First of all, they don't ALL happen in gun-free zones. We've seen the nuts do it in police stations, too.What's your opinion? Please leave a comment.
But, to the question, are multiple murderers attracted to gun-free zones, they might be. That sounds reasonable, especially for the crazy ones who plan the job and are not stupid.
But the solution is where we differ. Doing away with gun free zones will cause more problems than it solves, just like guns do anywhere. Even if it would prevent the big incidents like the ones you mentioned, let's not forget we have an equivalent of the Norway tragedy EVERY SINGLE DAY in the U.S., and that's largly due to gun availability (or partly due to it).
Here's the solution. Every gun owner must be licensed. To qualify one would have to pass a battery of medical and psychological tests, in addition to the usual criminal background check. The medical board appointed to conduct these tests would have a policy similar to may-issue. They would have the power to exclude the unfit.
Now, try to be objective. I know how hard that is for you guys, but try. Forgettinig for a moment how difficult it would be to implement, and how expensive and how even depressed people have a right to bear arms, forget all the objections for a moment and answer me this.
Do you think a requirement like that would screen out some of the problem cases and prevent some of the tragedies? Yes or no.
Debate Magazine
Over on TTAG, Brad was setting up his friends with a soft pitch. Of course they all hit it out of the ball park. Here's what I had to say.
