Church Security & Legally Armed Parishioners

[VonDerTann]

I respectfully posit that a gun is not significantly more inherently dangerous than a car; knife; or a host of other objects, yet no one says “I’m scared of
sharp objects and don’t want to be around them” then ask others to empty their purses of sharp objects before entering mass. As some understand what they call americans’ fascination or addiction to guns, neither do I understand some folks’ mortal fear of them.

 

[pnewton]

I respectfully posit that a gun is not significantly more inherently dangerous than a car; knife; or a host of other objects

I would posit, that if that were true, the military would be more interested in arming troops with swords and knives, as opposed to guns, police would carry those assorted objects, and that would be what criminals use to commit crime. I do not see much evidence for what you posited. However, as to the fear of guns, I think you can blame that on how media works, making money from spreading fear.

Thought for the month: He becomes guilty of rash judgment who, even tacitly, assumes as true, without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of a neighbor. - Catechism of the Catholic Church.

 

[Rau]

I suggest that you begin to remedy that by carefully studying the majority decision in U. S. v Miller.

Majority? You mean the judges couldn’t even agree?

 

[on_the_hill]

LANCASTER, Pa. (WHTM) — A church is reporting that two people were hurt after an accidental shooting.

A post on the Worship Center Facebook page said a gun was accidentally discharged inside the church’s security office around 10 a.m. Sunday. The church is located on New Holland Pike in Upper Leacock Township.

I mean, it’s not funny, but it kinda is. I was scanning the thread to see if anyone posted this story. And it really hits the target: people who aren’t trained shouldn’t walk around with firearms. The volunteer security guards at the worship center are left to their own discretion when it comes to weapons. I drive past there once in a while. I’ll know to avoid the area now that stray bullets are flying around.

Anyhow, the report was later corrected to be one person injured (by either bullet shrapnel or by bits of the floor that flew up when the bullet ricocheted). And it wasn’t even the schlemiel with the gun who got hurt.

 

[TheLittleLady]

If someone came into Church brandishing a knife, I would avoid them.

If the little old lady next to me decides to attack with her nail clippers, I’m certain that a couple of us can put an end to that attack without any loss of life.

Mass is a place of peace, not of weaponry display.

 

[Rau]

if a weapon can be carried by a person, they have a right to own it.

I agree 2A does seem to say that. It covers grenades and shoulder-held rocket launchers.

The pity is that the US constitution is so difficult to change.

 

[on_the_hill]

The pity is that the US constitution is so difficult to change.

Or…is it?..all I need is a bottle of Wite Out and a time machine . . . . .

 

[maryjk]

If someone came into Church brandishing a knife, I would avoid them.

People that carry concealed aren’t brandishing anything.

The whole point of concealed carry is that the weapon is concealed.

 

[tafan2]

Always wondered why the concealment is desirable.
If the purpose is protection, then the first line of defense is always deterrence. Why do people have concealed weapons and give up that line of defense?

Our gun laws are messed up in so many ways.

 

[neophyte]

One danger is if there is a loud sound, the gun carrier assumes the worst and fires inside the building causing other Packers to fire.

Ummmm… no. Responsible people do not do things like that. You may just as well be afraid that if you make a loud sound the person next to you will slug you.

 

[JulianN]

Responsible people do not do things like that.

That’s a big assumption. Particularly in a right to carry state where gun ownership does not mean gun training.

 

[babochka]

childinthefaith:

My wife literally fears going to a weekend mass because she says she feels like a “sitting duck.”

Statistics say that the probability of this happening is pretty low.
Is there some reason to believe your particular church will come under attack?

Indeed. The chances of dying in a car accident on the way to church are considerably greater. Even if you’re a fantastic driver.

 

[babochka]

neophyte:

I suggest that you begin to remedy that by carefully studying the majority decision in U. S. v Miller.

Majority? You mean the judges couldn’t even agree?

Unanimous Supreme Court decisions are rare.

 

[neophyte]

Majority? You mean the judges couldn’t even agree?

This kind of comment makes me shake my head. It’s obvious that you haven’t bothered to undertake the most basic study so that you might know what it is you’re talkng about.

There was no dissenting opinion, but one judge did not participate in the consideration of the case.

 

[neophyte]

That’s a big assumption. Particularly in a right to carry state where gun ownership does not mean gun training.

So you think that shooting people because you heard an unknown loud noise could be considered a responsible action? Really?

 

[JulianN]

So you think that shooting people because you heard an unknown loud noise could be considered a responsible action? Really?

No. I think it’s a big assumption that everyone carrying a gun is responsible.

 

[neophyte]

Unanimous Supreme Court decisions are rare.

True, which makes it even more significant that all eight of the presiding judges were in agreement.

 

[graciew]

Isn’t it heavy for you to carry around all day ?
Well…I mean I am done already with all I carry in my handbag…can’t imagine adding a gun.And finding it!

 

[neophyte]

No. I think it’s a big assumption that everyone carrying a gun is responsible.

You should to pay closer attention to what you’re saying.

TheLittleLady had said “if there is a loud sound, the gun carrier assumes the worst and fires inside the building causing other Packers to fire.” I said that responsible peope don’t do that, and you said that that was a poor assumption on my part.

I don’t know what you think the word “responsible” means, if you object to the idea that responsible people don’t start shooting just because they hear a lound sound.

 

[JulianN]

Sorry if it was confusing. By saying, “responsible people don’t do that,” you’re implying that the gun carriers are in that category of responsible people —this dismissing @TheLittleLady’s concern.

I’m saying it’s a big assumption to think they are all responsible people and that her concerns are not unwarranted.