By Tribune-Review

Published: Sunday, December 9, 2012, 8:54 p.m.
Updated: Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Not gun's fault

We've all heard of the tragic murder-suicide involving a Kansas City Chiefs player. I offer condolences and prayers to all affected. Naturally, it was a headline on all of that weekend's NFL coverage, including a halftime “commentary” by NBC's Bob Costas, who quoted a column by a Kansas City writer, the theme of which was that “gun control laws” caused the tragedy. Costas said, “If Jovan Belcher didn't possess a gun, he and Kasandra Perkins would both be alive today.”

I must disagree vehemently. Football is a violent game played by violent men, and Belcher, like numerous college and NFL players, might have instead chosen to beat his girlfriend.

Consider the case of Brianna Davis, 30, of Independence, Mo. She died in a car crash on the Friday of that same weekend in Kansas City. Costas would have you believe that if Davis' companion did not have access to that car, she would still be alive. Actually, the driver, not the car, caused her death, and Belcher, not the gun, killed his girlfriend.

Millions of Americans own guns and cars, use them responsibly and enjoy healthy relationships.

Tom McConnell

Irwin

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2. One-sided & ill-informed
3. North Irwin’s loss
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5. ‘Public Welfare’ misnomer
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8. Fox sarcasm
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11. Diplomatic doublespeak

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