The recent accidental shooting of a firing instructor by a 9-year old girl raises some interesting points. It’s again that I need to put my anti-violence hat on and need to strike where it’s critical – guns, whether for play or defense, play no role in our lives – period.
The control of guns in the military and law enforcement arenas could be justified as a just cause to carry a weapon (contrary to lots of opinions) but where is the rhyme or reason for firing a gun for entertainment reasons? The location where this instructor was shot was an establishment in Arizona called “Bullets and Burgers?” Does something not seem right here?
Furthermore, this establishment touts itself as providing tourism packages which allows anyone to shoot a variety of high-powered weapons – even those use in the movie The Terminator and Rambo II as indicated in the Las Vegas branch. You can even have shooting parties for a variety of events such as birthdays, weddings and bachelorette parties. Does something not seem right here?
Additionally, the establishment indicates that children from the ages of 8 to 17 can learn to shoot a weapon if accompanied by an adult. Instruction is provided on correctly holding the weapon, establishing grip, and positioning your stance accordingly. Does something not seem right here?
The gun that the 9-year old fired by accident was a high-powered Uzi sub-machine gun – the kind used mainly by trained military and law-enforcement professionals. I am not sure what to say here but there must be some guy with a smirk on his face who was against this sort of establishment being approved who is simply saying “I told you so” 🙂
Look, it’s sad that someone lost their life to an accidental gun shooting – but there seems to be a darn good increase in accidental shootings occurring in homes, markets, schools, etc. these days – and there seems to be no end.
I am also not sure who is at fault – the government official who approved the creation of these kinds of entertainment shooting establishments OR the owner who thinks he can make some extra cash by selling the idea of teaching children fire high-powered guns and giving them an All-American burger OR the parents for considering the approval to send their children there OR instructors that feel an easy dollar can be earned by joining an establishment like this.
I am lost for words at this point. All I know is that another life is lost – and another fatal bullet has been fired. All I know is that both families are “devastated” by this “life-changing tragedy.” All I know is that everyone is scratching their heads from local, state and federal government officials to global citizens asking “how” and “why.”
The most interesting point from this incident and other shootings around the world is that it is the same response and reaction all the time – the same questions and debate – it’s like a never ending carousel. A similar incident occurred just 3 years back with an 8-year old boy who accidentally shot himself and it is going to be the same carousel ride again.
The only way to fight this is be cognizant of those institutions that promote and justify the firing of any arms for entertainment reasons. You may think it is fun or funny to go to a shooting gallery so you can take pictures and videos and upload them to your FaceBook accounts but I guarantee you that two families right now don’t find anything fun or funny about what happened.
The next shooting incident for entertainment reasons as a victim or contributor could happen to you. Realize what you are walking into. If you can control where you are headed, walk the other way. Don’t succumb to peer pressure or the drive to do what everyone else is doing.
Sometimes being a non-conformist is the best decision you can make – and when it involves anything like picking up a gun for entertainment whether for yourself, a friend, or a loved one – it is better to walk away then be in the range of fire.