Oklahomans on Gun Violence-- "The Debate Must Focus on Mental Health"

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK-- As gun owners load up on ammunition across the state, some Oklahomans believe there needs to be stricter gun policies after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT.

"We need to take preventative measures," said Aleo Foday, who supports stricter gun laws, "so these situations are not duplicated in other places."

Mass shootings like the ones in Newtown, Aurora, and Tuscon have raised many questions on gun control, but some gun owners, like Brett Bricker, worry changes to current policies will restrict a citizen's right to bear arms. 

"I don't think their rights should be infringed upon," siad Bricker, "just because of a few odd ball, crazy individuals, who obviously weren't realliy in touch with reality."

Congressman James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) says lawmakers in Washington on both sides of the aisle are working together to find real solutions to prevent mass shootings.  He says taking away a person's second amendment right isn't the answer.

 "We have had guns in the homes of Americans from the very beginning of our nation," said Lankford.

He says lawmakers on Capitol Hill has consulted with law enforcement, gun rights groups, mental health advocates, gun control supporters, and other groups to discuss what can be done to stop the violence.

"Something else is occurring in our society, and it's not just the presence of a gun," said Lankford, "it's the presence of a collapsing family and a culture that is collapsing around us."

As lawmakers continue their discussion on guns, people on both sides of the issue believe the debate on gun control must shift from guns, to person that bears each weapon.

"I think there's probably a lot of warning signs," said Bricker, "I think most people in today's society probably know somebody who's a little bit of a loose cannon who doesn't really think the way other people think."

Many Oklahomans for and against stricter gun policies echo the same sentiment-- the focus of the gun debate should be on a gun bearer's mental health.

"I don't think that's something that should be taken lightly," said Foday.

President Obama is expected to announce his plan to combat gun violence later this week. 
Oklahomans on Gun Violence-- "The Debate Must Focus on Mental Health"

Posted: Monday, January 14 2013, 09:32 PM CST