Rochester, N.Y. -- Saturday was a day for teaching.
“Maybe this could have all been prevented,” said Rev. Britt Pledger when asked about the Connecticut massacre.
Rev. Pledger believes the kids he's preaching to would be safer if we had stricter gun laws.
“I believe wholeheartedly if we had more control over guns, life would be much different for those who handle guns,” said Rev. Pledger, “and those who are targeted by those who have guns.”
But according to Ken Mathison, member of S.C.O.P.E. or The Shooters Committee on Primary Education, tightening gun laws isn't necessarily the answer.
“It was a horrible thing that happened (Friday),” said Mathison, “and unfortunately I hate to say it's going to happen again. It's not because of a lack of gun control; you can't legislate against crazy and evil.”
A change in laws focused on semi-automatic guns could eliminate the rights to own some sporting arms, explained Mathison.
“I don't think anyone would be willing to repeal the second amendment,” said Mathison, “and it would be extremely difficult for that to happen, so you have to come up with some kind of balance.”
To both men, balance means addressing issues like mental illness and a culture of violence.
“We're breeding warped people,” said Mathison. “It's not gun control that's going to solve that problem.”
“We have to realize guns don't kill, people kill,” said Rev. Pledger.
