Gun goes off inside elementary school classroom

[onehandle]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- No one was injured when a gun went off inside an elementary school classroom Tuesday afternoon.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools officials said a third-grader brought a loaded gun to University Meadows Elementary School. The student apparently had the gun inside a desk and it discharged.

"The round exited the desk and struck a wall inside the classroom," said Bud Cessena with CMS Law Enforcement.

Police say the teacher was so surprised that she initially thought it was a firecracker. Police were called out to the school and spent most of the afternoon talking with the 8-year-old who brought the gun, trying to determine where he got it and why he brought it to school.

http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Gun-goes-off-inside-elementary-school-classroom-93432609.html

[femmocrat]

1. Somehow, it must be the teacher's fault.

TG no one was injured. Schools are becoming increasingly scary places.

BTW, isn't Charlotte-Mecklenburg planning a lot of teacher cuts? Not that the two are related, just rambling here....

[Travis Coates]

34. Of course not it was the gun's fault

PS Unrecc'd for intelectual dishonesty

[rrneck]

2. Unrec for pointless propoganda. nt

[jazzhound]

8. Pointless propaganda is right.

"The gun was inside a desk and it discharged."

More dishonest "reporting" to further the lie that a gun can just "go off" with no action taken by a person.

[sharesunited]

10. No, not pointless. Pointful.

Someone either said to this child that a loaded gun should be brought to school, or they said if you do so no problem.

[rrneck]

12. Well, maybe.

There might be a parent out there somewhere who would actually say, "Here kid, take this gun to school." Or a parent might let it be known that it would be fine to take a gun to school. A much more likely scenario is that the kid got hold of an unsecured firearm and took it to school without his parent's knowledge. All three scenarios are fine examples of bad parenting, but the third one just isn't dramatic enough is it? There just has to be an enabler doesn't there? Without some fruitcake conspiracy involving invisible waves of influence or sanity balanced on a knife's edge, you wouldn't be able to trot out incoherent propaganda.

Pffft.

[jazzhound]

19. I'm really not surprised that you would make this grand assumption

given your track record.

[NewMoonTherian]

22. I'm sorry, but I disagree.

Shares has made some outlandish remarks in the past, but I'm fairly shocked that he'd go this far. He makes two grand assumptions here:

1.) An adult in a supervisory told the child, in words, that is was good or, at least, acceptable to bring the gun to school. This rockets the culprit from criminal negligence straight up through willful endangerment, and;

2.) An elementary school child wouldn't act this way without permission or encouragement from an adult. This is observably false to anyone who has spent more than thirty minutes with children this age, or remembers being this age to begin with. It is a taboo that screams to be broken, as all taboos do.

Shares, please, let's have a discussion based on the merits of the case. This nonsense approaches trolling.

Now, with regard to the actual event. All the guns in my house are secured against children, and the children in my household are educated better than to come near a firearm in an uncontrolled environment(this principle has been tested in the past when an uncharged paintball marker was left on a bed). I wasn't educated in this manner when I was young, but the guns were thoroughly secured from my reach. The gun owner was radically irresponsible and deserves the harshest penalty a jury can levy for said gun owner's incompetence.

[slackmaster]

23. You don't know much about kids

:eyes:

[Kolesar]

35. Exciting life you live! ... eom

[rrneck]

38. Heh. Yeah, sometimes it just wears me out. nt

[Orrex]

3. If only the other kids in the classroom had been armed, this never would have happened.

[Walk away]

4. +1

[jpak]

5. +2

n/t

[eqfan592]

39. yes, pile on the ignorance! (nt)

[onehandle]

6. Only if they had proper training.

I would suggest a classroom viewing of Dirty Harry, Magnum Force, The Enforcer and Sudden Impact.

But not The Dead Pool. You just couldn't take that one seriously.

[rrneck]

15. My favorite is

Unforgiven.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105695/

[Merchant Marine]

18. How about safety training teaching kids that guns aren't toys!

You know, instead of the "pretend they don't exist" policy!

[Euromutt]

13. Change the record

There's no skill in knocking down the same straw man over and over.

[Callisto32]

28. The best part is when others pop up to support the strawman.

"+1"

"+2"

:rofl:

[Orrex]

41. Actually, the best part is when the complainers start complaining

Rather like clockwork.

[Euromutt]

45. Predictable reaction to... predictable reaction

You want something that's "like clockwork"? Try the way posters like you trot out that "if only the foetus had been armed" piece of straw man bullshit, often multiple times in a single thread. Does my being a "complaining complainer" interfere with your self-satisfaction at what you deluded yourself into thinking was a witty, original and astute comment? Sorry, trying to dismissively toss out ad hominems doesn't change the fact that your emperor's naked.

[jazzhound]

48. POW!!! (no, not a gunshot..........)

The sound of a nail being hit squarely on the head.

[Orrex]

50. Maybe you should find out what a straw man is before you post to complain about it, complainer.

Do you really think that I posted that as a serious attack on frenzied gun ownership? Anyone whose eye isn't fixed on the crosshairs could readily see that it was a mockery of the sentiment--often expressed right here in the Guns! Guns! Guns! forum that legal gun ownership necessarily results in a reduction in violent crime.

By asserting the ridiculous notion that school-age children should have been armed, I was deliberately and consciously caricaturing that sentiment. The fact that you perceive it as a straw man shows that:

A. You didn't get the obvious joke;

B. You don't understand what a straw man is;

C. You probably do subscribe to the more guns equals less crime fantasy.


Say whatever you like in response. I've heard every argument and complaint in support of your point of view, and I'm still waiting for the one that's convincing.

[Euromutt]

53. Maybe you haven't heard a convincing argument because you're not willing to be convinced

By asserting the ridiculous notion that school-age children should have been armed, I was deliberately and consciously caricaturing that sentiment.

Yeah, I got that; I do actually have some understanding of what constitutes satire. Problem is, satire only works if you're caricaturing a sentiment that someone has actually expressed. When you caricature a sentiment that only exists as an inaccurate caricature in your own imagination, well, that's one form of a straw man.

No, I got the "obvious joke"; I'm just pointing out that it isn't funny or clever. Sorry to burst your bubble.

Say whatever you like in response. I've heard every argument and complaint in support of your point of view, and I'm still waiting for the one that's convincing.

Maybe the problem is that you're too closed-minded to accept arguments and evidence that don't conform to your preconceived notions. It's easy to not be convinced if you won't be convinced.

[Orrex]

55. Then you don't understand how satire works, either.

The Daily Show and The Colbert Report routinely (indeed, extensively) satirize the sentiments of the Right even when those sentiments aren't shown as part of the satirical piece. It is enough to know that the sentiment exists and has been expressed; thereafter, the caricature is fair game.

I have frequently seen the "if only so-and-so had been armed" sentiment expressed here, and that's what I was satirizing (successfully, I'd add, based on the fire of your response). The fact that no one explicitly voiced that sentiment here in this thread is not relevant.


Additionally, I would welcome a convincing argument, and you mischaracterize me by asserting that I am closed-minded. Convincing arguments have changed my opinion on several major issues, so there's no reason to think that a convincing argument couldn't equally convince me that your view is correct, if indeed such arguments exist.

[Callisto32]

49. Oh, I wan't complaining...

I was making fun of you.

There's a difference.

This one is FUN for me.

[Orrex]

51. Nor was I addressing you.

I was replying to your post, but I was addressing the complainer to whom you replied in the first place.

There's a difference.

[Callisto32]

52. Aplogies, then.

Sorry, if I got overly defensive, and thus offensive. It happens sometimes. I'm not proud of it... Also, in a post telling someone I was making fun of him/her, I made a blatant spelling mistake... :yoiks:

However, I was kinda making fun of you, presuming I read the thread correctly and you are on of the folks that said +X in defense of a strawman. I do not apologize for calling someone out on a logical error, but will and do for doing it meanly.

[Orrex]

54. I appreciate that, but I'd like to make one point of clarification:

I wasn't one of the +X people--I was the one who posted what they were +X-ing. And I get a nickel's worth of royalties every time somebody chimes in to agree with it.

[msongs]

7. 2nd amendment does not prohibit gun ownership by 8 year olds anywhere they go nt

[jazzhound]

9. But the law doesn't allow 8 yr. olds to own firearms.

Yet another "brilliant" post in a long line of "brilliant" posts.

[Name removed]

11. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[X_Digger]

14. regurgitate.. regurgitate.. regurgitate..

Aren't you tired of regurgitating the same lines again and again and again?

[X_Digger]

16. Here's a list of your greatest hits.. do try to get some new material, mm'kay?

Each of these represent the sum total of your contribution to a thread.

"all gun owners must be required to join the militia, like the constitution says nt"
"all gun owners should be required to join the militia, as the constitution says nt"
"gun owners should be required to join the militia - "A well regulated militia being necessary..." nt"
"all gun owners must be required to join the militia, like the constitution says nt"
"are you in the militia as required by the second amendment? nt"
"you only have a right to a gun if you're in the militia per 2nd amendment nt"
"if you're in the militia you have the right to bear arms nt"

"fear of a black president nt"
"gun sales soar as first BLACK president is sworn in - gee wonder who's rushing the gun stores? nt"
" having a black president has way jackkked up gun sales. hmm wonder why? nt"
"fear of a black president + right wing media hysteria egging things on nt"
"racist gun wingnuts and fear of a black president - great for business eh gun shops? nt"
"gun whackos run amok using fear of a black president nt"
" fear of a black president run amok nt"
"fear of a black president by a group which is full of racists lol nt"
"lol sales are way up amongst the fear of a black president crowd...WAY up amongst racists nt"
"fear of a black president is doing wonders for the gun industry nt"
"did they tell you a BLACK man is now president n u should run out n buy guns? nt"
"fear of black president - go out and buy lots more guns nt"
"fear of a black president is swelling your ranks for the most part imo nt"
"driven by fear of a black president, gun sales have soared in the USA :-) nt"

"the toddler was just excercising his 2nd amendment rights IF he was in the militia nt"
"nuclear weapons are "arms". every 6 year old should have some nt"
"should be legal for 5 yr olds to carry at day care centers, after all, the constitution"
"constitutution does not prohibit 5 yr olds from owning guns. free guns for all apt. kids nt"
"guns for everyone, serial killers, 5 years olds, nut cases - constitutional rights ya know nt"
"children have a right to own and shoot guns anytime they wish. no bidg deal really nt"
"students have a constitutional right to carry guns at school...there is no age listed in the"
"all kids should be allowed to carry to school - 2nd amendment does NOT probhibit this nt"
"kids at elementary school should be allowed to carry guns, 2nd amnd. doesnt say adults only nt"
"yes the 2nd amendment allows 6 year olds to take guns to school so lets allow that too :-) nt"
"2nd amendment does not prohibit gun ownership by 8 year olds anywhere they go nt"

"crazies n nuts have a constitutional right to own and use guns too nt"
" legalize al weapons - convicted felons have a constitutional right to guns ya know nt"
"parolees, probationers, nuts, serial killers - everyone has the right to own guns . "
" the constitution does NOT bar serial killers from owning guns...or 4 year olds either nt"
"2nd amendment does NOT prohibit guns on airplanes or in the hands of criminals nt"
"2nd amendment does NOT prohibit felons or 5 year olds from owning guns nt"
"criminals have a constitutional right to carry guns on airplanes - not prevented by 2nd amendment nt"
"terrorists have a right to carry guns on planes, not prohibited by 2nd amendment. nt"
"terrorists have a 2nd amnd. right to carry guns on planes - not prohibited ya know nt"
"terroristsRKBA rights are denied when they cannot open carry on airliners nt"
"terrorists & serial killers have 2nd amendment rights too ya know. nt"
"prohibiting guns on airplanes and in schools = anti-RKBA bigotry right? nt"
"unlimited protection = terrorist RKBA rights to take guns on airplanes nt"
"the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed for any reason at all ever lol nt"

"no righteous killing to get off on in this one? nt"
"let all those gangbangers shoot a bunch of kids - its their righteous killing rights nt"
"so will the resident gun lovers call this another "righteous killing"? stay tuned ..... nt"
"is this another "righteous killing" for the gun crowd to celebrate? nt"
" "another righteous shoot" ..... jesus loves u anyway nt"
"another "righteous killing" for sure - after all that's what guns are FOR nt"
"oh this one is not righteous enough for u lololol. nt"
"the righteous killings are wonderful if a gun is used crowd disagree with you nt"
"another righteous killing in gun land...oh wait, the kid didnt die....yet nt"

[one-eyed fat man]

32. In understanding this case

you'd think he'd have better insight to the behaviors of a third grader as his arguments never rise above that of a petulant eight year old.

[TheWraith]

21. And also, gay rights allows for child rape.

Now see how stupid it sounds when you create a totally bullshit strawman argument?

[slackmaster]

24. Nor does it preclude a state making laws to prohibit gun possession at schools or by kids

HTH

[eqfan592]

40. Seriously, you're worse than my cat at throwing up the same garbage over and over again.

And yours actually manages to smell even worse.....

[AtheistCrusader]

17. Will you please follow-up with any criminal charges for whoever supplied the firearm?

That aspect of the incident should prove far more interesting.

[proteus_lives]

20. Ban classrooms.

It's the only way we'll be safe.

[shadowrider]

25. It's impossible for modern firearms to just "go off"

The trigger MUST be pulled. You can drop it, kick it, throw it, run over it with a car/truck and it won't fire.

The trigger MUST be pulled.

[Callisto32]

27. But this way, I can avoid taking blame!

[shadowrider]

29. Yup

"Honest officer, everyone was in the living room, the gun was in the bedroom and dangit, it just went off causing a bullet to go through the wall and happen to hit the guy I was having an argument with. Ain't my fault".

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

30. Are you suggesting that an eight-year-old would tell a lie?

I DIDN'T spill the milk.
I DIDN'T take a cookie.
I DIDN'T hit my sister.
I DIDN'T pull the trigger.

[shadowrider]

31. No I'm not suggested they lie

I'm saying modern firearms don't go off without the trigger being pulled, but, I get your drift..:)

[Ready4Change]

44. Assuming it's in proper working order.

I'm with you, honest. But guns are mechanical devices, and they can be broken/faulty in a variety of ways.

A responsible owner keeps theirs in proper working order, or disables a broken one to keep it from being able to fire at all. Then again, a RESPONSIBLE gun owner wouldn't allow conditions where an 8 year old could take the owners firearm into school. And that (an irresponsible gun owner) is the real cause of this 'accident.'

[Pavulon]

26. In nc, mommy or daddy should go to jail. The description points to a

derringer type weapon like this. It does require the hammer to be set to fire but not the same construction as most sidearms people carry.

[rrneck]

33. It might be possible

the kid pulled the hammer back and put it into the desk. If the trigger were against something and the desk got bumped maybe it could fire.

The real question is how'd the gun get in there.

[katzenjammers]

36. An earthquake shook the desk and knocked a copy of Alice in Wonderland against the trigger of the

cocked assault pistol. I hate it when that happens.

[jazzhound]

43. "The real question is how'd the gun get in there."

Yep.

The thing that never ceases to amaze me is the manner in which some members of the pro-control contingent gobble up every piece of rancid garbage served to them......"guns going off" being a prime example.

[Glassunion]

37. WTF! Reminder to self... Never return to CHARLOTTE, N.C. ...

Apparently guns down there go boom all by themselves. It happened again... http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/where-did-3rd-grader-get-the-gun-93624619.html

They gots the bad gunz down there... Stay away!

You have got to love the reporting. Heaven forbid they state that a 3rd grader discharged a firearm. Nope, kid brings a gun to school. Gun goes off by itself. You would think that there must be rivers of blood running out of firearms factorys with all of those guns laying around going off. I'm surprised that our troops overseas are still standing. They have lots of guns.

[Francis Marion]

42. Maybe the tike was a future DEA agent.

"I'm the only person in this room qualified to..."

[jody]

46. Another incident that might not have happened if schools would teach safety in the earliest classes.

Educators support teaching safe-sex, drug free, etc. that could harm students but are derelict if they oppose teaching gun safety.

[shadowrider]

47. Here ya go

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=118x316784

It's a good start