We’ve all heard the phrase “one size fits all.” My experience has been “one size fits none.” It doesn’t matter whether you’re buying a hat or solving a problem; it is a rare occurrence when one application will cover everything.
That’s the essence of the conversation I had with my first guest this morning.
Tim Dimoff is considered one of the nation's leading authorities in high-risk workplace and human resource issues. As a consultant to human resource directors, law enforcement, and the media, Tim has been called upon to examine evidence from crime scenes, victims and develop offender profiles. He’s also a former police officer and SWAT team member.
I first met Tim after the Sandy Hook mass shooting. I’ve spoken to him far too many times since as the number of mass shootings has only increased. One thing that’s become clear is that there is no one solution to solving the problem of gun violence.
Is there ONE common denominator? The answer is obviously yes as all mass shootings and gun crimes involve…wait for it…a gun. But is it to anyone’s benefit to discuss eliminating guns in the United States as a solution? I don’t think so. The guns are already out there, and more are on the way.
Whenever a Democrat is elected or a change in gun laws is discussed, gun sales skyrocket. Gun owners begin to horde ammunition. More guns. More bullets. Even if there was the political will to do so, the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the rights of citizens to own guns. I own several. Should I be forced to give up my weapons when I’ve never been arrested for anything?
Mass shootings share commonalities. Gun crimes share commonalities. But, since there will never come a time where the guns won’t be out there, wouldn’t it make a lot more sense to look at security from the other side?
The problem has already been solved at courthouses, government buildings and airports. I don’t like taking my belt and shoes off at any of those locations and being treated as a suspected criminal. But I can tolerate it knowing that I’m safe when I get to the other side. Wouldn’t you want the same security when it comes to kids and schools?
I know many people will read this and begin with the “yeah…buts.”
No one solution will solve all of the problems we have. Why don’t we pick the low hanging fruit and do some of the things that would make things safer right now?
Is there a need for AR or AK style rifles? Should 18-year-olds be able to buy them? Should ammo sales be limited? If any of that would help, would there be the political will to change anything? I don’t know.
But until then listen to what Tim Dimoff had to say, and see if it makes sense to you.
