Well, I don't want to be hyperbolic or anything:

Houston Crime
4 children, 2 adults shot dead in Spring; prompts hours-long

http://www.khou.com/news/crime

Related:

    Neighbors react to mass shooting in north Harris Countyadd to reading list

 http://www.khou.com/news/crime/Neighbors-react-to-mass-shooting-in-north-Harris-County-266535081.html

SPRING, Texas – Six people were shot dead, including four children, Wednesday afternoon in north Harris County, according to Harris County Pct. 4 deputies.

The incident happened at a home in the 700 block of Leaflet in the Enchanted Oaks subdivision.

Deputies responded to a shooting and found the victims. The sole survivor, a 15-year-old female, told authorities the gunman was on his way to another home to kill more relatives. The deputies beat him to that home.

A three-hour long standoff took place in a cul-de-sac on Countrymeadows near Country Canyon. Neighbors were forced out of their homes as the situation unfolded.

“The sheriff’s hostage negotiators have successfully resolved this,” said Constable Ron Hickman. “He’s removed from the vehicle without incident.”

The victims were ages five to 40. Four children and two adults died. According to authorities, it was a domestic dispute between a man and his estranged wife.

Authorities did not release the victims' identities and did not say how they might be related to each other or the suspect.

“Our hearts go out to the families involved in this tragedy,” said Hickman.

It's exactly why I feel not the LEAST obligation to bray about any charitable actions or donations on my own behalf.What, rigon, you expect me to spend time in a pissing contest as to who makes the most donations or gives the most time? With someone I have not ONE way of comparing myself honestly to, since I know what I do, but have only your claims as to what you do?

well, of course, we only have their own words as to the immense generosity they display...but understand there's a clear strategy behind their words. The idea is to suggest that charity can do the job, both in this instance and at home, so that government shouldn't ask them to pay taxes for these issues. But of course there's no guarantee that they either ARE contributing with the immense generosity they claim, what we have are people asking us to believe that their private charity is sufficient to accomplish our social goals, without a single evidence of proof of that generosity now or later.

It's a laughably lame attempt to get out of paying for this society's responsibilities, and is waaaaay too easily seen through for what it is: greed and lack of compassion for others.

Well, that should certainly help your spleen, even though it accomplishes nothing else. lolol.

umair, from where I sit,your SIL  does the work. Where exactly do you get the credit from?

lol. Sorry, I was quite happy to discuss the issue on the basis of what we as a society should do with these kids and how we should address the immigration issues we face.

There is nothing inherently wrong with teacher's unions. Then what's the point of a union?

Single payer health care. Improved primary education. Decriminalization of drugs. And the ability of foreign people to enter USA without having to apply for a visa.

That's bullshit and has always been bullshit. Unless you live in Chicago you are more likely to be shot by your lover or spouse or someone who knows you. Its the "lawful gun owner' who generally kills his wife and children in their beds....not gang members or criminals.

What's your source for making that claim?

It's called an opinion - and one based in sound logic. The problem you and I have is that you seem to think I'm calling this a magic bullet - which I'm not, and without a magic bullet, you're unwilling to consider ANY  measures.

Even if made law...it would be voluntary. Criminals will not register their weapons...only honest law abiding citizens will.

Yes, I own firearms. I used to shoot competitively, in my youth.  I've always supported the right of American citizens to own firearms and still do. However, being a responsible gun owner, I feel obligated to support laws that make it harder for criminals and mentally ill people to get their hands on them. I also recognize that some places - some states and cities - have been reactionary in their approach, and always thinking that they have gun laws, but crime is still happening, they've instituted stricter and stricter laws that really only affect the law abiding. That's why I support a nationalized gun control policy.

Here in New Jersey, our laws (as written) require persons to submit to a background check (including being finger printed) to get a Firearms ID Card, with which they can purchase long guns and ammunition so long as they carry it. In addition, to purchase a handgun, an purchase permit is required. Within one calendar year of your most recent background check, the issuing authority (your local police chief or State Police Barracks Commander) may issue handgun purchase permits without requiring another check at his discretion. The law requires the process to be completed within 30 days of the permit request being submitted. If you are convicted of a crime, or are diagnosed by a licensed therapist as being a danger to yourself or others, your Firearms ID Card may be suspended or revoked, following a hearing.

I believe that this is a good model on which to base a national standard. In my proposed solution, this nationalized standard would replace ALL gun regulations in all 50 states, including those who have the overly restrictive statutes at this time, and would prohibit states and municipalities from passing further restrictions other than that which would apply in state or municipal buildings.