Two days in the world of guns in America
It’s the start of your Florida vacation. You're at the dog races, in Key West. While at the window waiting to place a bet on the upcoming race, you're chatting with the man in front of you and the woman behind you. Is either of them carrying a gun?
Your next stop on your Florida vacation is a beach in Miami. It's crowded but you manage to find a space between two families. They look friendly enough, but are they carrying a gun?
The next stop is visiting your child at The University of Florida, in Gainesville. You have a nice visit, but it's time for him to head off to class. It’s in a huge lecture hall that holds up to five hundred students. You wonder if any of them are bringing a gun to class. If so, how many?
The final stop on this tour is Tallahassee. It's the state capital; home of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. You stop for lunch and the restaurant is packed. How many of those dining are packed? How many are carrying guns?
The reason for all these scenarios is that on Monday a law was passed in Florida allowing anyone to carry a concealed weapon. You don't need a permit. You don't need any training. You don't need a background check.
Welcome to the world of guns in America.
On Tuesday, in Highland Park, Illinois, Highland Park High School was put on lockdown due to a rumor that a student had brought a weapon to school. In a community that is still reeling from a mass shooting at their 4th of July parade, the incident set off the community again.
Five students were arrested for their part in the incident. FIVE!!
Welcome to the world of guns in America.
The good news is no one was injured or killed. The bad news is it's only Wednesday. Keep your fingers crossed. That's the life we're living now. That’s the life of living in the world of guns in America.
I have a winter home in Florida, and after this law passed, I’m pretty nervous about being out and about. I hate the politics of the state and just pray that during the few months a year that we are there that there is peace. This whole thing makes me sick and disgusted, I live in Highland Park, and we are still very raw from last year.
Great post, Howard, keep peoples eyes open to what is happening!
Yes, it's shocking that five students were arrested -- but I'd rather see them arrested than dead. Maybe the idea that the police can stop such things will start getting around.