For the past several weeks our air waves have been filled with representatives and special interest groups demanding new gun control laws to stop the acts of violence we are seeing across our nation. What these individuals don't understand is gun violence has nothing to do with gun control.
Telling the citizens all weapons need to be registered and there needs to be more gun free zones will not solve the problems of mass murders with guns. Criminals will use guns as well as the victims when given the opportunity. The criminals have ill intent whereas the victim intent is to ward off the crime as well as to remain a free living, breathing product of society.
Following the news yesterday officials in California were in pursuit of an alleged cop killer, Christopher Dorner. Over 100 officials converged on Big Bear with hopes of cornering Christopher so he does not kill anyone else. One officer has killed and three others wounded as an individual ambushed patrol cars throughout the day by an individual with a truck similar to that of Mr. Dorner. Donner is a former LAPD officer who was fired back in 2008 and vowed to get revenge on those involved. Others say he was convinced there were dirty cops on the street and he was going to get them because the justice system wouldn't.
With all the violence committed with firearms our elected leaders need to make a strong statement to those who disregard life by passing stricter, more meaningful gun laws. We need to send a message that this nation will no longer tolerate crimes, especially those committed with a gun or firearm of any type.
The problem we face in this nation is the coddling of criminals when they commit their crimes. We give them three meals a day, free medical and dental, free fitness program and we even allow them to have cable television to watch.
If this nation were serious about containing the violent acts involving guns they would have a mandatory 10 year prison sentence for any crime committed with a firearm upon conviction. In addition, if there is injury or death during the crime involving a firearm that would be a mandatory death sentence upon conviction with one opportunity to appeal the conviction within 30 days.
Let's look at Chicago, a gun free zone where more murders are committed than in New York City. Mayor Emanuel attributes the rise in homicides to "illegal guns" on the streets. The state has tough sentences for individuals found to have guns "illegally" as stated below; If person possesses or acquires handgun and the person's Firearm Owner's Identification Card is expired but the person is not otherwise disqualified from renewing it: class A misdemeanor, punishable by less than one year's imprisonment, a fine of up to $2,500, or both
If the person does not possess a valid ID card (other than an expired one as specified above), but is otherwise eligible: first offense is a class A misdemeanor (see above). Subsequent offense is a class 4 felony, punishable by one to three years imprisonment, a fine of up to $25,000, or both
If (1) the person's ID card has been revoked or is subject to revocation, (2) the card is expired and not eligible for renewal, or (3) the person does not possess a valid card and is not otherwise eligible, the penalty is a class 3 felony, punishable by two to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $25,000, or both
430 Ill. Comp. Stat. 65/2, 65/14 from Old Research Report written by James Orlando in 2012.
If crimes committed with a firearm where under the purview of the federal government with mandatory sentences instead of wishy-washy convoluted language the individuals thinking about committing a crime with a gun may think twice knowing upon conviction the sentence would be 10 years to death if there is injury or death involved in the crime.
Last night on "The Factor" Bill O'Reilly made the statement just as I have described above concerning the 10 year mandatory sentences. For the past year this has been a platform I have advocated to family, friends and those in Congress as I believe tougher penalties are needed to curb the violence committed with guns not more gun controls.
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