Every time there is a mass shooting in America, political leaders are quick to offer their "thoughts and prayers" to the victims and the families of the dead.
That, of course, is good as far as it goes. Unfortunately, it doesn't go very far.
Nothing is said about limiting the availability of guns to those who should not have access to them.
"Now is not the time" to talk about gun control, say the politicians as the nation mourns the loss of dozens of people shot down indiscriminately by a deranged gunman armed with an arsenal of military style weapons.
But when is the right time? Next month, next year, next election cycle?
Now is precisely the time to talk about gun control.
Advocates of unlimited ownership of guns of any and every type often cite the need for self defense. As if everyone in a crowded theater or children in a grade school classroom should have a pistol so they could shoot back.
"Self defense is important in case of invasion by a foreign power," they insist.
Such a claim only shows a lack of trust in the U.S. Marine Corps, the 82d Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division, Army Rangers and every other unit of the U.S. military, as well as local and state police departments nationwide.
In any case, when was the last time the U.S. mainland was invaded by a foreign military force?
Elementary history knowledge says it was during the war of 1812, some 214 years ago.
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