A respectful exchange on gun control

I've become more vocal on gun control and plan to get more actively involved, likely focused on repeal of the 2nd Amendment.

A former student noticed my recent comments on LinkedIn and asked to discuss my views. Following is our respectful exchange:

Student -- Hi Dr McCue, I hope all is well with you. I’d love to connect and have a discussion to further understand your view on solutions for mass shootings from your recent posts. As someone who graduated from x [a high school where gun violence occurred) and enlisted in x, I believe I really understand the issue of gun violence, while I acknowledge I don’t fully know an accurate solution. I do not personally believe that more strict laws will make any difference, rather they will just make it more difficult for law abiding citizens. I believe there can be change but it should be tactical and approached differently. Please let me know your thoughts.

McCue -- Hi x, great to hear from you. I don't know what the solution is, but I believe it has to be radical (eradication of guns) and repeal of the 2nd Amendment that was NOT intended for citizens to use guns for self-protection. I also think Moms need to bring the economy to a standstill by just not purchasing anything but essential food and shelter-related. It is utter insanity how we are "living" in this country.

Student -- Eradication of them I don’t think would be possible in the US. That’s why the 2nd amendment came to exist opposed to something that most people cite being Australia which was a confiscation and not a buy back. To have the same effect, there would have to be roughly 95-105 million firearms confiscated in the US (roughly 1/3rd of all firearms) If we look at Chicago which has one of the most strict gun control laws anywhere in the country we would find that it counteracts the theory of a squeeze/buyback/confiscation. I believe the problem then gets pushed to the black market style of street buying which I think is where the focus should be.

McCue -- I don't know the solution but, stating the obvious, guns are destroying this country.

Student -- I don’t think guns are destroying the country. I think there are more underlying issues. Divisive politics, economics and fiscal spending, tax policy, etc. obviously I say this as I own many and am a responsible firearms owner. I don’t believe I am part of the problem along with the many who are and treat them with respect. I think it is hard to blanket an entire sector as such.

McCue -- I get it and agree, but the fundamental disconnect for our conversation is my belief no one should own a gun, and that this was not the intent of the 2nd Amendment.

Student -- So let’s start there. How would one interpret the 2nd Amendment as written. (I know it has been skewed significantly) I see a few schools of thought on the matter whether it be a militia to then not have a standing army, or the right of the people or individual to keep and bear arms. As I understand at the time to not have a professional standing army (something I imagine would be closer to each states national guard).

McCue -- If the founding principle was to not have an army, we have an army, so de facto the Amendment is no longer valid.

Student -- So as intent changes, the law too should change or be amended. At the time, we did have an army, navy and marine corps for the revolution. I believe it should be amended to current time yes, but not to be taken away completely.

McCue -- And there is where we must agree to disagree.

Student -- Which is fine. That’s what I enjoy of conversation on opposing viewpoints. Understanding which I feel lacks in most ideological/intellectual positions. I feel as though there is a large difference though between this and the 18th amendment which was the only one to be repealed by the 21st amendment.

McCue -- I think a repeal of the 2nd Amendment is possible if people understood that it is no longer relevant to the original intent of the Amendment.

Student -- To be fair, am I trained far more than the average citizen, yes. Have I served and understand them more, I would say yes. To that extent, I also use them for sport, competition and hunting. In that case should those not be allowed either?

McCue -- I'd look to 195 countries to see how they use guns for sport, competition and hunting.

Student -- That’s why I believe as intent changes the law should as well such as the 15th and 19th amendment. As times change the law should too.

McCue -- The 2nd Amendment was manipulated to ensure that those who want guns can keep them.

Student -- But as someone who is responsible and trained, I’d rather have it and not need it than the inverse. Or the phrase “I would rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6”. However, that is what separates the US from practically any other sovereign nation. I don’t believe it’s an inanimate object that is to blame. I believe it’s the user behind it.

We don’t blame poorly built structures on the hammers or nails, we go to the builder. We don’t blame cars for crashing we go to the driver.

McCue -- Too many seemingly sane people have used guns to cause death.

Student -- Are they seemingly sane or they are perceived that way without further knowledge? For instance, suicide which falls under gun deaths is significant.

McCue -- Rage-induced death by prior well-functioning people, suicide by prior well-functioning people, etc..

Student -- So is it a people and mental health issue or the tool in which they use or both?

McCue -- For me, it's an issue that no one should own a weapon produced to cause death.

Student -- So if we take them away, what do you think we will see? Would it be similar to the British with more stabbings? Or will people ultimately find other means like hammers or bats like the Irish. I obviously know it’s much more complex than that but I think we need to start by looking at the people, not the tool as it takes someone to operate it. People with bad intentions will always find a way.

McCue -- For sure more stabbings and clubbing but a nut job with a knife, hammer or bat will cause far less death.

Student -- I understand your view. I just happen to think people are the constant in that equation while what they use is a variable. I do wish we could prevent death as much as possible regardless of tool. But unfortunately I do not think that’s realistic.

McCue -- I agree.? Unfortunately, I feel it's going to get far worse before it gets better so I'm advocating for repeal and ban.? Most countries do not allow gun ownership or have strict controls for a reason.

Student -- I don’t know that would say most. I think there are around 20 or less countries that completely ban them. More have very strict and restrictive policy. I just want to learn more. That’s why I just wanted to have the conversation. I do own many but always want to understand more viewpoints and thoughts.

McCue -- I so deeply appreciate our exchange.? I've learned a lot.

Student -- I do as well.