Former Sheriff speaks out

My heart and prayers go out to the families of the recent victims in Roseburg, Oregon.
For the record, I too believe these cowardly and senseless acts are horrific and something should be done. However, it must focus on the problematic individual – not the rest of the law abiding populace.
Many of these cowardly acts are a calculated (and anticipated) risk by someone committed to suicide.
There is a link to a public website where you can read the shooter’s thoughts, and frame of mind, on what he plans to do . . . posted prior to the action taken.
Those who live in a fantasy world would have you believe the gun is the problem. Those who live in reality know it is the individual or evil groups with an agenda that kill.
Look at the number of people killed with knives, hammers, clubs, fists, vehicles, or other means each year . . . which, far outnumber the deaths by “gun” - Do we see a major movement to ban knives, vehicles, and such . . . no; kind of a nonsensical notion when you think about how you would accomplish it.
Far too many people are of the belief that we must punish all for the acts of a few. As the former Sheriff responsible for the safety of our community, I could not have slept at night knowing that I took away a means for a family to protect themselves. There are laws on the books that clearly define use of force, deadly force, self-defense and defense of others. Good people follow those rules – bad people do not.
I see once again, Obama shamefully capitalizes on the tragic loss of human life to further his personal agenda.

Gil Gilbertson
Grants Pass, Oregon