Extreme Reaction to Newtown Tragedy

Mike Huckabee speaks about Sandy Hook Elementary Crisis.

Mike Huckabee speaking during Republican
 National Convention in Tampa, Fla. (Courtesy of AP)

As the media reacts to the situation and tragedy that occurred in Newtown Connecticut on Friday, many people of interests and political figures are speaking their opinion on the matter. While many are pushing for increased gun control, others are putting their two-sense in falling on the complete opposite side of the political spectrum. Former Governor (R) of Arkansas and political commentator is receiving national attention for his comments on the matter.

On Friday on Fox news, Huckabee caused controversy stating this issue could not be solved by laws, but is due to the fact that schools are straying away from teaching religious values in school. Huckabee stated, "We don't have a crime problem, a gun problem or even a violence problem. What we have is a sin problem.”

Huckabee continued stating, “This is a hard issue. Laws don’t change this type of change.”

While Huckabee’s right-winged beliefs should come to no to surprise to commentators, the extent of Huckabee’s statement on why this occurred pushed too far. To those parents’ whose children died in the situation a response lack of religion being the cause of such a terrible tragedy is extremely unsympathetic and horrifying.

Even if Huckabee does wholeheartedly believe this, such an extreme response to the situation nearly hours after its occurrence is too soon. Time to grieve needs to be had not an immediate opinionated response on why lack of religion is to blame in this situation. Our country is built upon the separation of church and state and should stay close to its constitutional standards that it was built upon. Hopefully, others will stray away from such extreme commentary and instead keep the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School in our hearts and in our minds. While Huckabee utilizes his first amendment rights to speech, both the freedom to religion and the freedom to bears arms as well should be kept in mind. 

Gun Control: Regulations VS Rights

Talks of Gun Control and Calls for Increases in Regulations Arise After Sandy Hook Elementary Tragedy

   New York Times Columnist David Brooks gives opinion

 on Mayor Bloomberg's comments on gun control.

The topic of gun control is an ongoing subject that goes through waves of media coverage and spotlight after terrible events of tragedy. In America, there are two solid groups of people: one for gun control and one extremely against it who believe in an American citizen’s right to bear arm. However, there is a group of people who are uncertain about the issue.  This group’s opinion tends to change in traumatic situations, such as the tragic event of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.

According to Reuters, Democratic lawmakers are pushing for gun control regulations, which include a ban on military-style assault weapons.

Politicians from all over the country including are speaking up to show their support for stricter gun control laws. Charles Schumer, Connecticut Governor David Malloy, Mayor Bloomberg, and New Jersey Representative Frank Pallone have all publicly declared their support for better regulation of gun control.

On Meet the Press, Bloomberg stated, “If congress were to act, if congress weren’t so afraid of the NRA. And I assure you they have no reason to be. But if they were to stand up and do what’s right for the American public, we will all be a lot better off. And Congress has the ability to do this.”

He then continued by stating that the President needs to take the lead on this for real change to occur. Bloomberg also pointed out the President’s substandard and hypocritical record on gun control regulation, which he ran his 2008 campaign on. Since being in office, the President has signed two bills, which    favor freedom of guns.

Prior to the tragic shootings that occurred in the town of Newtown, Connecticut ESPN sports broadcaster Bob Costas was receiving national attention and criticism for calling for more regulations on gun control due to the case of Kansas City Chief’s NFL player Jovan Belcher killing his girlfriend and then himself. While the broadcaster received criticism for speaking his mind on the topic and not remaining objective, one may wonder if current events will change anything.