Let's Have a Manhattan Project to Make Guns Obsolete

[LuvNewcastle]

I've been thinking for a long time that the only way to get people to give up their guns is to make them obsolete. This morning I started thinking about phasers. I don't mean the kind that kill or disintegrate a person, I'm thinking of something that would briefly paralyze someone. A freeze gun, if you will.

Freeze guns wouldn't completely solve the problem, of course. Pick-pockets could freeze someone and take their wallet or purse. It would be easier to rape someone. But I'm thinking that maybe we could devise a way for people to 'light up' when their shot with a freeze gun. If people see the glow, they'll know someone is in trouble and they'll run to his/her aid or call the cops.

As with any technology, there are negative aspects, but just think of all the positives. We could immediately stop manufacturing guns and bullets. Anyone who needs protection can get a phaser. Hunters would be able to freeze their deer, elk, etc. and then kill the animal with a knife or an arrow. Tough laws could be enacted for those who are caught in public with guns. Drive-bys would cease, the worst a gang could do would be a freeze-by. Who knows how many lives would be saved.

This is a strange suggestion, I know, but humans seem to be capable of anything they set their minds to. Maybe some smart people could get together and develop a device like this. We can't leave people defenseless. We don't want a cop on every corner watching our every move. There will always be people who want to hunt game. It seems like the only solution to our gun problem is to come up with a better alternative. Any other suggestions?

[HappyMe]

1. So, then......um.....what?

Really?

[LuvNewcastle]

3. It's just a rough idea.

We'd have to have regulations on how people use them. I know, it's weird. Such a device might kill a person with a pacemaker, for instance. I'm just interested in ways that we could make guns totally obsolete. If it could protect people and end the carnage, it's worth a shot.

[Chiquitita]

2. I like your musings.

Ignore the people who just tell you to be quiet. They are no fun at all.

[LuvNewcastle]

5. Thank you.

I know I'm going to hear some derision over this, but I think this is a possibly productive way to take the gun control issue. We'll never get anywhere by fighting all the time.

[LAGC]

4. Yeah, but can you make watermelons explode at 200 yards with one?

[LuvNewcastle]

6. That's one thing I'd miss.

Maybe we could have a Wild West show where they could demonstrate that kind of thing.

[KharmaTrain]

7. The Model Should Be...

...the tactics the fundies have used against a woman's right to choose. They've been able to demonize the concept and turned it into a very powerful political issue throughout the country. Maybe those who want to see gun control become a hot political issue could borrow a few of the successful tactics...shame gun owners...make gun dealers akin to abortion clinics and tying the gun culture to being a culture of death. Work on passing gun control laws and develop a grassroots movement to place anti-gun legislators on county boards and then help finance their rise. Beat the system from within...

[LuvNewcastle]

8. I think the tide is finally turning against gun nuts.

They've wielded a lot of power for too long and people are finally getting fed up. As things stand now, I'm not in favor of the complete elimination of guns. I don't own one and I doubt I ever will, but I could see why some people would want a gun. I don't see any reason for someone who isn't a cop to be walking around with a gun in public. I don't think people should be allowed to build arsenals. I understand why a hunter would need a shotgun or rifle. A person who has been properly trained might need a gun in their home for protection. I think that the courts will most likely continue to allow people who meet certain criteria to own guns. But a good way to get the courts to uphold laws banning guns altogether would be an alternative device that would provide protection and keep sportsmen happy without all the problems associated with guns. Lawmakers would then be able to say that there is absolutely no reason for people to own guns anymore, and I think the courts would have to agree.

[KharmaTrain]

9. I Hope It's The Case...

...and I hear many others say the same thing, but the cynic in me says we've been down this road before. The sides on this issue are so entrenched that even after this horrendous tragedy there's still little dialog happening...people are talking past one another. We're seeing it in full bloom here on DU. It's a personal and emotional issue that, like a woman's right to choose, has become so politically toxic that politicians run the other direction. Common sense is trumped by money and fear...the ability to just talk is nearly impossible.

Maybe this massacre will be the tipping point. Let's see if we're still paying attention to this issue in a week or month from now. Or will the corporate media chase after another shiny toy and we will be facing yet another shooting and this sad wheel turns around again. Sorry to be so dour...it's bred in a lifetime of hoping for rationality on this issue and seeing it get worse not better...