TCTI: Too Crazy Too Ignore
 Dave Ross
AP: d9e2d2b7-ba00-4915-a774-1345738c6e94
Crime scene tape surrounds the home of Nancy Lanza, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, in Newtown, Conn. Nancy Lanza was killed by her son Adam Lanza before he forced his way into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Friday and opened fire, killing many others, including 20 children. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

What will the NRA say?

BY Dave Ross  on December 19, 2012 @ 7:40 am (Updated: 7:56 am - 12/19/12 )

Yet another detail about the Newtown gunman is now in question.

Fox News last night quoted the son of a local pastor saying, "Adam Lanza may have snapped after learning his mother wanted to send him to a psychiatric facility."

But then the NY Daily News quoted the pastor himself as saying his son's statement was hearsay and shouldn't be used.

So this story continues to be all over the place. This scramble for some explanation to cling to is distracting from what we DO know for sure, which is that Adam Lanza's mother kept a military weapon at home that he used to kill 26 innocent people.

And the mom obviously never dreamed such a thing could happen -- because no one believes this of their own child, and if they did, they would make sure such a weapon never got into the house.

We also know that whatever his motive was, his access to a military weapon turned a family crisis into a national tragedy.

Which means there's a pretty clear choice if we decide as a nation to do something: either you control the weapons or the people who own and possess them.

We're told the NRA will finally speak on Friday. I hope they address the question of what we have a right to expect of people who own weapons. The NRA's Eddie Eagle program tells kids what to do if they find a gun in Mommy or Daddy's closet, "There's a gun up here I heard Josh say," the cartoon voice sings. "That's when I knew this was no place to play."

It's reassuring to think that kids will do the right thing and go dancing to their parents when they find a gun in the closet. But someone needs to ask why any parent would leave that weapon unsecured in the first place.

Dave Ross, KIRO Radio Talk Show Host
Dave Ross is co-host of The Ross & Burbank Show on KIRO Radio (weekdays 9-Noon) and never too far from the spotlight.
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Comments (52)


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  • mnpat wrote...
    Never owned a firearm, never fired a firearm.....
    December 19, 2012 7:13 am
    But if I did, I would want it to be available in a very short period of time.
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  • logical open mind wrote...
    mpat-my guns are locked in a steel case and I can get to them in 20 seconds
    December 19, 2012 8:46 am
    keep em locked up!
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  • messiah101 wrote...
    logical
    December 19, 2012 12:56 pm
    So your saying the person breaking in is going to give you 20 secs to access your weapons? Your dreaming,it would take him less then 1 sec to shoot you several times.Gun owners understand this and thats why the guns don't get secured
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  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    Joe Biden has been appointed to head the gun control debate
    December 19, 2012 7:29 am
    I feel much better now knowing that such an intellectual giant will solve the problem. Maybe he'll just put us all back in chains.
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  • messiah101 wrote...
    Paul K
    December 19, 2012 1:00 pm
    I agree Joe will do a GREAT Job on this.Evidently you did not watch his debate with Ryan.The difference with VP Biden and many VPs is that Obama did not need to choose a VP that might win him a state or two. He was able to choose the Best Man for the job. Paul you keep coming up empty and I love pointing it out when you do.
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  • kato1967 wrote...
    "control the people who own and possess them"
    December 19, 2012 7:36 am
    Nice Mr. Ross, Mussolini couldn't have said it any better. Hopefully what the NRA will do is continue to oppose fascists attempts to destroy individual liberty in this country. Maybe what we really need to control are Statist idiots like you.
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  • ron prevost wrote...
    Dave - Please stop naming this demon. He does NOT deserve his 15 minutes of 'fame'.
    December 19, 2012 7:42 am
    But, you post as if the NRA is the ONLY voice for the 2nd Amendment in existence. Yet, there are many others (including the Citizen's Committee for the Right to Keep and Bare Arms, located headquartered right here in Washington State). ..... And regardless of organizations, Constitutional Rights do not depend on who or whatever voice chooses to define them - Excepting the Supreme Court.

    All aside, up to now the NRA has respectfully stresses mourning and reflection on a national tragedy - mich as the president did UNTIL he started taking Rohm Emanuel's crisis advice. ... Friday will be soon enough to politicize this horror, if ever.

    To your other point. No, family members - especially Mom & Dad - are far less likely to believe their son to be a monster. That's why matricide and patricide are the most common of murders (after killing one's OWN children). And Able was Cain's BROTHER. Not some guy on the next farm south.

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  • mnpat wrote...
    There are some people Ron that seem to believe
    December 19, 2012 7:59 am
    That only parts of the constituion are importent....such is the current administration that feels they are above all that.....Dave if you do nlt like portions of the constitution put your energy behind an amendment to the constitution....that's the way it is supposed to work.
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  • Gate Keeper wrote...
    Oh Boy
    December 19, 2012 7:48 am
    First of all Dave,the crazed murderer did not us a "military weapon" which was kept in his mother's home. It was a Bushmaster .223 cal. semi automatic rifle built to look similar to a AR15 which in military/ police world is in a .308 cal. and has a fire selector which enables the operator to have semi automatic or fully automatic fire. You and most of the idiots in your profession don't know squat about firearms beyond what you see in movies or on TV. The crazed murderer's mom had every right to own that rifle and it was legal under local laws. The big question should be: WHAT? was her insane son doing walking around free? Oh yeah, crazy people have rights and when they commit murder & mayhem, blame guns. You libtards need to get a clue.
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  • messiah101 wrote...
    Gate Keeper
    December 19, 2012 8:56 am
    The Bushmaster is in use by military units all over the world,it fires bullets as FAST as you can squeeze them off allowing a poor shooter to still get hits on the target.I don't believe the shooter was ever judged to be insane,autism has nothing to do with being insane.So why not follow your own advice and allow the experts to comment and keep your own mouth SHUT
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  • Newton wrote...
    This happened in a no gun town.
    December 19, 2012 7:49 am
    Criminals only pick on the gun towns. Because crime goes down where there are more guns fact!. So only criminals want gun control. Its a known fact more guns equale less crime. Check the Stats. All across america crime is going down. This newtown event was staged just like the Aruora event both fathers were involved in the libor scam. Report about the Libor connection dave the stuff the media does not want the public to find out about. Or city council since the criminal element is alive and well in goverment and the media.
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  • JustAnotherFish wrote...
    At What Point...
    December 19, 2012 7:49 am
    Does our responsibility to do whatever it takes to keep weapons like that out of the hands of people like that trump someone's right to own such weaponry "just because"?

    Owning a gun is fine. A pistol or shotgun for home security, a rifle or shotgun for hunting. At the very least, weapons like the one used in CT need to be harder to get, especially for people like Lanza's and/or his mother. Background checks for all guns purchases. Make it slightly more difficult to buy a firearm than it is to get a driver's license. At the very least. If you do feel the need to own an assault weapon, there should be legislation that requires it to be kept in a secure, locked storage cabinet. If not, you can be held partially responsible for any crime committed with that weapon.

    Why is that such a difficult thing for people to accept?

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  • kato1967 wrote...
    You need to be controlled
    December 19, 2012 7:57 am
    Maybe we should limit your access to the internet to prevent you from posting idiotic ideas. After all, when the first amendment was written there was no internet, no radio and no TV. Freedom of speech can't possibly apply to these more modern media.
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  • JustAnotherFish wrote...
    Brilliant...
    December 19, 2012 8:09 am
    Argument. Thanks for your input. You've given us all something to consider in this matter.
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  • otherpointofview wrote...
    this is why "gun control" does not work
    December 19, 2012 8:21 am
    what is the difference between what you call "assault weapon" which in this case is incorrect since it was a semi-auto rifle and a shotgun. this perp could have done the exact same damage with a shotgun and two handguns.. also, i'm not sure what gun control would have stopped this massacre. he was clearly not of legal age to own a firarm so all the background checks in the world wouldn't have stopped this from happening. the same applies to the oregon mall shooting. when are people going to learn that bad people don't go through the legal channel to buy a gun. the mentally ill..now that's a whole new ball game.. i'm in favor of disarming anyone who is deemed mentally ill by the state.
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  • JustAnotherFish wrote...
    Background Checks...
    December 19, 2012 10:17 am
    Should include an indicator of people living in your household. I have to supply similar information for AUTO INSURANCE. How many people are in your household? How many of these people will have access to the gun? Do any of these people have any mental health issues? LOOK INTO IT. It's not about taking rights away, it's about providing rights responsibly.
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  • ohyea53 wrote...
    All the Libs want to start banning guns thinking it’s an easy fix.
    December 19, 2012 7:58 am
    Thank God they are not practicing Dermatology. If they were they would try to cure Dandruff by means of Decapitation!
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  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    The unarmed citizens of Mexico are living under the tyranny of a narco-government.
    December 19, 2012 8:13 am
    Think it couldn't happen here? Fast and Furious proved that it could.
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  • messiah101 wrote...
    Hey Kersey
    December 19, 2012 9:00 am
    If those unarmed citizens of Mexico want to buy weapons to protect themselves their is NOTHING to keep them from doing so. Your daily attempt to spread your LIES is a daily failure.Face it Sonny you have ZERO credibility.Only a few far right posters Queeny,Billy Boy, HaHa, believe you and thats only because your a pivot man in their daily circle jerk
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  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    you know nothing about Mexico pendejo
    December 19, 2012 9:07 am
    except maybe how to order a Corona at the hotel bar. Of course you can't debate so you attempt insult.
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  • messiah101 wrote...
    Paul K,Pivot Man
    December 19, 2012 9:15 am
    I lived about 15 miles of Tijuana for about 25 yrs I traveled throughout the entire country BOTH coasts as well as the interior.I worked at a company for 15 years that employed Mexicans (yes many were illegals). So what gives you the cred to debate anyone on this or any other topic ?
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  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    so you lived in Chula Vista, California, USA? big deal pendejo
    December 19, 2012 9:48 am
    and a Mexican immigrant that worked at your company told you that "Mexicans who want to buy weapons to protect themselves can, there is NOTHING to keep them from doing so"?....and you believed him? Sometimes they do bee esss the gringos, especially dumbazzes like you . So, how is your Spanish? When you traveled across the country, did you drive? Were you carrying any weapons for protection, since you say that is legal?

    and yes, I do know quite a bit about Mexico, starting from the days of Lopez Portillo until now. I drove carretera quince at least 20 times from Nogales to Oaxaca. I lived in Mexico, not Chula Vista, CA.

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  • messiah101 wrote...
    Paul K
    December 19, 2012 1:09 pm
    Nope NEVER lived in CV.I have driven I-5 50 times between Seattle and SAN but it certainly did not make me a expert on the politics ,lifestyle or gun policy between the 2 locations so your RESUME is a JOKE. Yep I drove in a VW camper stayed along the side of the road and at beaches and an occasional campground. My only weapon was a hammer which I kept in my bed and a cock a po who would bark if someone came around (only happened once)Tell ya what in order to keep from looking like a TOTAL IDIOT why not research guns in Mexico then get back to me .
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  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    yea, that's right messy
    December 19, 2012 1:45 pm
    Carretera 15 is just like driving I-5, well except for the soldier stops, the corrupt local police, the kidnapping gangs, the sicarrios and the judiciales (usually a combination of any two or three). I'd love to see you try it. You wouldn't make it 30km without having a nervous breakdown. But they would love to see a dumbazz like you coming down the road.
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  • ron prevost wrote...
    Hey, messiah - I thought you've prior posted you were a Realtor@ here in Seattle for many years.
    December 20, 2012 5:23 am
    Either you're VERY old, or you've been attending the William Lawn School of Credibility.
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  • James01 wrote...
    Connecticut shooting
    December 19, 2012 8:59 am
    Seems to me that there is a lot of mis-information floating around on this story. I recall several reports that the assault rifle was found in the gunmans car and that the police found 2 handguns on the shooter. So it seems somewhat pointless to argue for assault weapons bans based on a situation where one was not used to commit such a horrible crime. From AP and the MyrtleBeachOnline "Law enforcement officials speaking on condition of anonymity said that Lanza killed his mother, Nancy Lanza, and then drove to the school in her car with three guns, including a high-powered rifle that he apparently left in the back of the vehicle. Authorities said he shot up two classrooms, but they otherwise gave no details on how the attack unfolded." Read more here: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2012/12/14/3222464/shooting-leaves-27-dead-including.html#storylink=cpy
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