite
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:37am
  Lanza didnt even use the Bushmaster; it was in the car. http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/14/shooting-reported-at-connecticut-elementary-school/
  
  Report this comment
- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 1:31pm
  Don’t you dare presume to tell me what I need or don’t need.
  
  And the moment they try for semi-autos, your “hunting” firearms are next, and you know it.
  
  You speak for nobody but the ignorant contingent of pseudo-gun owners who are painfully unaware of their rights but strangely, vocal in front of cameras.
  
  Your opinion about what I “need” is rejected.
  
  Report this comment
GuruMeditation
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 8:50am
I believe we can learn plenty from the Israeli’s.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- shakedowncrews
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 12:07pm
  I don’t think so. To the contrary, they can learn from us. Keep in mind that the Israeli government is highly socialist, highly controlling, and could not survive economically without the patronage of the US government.
  
  I do think the Israelis understand the seriousness of the threat of tyrranical government, but in my view they still place far too much trust in government as the solution to problems.
  
  I prefer the traditional American concept, of a weak government and strong, moral people. Government is best that governs least.
  
  Report this comment
ZAP
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 8:49am
We need guns to protect us from criminals and socialists soon to be communistic government..

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
barber2
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 8:49am
The thinking of the Democrats who believe that if guns are ” outlawed,” outlaws will not use guns escapes me. What part of ” outlaw” don’t these guys understand ?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- DougHuffman
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 8:52am
  Only the law abiding abide the law.
  
  Good people ought to be armed as they will, with wits and Guns and the Truth. God Bless Bitter Clingers, damn know-nothings, progressives.
  
  Report this comment
rdahljr
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 8:47am
Yes

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Fubared
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:27am
  No. We have state and fed paperwork that covers all the bases: are you a felon, are you a druggie, have you been in the looney bin, do you beat your wife/partner, blah blah blah. And then they keep the records of what you have purchased. Too much as it is. We can’t stop illegals or repeat drunks, but somehow we expect politicians/slime to fix things? What budget for 4 years? The 2nd is infringed on as it is and people need some POS pol to make them feel safe on feel good legislation? F that and F other countries laws.
  
  Report this comment
proliance
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 8:46am
Carrying a gun in Israel is not a right. You have to apply to the govt. for permission and not everybody is approved.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Iamaduck
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 8:46am
Israel should not be an example of anything. Period.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- OldVet
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 1:31pm
  Partially correct. The Israelis do not have to be worried about their government turning on it’s citizens.
  I agree that tests are available which can spot potential “fire starters”. If you apply for a government job you will probably take one of these tests and if you score to far to the “nut job” side you must talk to a professional evaluator. I say that if a person is reported to be suspect that the least we could do is to insist that they be tested and paced on the no-own, no-buy list along with felons. This Adam kid should have been evaluated and his mother warned to keep weapons away from him. We already have the background check” process in place. It is not a gun registry, but a can buy or cannot buy check before purchase.
  
  Report this comment
SpankDaMonkey
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 8:45am
.
If thats the case maybe we should have training for the Mental Midgets we send to Washington before they can take an Oath of office……….

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Salamander
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:08am
  That would be a colossal waste of time! A GREAT IDEA, but a total waste of time! A better fix would be at the ballot box, where informed and responsible citizens would vote in the interest of the common good, and not for their selfish, single-issue views, as appears to be such the case today! (Gosh, I sound like a p-word (progressive), don’t I? Well, maybe we need to take that word back, and redefine it! It should mean ‘A Motivated Conservative’!)
  
  Report this comment
- Fubared
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:22am
  Term limits and the same pay as an E-5 in the service. No insurance for life (many are felons and get paid for life) and they can use the internet instead of jetting around at tax payer “revenue”. All kinds of fixes are there, but entrenched wankers won’t allow it-power corrupts.
  
  Report this comment
DougHuffman
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 8:45am
US Americans have nothing to learn from the Israelis, blessed though they be. We have our Constitution of the United States and its Bill of Rights enumeration of natural law human rights. The second such right enumerated includes “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- GuruMeditation
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:00am
  In regard to bearing firearms the constitution is enough for me. But that aside, I am sure some Israeli practices could be put to good use here as they have been constantly confronted with adversaries with evil intent which we are finding to be more commonplace in our society.
  
  Report this comment
- DougHuffman
  Posted on December 18, 2012 at 9:09am
  Shalom Aleichem. A “good use” mandated is no less tyranny.
  
  Report this comment

It appears that you have Javascript Disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser preferences for a better user experience on TheBlaze. You can not comment without Javascript enabled.