To be clear(er)

[sleigh]

 I think everyone is missing the point of what I was trying to say in the previous post -- almost certainly because I didn't make it clear. I wasn't arguing for OR against either the 'armed enclave' solution or the 'gun control' solution. I was stating that if you want to feel absolutely safe in a public space, those are the only two options I see to guarantee that... and neither one ever is going to happen.

To reiterate what I replied to one comment, I personally -hate- the idea of having to resort to armed, secure enclaves in order for people to feel safe. I don't believe that the best way to stop mass shootings is "more guns" and I don't believe that the best way to stop a bad person with a gun is a good person with a gun -- that way simply leads to more death and tragic mistakes. I find beyond sad the idea of having every public space crowded with armed guards, metal detectors, and lines waiting for security checks.

But I don't think we'll ever see this future, because of the massive expenses involved.

And I'm fine with that -- I'd rather simply accept the small personal risk that I'll be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

As for gun control, I would be perfectly comfortable with lawmakers enacting extremely strict checks and waiting periods before allowing the purchase of a firearm. I'd be in favor of removing military-style weaponry entirely from private sale except for the military and specialized police units. I also be just fine with taking the such weapons from the hands of those who already possess them (reimbursing them for the cost, of course).

However, realistically I simply can't see the lawmakers having the cojones to do any the above, not when they are financially beholden to the NRA, and not when they're frightened that Second Amendment advocates would then vote them out of a job (though I would argue that those who wrote that amendment would be aghast at the thought that private citizens could possess the firepower they now can legally own.)

I don't mind private citizens legally possessing a handgun or a hunting rifle, provided that adequate background checks are performed beforehand and a permit issued. Again, I'd rather accept the small person risk that entails.

Bottom line, though: I believe that, once more, absolutely nothing will change following the Florida shooting. Either way.