Quack, quack, don't shoot! Oh duck...

I had the opportunity to duck hunt in my youth. I even got my duck calls ok. Our shotguns were limited to 3 shells which always seemed peculiar since you were shooting at a flying target. Limiting the shotgun to 3 shells is rooted in conservation efforts dating back to the 1930's. Shouldn’t we afford the same sporting chance to our fellow human beings? Is it not counterintuitive to allow 30 round magazines for rifles designed to kill humans? Wouldn't the lone gunman be hobbled by fewer rounds per magazine? An extra moment for law enforcement to take him down. A pause in gunfire for a hero to tackle the coward. We have accepted limits without forfeiting 2A rights. Can't we agree on some commonsense regulations? How many rounds should we limit magazines too? I don't know but can we start with less than 30?

Guns and Prayers

     Thoughts and prayers offered after every mass shooting. I can't imagine how surviving family members feel when hearing these words from politicians. They offer no plan and no action to reduce these violent tragedies. What is the appropriate action? Where is society failing us? Is there not something we can do? Somewhere between absolutely nothing and some something? Can all these horrible events be stopped? Unlikely, but how many human lives do we sacrifice in the name of an absolute 2A?

     I am a gun owner who is a reasonably good marksman and licensed to carry. I share that because solutions must be arrived at by compromise. Compromise is found on a spectrum. Purple, not red or blue. Central, no left or right. A shade of gray, not black or white. Yet we can hardly have a discussion without name calling and raised voices. 

     The Brady Bill did not result in the government knocking on our doors to confiscate our firearms.  The assault weapons ban from 1994 to 2004 came an went. Our 2A rights remained. I remember going to gun shows with my Dad as AR-15 components transitioned to fully assembled and operational rifles. I remember an uneasiness. Why are these guns being sold? Keep in mind, I am sharing family time appreciating classic and modern firearms. I was not predisposed to any position but felt confusion in my core. 

Thoughts on Prayers purpose.

     For this blog I will be using the pseudonym Michael Vegas. It sounds fun. I have been a civics nerd since seeing the "Bill Becomes Law" cartoon on Schoolhouse Rock. My passion for civics was cemented when I earned a greater than 100% grade in 8th Grade American Civics. I am a college educated industrial operations professional with over a decade of international trade experience. My pastime dreaming of public office and debating society has become a source of anger and resentment. I hope this blog will be a positive outlet for my passion.

     I have no professional writing experience and Thoughts on Prayer will be my first writing for public consumption. I hope to improve over time, but in light of 2 mass shootings in 24 hours, I am jumping in. It is my sincere desire to provoke genuine dialog on controversial issues. Topics that typically result in shields up, raised voices, and broken friendships. Can we peel back the layers of the onion to find common ground and compassionate solutions?