Issues Under Fire: Smart Guns May Be the Answer

 

Issues Under Fire: Smart Guns May Be the Answer

After reading the headline, "Texas Church Mass Shooting Leads to Calls for Prayer and Gun Control", it was painfully obvious Americans just don't get it and perhaps never will. Firstly, when it comes to gun violence in America, prayers are never answered. Just ask African Americans residing on the South side of Chicago. Secondly, when it comes to gun control in America, the prevailing argument is more Americans should have access to guns, not fewer. And any attempt to limit unfettered access to firearms will be met with overwhelming opposition. The right to bear arms will never be relinquished. So, what's the answer?

In a heavily armed nation, mired in fear, anger and mental health issues, the possibility of some guy waking up one morning and grabbing a gun or two or three to unleash his rage against the world, is a reality Americans have grown to accept as a part of life. So, it was no surprise to see government officials praising the civilian who took the initiative to trade shots with the Texas church shooter. By all accounts, the civilian was considered a hero. The message was clear. Guns save lives, too. Every American should arm themselves to protect themselves. It's the American way.

Since it's highly unlikely America will ever adequately address the root causes of its fears, anger and mental health issues, more and more Americans are concluding guns are the only solution to these problems. And since these problems will only get worse over time, more and more guns will be purchased for personal protection over time. Unfortunately, there is no way to counter the trajectory of this reasoning. The more people read, watch and listen to news accounts of ever increasing body counts of mass killings, the more they're convinced they need to be strapped for action 24/7.

Still, we think a smart compromise can be reached between those hungering for some form of gun control and those who reject any thought of it whatsoever. Smart gun technology is being developed that can provide acceptable solutions to both Second Amendment and gun control advocates alike. We did our homework. German gunmaker Armatrix has built a prototype of a 9mm semiautomatic pistol equipped with technology that prevents unauthorized firing. According to our research, the iP9 operates with a wristwatch equipped with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip that unlocks the iP9 to fire when it is within 10 inches of the weapon. But the innovations don't stop there. Pistol grips are fitted with PIN Pads. Enter the proper code and you're armed and dangerous.

We read a story about a 19 year old kid who developed a prototype gun that unlocks with a fingerprint sensor. His name is Kai Kloepfer. His motivation?  Kloepfer lived only 30 minutes from the Century Theater in Aurora, Colorado, where a crazy shooter killed 12 and injured 70 at a midnight showing of the Dark Knight. Being a smart guy, he felt he could use his science and tech skills to find an answer to gun violence and mass shootings in America. So, he did. Kloepfer invented a gun that works just like a smartphone. Only the authorized owner can activate it for use. Think of it as an iGun Pro.

Think of the lives that can be saved from accidental discharge, suicide attempts or stolen weapons being traded and used among criminals. Imagine when this technology can be developed and applied to all caliber of hand and long guns. If an angry crazy got their hands of these weapons, they'd be no more lethal than a hammer or a club.  And when it comes to solving crimes, if and when shots are fired, there's no doubt who pulled the trigger.

Now imagine if all gun purchasers had to be fingerprinted and cleared by a constantly updating database of who's sane and who's not, one can quickly appreciate how this smart gun technology can reduce guns getting into the wrong hands and securing guns in the hands of responsible, law abiding gun owners. In our view, this is a win-win. This is a reasonable response to unaddressed fears, anger and mental illness issues in America. 

Bottom line: While an idea like this may be viewed as nonsensical in some circles, we think it makes far more sense than engaging in prayers that won't be answered, endless debates that won't result in change or settling for candle light vigils and condolences to the families of the victims. Please note, we are not the most insensitive bastards in the world. We just think it's time for real solutions and this is ours. Podcast below.