The fact that you remembered the names of all the victims and mentioned them actually hit me in the feels. Everyone was equally devastated by this tragedy.
Tom you are an inspiration. The world needs more people like you in it. You are ensuring that Daniel and the others did not die in vain. Thank you for your very important work. The Columbine victims will never be forgotten. We must remember them and we must learn from the violent acts of stupidity that day. Daniel is proud of you and one day you'll be together in Gods paradise. RIP Daniel, you're an angel. God bless you Tom
WHERE do the FBI and ATF say that the US gun homicide rate is not that much higher than other Free World nations? Where? Do you even KNOW our gun homicide rate or that of other nations. I doubt it. You just say things and claim they are facts and expect them to be believed. I have been careful to honor my son by researching my positions and telling the truth. You just talk. It's hard to argue intelligently with such a person.
Sir ...i admire your composure the way you spoke throughout ......just 3 weeks after the tragedy.......i still can't hold back my tears when i see vids related to coloumbine .....may daniel rest in peace ....god bless....
I repeat. They only supported the NCIC mental health strengthening bill AFTER V Tech happened. Rep. McCarthy introduced this legislation 3-4 years ago, and the NRA OPPOSED it. Look at the record!
Me hearing this speech in 2022 hits me a lot, not only because of Daniel Mauser or the other victims, but also because it keeps on happening, columbine was supposed to at least teach us something, First columbine, then virgina tech, then sandy hook, parkland, and Uvalde. And those are only the major ones, they are hundreds of other school shootings. We need to fix this. I'm truly sorry for you Tom Mauser and the other victim's family and friends that grief till this day
What an inspirational man, to have the courage and willpower to turn unimaginable personal tragedy into a mission to prevent other families to have to face the devastation he had to from senseless violence. My prayers are with you and to your ongoing work to reduce harm from gun violence.
Wow! Mr. Mauser You have so much passion, its very moving, just watching this I can feel it. Watching you retell your sad story and then having the camera pan to Mrs Clinton, it was very sad. You can't help but get teary eyed...I know you hear it alot so i won't say i'm sorry for your loss but I will say My heart goes out to you and you family.
You said "they can track it" (the gun) and press charges. You can ONLY track back to the original purchase from a licensed dealer. Once the gun is sold among private individuals, the trail is lost. People can just say, and their lawyer will argue the same, "Hey, I sold it to someone 2 years ago. I don't know who he was." It's VERY unlikely they can make a charge stick. No evidence of intent to sell ro a criminal. Without registration like with cars, there IS no tracking.
I wrote a term paper on Columbine several years ago. I was just rereading Dave Cullen's book on the subject and it made me think of you. I know I'm a stranger, but I hope all is well. Every time I vote in favor of gun control, you and all who were affected by these events are in my thoughts.
Mr mauser, i love your confidence. As a 15 year old boy myself i dread to think about how of i was to be killed in anyway that i would be leaving my parents behind. And i also love you you mentioned the other victims names, this will have made the victims parents rest easy. and there is also no doubt that Daniel would be so, so, so incredibly proud of how you show the courage to stand in the whitehouse and talk about your thoughts. You are an amazing man and you will be remembered with that title for eternity.
I'm glad to hear that. Safe storage IS the way to go with kids. But many gun owners don't. I have many news clipping of stories of kids who got unsecured guns from their homes. The results? Suicides, accidents, school shootings. But this year we tried to pass a safe storage law that hold adults responsible for keeping their guns secured. Who opposed it? The gun lobby! Go figure! So much for responsible gun ownership.
Dear Tom Mauser I just want to say even after all these years I know it still hurts and my heart goes out to you and all the other families who lost their loved ones that day. It just makes me so sad that this could have been prevented that people could of helped those two individuals. I hope you and your family are doing okay now god bless! And god bless Daniel and the other victims!
I'm not sure we will ever know. The exit was near where the killers entered the building, so might they have run into them out there? Patty was doing what the police were telling her to do.
You're going in circles again. Since those crimes still happen despite those laws against them, as you say, does that mean we shouldn't HAVE those laws?!? I'm guessing you'd so no, keep those laws. Yet you see gun laws as useless because criminals ignore them. You can't have it both ways. Your arguments are devoid of logic. My son was on the debate team at Columbine. At 15 he could have defeated you at a debate, big time. Or maybe he would have been too confounded, as I am.
You're a good man, Mr. Mauser, and a wonderful father. Bless you richly, and your family, and all the families touched by this. Your son would be proud of you.
Mr. Mauser, I'm in college right now.I live in St. Louis, Missouri where I'm sure you've heard of our constant battles with people being shot. It is almost daily. And it's not just Ferguson. There are certain county's we don't even dare drive through because of the gun violence. And of course the recent racial tension between Mizzou, University of Missouri in Columbia that sparked many different potential threats of school shootings. My friends and I are always discussing how statistically speaking living in a city and state with so much violence, and predominantly gun violence my college hallways could at any moment become a war zone. My friends and I are so scared of this that we even as a group have developed a plan of action if a shooter were to go on a spree while we were attending classes of how we would try and protect each other and get each other out safely. That sheer fact that we have to think about this, and that we have to have active shooter drills on campus is scary but not having a plan is even more terrifying in my opinion. However, I just wanted to say that the work you're doing makes me less and less scared. It makes me hopeful for time when children won't kill other children. Schools will no longer become graveyards. And gun violence on school campuses and gun violence in general will be ever-declining. I try to be an advocate of peace and I want to thank you for your witness because as a 21 year old, I want to make a difference, and I vowed at eight years old when I first learned about Columbine that I would make a difference. Some how, some way. And one way I've tried doing that is not letting people forget about Columbine, educating people on those lives lost and changed forever. I've countless times have had to tell friends of mine the story Columbine for the very first time because they had never heard about it. If we forget history, we are doomed to repeat it. You educating me through your witness and your strength helps me educate others of a whole other state and a whole other generation. For what it is worth, Mr. Mauser, thank you , many years have passed, and I was only five when Columbine happened, but now I'm 21 and I vowed to make a difference and to keep the story alive within my generation so that hopefully we never have to repeat it. My part is just a drop in the ocean but I just wanted to share it with you. Always praying for you
This is not about YOU. Don't be so narcissistic, it's about our nation. It's about ANY private seller selling a gun. How can YOU or any private seller be sure you're not selling to a PROHIBITED buyer? How does one know someone isn't a drug addict? Or a wife beater with a restraining order? Or a clean shaven felon? Only a background check can assure that. There IS a way to do that--some states are doing it.
Tom - you are a true inspiration to me and many others. Thank you for being brave, fighting for Daniel, fighting for stronger gun laws and thank you for showing what a GREAT parent does for their child. I hope that one day, I meet you and your family to say how how sorry I am for Daniel’s death.
That was a loophole. And they CLOSED it due to public pressure, just like Colorado voters (70% of them!) closed the gun show loophole. I believe in closing these loopholes. Apparently you don't. Shame shame!
But aren't they doing what you accuse me of doig?!? Aren't they "appealing to peoples' emotions" in pushing for change? You seem to forgive them because they 'don't try to ban any motor vehicle.' But they push for stricter laws and they don't want us to make it easy to drive drunk, similar to me not wanting to make it easy for a criminal or kid to get a gun so easily.
And sad that so many turn to guns as their way out. And sad it's so easy to get them. This kind of thing simply does not happen very often in the rest of the Free World. Period.
That's simply not true. A criminal, wife beater or mental defect is prohibited by law from buying a gun, and will be stopped from purchasing a gun from a licensed gun dealer. Those laws effect criminals, NOT just the law abiding. If they then steal a gun, it's NOT the fault of the existing laws. We do NOT know what would have happened if the gun show loophole had been closed before Columbine. Are you saying I don't know the details of my own son's murder?!?
@Stizou777 Mrs. Mauser told the Harris' that she did forgive them. I know I would never, but she's strong and loving just as Mr. Mauser is. Real moral good hardworking people, that didn't deserve this senseless loss.
But how do you KNOW if someone is a prohibited buyer if you don't do a background check and have a registration system that catches straw purchasers? I support closing the gun show loophole everywhere. Requiring background checks for ALL gun sales. Holding adults responsible for keeping guns from kids (unless authorized for hunting, etc.) Banning cop killer bullets, plastic guns, high capacity clips and assault weapons.
Why do u think we have guns stolen from homes? Partly because it's gotten tougher for criminals to buy guns. So they steal from careless, dumb gun owners who don't secure their guns. People are gonna steal cars anyway, so why register our CARS? Because many more cars would be stolen if we didn't register them. The main point, though, is that we have to throw the book at people who buy guns FOR criminals. You must have a registration system to effectively do that.
God bless you and you're family Tom! What you must have went trough the past years no one could have ever Imagined!! I love to hear you talking about the way Daniel was before his death and you have my deepest prayers!!! May Daniel forever Rest in peace! In deepest Love Yannick
That's only the case if you're buying from a licensed dealer. A prohibited buyer can purchase from a private seller with no background check. They can even buy from private sellers (there are lots of them) at gun shows, except for the smart states like Colorado that closed that loophole. (The NRA OPPOSED closing that loophole!) Now if you say these things are not true then you really have no freakin' idea of what you're talking about.
I guess we agree on SOMEthing. And there are just too many such people in this country, angry and not getting treatment. There's still too much stigma attached to getting mental health care.
Since 1939 the Supreme Court has interpreted the 2nd Amendment as providing a right to states, not individuals. The case was Miller vs. U.S. Since that time no gun control law has been struck down based on a 2nd Amendment challenge. That is fact. We are a nation of laws, not of men, so I don't need to read what Thomas and George individually wrote. I'm still waiting for your name and city so I can quote your wonderful assertions.
That's not true. They often don't have higher death rates than comparable states with weak laws. Look at Texas--they put many people to death, yet still have a big gun problem. And when places like NY and NJ have shootings, the guns often come from states like VA where laws are weak. Is it wrong for a mom in Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to speak against drunk driving? Am I supposed to be silent? Are you a Christian?
And your point is...? The fact is that our rate is still shameful, far far higher than all other industrialized nations. And you take solace with a lowering rate?
Yes, someone can report a gun stolen falsely. But after they've reported another one stolen and it ends up in the hands of a criminal (again), don't you think the cops are realize something is wrong? It's all about maker it harder for criminals. Prevention! Not easier, as you propose. Did I SAY I wanted to model after Canada's system? Don't put words in my mouth, dammit. But I'd take their much lower gun death rate, wouldn't you?
All this talk of Harris and Klebold as criminals. But they were not criminals until they committed their heinous acts that day. That's the point. Many killers weren't criminals until they pulled the trigger. What are we doing to keep guns away from them? It's all about prevention. You don't seem to care a damn bit about prevention.
And do you know the opening words of the 2nd Amendment? Perhaps not. They are "A well REGULATED militia, being necessary to the security of a free state..." I'm talking about the regulations, you're denying them. Shame on you. Background checks are one way to keep guns from criminals, drug users, wife beaters and the mentally ill. Do you even oppose THOSE regulations? John McCain supports them.
We have TEN times as many death and u call that "not disprortionate?!? Gimme a break. As for punishment, we have the longest jail sentences. For God's sake, we're almost alone in having a death penalty! The SIMPLE fact is that our criminals easily get guns because, thanks to the NRA, we have the weakest gun laws in the Free World. Period. Get your freakin head out of the sand. "Criminals will always get guns"? In Europe they often do not, cuz they have tough gun laws. Simple.
But we have to do more to PREVENT those straw purchases. Without registration there is no accountability except at the original point of purchase. YOU are willing to just surrender and let criminals get their guns easily and kill people, hoping they'll be caught, and whining that we don't lock them all up for life. I am not a fatalist like that. I want to do more to PREVENT, not just punish. Even the death penalty hasn't been a successful punishment and deterrant. We need more PREVENTION.
And there have been plenty of MY questions that U have not answered, like--do u think u know more about details of the Columbine killings than the father of a victim? Do u think criminals should be locked up for life, and are u willing to pay the taxes to do so? I could go on and on. By your logic: why have a law against murder--people will murder anyway! We have that law to PREVENT, not just to punish. I want to PREVENT the wrong people from getting guns. I'm sorry u feel inconvenienced.
Something is not true simply because of what U have seen. The world is bigger than what u can see thru YOUR eyes. I'm telling u what I have learned from law enforcement experts and 9 years lobbying. You refuse to acknowledge anything besides your own personal opinion. Many unlicensed sellers DO sell guns at gun shows--in most states without a background check. In fact, John McCain appeared in our 2000 tv ad to CLOSE that loophole in Colorado. Maybe the loophole was closed in YOUR state?
Just how easy are we gonna make it for them? That's the question. It seems you don't give a damn if we make it easy. Robyn Anderson bought 3 guns for H&K. She bought them purposely from an unlicensed seller so no record would be kept. If the gun show loophole had been closed maybe she wouldn't have bought them. Maybe somebody else would have been asked, but maybe they would have told someone. We will NEVER know. Why do u pretend to know more about Columbine than a dad who lost a son there?
I'm sorry, fortunefive00, while it's true you have to pass a background check to buy a gun (from a licensed dealer), you don't purchase a gun "with a license." This is no licensure in this country. There may be a city or state or two with license requirements, but the U.S. has no such law. You have to have a license and show proficiency to drive a car, but not to own a gun! Tom Mauser
You didn't answer the question: do you want us to be like Switzerland, where they tightly regulate the many guns they have? I guess you didn't even know this information about them. They don't have AK 47s and handguns like we do. They regulate. Google it. You'll see. I'm afraid you don't take the time to research before you spit things out. I'm guessing you let others make your arguments for you.
Well, a good question. But would the bullets indeed show up in security? Would YOU want to take that chance? Law enforcement apparently doesn't--most oppose plastic guns. I'll take their opinion over yours. You say "legal gun owners aren't the problem." 2 examples of when they are: if u sell your gun without a background check, u could be selling to a criminal. And, you said criminals steal guns. If people secured their guns, it would happen less often, but pro gunners resist safe storage
There you go with false information again. Nobody, I repeat nobody, was killed by a bomb at Columbine, as you implied. I agree no gun should be banned JUST because it killed people at Columbine. People called for its banning because it was reprehensibly marketed as being "fingerprint resistant" and because it was clear it was an offensive weapon used mostly by gangs, drug dealers and other thugs, used for its pistol grip and hi capacity clip to mow people down.
I know the waiting feeling. We waited for a body they never found. There was no body, b/c he was burned out of existence so effectively that no earthly remains existed. So we buried an empty casket.
What a human being YOU are. I tell you my son was shot in the face and you say not a word about it. No words of sympathy. You're like pro gunners who write to me with words of hate, not expressing a word of sympathy or showing any human decency. Yes, I use emotions. Losing a child IS emotional. Do YOU have emotions? Many gun nuts who write to me speak with much emotion, so don't tell me emotions aren't used. Do you have any kids? Do you have and use emotions?
Sorry, but you're wrong. Where do u get your data? Our 2000 gun death rate PER CAPITA was at LEAST 10 times higher than Can., UK, Ger, Fr, Jpn, others. Do they not have criminals or angry kids? What they DO have are tough gun laws, we have weak ones. To argue that availability to criminals & others is not a factor in our rate is asinine. You attack a "complete ban of all firearms," but I don't argue 4 one. It's a poor way to debate--my son would have crushed your logic and credibility.
Oh, so now I'm a socialist. And now you're telling me what I think and believe. Well, that's cute. Another tactic of a desperate person who doesn't know how to argue or debate an issue intelligently.
now how would mr and mrs clinton or mr and mrs bush would think if their child was murdered like your son was on that horrible day. i was only 6 at the time but i felt sad that day
You are dodging the question, sir. I asked if you think we should lock up criminals for life. YOU are the one who said criminals are the gun problem, and that we don't lock them up enough. So HOW much longer do we lock them up, and for what crimes, and are you willing to pay more in taxes for this? Well?
U did not defend your debating methods. No surprise. You spoke of "banning all firearms." Why argue that? That's not what I promote. FBI & ATF data? But they don't measure FOREIGN gun deaths. What's your SOURCE? Swtzland, a neutral nation, places guns in homes and STRICTLY regulates them, bullet by bullet. Is that comparable to us? Is that what you'd like to see here? If you don't know how to debate and not trip over facts, then don't debate. You're embarrassing yourself.
Stop treating people humanely? I don't want my country to be a third world country or a Nazi machine. You refer to people on death row. They aren't coming back out. You're again dodging your earlier point that the problem isn't guns it's violent criminals not punished enough. So would you lock them all up for life? What's the Constitutional basis for that? Are you willing more in taxes for such? How much more?
Sir, u do not know what u are talking about. You're talking out your ass based on what YOU "see." I have talked to ATF agents and Colorado investigators. I took 1 year off from my job in 2000 to lobby the legislature. Having facts was important. Credibility is everything. What credentials do YOU have? Fact is, many sellers at gun shows ARE unlicensed. Columbine guns came one. Fact is, the only trace on a gun is to the ORIGINAL sale, not afterwards, because there's no gun registration.
The fact that you remembered the names of all the victims and mentioned them actually hit me in the feels. Everyone was equally devastated by this tragedy.
Clearly he's reading from essay.
@@BlueBunny49. or he’s remembered the names of the other victims
Tom you are an inspiration. The world needs more people like you in it. You are ensuring that Daniel and the others did not die in vain. Thank you for your very important work. The Columbine victims will never be forgotten. We must remember them and we must learn from the violent acts of stupidity that day. Daniel is proud of you and one day you'll be together in Gods paradise. RIP Daniel, you're an angel. God bless you Tom
Thanks so much, Jenna.
WHERE do the FBI and ATF say that the US gun homicide rate is not that much higher than other Free World nations? Where? Do you even KNOW our gun homicide rate or that of other nations. I doubt it. You just say things and claim they are facts and expect them to be believed. I have been careful to honor my son by researching my positions and telling the truth. You just talk. It's hard to argue intelligently with such a person.
you're such a great dad! god bless you. people can't thank you enough for doing this and for being an inspiration in every single way. thank you
Sir ...i admire your composure the way you spoke throughout ......just 3 weeks after the tragedy.......i still can't hold back my tears when i see vids related to coloumbine .....may daniel rest in peace ....god bless....
Thank you.
I repeat. They only supported the NCIC mental health strengthening bill AFTER V Tech happened. Rep. McCarthy introduced this legislation 3-4 years ago, and the NRA OPPOSED it. Look at the record!
Yes, that's the lesson--that these tragedies can often be prevented if people intervene in the lives of troubled people...
Tom
Nobody ever wants to think it could happen to them. That's the point. But it happens nearly 11,000 times per year...
may your son rest in peace sir
Me hearing this speech in 2022 hits me a lot, not only because of Daniel Mauser or the other victims, but also because it keeps on happening, columbine was supposed to at least teach us something, First columbine, then virgina tech, then sandy hook, parkland, and Uvalde. And those are only the major ones, they are hundreds of other school shootings. We need to fix this.
I'm truly sorry for you Tom Mauser and the other victim's family and friends that grief till this day
What an inspirational man, to have the courage and willpower to turn unimaginable personal tragedy into a mission to prevent other families to have to face the devastation he had to from senseless violence. My prayers are with you and to your ongoing work to reduce harm from gun violence.
Wow!
Mr. Mauser
You have so much passion, its very moving, just watching this I can feel it. Watching you retell your sad story and then having the camera pan to Mrs Clinton, it was very sad. You can't help but get teary eyed...I know you hear it alot so i won't say i'm sorry for your loss but I will say My heart goes out to you and you family.
You said "they can track it" (the gun) and press charges. You can ONLY track back to the original purchase from a licensed dealer. Once the gun is sold among private individuals, the trail is lost. People can just say, and their lawyer will argue the same, "Hey, I sold it to someone 2 years ago. I don't know who he was." It's VERY unlikely they can make a charge stick. No evidence of intent to sell ro a criminal. Without registration like with cars, there IS no tracking.
I have great admiration for Tom Mauser.
Thanks for your kind words, Pat.
That was a beautiful speech! Made me tear up a bit!
I wrote a term paper on Columbine several years ago. I was just rereading Dave Cullen's book on the subject and it made me think of you. I know I'm a stranger, but I hope all is well. Every time I vote in favor of gun control, you and all who were affected by these events are in my thoughts.
+Cullen Murphy Thanks, Cullen.
Cullen Murphy yes because CRIMINALS are known for following laws
Mr mauser, i love your confidence. As a 15 year old boy myself i dread to think about how of i was to be killed in anyway that i would be leaving my parents behind. And i also love you you mentioned the other victims names, this will have made the victims parents rest easy. and there is also no doubt that Daniel would be so, so, so incredibly proud of how you show the courage to stand in the whitehouse and talk about your thoughts. You are an amazing man and you will be remembered with that title for eternity.
Sorry if this isn't very understanding my english isn't the best
I'm glad to hear that. Safe storage IS the way to go with kids. But many gun owners don't. I have many news clipping of stories of kids who got unsecured guns from their homes. The results? Suicides, accidents, school shootings. But this year we tried to pass a safe storage law that hold adults responsible for keeping their guns secured. Who opposed it? The gun lobby! Go figure! So much for responsible gun ownership.
Thank you.
Dear Tom Mauser
I just want to say even after all these years I know it still hurts and my heart goes out to you and all the other families who lost their loved ones that day. It just makes me so sad that this could have been prevented that people could of helped those two individuals. I hope you and your family are doing okay now god bless! And god bless Daniel and the other victims!
I'm not sure we will ever know. The exit was near where the killers entered the building, so might they have run into them out there? Patty was doing what the police were telling her to do.
It speaks volumes about the people who run this country that things have only gotten worse over time, i hope you are holding up well.
You're going in circles again. Since those crimes still happen despite those laws against them, as you say, does that mean we shouldn't HAVE those laws?!? I'm guessing you'd so no, keep those laws. Yet you see gun laws as useless because criminals ignore them. You can't have it both ways. Your arguments are devoid of logic. My son was on the debate team at Columbine. At 15 he could have defeated you at a debate, big time. Or maybe he would have been too confounded, as I am.
Thanks.
Tom
You're a good man, Mr. Mauser, and a wonderful father. Bless you richly, and your family, and all the families touched by this. Your son would be proud of you.
Mr. Mauser, I'm in college right now.I live in St. Louis, Missouri where I'm sure you've heard of our constant battles with people being shot. It is almost daily. And it's not just Ferguson. There are certain county's we don't even dare drive through because of the gun violence. And of course the recent racial tension between Mizzou, University of Missouri in Columbia that sparked many different potential threats of school shootings.
My friends and I are always discussing how statistically speaking living in a city and state with so much violence, and predominantly gun violence my college hallways could at any moment become a war zone. My friends and I are so scared of this that we even as a group have developed a plan of action if a shooter were to go on a spree while we were attending classes of how we would try and protect each other and get each other out safely.
That sheer fact that we have to think about this, and that we have to have active shooter drills on campus is scary but not having a plan is even more terrifying in my opinion.
However, I just wanted to say that the work you're doing makes me less and less scared.
It makes me hopeful for time when children won't kill other children. Schools will no longer become graveyards. And gun violence on school campuses and gun violence in general will be ever-declining.
I try to be an advocate of peace and I want to thank you for your witness because as a 21 year old, I want to make a difference, and I vowed at eight years old when I first learned about Columbine that I would make a difference. Some how, some way.
And one way I've tried doing that is not letting people forget about Columbine, educating people on those lives lost and changed forever. I've countless times have had to tell friends of mine the story Columbine for the very first time because they had never heard about it.
If we forget history, we are doomed to repeat it.
You educating me through your witness and your strength helps me educate others of a whole other state and a whole other generation.
For what it is worth, Mr. Mauser, thank you , many years have passed, and I was only five when Columbine happened, but now I'm 21 and I vowed to make a difference and to keep the story alive within my generation so that hopefully we never have to repeat it.
My part is just a drop in the ocean but I just wanted to share it with you.
Always praying for you
This is not about YOU. Don't be so narcissistic, it's about our nation. It's about ANY private seller selling a gun. How can YOU or any private seller be sure you're not selling to a PROHIBITED buyer? How does one know someone isn't a drug addict? Or a wife beater with a restraining order? Or a clean shaven felon? Only a background check can assure that. There IS a way to do that--some states are doing it.
Thanks.
Tom - you are a true inspiration to me and many others. Thank you for being brave, fighting for Daniel, fighting for stronger gun laws and thank you for showing what a GREAT parent does for their child. I hope that one day, I meet you and your family to say how how sorry I am for Daniel’s death.
Thank you, J.B.
--Tom Mauser
That was a loophole. And they CLOSED it due to public pressure, just like Colorado voters (70% of them!) closed the gun show loophole. I believe in closing these loopholes. Apparently you don't. Shame shame!
I purchased your book. Best wishes.
But aren't they doing what you accuse me of doig?!? Aren't they "appealing to peoples' emotions" in pushing for change? You seem to forgive them because they 'don't try to ban any motor vehicle.' But they push for stricter laws and they don't want us to make it easy to drive drunk, similar to me not wanting to make it easy for a criminal or kid to get a gun so easily.
They were not goths. They were disaffected, disturbed kids. We cannot just simplify a complex problem by blaming violence on one group of kids...
And sad that so many turn to guns as their way out. And sad it's so easy to get them. This kind of thing simply does not happen very often in the rest of the Free World. Period.
But also note that there's a comma there, not a period. Those aren't separated statements.
That's simply not true. A criminal, wife beater or mental defect is prohibited by law from buying a gun, and will be stopped from purchasing a gun from a licensed gun dealer. Those laws effect criminals, NOT just the law abiding. If they then steal a gun, it's NOT the fault of the existing laws. We do NOT know what would have happened if the gun show loophole had been closed before Columbine. Are you saying I don't know the details of my own son's murder?!?
Thank you.
Tom Mauser
this guy is very, very cool
Thanks.
@Stizou777 Mrs. Mauser told the Harris' that she did forgive them. I know I would never, but she's strong and loving just as Mr. Mauser is. Real moral good hardworking people, that didn't deserve this senseless loss.
But how do you KNOW if someone is a prohibited buyer if you don't do a background check and have a registration system that catches straw purchasers? I support closing the gun show loophole everywhere. Requiring background checks for ALL gun sales. Holding adults responsible for keeping guns from kids (unless authorized for hunting, etc.) Banning cop killer bullets, plastic guns, high capacity clips and assault weapons.
Why do u think we have guns stolen from homes? Partly because it's gotten tougher for criminals to buy guns. So they steal from careless, dumb gun owners who don't secure their guns. People are gonna steal cars anyway, so why register our CARS? Because many more cars would be stolen if we didn't register them. The main point, though, is that we have to throw the book at people who buy guns FOR criminals. You must have a registration system to effectively do that.
God bless you and you're family Tom! What you must have went trough the past years no one could have ever Imagined!! I love to hear you talking about the way Daniel was before his death and you have my deepest prayers!!!
May Daniel forever Rest in peace!
In deepest Love
Yannick
Thank you, Yannick.
That's only the case if you're buying from a licensed dealer. A prohibited buyer can purchase from a private seller with no background check. They can even buy from private sellers (there are lots of them) at gun shows, except for the smart states like Colorado that closed that loophole. (The NRA OPPOSED closing that loophole!) Now if you say these things are not true then you really have no freakin' idea of what you're talking about.
I guess we agree on SOMEthing. And there are just too many such people in this country, angry and not getting treatment. There's still too much stigma attached to getting mental health care.
Do you hate mentally ill people? I hope not. Millions of mentally ill people are not violent!
Your a great person Tom
Geez, have you never heard of the word "their"? You use "there" when you should use "their." You don't understand the difference???
Since 1939 the Supreme Court has interpreted the 2nd Amendment as providing a right to states, not individuals. The case was Miller vs. U.S. Since that time no gun control law has been struck down based on a 2nd Amendment challenge. That is fact. We are a nation of laws, not of men, so I don't need to read what Thomas and George individually wrote. I'm still waiting for your name and city so I can quote your wonderful assertions.
That's not true. They often don't have higher death rates than comparable states with weak laws. Look at Texas--they put many people to death, yet still have a big gun problem. And when places like NY and NJ have shootings, the guns often come from states like VA where laws are weak. Is it wrong for a mom in Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to speak against drunk driving? Am I supposed to be silent? Are you a Christian?
And your point is...? The fact is that our rate is still shameful, far far higher than all other industrialized nations. And you take solace with a lowering rate?
Yes, someone can report a gun stolen falsely. But after they've reported another one stolen and it ends up in the hands of a criminal (again), don't you think the cops are realize something is wrong? It's all about maker it harder for criminals. Prevention! Not easier, as you propose. Did I SAY I wanted to model after Canada's system? Don't put words in my mouth, dammit. But I'd take their much lower gun death rate, wouldn't you?
All this talk of Harris and Klebold as criminals. But they were not criminals until they committed their heinous acts that day. That's the point. Many killers weren't criminals until they pulled the trigger. What are we doing to keep guns away from them? It's all about prevention. You don't seem to care a damn bit about prevention.
Neither you nor I were there. I won't get into that blame game.
And do you know the opening words of the 2nd Amendment? Perhaps not. They are "A well REGULATED militia, being necessary to the security of a free state..." I'm talking about the regulations, you're denying them. Shame on you. Background checks are one way to keep guns from criminals, drug users, wife beaters and the mentally ill. Do you even oppose THOSE regulations? John McCain supports them.
We have TEN times as many death and u call that "not disprortionate?!? Gimme a break. As for punishment, we have the longest jail sentences. For God's sake, we're almost alone in having a death penalty! The SIMPLE fact is that our criminals easily get guns because, thanks to the NRA, we have the weakest gun laws in the Free World. Period. Get your freakin head out of the sand. "Criminals will always get guns"? In Europe they often do not, cuz they have tough gun laws. Simple.
But we have to do more to PREVENT those straw purchases. Without registration there is no accountability except at the original point of purchase. YOU are willing to just surrender and let criminals get their guns easily and kill people, hoping they'll be caught, and whining that we don't lock them all up for life. I am not a fatalist like that. I want to do more to PREVENT, not just punish. Even the death penalty hasn't been a successful punishment and deterrant. We need more PREVENTION.
And there have been plenty of MY questions that U have not answered, like--do u think u know more about details of the Columbine killings than the father of a victim? Do u think criminals should be locked up for life, and are u willing to pay the taxes to do so? I could go on and on.
By your logic: why have a law against murder--people will murder anyway! We have that law to PREVENT, not just to punish. I want to PREVENT the wrong people from getting guns. I'm sorry u feel inconvenienced.
Something is not true simply because of what U have seen. The world is bigger than what u can see thru YOUR eyes. I'm telling u what I have learned from law enforcement experts and 9 years lobbying. You refuse to acknowledge anything besides your own personal opinion. Many unlicensed sellers DO sell guns at gun shows--in most states without a background check. In fact, John McCain appeared in our 2000 tv ad to CLOSE that loophole in Colorado. Maybe the loophole was closed in YOUR state?
Just how easy are we gonna make it for them? That's the question. It seems you don't give a damn if we make it easy. Robyn Anderson bought 3 guns for H&K. She bought them purposely from an unlicensed seller so no record would be kept. If the gun show loophole had been closed maybe she wouldn't have bought them. Maybe somebody else would have been asked, but maybe they would have told someone. We will NEVER know. Why do u pretend to know more about Columbine than a dad who lost a son there?
Why on earth wasn't Robyn Anderson incarcerated like the other two? I just don't get it.
I'm sorry, fortunefive00, while it's true you have to pass a background check to buy a gun (from a licensed dealer), you don't purchase a gun "with a license." This is no licensure in this country. There may be a city or state or two with license requirements, but the U.S. has no such law. You have to have a license and show proficiency to drive a car, but not to own a gun!
Tom Mauser
You didn't answer the question: do you want us to be like Switzerland, where they tightly regulate the many guns they have? I guess you didn't even know this information about them. They don't have AK 47s and handguns like we do. They regulate. Google it. You'll see. I'm afraid you don't take the time to research before you spit things out. I'm guessing you let others make your arguments for you.
Well, a good question. But would the bullets indeed show up in security? Would YOU want to take that chance? Law enforcement apparently doesn't--most oppose plastic guns. I'll take their opinion over yours. You say "legal gun owners aren't the problem." 2 examples of when they are: if u sell your gun without a background check, u could be selling to a criminal. And, you said criminals steal guns. If people secured their guns, it would happen less often, but pro gunners resist safe storage
There you go with false information again. Nobody, I repeat nobody, was killed by a bomb at Columbine, as you implied. I agree no gun should be banned JUST because it killed people at Columbine. People called for its banning because it was reprehensibly marketed as being "fingerprint resistant" and because it was clear it was an offensive weapon used mostly by gangs, drug dealers and other thugs, used for its pistol grip and hi capacity clip to mow people down.
I know the waiting feeling. We waited for a body they never found. There was no body, b/c he was burned out of existence so effectively that no earthly remains existed.
So we buried an empty casket.
Vicki Gee what’s your point exactly?
What a human being YOU are. I tell you my son was shot in the face and you say not a word about it. No words of sympathy. You're like pro gunners who write to me with words of hate, not expressing a word of sympathy or showing any human decency. Yes, I use emotions. Losing a child IS emotional. Do YOU have emotions? Many gun nuts who write to me speak with much emotion, so don't tell me emotions aren't used. Do you have any kids? Do you have and use emotions?
Sorry, but you're wrong. Where do u get your data? Our 2000 gun death rate PER CAPITA was at LEAST 10 times higher than Can., UK, Ger, Fr, Jpn, others. Do they not have criminals or angry kids? What they DO have are tough gun laws, we have weak ones. To argue that availability to criminals & others is not a factor in our rate is asinine. You attack a "complete ban of all firearms," but I don't argue 4 one. It's a poor way to debate--my son would have crushed your logic and credibility.
Oh, so now I'm a socialist. And now you're telling me what I think and believe. Well, that's cute. Another tactic of a desperate person who doesn't know how to argue or debate an issue intelligently.
If we are such a "violent society," then why do we have the weakest gun laws in the FRee World and make it so easy for criminals to get them.
now how would mr and mrs clinton or mr and mrs bush would think if their child was murdered like your son was on that horrible day. i was only 6 at the time but i felt sad that day
You are dodging the question, sir. I asked if you think we should lock up criminals for life. YOU are the one who said criminals are the gun problem, and that we don't lock them up enough. So HOW much longer do we lock them up, and for what crimes, and are you willing to pay more in taxes for this? Well?
U did not defend your debating methods. No surprise. You spoke of "banning all firearms." Why argue that? That's not what I promote. FBI & ATF data? But they don't measure FOREIGN gun deaths. What's your SOURCE? Swtzland, a neutral nation, places guns in homes and STRICTLY regulates them, bullet by bullet. Is that comparable to us? Is that what you'd like to see here? If you don't know how to debate and not trip over facts, then don't debate. You're embarrassing yourself.
Stop treating people humanely? I don't want my country to be a third world country or a Nazi machine. You refer to people on death row. They aren't coming back out. You're again dodging your earlier point that the problem isn't guns it's violent criminals not punished enough. So would you lock them all up for life? What's the Constitutional basis for that? Are you willing more in taxes for such? How much more?
Tom - Can I ask if you have forgiven Eric and Dylan, or how do you feel about it after almost 10 years?
I Mr.Mauser, do you remember the morning of the 20 april 1999 ? The last moment when you see your son .
Sorry, actually I do not. I was in a hurry packing to get ready to go to a conference.
emile cote
soy peruano y espero ke se evite las tragedias en eeuu y toma mauser eres un ejemplo de padre
isnt it getting up to about 13,000 times a year?
Sir, u do not know what u are talking about. You're talking out your ass based on what YOU "see." I have talked to ATF agents and Colorado investigators. I took 1 year off from my job in 2000 to lobby the legislature. Having facts was important. Credibility is everything. What credentials do YOU have? Fact is, many sellers at gun shows ARE unlicensed. Columbine guns came one. Fact is, the only trace on a gun is to the ORIGINAL sale, not afterwards, because there's no gun registration.
god bless.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Tom
Thank you.