Cigarettes and Mass Murders – Why Both Will Always Kill in the USA

Cigarettes are a lot like hand guns in the United States. Both give off smoke from a heated barrel. Both are lethal. And both are completely legally bought and sold in the United States of America.

Funny, how the supposedly best country to live, you can kill yourself – or others – using legally obtainable items.

Since the massacre of children and teachers in Newtown, CT, the issue of gun control has reared its all too common head south of the border.

This isn't the first mass murder by a crazed lunatic in the States – and it won’t be the last.

Every time some nut goes on a shooting spree in the States, the media, politicians and religious leaders express horror and sympathy, while questioning why?

It’s because, like cigarettes, American’s can legally obtain fire arms you dummy – that’s why.

Yes, you have to apply for a permit to legally buy a gun in the States. And they check for any criminal background, to ensure you won’t go and knock off your local McDonald’s and scare the poor teen-aged burger flipper with your amateur use of a recently purchased Colt-45.

But that’s about it – all American citizens have the right to own weapons of mass destruction.

Cigarettes will never be banned because the American smoking lobby is too powerful. Yes, we all know it’s a bad habit, but the hand that offers you a smoke is the same one selling you a patch to quit. Most smoking cessation programs are owned or in some part funded by the cigarette companies.

No wonder it’s so hard to quit?

The same thing – ironically – goes for guns. The National Rifle Association is the most powerful, grassroots lobby group in the States, fighting for the right to continue to bear arms. 

The NRA supports gun clubs, shooting ranges – oh – and donates to support groups of violent offenders, many of which have injured or harmed others with guns.

No wonder it’s so hard to – wait – didn't we just say that. Am I repeating myself?

Yes, we are.

Every time some nut goes on a shooting spree in the States, we all ask why?

Maybe it’s time to stop circling around the issues, and asking the questions we already know the answers to and make the tough decisions, which really aren't that tough.

Banning assault weapons and extra large bullet clips is an idea in the right direction currently being discussed, in the wake of the Newtown, CT shootings.

However, your average American isn't going to miss their pistol, or any gun for that matter.

Anyone that feels the need to own a weapon to the point that they actually will miss it needs therapy.

And people that need therapy shouldn't own fire arms in the first place, now – should they?