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 Linda Thomas
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Linda is the morning news anchor and features reporter for KIRO Radio. This is her local news blog, with an emphasis on social media, technology, Northwest companies, education, parenting, and anything else that grabs her attention.

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Gunrally.jpg
A man holds an AR-15 semi-automatic riffle at rally in support for gun rights at the Capitol in Hartford, Connecticut. At a similar rally in Olympia, participants raise concerns about legislation that could affect gun owners' rights in the wake of the Dec. 14 school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Where do you stand in the great gun debate of 2013?

January 20, 2013 @ 5:57 pm (Updated: 7:00 pm - 1/20/13 )

"Millions of gun owners killed no one yesterday."

With signs like that, up to 1,500 people rallied over the weekend in Olympia protesting gun restrictions.

Also in Thurston County, the Sheriff's Office collected 26 weapons - 16 long guns, 10 handguns - and three five-gallon buckets of ammunition. They also handed out about 70 gun locks.

Second Amendment supporters and gun control activists are making their views known in corner bars, coffee shops, city halls, on social media, and through rallies. (State-by-state report on gun legislation)

Washington Ceasefire will announce the results of the first significant poll on guns and gun laws in this state in eight years on Tuesday.

Wednesday, the Bainbridge Island Council enters the gun debate with a vote on a resolution supporting national efforts to implement stricter regulations on gun ownership and reinstating the Federal Assault Weapons Ban.

Looking ahead to Saturday, people who turn in a handgun or rifle to Seattle authorities and you can get a $100 gift card from Amazon.com, $200 card for a classified assault weapon.

This issue is not going away.

Where do you stand in the gun debate?

By LINDA THOMAS

More from Linda Thomas

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Comments (81)


  • Add A Comment

  • dpoarch1 wrote...
    Gun Control
    January 20, 2013 6:27 pm
    Firmly on the side of gun control and lots of it. I am ready to put my finances, indeed, my life, on the line for this important issue. Our gun culture is archaic and totally insane. This issue is not going away.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Big Zipper wrote...
    Can we at least have an honest discussion?
    January 21, 2013 7:10 am
    If we agree guns should require a back ground check at Walmart then... why not at gun shows and through private parties? And can we please stop comparing assualt rifles to small hand guns. There is no comparison in fire power, lethal ability, range, etc. They make horrible home defense weapons. When would you actually use an AR15 to defend yourself? Young white men that go crazy like to use assualt rifles and kill as many people as possible, that is a fact, and we should at least talk about it without acting like we are 5.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • RonJ wrote...
    Ya'll need to
    January 21, 2013 12:50 pm
    re-read the 2ns amendment. It has everything to do with the security of a free state and nothing to do with hunting, target shooting, etc. If I'm going to defend against a tyrannical government that no longer represents the people or an invading army I need a weapon that holds as many rounds as possible. "The security of a free state".
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Newton wrote...
    The Facts are Guns Keep People Safe!
    January 21, 2013 7:47 am
    Facts are that all gun control cities have more crime then those that don't have gun control. Criminals want Gun control "a Fact" that can not be denied by any gun control nut case. Only Criminals want Gun Control "Fact"!. The second amendment can not be infringed upon. Impeach the president and arrest those that are trying to do away with the second admendment. What goverment wants they have already stolen from the people and now they want to take the guns illeagly. Next step the concentration camps just like germany.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • RonJ wrote...
    By gun control
    January 21, 2013 12:46 pm
    you mean putting the 2nd bullet in the same hole the first one made, right?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • jendij wrote...
    Gun Debate 2013
    January 20, 2013 6:37 pm
    I used to be a single woman with a concealed weapons permit toying with the idea of purchasing a gun. Now I am married with nieces and nephews and my gun is a 120 pound german shepherd. I support gun ownership, but I think it's gotten a bit out of hand! Really now! Why on earth does anyone need an AK47 or anything remotely comparable? ....only people with the intent on killing lots of people!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • deltta wrote...
    jendij
    January 21, 2013 6:44 am
    So you got your permit and didn't own a firearm?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Seattle Dad wrote...
    AK47
    January 21, 2013 9:52 am
    is illegal to possess. An AK47 is not the same as an AR15. It's fully automatic. You can own an AK47 or M16 or similar if you have a special Federal weapons permit. Criminals currently have AK47s and those are illegal guns. Their are private citizens who may want an AR15 to use for protecting their property or person when a rifle is required rather than a hand gun. Why shouldn't a law abiding citizen be allowed to own any gun? Cops have them. Soldiers have them. They're not shooting us.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • RonJ wrote...
    jendij it doesn't
    January 21, 2013 12:58 pm
    matter what you think I need or don't need. Need has nothing to do with it. Go back and read the constitution, 2nd amendment. Now, are you going to fight off an invading army or tyrannical government with a German Shepard?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • dori monson fan wrote...
    if a new law could keep guns away from crazies
    January 20, 2013 7:17 pm
    I'd be all for it. but since it can't we should go after the root problem that can be mitigated - craziness, aka mental illness. I went to high school with a guy (tom gurgen) who later in life started to lose it. he went to a mental clinic of some sort here in seattle and was turned away. the next day he murdered his pregnant wife and shot himself in the head but survived. now that he has gotten the right meds and treatment he is back to his old mentally stable self. if he had gotten mental treatment when he asked for it his wife and kid would still be alive. even if he hadn't had a gun that day I think he would have used a knife with the same outcome.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Forrest wrote...
    Just another issue to polarize the country.
    January 20, 2013 8:13 pm
    Gun control ain't going to happen without a constitutional amendment. Time to move on and get back to the deficit. The deficit will destroy this country long before guns will.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Ron_Spins wrote...
    Gun control has happened
    January 20, 2013 8:52 pm
    how about 20,000 laws http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_law_in_the_United_States
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • flipper wrote...
    ...and...
    January 21, 2013 8:28 am
    because a constitutional amendment requires a 2/3 vote of the STATES (not the people) it will never happen. While the red and blue populous is something like 52/48 (based upon the election), red and blue STATES is about 30 red to 20 blue.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • maplefish wrote...
    Forrest
    January 21, 2013 9:34 am
    Touché! I'm with you 100%. That is the biggest, most frightening thing we the people all have in common. Unfortunately, Obama has zero intention of addressing it. I predict $20 TRILLION by 2016.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Ron_Spins wrote...
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TxHnCei4wzg
    January 20, 2013 8:48 pm
    I am a good guy "just like Lucas" I have a C.P.L and I do just like Lucas does. I am not a threat to anyone or anything (pit bulls etc)unless"they"are out to harm me,my loved ones or anyone else around me. (Have you noticed many of the violent lashings out are by very young men , I have theory's)
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • DJFavorite wrote...
    My fear
    January 21, 2013 4:44 am
    on the whole discussion this time around, is that we will get 'knee-jerk' reactions that in the end won't do anything to stop killings that they are targeting to stop (i.e Aurora, Newtown, etc). They need to do proper studies on the problem. There are already laws out there that say who can't have a gun (felons, mentally ill, etc). Why aren't those laws enforced? Where is the break down in the existing laws? That's what needs to be fixed. Outlawing certain guns, or clips, or types of bullets isn't going to stop the killings. The pro-gun control groups argue that some of the guns they want banned aren't used for hunting. In the 2nd amendment, I'd like them to show me where it says anything about hunting. It's for the common citizen to protect themselves against the government. When the government bans the guns (while they still have them - aka the military), how can the common citizen protect themselves?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • RonJ wrote...
    New York
    January 21, 2013 1:02 pm
    already had a kneejerk.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    When progressives are willing to discuss their taboo subjects
    January 21, 2013 5:18 am
    which are the most significant factors of gun violence...that is, illegal immigration, sanctuary cities, lenience with gang bangers, video games, Hollywood, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, then and only then should the discussion turn to guns. Until then, don't give them an inch.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sportsguru wrote...
    Paul Kersey
    January 21, 2013 6:28 am

    You know, I kind of agree with your post to a certain extent, however, I disagree with you implying that Illegal immigration, video games and pumping money into Hollywood by supporting there films and ultimately your serotonin reuptake inhibitor movement is strictly a liberal/progressive movement.

    Your people partake in the proliferation of illegal immigration, just look at our farms and the subsidy's they receive and they use it to bring illegals to our country until election time and then it's kick them out of here, look at your restaraunts, look whose cleaning your homes and mowing your lawn and when you see a construction site, look at who the laborers and/or skill trade workers and what nationality they consist of,lol.

    Hollywood, unless your people are skipping t.v., the theatre, radio and/or print all together, then they are part of the process as well.

    I think your inhibitor conspiracy is a legitimate movement and I think it is undertaken in our public school systems, I think that any kid that shows some discipline problems in the public schools they tend to want to medicate them, I have seen it from elementary on up to high school and this selective medication is as far as I know not done by POLITICAL party,lol.

    Now I play video games, madden13 and NBA2k, but besides those, I am a non-user. If you are willing to give up free speech and expression, I am not sure what you can do about it and I ten to agree on gang bangers, however, sanctuary states is a loaded question I don't have enough time to get into that, I will leave that to another forum.

    I assume that you feel that liberal, progressives or dimoshittts or whatever you call people are the reason for the problems that america has with guns?

    I say our law enforcement community was introduced based on the lawlessness due to the proliferation of GUNS, way before a progressive, republican, conservative, liberal, commie, fascist became a fashionable word and/or meaning.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    "my people"?
    January 21, 2013 7:40 am
    Is that code for honky?

    racist....racist....racist

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sportsguru wrote...
    Paul, No
    January 21, 2013 7:49 am

    That was meant to mean your neo-con conservative jackbooted bible thumping republican folks, I know you look for racist under every rock, but today it doesn't exist,lol.

    You speak of progressive as if they are a different set of people, I guess that is not racist toward a different set of political ideology

    I am trying very hard to have a real conversation with you,lol, but you really make it hard Paul. I will take some of the blame for that since being the man that I am, I have no problem showing responsibility for my action in whatever misconception you may have with my post.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    come on...lighten up sporty
    January 21, 2013 8:05 am
    just funnin' wits ya

    It's a great day in America. Our Dear Leader is taking us for another four year ride into redistribution paradise. We will soon all be equal peasants....red, white, black or yellow. Well, all except for those special people who rule over us in D.C. and corporate America. They will be more equal. Just think of the changes the next four years will bring. Soon we will be able to see $10/gal gas and 25% unemployment. This will be a great stride forward in solving the problem of road rage violence.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    let's see those Fast and Furious documents
    January 21, 2013 5:57 am
    that are hidden by Executive Privilege before we even talk about restricting the rights of law abiding citizens.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • DesertRez wrote...
    Let's be rational for a second
    January 21, 2013 6:11 am
    Some limits must exist regarding firepower and civilians. We don't need rockets and grenades, or full auto weapons. Laws already exist for those types to be illegal or extremely difficult to aquire (such as Nevada - a Class III friendly state). However, the frustating parts is that the reporters have no clue what they are talking about in regard to rifles. Even the loaded term assault rifle is bogus. AR came from the company ArmaLite in the 1950s. It does not stand for Assault Rifle, which is a select fire military weapon that the Germans invented in WW2.

    I own an AK-47. It is cheap and fun to shoot. My co-workers (range officers, 3-gun competition shooters, and practical pistol shooters) all own AR platform weapons. Most are ex-military, most are expert shooters. The laws already in place work. This stuff is just pols and uninformed people pushing their agenda.

    Just ask one simple question: Would any of the proposed laws have prevented the Newtown mass murder?

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • adiru wrote...
    I used to be liberal and anti-gun
    January 21, 2013 6:19 am
    until a situation occured and there were no police around. Fortunately, it didn't escalate further but it woke me up to how it could have ended! The police and state have no duty to protect an individual. Look up Warren v. District of Columbia, Castle Rock v. Gonzales, and DeShaney v. Winnebago County.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • RonJ wrote...
    adiru
    January 21, 2013 6:41 pm
    you are correct the police have no duty to protect individuals. Didn't it take 20 minutes for the police to get to the school, that wonderful gun-free zone?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
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