Columbine dad responds to gun rights activist Frederick Calhoun
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- As someone who lost a child to gun violence and chose to advocate for stronger gun laws, I've heard gun rights activists criticize people like me for 'relying on emotions.' Here I respond to a man who criticized us during legislative testimony.
No matter what your views are on this topic, can we just all leave a like on this video and at least show some respect for this man?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Tom Mauser i love your videos
Night Stalker wow, I really hope he didn't read that.
Night Stalker I hope you are not an adult because what you are writing here is absolutely ridiculous. Let me guess, you are 10 years old and get bullied in school so Eric Harris is your hero right? Very edgy.
Dear Mr. Mauser. I would like to share something very personal with you and your viewers. Last year at my high school, there was a severe gun scare where 3 kids brought unloaded pistols into their lockers, our entire school went into a frenzy as they then ran with them into a locked room. The ordeal lasted 2 hours. 2 hours where I had to hide under a cafeteria table by myself while my friends were relatively safe behind locked classroom doors. The rule is: when in lockdown, a locked door cannot be opened due to the fear of a forced hostage situation. The utter fear, anxiety, and tricks my mind played on me were relentless. And at the same time no shots were ever fired. I can not nearly imagine the fear your son felt, and I am so sorry he had to feel that. This country needs to change. Children are not even safe in their school or homes anymore. Thanks for your time and your push for change in this troubled country!
I'm sorry to hear about what you had to go through. So what ever happened as a result of this? Were the kids arrested? More important, was it ever determined where they got the guns from and was anyone charged with supplying them???
Both were arrested as juveniles. But I am not sure of their sentence. But the acquired the gun from their parents.
glad to see you're continuing the fight to stop gun madness in America, Mr. Mauser!
Thanks.
Shootings happen in Europe as well. And the gun laws in Europe are one of the most strict gun laws on the entire planet.
So yea your logic doesn't make sense.
Or are you gonna deny that hundreds of people have been shot in terrorist attacks throughout the last 2 years?
More strict gun laws won't solve the problem. If you want to get a gun, you get one. Europe is the perfect example for that.
Once again, you Americans fail to ever look into foreign politics for once. You should do it, you can learn out of it.
Sorry, but I HAVE looked into foreign policies. Having stronger gun laws doesn't mean you'll have NO gun deaths, but it certainly results in having FEWER. Isn't that a good thing, Dreck?!? The fact is that America has far more guns and much weaker gun laws than anyone in Europe, and has a gun death rate at least 4 times higher, and often over TEN times higher. Why are you buying into the gun lobby's argument that gun control failure if it doesn't stop ALL gun deaths?
Tom Mauser
Just saying "the gun death rates are lower, in Europe, so the problem will be solved" is not an extremely narrow-minded way to go. In Europe there maybe are less school SHOOTINGS, but these are made up for by school massacres committed with other weapons.
Look up the Trollhättan school attack for example.
People will just use other weapons. If they want to kill people they are gonna find a way to do it.
Just prohibiting guns is the wrong way to go. What we need to have is not some stupid prohibitions but more awareness for kids with mental illnesses. Because that's the root of the whole problem, not gun laws..
@@Frobbl why don't you look up all of the shootings in America for the past 10 years.. Only 10 years have caused a lot more incidents. If we can have LESS shootings, then why are people so senseless to understand the REAL intentions of an individual who's defending senseless victims of these tragedies? What's scary is people who don't grasp the concept, could be the same person who has a gun, and is in control if someone lives or dies.. How does that make sense when somebody like Tom is trying to protect against these crimes that are committed from someone who takes their problems out with a gun.. I don't get how people are questioning against a Father who lost their son to gun violence. I gaurentee if it you lost the closest family member to you, you would be in Tom's shoes. And if you're the type of person who's saying "it'll never happen to me", do you think the people who it has happened to had any clue it would happen to them?
I am so sorry for what happened on April 20 1999 I went to visit the school and it was so sad to be there
Thanks for your concern.
Forgive Sue? For what? She didn't commit murder. Her son did. I truly believe her when she said she didn't know.
Tom, I originally saw you in Bowling For Columbine, where you gave a heart-felt speech about your son. I'm happy to see that you're still active. You have my respect for turning a tragedy in your life into advocating for a future where parents wouldn't have to feel as you have felt. As someone whose dream it is to be a loving father, you will always have my support.
Thanks.
Your son is extremely proud of you, looking down on you!:) Thank you for standing up for gun violence. I was a student a Virginia Tech. I feel the same way you do.
Thanks.
How does it feel to be such a useful idiot?
And how does it feel to be a useless troll? Or are you a gun nut?
richiefranklin76 haha I see a video called "how to bond" is in your liked videos your certainly doing that here aren't you?
Hi Tom,
I’m a current high school junior. I first read about Columbine during my 8th grade year. Since then, as a high school student, I have been plagued with hearing about deaths upon deaths and mass shooting upon mass shooting. Before our most recent mass shooting, I thought I was interested in learning about killers and what made them what they are. But then I realized I was focusing my attention on the wrong people- I now am focusing on the victims, families, and survivors.
I have feared for many years the likelihood of someone coming into my school and killing people. In 8th grade, I overheard a kid saying he wanted to kill people and shoot up the school, so I reported him. I am so happy that now, after this recent shooting, we are finally hearing the voices that deserve to be heard. I wish gun violence could have stopped with the first death ever caused by a gun. I wish that your son, or the other 12 victims of Columbine, never had to pass. I wish that the hundreds of children and adults who have died since did not have to die in order for us to finally start focusing on change. But I am so glad that the voices for change are finally being heard. I admire you greatly, Tom, for being able to fight for what is right after you went through hell losing your son. But I hope you know that you are fighting the good fight for him, and your voice is one among many that are speaking so no other man, woman or child has to die as a result of a mass shooting.
Here’s to hoping that this all ends soon. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Thanks for writing and for your kind words. And thanks for being brave in reporting the kid who spoke of wanting to kill people. That willingness to report threats was a significant result of Columbine, yet still today we see people who hear these things and then admit, after a tragedy, that they didn't take the threats or signals seriously. You took action. Nobody was shot. You are to be commended. We need more people like you. Even if the accused person insists they wouldn't have done anything, it might be that intervention that prevented it. Even if they threaten to sue someone for reporting them, the person who reported them can live with themselves, especially compared to those who did nothing and said, "I didn't take them seriously..."
Tom Mauser Of course - I definitely see a lot more people reporting these red flags when they see them nowadays, though I think the issue now is the response to these red flags. Like the recent case with shooter Nicholas Cruz, it seems like no matter how many times someone can report someone, so many people overlook the threat and neglect to take it seriously, and it can really lead to the worst case scenarios. I hope to see in the coming years more attention focused towards these reports so people take them more seriously. And I hope to see more strict repercussions towards people who even joke about making said threats. My school has received around 4 bomb threats in the past 2 years, and just last week following the recent shooting a kid sent out a Snapchat threat. It’s ridiculously widespread and it’s very sad knowing the threats are not always taken seriously - though I do have hope that this changes in the coming years. If nothing else can come out of the spike in tragedies (sadly I don’t think we will be seeing action with gun control despite everyone screaming for it) I hope we can at least have more attention focused towards taking action against these threats.
It may be 2016 but I still feel awful to the victims
Thanks.
Tom isn't gonna feel bad for the future victims of despotism which he is helping to bring about.
Mr Mauser , God bless U and all ur family. All our support for ur battle! Hugs from Italy
Luca D'Alfonso ciao
My condolences and strength to you, Tom.
Thanks, Tom.
I agree with you Mr. Mouser, blessings for you and your family.
Thanks.
Wow, Tom you are still fighting for these rights! Im sure Daniel knows you are doing everything you can for this. Tom, thank you for trying to do all this. What your doing can save a child's life. I respect that and by the looks of it you seem like a terrific, extremely caring, and loving man. Tom, Thank You.
You're welcome. And thanks for your kind words.
It's great to see you uploading again Tom, great video and looking forward to more
Thanks.
Mr Mauser u r s respectable man I'd love to shake ur hand I think your doing great stuff
On the eve of the 20th anniversary I would like to extend my sympathy and prayers for you and your family. America has not forgotten you.
Hi Tom
did you ever get chance to speak with Brooks Brown, as you are quoted in his book [ No easy answers ].
He said that he had one class with Daniel and he thought he was a great kid. In the book he stated that he had made several attempts to contact with you via email but you never responded. I understand the book was written a while ago and I'm just interested if you ever spoke to him.
Thank you.
also just finished No Easy Answers and would like to know
I haven't seen Brooks for quite a while, but I see his parents once in while. And I saw Brooks a number of times after Columbine. Frankly, I don't remember getting those emails from him. But, those first few years were pretty crazy for me...
I support you Tom
Thank you for articulating the argument for sensible gun laws so passionately and cogently. Your work is so important, and I am so grateful for you.
You're welcome. And thanks.
I remember once writing to you- here I think perhaps- "constantly impressive" was the tag line. Holds true.
Hi Tom, i am sorry for the loss of your son, i could not imagine how that would feel.
Can i ask you, whats your opinion on the basement tapes?, do you think they should be released?
Very mixed reaction. I was mad they weren't released at first, for transparency reasons, given our distrust of the sheriff's office. But I can see that they could easily be used by sick people and admirers of the killers for a "rush" or worse. I think at most the transcripts should be available, not the actual video, except to qualified people who would analyze them.
Thinking of you and your beautiful family on this difficult day
Hell thath no fury like a woman scorned, but the wrath of God is a father bereaved.
Well said as usual Mr. Mauser. I cant believe anyone would suggest the family of a shooting victim be unqualified to speak on the topic of guns. If anything families should be considered the MOST qualified.
Inspiring as always
Thanks, Dana.
+Tom Mauser anytime- im curious about your position on one thing: i stumbled upon a video where a student at Virginia Tech had said something to the effect of "if i could have had a gun with me, the shooting would have been prevented". What are your thoughts on that?
I personally disagree with the statement. I feel that Guns have no place in a learning environment. I live thousands of miles from Colorado (im in NY), and was in 5th grade when the Columbine tragedy occurred. I didn't realize how effected i was by this until i went to HS. Si must admit: i never once stepped in the school library, and was so fearful of this happening in my school that i made my own "escape plan" because lockdown procedure was to heard students into a corner. I dont believe at 16/17 anyone should access automatic weapons. My brother, in his sophomore year, was the target of an attempted school shooting, and He agrees with the VT student. What are youre thoughts regarding "students protecting students"?
Hey Tom,
Just randomly had you pop up in my head and thought I'd reach out and send my regards. I've heard your story throughout the years and I hope that you are in good spirits. Enjoy the upcoming Fall weather! :)
Thanks for your regards, Jake. Yes, looking forward to fall weather--we've had plenty of 90+ degree days this summer, even now, so I can't wait to get back into the mid 70s!
Remember that time when Australia banned guns then all of a sudden all those criminals started killing people with flamethrowers like a scene out of mad max? I don't remember that either
Oh, but it happened...oh, yeah, right, that was Mad Max...;>)
From Australia, there have been more mass shootings after 1996, they are just arn't hyped to bring about the laws of tyranny.
God bless you Tom 🙏
I think the big issue is not "gun laws" themselves, but rather the procedures you are required to go through to obtain a firearm. Its not the type of guns or whether they are semi or full auto, it's how easy it is to buy one. I am a resident of NH, and if I so choose I can go to Walmart tomorrow and walk out with a shotgun. no special permit, license, nothing required. And unfortunately the simple background check I'd be submitted to will not tell them what mental health issues I have or experience with firearms for that matter... My point is, in a lot of states any Joe Dirt off the streets can walk in with no knowledge, training, or experience and after passing the background can walk out with a gun. And that my friends is 75% of the problem, the other 25% is the illegally owned firearms already on the streets
I agree. And yet the gun lobby is encouraging these gun buyers to carry concealed and open weapons, and to "shoot first and ask questions later" (in states with "stand your ground laws), despite a lot of untrained people.
Happy birthday to your son Daniel
Thanks for remembering his birthday, Rory! Sorry for the delay in responding--I was in Europe at the time, I'm trying to catch up.
Hi I just wanted to let you know that you are being listened to by other parent's in a similar state of grief. Yvonne Peiffer, the mother William Atchison is subscribed to your youtube channel. I am so sorry for your loss.
Thanks, Finn. I'm glad to know my thoughts are shared by other victims.
I admire you. Simply I admire your force.
All of my respect goes to you Mr. Mauser, but Columbine was more of a mental health issue rather than gun control, however I do agree that America needs stronger gun control laws and not every random person should be able to carry guns wherever they want, because it is a safety hazard and it does need to be controlled.
Actually I largely agree with you, Raven. I've never said that Columbine happened "because" of guns. In my book I clearly state that I think mental illness was the major factor leading to the tragedy at Columbine. But then, yes, because they obtained guns thru a loophole in the law, that's why I took up that cause. Thanks for writing.
Tom Mauser I had no idea you wrote a book , I'll be sure to check it out, and it's nice to find someone that actually shares the same opinion as I do, rather than someone who believes that guns were the main "cause" of this tragedy, and that mental illness was hardly involved. It's nice of you to take time out of your day to reply to me, thanks.
You need to see all weapons they had
Nice to see you back on youtube Tom
Thanks.
I still can not believe what happened. Greetings from uruguay
Thanks.
Hello Tom. I just want you to know how incredibly awesome you are for doing all you do in your son Daniel’s honor. You want change? be the change! It seems like your living by that sir. May God bless you and your loved ones. Daniel is your angel watching over you always
R.I.P Daniel Mauser
I hope god blesses you, I was around your sons age when he passed away I remember hearing about it, it really did tear up the nation, and it put a dent in history, some of these gun laws are ridiculous, I think some of these laws do need adjusting. I'm a criminal law student in Colorado, I transfered from another state, and to be honest one of the biggest problems in this nation is gun rights activists, not all of them are criminals, but a big chunk of them care more about the gun itself, then they do the laws that make no sense.
If you had any kind of petition I would sign it for you. I also don't like that just anybody in Colorado can pick up propane like it's no big deal, you should be carded for that sort of product. If people would card these people, it won't destroy gun violence, but it will help to prevent it and that should be the goal. If it were up to me I wouldn't allow people to sell propane at stores, you'd have to go to a special store for it and you would have to at least be 21 years old.
You should try passing some new laws, I bet you they might at least hear you out. I've lost some loved ones before too, one of them was killed in front of me, I understand the pain that comes with not having a loved one around it can affect your entire life. I hope your son is in heaven, and at peace.
Thanks. I agree, 21 should become the standard. No petitions right now. The last time we did a formal one was in 2000, when we put the gun show loophole issue on the Colorado ballot. We collected over 110,000 petition signatures. Got it on the ballot and it passed by a vote of 70% to 30%!
While I don't get to see you post videos too often, Tom, I do always enjoy them. Your passion born from tragedy is inspiring to me and I enjoy seeing you speak your mind on this free platform. Thank you Tom. Take care
Thanks.
So every victim of a shooting spree should be grateful for the mercy of not being burnt up with a flame thrower??? What kind of contention is that? Terrible...That gives a deep insight in the mindset of Mr Calhoun...
r.i.p Daniel he was a great child♡
Thanks.
Nobody should judge people who lost a loved one over gun violence. Until you have gone through it you have no idea how victims feel. I applaud Mr Mauser for fighting for what he believes in.I read his book along with 2 other books from victims families, and drove from Pa to Colorado to visit the Columbine Memorial. I can't even begin to imagine the victims pain of losing a loved one to a senseless act of violence. So I fully support Mr Mauser's opinions.
Thanks for reading my book.
Tom Mauser your welcome sir.. was a good book.
I cant stop thinking about Daniel and the other 12 victims, and Eric and Dylan. I've decided to stay home from school because I'm not emotionally stable to go to school today, however the sadness I feel could never compare to the sadness you feel. I know Daniel is in a better place and that he is in your hearts forever and especially today. Your whole family is in my prayers and I hope you can find some peace in this difficult time. You have a beautiful family :) R.I.P Daniel Mauser.
What a purest heart girl, it's been a long time since your comment and I still hope you're better and more calm now, anyway, be well, angel. God is looking at us all.
Hi Tom I always wanted to express my sincere gratitude 🙏🏻 to you and your family I was doing a project about gun safety and most of my reasons was due to kids and school shootings so my research lead me to columbine and when I heard Daniels story I was pumped with lots of emotion I believe it’s because he was so strong 💪 he wanted to fight back and to my knowledge the only one that did ....he is a hero 🦸♂️ in my eyes and I believe he did that to try and put a stop 🛑 to E&D that day and save others ... I’m truly sorry for your loss and your family’s loss your son is a true hero
Thanks for your kind words, Deejay.
hey tom. as someone who believes in guns AND tries to not be biased. i hear a lot of people saying stuff like
"if everybody owns a gun! then the shooter would kill less people because ANYBODY can fightback"
what would your response be to someone who said that?
My primary response: What the gun activists are promoting is even more of an armed camp than we already have. Yes, there have been some cases where an armed citizen stopped a crime. But their argument ignores many things, and is mostly based on a “first person perspective.” That is, “If I was there in that Aurora theater, I would have taken out that shooter.” But that ignores situational factors, as if they could carry out their heroism in a tv-like world. What about the Aurora theater shooting? The gun activists say the theater goers should have been armed; but the shooter had body armor and smoke bombs. What if ten armed people stood up and started shooting? Crossfire! And if the cops came in, would they know who the "bad guys" are if 11 people are shooting? And what if an armed citizen actually made a situation WORSE by introducing their gun? And what about the fact that even police have a tough time hitting a target under stress--what about armed citizens?!? An armed camp is not a panacea. It's a way to sell more guns and talk tough. But, most important, they ignore the mental factor. That is, many shooters are hyped up (perhaps on drugs, booze or anger) or mentally disturbed and won’t be thinking straight. They’re not likely to think in rational terms, saying, “Oh, someone might have a gun here, I won’t shoot the place up…” In fact, in many cases they WANT to go out in a big shootout, esp if afraid to commit suicide.
I really admire your activism and how tireless you are in fighting for better gun laws. I know it has to be hard, not just because of backlash, but because of the constant knowledge and revisiting of what happened to your son. You are truly a man to be respected - thank you for showing that some people DO care.
you are a strong and compassionate person. i really respect you and all you stand for. RIP Daniel Mauser
I have much respect towards you and the bravery you show in talking about your sons death. Nobody can truely understand how one must feel to lose a loved one in such a horrible event except those who have faced it like you have. My deepest regards towards you and your family and I know you get a lot of comments like this but I just wanted to say how great it is for you to help promote gun laws even after what had happened. From reading about your son and the other victims I can see how they all would have been such fine people. Thank you if you happen to find the time to read this.
Thanks, Ryuzaki.
God bless you, sir. You’re a revolutionary and classy man. May you be rewarded greatly, ten fold
Or punished ten fold in hell!!!
Hi tom, I'm from argentina, and i watched a lot of columbine massacre videos. My condolences to you and your family, Good bless you.
Thank you, Tomas.
Im so sorry that you have to look through the comments that are from trolls who have a lack of empathy. Its unbelievable that some people cant hear past the word "gun." They are close minded and have no idea what its like to go through what you and your family and many other families have gone through. I have mad respect for you.
Keep up the good work, Mr. Mauser. There is really no reason why the general public should be able to purchase a military-style semi-automatic assault weapon. I think the vast majority of Americans are in favor of preventing the sale of these weapons, but both political parties are all talk and no action. The photo of your son and Ms. Fleming in their caskets made me weep uncontrollably. I honestly don't know what has happened to our society and I fear that all the political squabbling is going to prevent anything from ever being accomplished. Maybe someday soon we can all take a step back from all the chaos and begin to reason together to prevent this.
Thanks, Evan. Perhaps if we had something like a parliamentary system we'd make more progress than with our two-party system and its' black-and-white, all or nothing stubborness...
This is a man that experienced tragedy from losing his son. This isn't your usual Republicans v Democrats it has nothing to do with that. Mr. Mauser is coming from the heart. The irony of all this, the argument about gun laws will never end. People aren't even willing to compromise, society needs to change. We need to change our hearts!
Hi Tom. I came across your channel a few months back and I am glad that I did. I used to be very pro gun to the point where I saw any restriction on guns to be an infringement on our 2nd amendment. After doing research and watching your videos, I now believe a serious discussion needs to be had in regards to minimalizing gun violence and having extreme pro gun folks start seeing reality and not fantasy.
I support you and your efforts. Thank you for having the courage to tell us your story.
Thanks.
People who lived in the former Soviet bloc and others where despotism reigned, only could have dreamed what America had with the Concept of the second amendment. What Tom doesn't understand is that i had family members who were murdered by people with guns, who claimed that only they were allowed to have guns. Tom lost 1 son, my grandmother lost half her family at 10 years old. Could you imagine losing half you're family?
Hi, Tom. I feel sorry for your loss. As a high school student now at 15 years, this is just one of the worst things to happen up to date. Do you remember his last words, or the last time you saw him? What was your reaction to the Sandy Hook massacre? What was your best memory with him?
I will think of you and your son the day the government finally wises up and listens to its citizens and passes significant gun control legislation. It's going to happen someday and Mr. Mauser will one of the reasons why with his heroic activism
How about you come and take them from me personally you pussy sack of shit. Instead of having your precious government do it for you like everything else.
Hey Tom. Just a random New Yorker saying hello and wishing you well. Hope you're staying safe during this pandemic.
Thanks, Jake. Yes, staying safe, haven't been hit by it.
Hi Tom. I think you are wonderful and very brave for what you are doing on here. UA-cam takes some serious courage!!
May I ask 2 questions?
1) Did you get to see the killers VHS tapes back 20 years ago?
2) Do you believe they should be released to the public?
Thank you in advance of these being answered. Thank you in advance also, if you have only read my questions but don't wish to answer.
My respect for you, and this subject, is as sincere as I possibly can be here Tom.
Many thanks........ Adam...... (From the UK, England)
Thanks for your kind words, Adam. No, I didn't see them. The parents were allowed to view them, we chose not to at the time, then they made them unavailable. But I certainly am aware of their contents from transcripts. In general, I don't think they should be released, as I'm concerned it will only encourage their "worshipers" and other sick people. Again, we know most of what they said. But one little part of me says, "Let parents see what can happen to two white, middle class suburban kids. Are you sure it couldn't happen to your or your neighbor?"
Tom, someone should give you the prize for best father of all time, seriously, you are really magnificent, for sure Daniel is and will always be proud of you (and I am too but I don't mind) take care ♡
glad to see you back at it again Tom. You've single handedly been the biggest source of knowledge and actual human intelligence since 1999 about guns and such in my opinion. This guy is no better than Heston was, pointing fingers at everything but their guns. You aren't asking for guns to be removed completely, Im guessing just automatic weapons right? I see nothing wrong with that, it doesn't take an AR-15 to protect yourself unless you're a soldier. Keep fighting Tom. RIP to Daniel.
I would also love to read your book.
Thanks for your kind words. Actually, automatic weapons are already very highly regulated. But these semi automatic weapons can also fire off an awful lot of bullets in a short time, esp. with a high capacity magazine. I think their sale should be stopped and the existing ones licensed, like we do for (automatic) machine guns.
Thanks. It's available as an ebook and it's on Amazon. Signed copies directly from me.
+Tom Mauser what is the title of the book? I would love to check it out
It's "Walking in Daniel's Shoes."
Mr. Mauser I have watched some of your videos, read about you and watched a couple interviews too. I just wanted to say I think you’re a terrific human being and I applaud your strength and desire to stand against gun laws and do the right thing especially in a time where I’m sure you were at your weakest. Your son Daniel sounds much smarter as a teen than myself and others as an adult, I’m so sorry for your loss. I just want to say that I’m a complete stranger but if there’s anything I can do for you then I will. That includes no longer looking at Columbine related videos/info. If you find it disturbing that people like me take an interest different aspects of the tragedy i will gladly step away, never meant it to be disrespectful.
Sorry for the long rant. Just wanted to say I care about you+the other loved ones of the victims. Even strangers from all over are there for ya!
Thanks, and thanks for your kind words. It's not people like you looking at Columbine related videos/info that are the problem--it's the people who are obsessed with it and who really refuse to understand what happened.
You are a hero, as is your son
Thanks for your kind words.
Colin Glosser, let him
Raging Feminist- Dude, you’re a dick. Why the hell would you write that?
Until they learn to have empathy for victims and their families will they stop others from going through the horrible pain that victims have suffered.
I agree. Thanks.
Good for you Tom. You shouldn't be criticized for actively using your 1st amendment.
Shootings happen in Europe as well. And the gun laws in Europe are one of the most strict gun laws on the entire planet.
So yea your logic doesn't make sense.
Or are you gonna deny that hundreds of people have been shot in terrorist attacks throughout the last 2 years?
More strict gun laws won't solve the problem. If you want to get a gun, you get one. Europe is the perfect example for that.
I responded to your ridiculous arguments. Looks like u must have just given in to my logic...
I mean Polish gun laws are super strict and we dont have any shootings at all
This man is a great man:) Tom I am so sorry about what happened to your son back in 1999. He is proud of you and is watching over you in heaven:)
Thanks. (" Bears redzone with a Mets icon?!?)
Tom Mauser sorry about the icon, I like Colorado Football though.
Keep up the good fight brother, there will always be opposition but them people would sing a different tune if they'd been through what people like you have, keep pushing we're with you 👍
Thanks.
Much love. More power to you.
Thanks.
You standing up to ban gun laws for your son is incredible and really inspires me, your son I could tell was an incredible person. He was innocent and sweet and even though it has been 20 years I send all my wishes and prayers to your family ❤️
Like i told the others, if you want my guns come take them from me. Bitch
Tom we need your wise words please upload more :(
I hope to do so after I get over this cold and after all the craziness from the Florida shooting (media calls, 100+ emails/day) dies down...
God bless you, sir.
Thanks.
You know something Tom, Rachel Scott was born August 5th 1981 and died April 20th 1999 i was born December 4th 2000 and today is August 19th 2018. Between each of those dates is 6467 days. That means i am now the exact same age Rachel Scott was when she was killed. Its kind of weird thinking about that, don't you think?
I from Brazil, continue fight mr. Mauser
+Supreme Ruler Relax man, why so serious?
you remember my dad...you are amazing dad tom....we are support you
Thanks, Carol.
21 years ago... rest in peace all
Thanks.
I live in Canada. Certain guns can be purchased here, but it is not easy. I suppose that criminals or very sick people could acquire a gun if they were planning a criminal act. I have been reading a bit about what happened at Columbine school, it is quite unbelievable what those young men did. I'm sure your Son was a really great kid, I feel quite badly for him. Your country needs much more restrictive gun laws. I used to have a brother who was very sick and depressed and committed suicide in a local hospital here in western Canada. I suppose I can relate to your story and I feel very sad about it.
Happy Birthday to your son Daniel. Happy birthday Daniel Conner Mauser, my whole family is praying for yours, rip angel ♡ 06-25-83
Thanks for remembering his birthday, Hannah! Sorry for the delay in responding--I was in Europe at the time.
My uncle was killed in the Milwaukee brewery shooting and I'm not running around advocating strict gun control, so don't act like every relative of a mass shooting victim wants this. Even if you take assault rifles or any other gun away, they'll just find something else to kill people with. Sorry about you're son, but I disagree on some of the things you're trying to do.
I'm sorry to hear about your uncle. It's your right not to run around advocating strict gun control. So where did you see me say that every relative of a mass shooting victim wants strict gun control? Where, James? And, for the record, in places where they have strict gun control, "they" apparently haven't found something else. We are the king of mass killings. We haven't the highest gun death rate in the Free World by far. So how would you explain that, James? The fact is guns are readily available, impersonal and very effective. Disagree?
@@safemauser To be fair, I didn't watch the entirety of you're video but it seemed like there were some implications that you thought most relatives of victims of gun violence wanted some sort of gun control, strict or not. Personally, I think mental health and constantly giving these killers notoriety and 24/7 coverage on the news play a bigger role than "easy access to guns" and like I said if guns are taken away they'll just find another weapon, be it bombs or knives to kill people. We should also be addressing social issues in the workplace or at school and trying to fix them, as many of these shooter's problems come from how they feel at the places they work which only adds to their anger. Again, I didn't intend to come across as rude or crass in my original comment, just stating my opinion on the issue
@@jamesleopold1396 Well, I don't know where you got those "implications." Among the parents of the Columbine victims there were some who supported gun control, others who were pro gun, and others in the middle. Just like America is. So, I'm quite aware not all relatives support gun control. But, I will add this: I led the fight to close the gun show loophole (do you know what that is?) in Colorado. Nearly every one of the parents, even pro gun, signed my petition to put the issue on the Colorado ballot. (And it won, by a 70% to 30% vote!). So, do you support background checks. It seems that you are against them, since you imply that 'they'll just get guns anyway.' Well, if we make it easy for them, as we do, they WILL get them. I don't support defeatist, surrender attitudes--I think we should try to reduce access, even if it only works part of the time. Isn't it worth saving lives? I agree we shouldn't give 24/7 notoriety to killers--it can be a factor, and many of us have spoken out against that coverage. As for "mental health," hey, newsflash: "mental health" is a good thing. You should be talking about someone with severe mental ILLNESS--not those with more common mental illness like depression, OCD or paranoia. But studies have shown that killings by the mentally ill are a small percentage, so please quit blaming things on people with normal health issues. I'm sick of the gun lobby trying to deflect blame to a bunch of innocent people. Sure, someone who shoots another person probably is a bit "disturbed" or "crazy," but that does NOT mean they had a previously diagnosable mental illness. I would agree with you that we should address social issues. But, ya know, conservatives like gun activists always OPPOSE mental health and social programs, and oppose "red flag" laws (do u know what THEY are?). As for disturbed students and workers: don't you think they have the same problems in Europe? But they don't have anywhere near the gun violence WE have. So what's different? The big difference: the # of guns and the weak laws. Got a better reason??? If the gun lobby is so freaking concerned about "mental health," then why don't they support background checks? Right now, in most states (probably including YOURS), a person who has been adjudicated as mentally incompetent can buy a gun at a gun show or online or at a flea market, with NO background check. Does that make sense to you???
Why should owning a gun be a right? I can see them being obtainable, somehow, but even then there would have to be *a lot* of tests beforehand. I'm not American (Swedish actually) just confused as to why it should be a right?
Tom, I have also messaged the following message on facebook, but I am also posting here, just in case you may have not gotten to reading it on facebook. So if you do however get to reading the original message on Facebook and finding these two messages to be exactly the same, that is why.
Hi Tom, my name is Hannah Witt, you may recognize me as I have left many comments on your youtube page dedicated to Daniel. It has come to my attention that you are set on keeping Daniel's spirit alive for as long as possible. I have watched the movies Dawn Anna and I Am Not Ashamed; movies based on two of the victims Lauren Townsend and Rachel Scott. I have found that I personally enjoyed watching these movies, but was disappointed to find that there weren't any other movies based on any other victims. I have read your son Daniel's story countless times and I find that his is by far one of the most interesting stories yet. The reason I am writing you is because I have noticed that after I Am Not Ashamed was released, Rachel's story became more and more recognized in all the right ways, and I have noticed that, that falls in line with what you want for your son Daniel: keeping his spirit and story alive for as long as possible. Now, I am no movie director, and I whatsoever have nothing to do with movies or filming--although I would like to someday. But what I would like to know is have you/will you ever consider(ed) wanting a movie about Daniel, or writing a book about him. I am absolutely in love with Daniel's story, as I have found his to be very interesting, and I personally would love to learn more or to watch something just about Daniel, in memory of him. I think that his story doesn't have nearly as much attention as it should, and if there were to be a book/movie about him, his legacy could live on longer and stronger than it has in the past, and people would get to learn about how marvelous of a child he was. So out of curiosity is a movie about Daniel something you'd want, or is it something that may seem too mainstream and may give your son's story the wrong publicity? And if a director/movie producer were to in fact reach out to you in want to make a movie about your son, would you agree to it, or would you maybe say no? I find the parents's opinions always interesting. Thanks 🙂 - Hannah
Chat Conversation End
Hannah Witt be aware of the "not ashamed" movie. many inaccuracies and so rachel scott didn't say "yes".
Diamond .Taylor Well I know that she didn't say "yes" of course if there were ever to be a movie made about Daniel, Tom would be there to make sure everything is right and possibly Daniels mother.
Thanks, Hannah. I feel that getting Daniel's book out there, without any exaggeration or enhancement. I don't have much faith that any movie producer would not try to enhance it--and if they didn't they'd consider it too "soft" a story. Besides that, my book didn't generate much interest--though partly that's because I waited so long and self published, without much publicity. But, I'm okay with all that. Also, I know my wife wouldn't be so crazy about re-living it all. Also, while I wouldn't want a movie to focus on the massacre itself, as I'm sure many producers would want; graphic violence would be upsetting to many in this community; YET, at the the same time, I also wouldn't want them to whitewash it, cuz it was a tragic massacre. Tough to find the right mix...
Tom Mauser Yeah, that makes sense! I could see how a movie about him could end up turning out too exaggerated since that's what people are looking for now-a-days. I will have to read your book, since I am interested in learning more about your son and spreading awareness on gun laws and such related topics. :)
Happy birthday to Daniel in heaven today. Thinking of all the family xxx
Thanks for remembering him on his birthday!
Mr. Mauser, A student threatened to shoot up my school, I told security and they looked into the situation, however he is a good friend of mine. Do you think I made the right decision?
Yes you did
Awesome
Thanks.
Tom Mauser was daniel mauser friend of steven curnow?
Not that I know of. I doubt it.
Tom Mauser oh ok... I am sorry for your son hope he is in heaven (from italy)
Thank you.
First of all, I want to express my deepest condolences to you and your family. Daniel has certainly secured a place in heaven and it is obvious that he is proud of what you’ve done :) I was wondering if Daniel and Kelly Fleming were friends? As I believe they had a joint funeral?
Thanks. No, they weren't friends that we know of. The joint funeral (and a joint remembrance wake also for Matt Kechter) was a request from our church to have joint services, given the overwhelming emotional burden they were facing, with three church members killed and others injured--not to mention the trauma faced by many other students. The church was overwhelmed and asked if we would mind doing them jointly. (Matt's funeral service was a few days later.)
Tom Mauser wow that is really upsetting. Once again, I’m so sorry. I was born in 2001 so the tragedy was before my time, however I still feel an overwhelming sense of grief for you, your family and the other families of the victims. Rest in peace Daniel ❤️
I'm replying to an earlier comment but I agree I can also go to Wal-Mart here in Arkansas and walk out with a shotgun if I wanted without any problem it's says something like you have to be 18 and that's about it. shotguns were used at columbine I know so wouldn't that be a weapon that needs to be under stricter gun laws? I would think so but Idk
Eh, no, shotguns certainly have a more legitimate use than an assault weapon. Unfortunately, if someone with the intent to kill buys one, about the only thing in the way is the background check. And, keep in mind that the Columbine killers used illegal sawed-off shotguns. Kinda tough to keep people from doing that...
How did the police coverup make you feel? In regards to the police not following through on Eric's search warrant. The search warrant involving his website, hit list , and the bombs he was blowing up around town, more specifically, right behind his house in a field. Instead of
forwarding the search warrant to a judge, to be signed, it was never
sent. They instead, decided to talk to Eric's father, as he was an ex
military Major whom was respected, he ensured he would look after Eric..... This is when he started keeping the journal, took Eric in the woods to blow up bombs he found in his room, and took Eric to a psychologist at a legitimate attempt to get the boy help. abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=93550&page=1
http:/or/www.westword.com/news/the-shadow-of-columbine-looms-over-this-jeffco-sheriffs-race-5121025 and many more articles etc etc..... I have the feeling you haven't been
completely aware of this and other aspects to their greater detail . You rail against guns however, don't the police deserve some criticism? Address "the secret meeting before the press conference" please(which is
admitted by Jeff Co themselves,not conspiracy). By being secretive a false narrative had to be created about the shooters as not to draw
attention to the coverup and it's implications. Also, this was done so You and other parents would not be able to properly sue Jeff co. Jeff CO took a stance of not incriminating itself rather than tell the parents,our country, the world, the truth. They didn't admit to this until they legally could not be pursued by the parents of the dead and injured children. This to me is a bigger issue than gun control,(merely a subjective opinion) not being able to trust the police whom in turn twist the reality of the story. Which in the end is quite ironic considering the shooters spoke of the adults in the school and police as being corrupted which the police certainly proved to be. The adults who needed to take responsibility didn't. The Browns did all they could to stop it. Eric was caught red handed. That would personally make me angrier than gun control knowing that people had the power to stop this, clear evidence of a bomb making child with a hit-list at that... It isn't much of a surprise this happened "uh, my son is Eric Harris and I'm afraid he might be involved in the shooting at Columbine High school." "have you spoke to him today" "no I have not". It's better to create a real timeline of the truth before going after others rights considering I never see you or anyone else address the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. All i hear is we need to take gun rights away. I understand your sentiment however, this story involves other aspects such as failure in the mental health community, school administration, and police to chalk it ALL up to murderous kids with
guns.
Sorry, but I think you have a lot of freaking nerve. You act like I don't acknowledge the police cover up. Bull. Read my book. I address that issue there and place a lot of responsibility on Sheriff Stone and am not at all forgiving. You go on to intimate it was a bigger factor than gun control. That's a false choice. I never said it WAS a bigger factor. There can be, and there WERE, many factors in this shooting. Look, two weeks before the shooting my son asked me about something he heard about in debate class--he asked if I knew there were loopholes in the Brady Bill-the law that requires background checks before gun purchases. He was then killed with a gun purchased thru one of those loopholes--the gun show loophole. THAT is why is especially focus on that factor. But you didn't know that, did you? You didn't bother to check, you chose to attack me without knowing where I'm coming from. I'm assuming it's because you're a pro gun activist and that's all you care about. And because, like most gun activists, you express not one word of sympathy or empathy. Yeah, I see it all the time.
I suffered from elementary school bullying until the last year of high school. Even so I did not shoot the attackers.
Child!
hi tom did you read sue Klebold book i i highly recommended it
No, not yet.
Thank you for fighting, sir. Thanks for trying to make a part of the world a safer place.
You're welcome. It's what I do to honor my son and keep his memory alive.
@@safemauser Sir, I don't know how appropriate it's to say or ask, but did you ever think of contesting for the US elections? I believe if you happen to win, you may achieve your goal of controlling and regulating the gun laws in a more stronger way compared to now. It feels sad that even after 21 years, several shootings have taken place, yet there's never been a shooting which became as well-known as CHS. A couple of days back, a shooting took place in a church (I can't recall the US city now) but luckily no one was harmed and the shooter was killed by the cops. I can't talk about the pain a departed one goes through when they're shot, but the real shot goes to the family members, the surviving members who have to deal with the loss of a family member as well as the trauma of being part of such incidents and it becomes hard to push and move ahead for the next day, hoping that someday it'll be alright. Sir, you're a very strong man.
I read about Columbine when I was 15 (in 2012), but then I happened to relate myself with the shooters because [even] I used to get bullied during my school days. Time has been kind to me. Life's been better. Somehow, this year, I took out some time and revisited to understand the larger picture. I'm 23 now, and I've understood how wrong it was what happened. Innocent lives were lost to reasons best known (the killers' motive) but the lives shouldn't have been lost the way they had been.
My strongest prayers to each and every student, parent, a member of the Littleton community who was affected by the massacre.
Greetings from India!
Keep up the fight for some reasonable gun control.
Will do.
hey mr. mauser, i'm not sure if you regularly check your youtube account anymore and are going to see this but whatever. i want to apologize from the bottom of my heart. there was a time in my life where i fell down a very deep hole and found myself obsessed with the so called "true crime community". i sympathized and romanticized the people who murdered your son and 12 others and columbine, and various other horrible, disgusting people. after a while though, i started learning more about the victims and something kinda just switched. i now understand what a stupid thing i was doing and deeply regret what i did. i spend a lot of my time now advocating for gun control and learning about the victims and what they were like as people. i probably think about rachel scott and your son the most. even though i have changed a lot as a person and don't still do these things, i feel the need to personally apologize for my decisions. tom, i am so, so sorry. i hope you have a wonderful day.
Ellie, thanks for sharing your thoughts. It must have been difficult. I'm glad your thoughts changed. Thanks for your concern about the issue.
Sorry it took so long to respond. I get busy, and I don't get too many comments on this particular video of mine, so I don't check it regularly, and sometimes the comments don't seem to come in order.
Hi Tom, I wanted to tell you that I'm very sorry for your loss of your son Daniel. Bullying is something I really hate because when I worked at Brown's Orchards during my High School days and after bullying was so bad there. I couldn't stand it at all. I graduated from High School in 2011. In 2013 my worst year ever of my life I got to depressed there at Brown's being a Dishwasher. I hated that job so much I couldn't stand any of them dishwashers there they were bullies. It was very tough to go through but I did the right thing there I quit that job in 2014. Quitting and moving on from terrible jobs is the right thing to do. Murdering people and suicide is just trouble and running away from your problems and that just makes it much worse. I'm a very strong man to handle lots of problems in life. I hope you have Happy Labor Day weekend Tom. Your son Daniel will always watch over you forever and always
Thanks for writing, Corey. Yes you did the right thing to leave there. Just keep in mind that bullies are usually not strong or smart people, they are usually weak and insecure people who just want you to think they are strong. They're usually insecure and can only find pleasure n trying to make other people's lives miserable. Take care.
Hey I got a question somethinf that's been bothering me so Brooks browns parents found Eric's website and turned it into the police but did Eric's parents ever get told or know about it ? I am assuming so that is why Eric's father called that day and knew he was involved............also if the bombs went off that day like they planned would u be fighting against stricter bomb laws?
No, Eric's parents weren't told. The bombs didn't go off that day. That's what matters. If they had, I might be asking why we make it so easy to get bomb making instructions so easily available--just like we make guns so easily available.
Tom Mauser, people have the right to know how to build and actually build bombs if they so choose, as long as they do not harm others with them. The same way people have the right to own AR-15's, RPG's, and any other military weapon they want, so long as they do not harm others. Why exactly should you be prohibited from owning them, or knowing how to build a bombs, hmmm? Would you use them to kill others?
Happy birthday to Daniel
Mr. Mauser. Before Columbine happened, what were your views on gun rights, if you had any.
Prior to Columbine, I was in favor of stronger gun laws, though I was never active in the movement. Ironically, just weeks before the tragedy I wrote a letter to my state rep about a bill being proposed that would have it much easier to carry a concealed weapon.
@@brandenharris9720 Yes, I DO mind doing it. I'm guessing it's a hoax, cuz I see that the address is "youtu.be" rather than youtube. I will not open it.
@@brandenharris9720 So the link WAS a hoax/fishing link? Paid for what?
I love guns
Wow. Good for you.
thanks for the video mr. mauser
You're welcome.
Mr. Mauser, I respect you and your son who should be alive today, I think we need gun control like back ground checks, but I don't think we should limit magazine capacity because shooters can still get high kills without having more than 10 rounds in a magazine, one example was the clock tower shooting in Texas back in the 1960's when a man shot and killed 17 people with his high powered deer hunting rifle.
Sorry, you're way off here. He did that shooting over a period of time, picking off people over a wide area. You can't compare THAT to a spray shooter in a small area. The more appropriate comparison is the Tucson where Rep. Gabby Giffords was shot. Shooter had two 33-round magazines. He was stopped while he tried to load a new magazine. So how many would have been saved if he only had 15 rounds?!? Do the math, Adrian. I'd rather that not so many people get mowed down. What about you?
Tom Mauser I get what your saying, but mass killings would always happen, way back a couple of months ago some terrorist in France stolen a truck and mowed down over 150 people killing over 80 in less than a minute. Should we ban or regulate trucks. No, we must cure the problem before it happens.
Ah, cars are heavily regulated via getting proper licence, having insurance, etc.
E.D. E. In a different way, Felons and people on the terrorist watch list can still buy a car or truck with no problem.
Im from Australia and my view on gun control would be considered extreme even by Americans who advocate strict gun control. Simply put, the collective citizenry of Australia does not believe the civilian population should be armed. The only exceptions made here, are for farmers in rural areas who have to protect livestock from wildlife such as dingo's, wild pigs and crocodiles. But in the suburbs and the city - no one owns guns, not even hand guns.
When I see the type of weaponry available to the average US citizen I am dumbfounded. Its also troubling that retail stores like Walmart sell bullets, and sporting goods stores sell guns. Apparently school shooting drills are a thing, which in itself must be a troubling experience for young kids, let alone the real thing!
Honestly America, I will never understand your countries love affair with guns. All the heartache they cause would vanish overnight if you would give them up, just like we did in 1996 when after the Port Arthur massacre which was 35 shot to death.We havent had a mass shooting since and the only drills we do are fire drills.
Im not optimistic though, Columbine was 20 years ago & the problem has gotten worse. If you didnt do anything after Sandy Hook, you wont do anything at all.
Stay safe Americans. Random acts of gun violence is firmly embedded in your society
FYI Tom, 100 years from now people will still visit the Columbine memorial and lay flowers under your sons name. He will never be forgotten, literally.
lol, your a liar and a damn fool.
Uh, no, he isn't a liar. That is true in Australia. Since restricting guns their gun death rate has gone down. Won't happen in America.
Unfortunately it seems as if your country is too far gone with this issue. People care more about lethal weapons and the outdated constitution than a human life and government cares more about money than their citizens. People want to criticize Australia for our gun laws and our approach on the issue but I mean, i can go to a movie without needing to consider sending an "i love you" text to my parents incase i get shot and that's the sad difference. I feared bullies in high school as anyone would but i never feared that going to school could end my life. We have bullying issues in our schools too - teenagers taking their life or making attempts, but we don't have students walking in shooting up the place and that reason alone is why Australia doesn't care about the criticism from pro-gun Americans. We're safe from that brutality - you are not. The world has stopped watching an issue that many do not care to fix. I'm sorry for your loss though. It's hard to stay calm thinking about how someone could take a life like Daniel's or any life and do nothing but offer condolences and prayer.. Those things become pointless after a while.