House Editorial: Both sides of the gun

Posted on April 26, 2007

The recent shooting at Virginia Tech has once again raised the issue of gun control, sparking heated debate on both sides. The issue strikes a particular chord with Virginians, because the guns Cho Seung-Hui used to complete his disturbing spree were purchased from a pawn shop and firearms dealer within the state.

Cho was given the green light when he provided his driver’s license, green card and checkbook with a matching address despite his brief detainment in a mental facility for issues with two women on the Va. Tech campus. Officials say that because he was not involuntarily committed, it was not required that his name be reported to the Virginia State Police and entered into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said Monday that he is considering issuing an executive order that would require gun sellers to have more information available regarding the mental health of potential buyers.

There is nothing wrong with being thorough before selling a gun to an individual. There is especially nothing wrong with withholding the purchase of a gun from an individual who is deemed a danger to himself.

There is, however, something wrong with trying to place the blame for the rampage on the shoulders of the individuals who sold Cho the guns. Hindsight is 20/20. While in retrospect, all of the signs point to Cho being exactly the kind of person who should be barred from even looking at a gun, it is our firm belief that trying to blame the gun sellers, administrative officials, teachers and police for not anticipating that he would execute the deadliest shooting in U.S. history is fruitless and doesn’t change anything.

Tightening background checks to prevent those deemed “mentally defective,” as Cho was, from purchasing a firearm is a legitimate outcome of the terrible events that transpired, but it is important to take what happened and learn from it to create smart policy rather than point fingers at individuals in an attempt to explain the horrific occurrence.