Unfortunately, with the recent events in Littleton, Colorado, it seems appropriate to discuss the issue of firearm legislation in the Texas House of Representatives. In this country and in this state, it is inherent in our constitutional rights that we are able to keep and bear arms. It is one of the bedrocks on which this country was founded. How can we respect and uphold this freedom, but balance it with the needs for safety in our schools, on our streets and in our homes?
The shootings in Littleton have struck a particular chord with me. Tricia and I have three children in public schools and one in college right now, and I think all parents can only cope with the idea of school violence by the mantra, "It won't happen here." Well, last week, it almost did happen here. In Wimberely, Texas, a few students were courageous enough to inform the school officials about a violent act which was about to unfold and prevented a similar horrible tragedy from happening right here in Texas.
The media has been quick to blame this on guns and gun ownership. My view is quite different. Tricia and I both grew up and our kids grew up with hunting and guns as a significant part of our family life. When not hunting, we enjoy a family outing of skeet shooting or target practice. I hate to admit it, but on her best day, Tricia can beat us all. Before Tricia or I or any of our children were allowed to handle a firearm, gun safety and gun responsibility were taught and learned. I am not convinced that by restricting gun sales or manufacturing, we will solve the problems faced in our schools, our streets or our homes. The answer, as with so many social issues, is in parenting and mentoring of our youth.
A number of bills have been proposed this session in response to recent lawsuits filed against gun manufacturers by cities across the nation including New York City, Chicago, New Orleans and Atlanta. These cities claim, among other things, that guns are inherently dangerous, and they can therefore sue the manufacturer for properly and legally manufacturing guns. I cannot agree with this logic. I feel strongly that lawsuits against gun manufacturers for correctly and legally producing a "product" are frivolous and are the equivalent of suing a knife maker because someone is stabbed or a match manufacturer because someone is burned. Let's sue Ford or Chevrolet when a drunk driver kills an innocent child on our highways, or maybe we should sue the highway contractor. The persons who use guns in a criminal manner are the ones at fault, not those who make the guns.
As a preemptive measure, SB 717 was filed to prevent government entities in Texas, including cities, from filing these types of lawsuits. I have co-authored HB 1716 and HB 1561, two House bills that are similar to SB 717. Lawsuits of this nature are further evidence of our society trying to shift blame from the illegal and irresponsible acts of an individual to the lawful acts of others.
These bills, if passed, would prohibit any municipality or government entity from filing a lawsuit against a firearms or ammunition manufacturer, trade association or seller, unless they have the express consent of the Texas legislature. The Attorney General would still be able to file suit on behalf of the state or any other government entity against a gun manufacturer.
I think that the proper focus in answering the elusive question "Why?" is found in the home. Are we watching our children, what are they watching on television and in the movies, are they playing violent video games which make death the main goal of the game, are they depressed, or anxious? Now, I know some of this is inherent in being a teenager. Our charge, as parents, is to ensure the proper upbringing of our children. Luck has very little to do with it, it takes hard work and dedication from both parents.
This week I received a letter from the Executive Director of the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) about the Littleton tragedy. He pointed out that while the TYC's main function is to rehabilitate Texas' most violent and chronically delinquent youth, they also work diligently in the area of delinquency prevention. The TYC was the first state agency in the United States to put prevention research on the internet. The website is www.tyc.state.tx.us/prevention It provides the largest on-line directory of programs, references and research on all aspects of the development and care of children, youth and families. You can also call the Office of Prevention at 512/424-6003 for more information. This resource should be used and shared with people you know.
Please write my capitol office with your views on these issues regarding firearms and school violence in Texas.