I Love Guns and Coffee --- Venti

I was reading and catching up on the news when I came across the story Adrian Broadway, Teen, Allegedly Gunned Down By Willie Noble Over Egging Prank. The headline captures the essence of the story well.

First thought, WOW. 

Second thought, too many stories like this.

Third thought, share the story with my family and friends via Facebook with the comment, be careful out there.

During the process of typing that comment I began to vent, the edited vent follows:

Stricter gun laws will not solve the problem of murder at its root, however, stricter gun laws can help reduce some of the killing by those with mental issues and criminal backgrounds.

Federal and state legislation are needed to enhance the screening process used to obtain guns. At worst, an intense process would be an annoyance for those of us whom use our firearms legally in a sane manner. At best, if implemented properly, would help (not guarantee) prevent those with mental issues, and criminal backgrounds from obtaining weapons legally. 

I don't know the alleged shooter Willie, I do know his reported act of coming out guns blazing over an egging is extreme. If this story is true as reported, Willie should be convicted of 2nd degree murder. The recent verdict in the Dunn trial is shameful and is what it is, but should not set a precedent (Dunn should have been convicted of 2nd degree murder or voluntary manslaughter---his act of coming out guns blazing during his encounter was extreme).

To those who appose new gun legislation, I get it. Guns don't kill people, people kill people --- sometimes using guns. I concede legislation will not prevent 100% of criminals and the mentally ill from obtaining guns illegally, or prevent murder 100% of the time. Nevertheless, is an annoyance not worth the possibility of preventing one person with a mental illness or history of criminal activity from obtaining a gun legally?

Is an annoyance not worth the possibility of preventing one person from using a gun to take a life?   

Maybe Willie Noble and Michael Dunn have mental issues, maybe they don't. New requirements and background checks may or may not have prevented the events, it's impossible to know. We do know gun violence is a problem and a change in the law can be a part of the solution.

I love my guns and coffee like the next man and woman, but c'mon man. Events like Adrian Broadway, Teen, Allegedly Gunned Down By Willie Noble Over Egging Prank are beyond ridiculous.