0113-The real issue is not gun control but rather people control

The National Rifle Association has announced it does not believe the U.S. Congress will pass stricter gun laws, particularly in regard to assault weapons, even in the aftermath of the Newtown shooting that claimed the lives of elementary school children. In fact, there seems to be strong support for the NRA position, although many hard-line pro-gun advocates have revisited the controversial subject. The real point of contention has remained the same: would the limiting of gun access stop insane individuals from carrying out horrific crimes? It would seem that as long as there is some access to assault weapons, people who badly want them will find a way to get them. Or, could limiting access also limit the number of crimes? Most Americans probably believe in the right to carry a pistol, with permit if required by the state, and definitely to have weapons in the home where they are becoming more vunerable to home invasions. It would seem the real issue here is not controlling the sale of guns but rather a stronger safety net within the public, to not ignore signs of impending danger. Taking care not to destroy the lives of innocent people who make jokes about crime or make a bad mistake and issue a one time threat they really had no intention of carrying out, people should pay attention to statements on and offline in which the individual or group repeatedly make statements of danger. People who make death threats should be taken seriously, and if there is a pattern they should be reported, taking care not to endanger yourself in doing so. Sick individuals who carry out mass shootings almost aways send signals - maybe deep inside they want to be stopped, and a part of their subconscious taunts others, dares them to figure it out. I believe public awareness is the key to slowing these types of crimes, and that bans or not, criminals who are crafty enough to design,map and carry out complex shooting sprees, are smart enough to find the weapons they need. The president, Congress and the NRA need to come together and craft a plan to help the American public recognize signals of impending shootings and a safe method of reporting such without causing pain to innocent people who may be reported and have no real bad intentions.Preston Brady III, MobileTribune.com