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Editorial
Common ground must be found to prevent mass shootings
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
A meeting room at Community Hospital was packed Monday morning as first responders, hospital, city and county officials gathered for an annual “tabletop drill” to rehearse what steps to take in case of an emergency.
A full-scale drill in the community will take place in the fall.
We’re thankful local officials are thinking ahead, and that forethought has paid off many times in the past.
The scenario for Monday’s tabletop drill was an active-shooter event. We won’t go over the details, but unfortunately, it isn’t hard to fill in the blanks.
So far this year, we’ve had 163 mass shootings in the United States as defined by the Gun Violence Archive, which counts incidents in which four or more victims are shot or killed.
Sixty-three days into a 90-day session, the Nebraska Legislature has passed its first bill, a minor measure regarding liquor sales, so time is running short for Sen. Tom Brewer’s “Constitutional Carry” bill to allow any citizen not otherwise prohibited to carry a concealed weapon without special training and clearance.
One man who is paid to help people qualify for concealed carry permits told us he had “no problem” allowing honest citizens to carry concealed firearms since criminals are already doing it.
{Editor's note: The concealed carry bill is actually expected to reach Gov. Pillen's desk Wednesday.}
Even die-hard 2nd Amendment supporters know in their hearts something needs to be done if only to prevent more draconian restrictions on their right to bear arms.
Some 2nd Amendment supporters may argue that any restrictions on firearm ownership or use are unconstitutional and infringe upon their rights. However, it is important to note that the 2nd Amendment guarantees the right to “keep and bear arms,” but it does not provide an absolute right to own any type of weapon.
Reasonable firearm restrictions, such as background checks, waiting periods, and restrictions on certain types of firearms, can help prevent gun violence and make communities safer while still respecting the rights of responsible gun owners. Many 2nd Amendment supporters recognize the importance of responsible gun ownership and support measures that help prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.
Additionally, supporting reasonable firearm restrictions can help bridge the divide between those who support gun rights and those who advocate for gun control.
By finding common ground on measures that can improve public safety while still respecting individual rights, we can work towards a more effective and sustainable solution to gun violence.