I don't do prayers, but my thoughts and reasoning are clear.

[MineralMan]

Had the shooter in Texas not had access to a semi-auto firearm and ammunition, there would have been no shooting in Texas. Similarly, had the Las Vegas shooter had no access to the weapons, accessories and ammo he used, even more people would still be alive.

Seems simple enough. Apparently all those prayers aren't cutting it, so maybe we can apply some reason to the situation and see if that works. Couldn't do any worse, for sure.

[B2G]

1. Thoughts and prayers are for the survivors

and their families.

I don't know what's so difficult to understand about this.

[MineralMan]

3. Yeah, well, I don't understand what is so difficult about

the logic of denying access to the weapons, either. Do you?

It might just prevent the need for prayers for the survivors, eh?

[lagomorph777]

5. +1

[B2G]

6. Why can't someone do both?

Offer prayers to the victims and work for beefed up gun control laws?

The two are not mutually exclusive, yet the derision I see everywhere when prayers are offered really amazes me.

Especially in this situation, where the victims were obviously devout Christians.

[MineralMan]

7. But, you see, the Republicans are offering only

those useless thoughts and prayers as a substitute for action. That's what's wrong. It's time for a logical, practical solution, not simply prayers for the comfort of the survivors. Eliminating the need for those prayers would seem to me to be a better approach. Don't you agree?

[B2G]

8. Yes, but until that happens

I'll continue to offer prayers to the victims and their families. And expect to be mocked by some for it.

[MineralMan]

10. I'm not mocking your prayers.

I just don't believe they are of much use. I'm an atheist. They do no harm, I suppose, but I don't offer prayers. I do try to offer logical solutions, though.

[B2G]

12. My post wasn't necessarily directed at you.

More of a general observation based on so many comments I see. I didn't see you mock at all, it just seemed like an appropriate place to leave my thoughts. Peace.

[MineralMan]

13. But, you see, you're replying to me in a thread I started.

So, I'm responding.

[B2G]

14. And I'm discussing it with you.

I know you started the thread. I didn't think it was necessary to start a new one of my own.

[samnsara]

2. i used to work as a social worker with young mothers...

...who used prayer for birth control. So..........

[MineralMan]

4. Ah, yes. As I heard it:

Q: What do they call women who use the rhythm method for birth control?
A: Mommy.

Besides, as the song goes, "Jesus loves the little children. The more the merrier."

[Hoyt]

9. My understanding is that the weapon used was part of the so-called Assault Weapon Ban that gunners

and NRA went ballistic over and worked their asses off to have lifted. Had the ban remained, Kelley would not have had access to that weapon. Yes, he could have used something else, but I believe these guns actually increase aggression and have certainly enable sick folks to kill a lot of innocent people.

In fact, there are studies that indicate handling guns (some might call it stroking) increases aggression.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-me-in-we/201401/how-holding-gun-inhibits-mentalization

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/get-psyched/201301/the-weapons-effect

[MineralMan]

11. So it appears.

Perhaps we should revisit that, after electing Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress in 2018.