Gun control and teen shootings

Another tragic high school shooting, this time in Germany, raises the issue of gun control.

Many Germans report being surprised at such tragedies because of the country's very strict gun-control laws. In 2002, Germany tightened its already tight restrictions on weapons: People purchasing a hunting rifle, for instance, must undergo background checks that can last up to a year, and those seeking a gun for sport must already be a member of a sporting club and obtain a license from police. Gun collectors also need a permit for possession of guns.

It seems that many in the gun-control debate continue to ignore the fact that criminals who intend to do serious harm will do so regardless of the level of gun control. This German student allegedly used a weapon he obtained from his home to commit this heinous crime. Therefore, tighter control laws would not have prevented this tragedy.

Perhaps the real problem is that we live in a world that has grown accustomed to solving problems and working through emotional issues by inflicting violence on others. Perhaps teens need alternative ways to work out their anger and rage without hurting themselves and other people.

In this country, the gun-control battle is on the verge of heating up again as the Obama administration considers new restrictions. In a recent letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, the two senators from Montana, Max Baucus and Jon Tester, wrote that the Justice Department should enforce existing laws rather than propose additional ones that could infringe on Second Amendment rights.

As German local police search for answers to this recent shooting we must recognize that blaming the gun might not be the best place to start, and hopefully lawmakers will discontinue the practice of using stories like this one to attack the Second Amendment.