Not the law but the implementation

The argument “guns do not kill people, only people kill people” is correct only to those who cannot see its fallacy. Of course a gun by itself cannot kill, people or otherwise. It is an inanimate object, just like a stone or a spoon, and will not move unless moved.

And therein lies the fallacy. If only people kill people, then do not give people the guns with which to kill. Only people kill people -- yes. But they are less likely to kill anyone with their bare hands. But a gun is the favorite killing tool of everyone.

This does not mean to say, however, that I am for a total gun ban. Let me rephrase that. I am for a total gun ban but I am not advocating it. I am a practical person and I do not wish to waste my time advocating something that will never happen.

A total gun ban is like asking for the moon. It is probably easier to make the sun rise in the west than for a total gun ban to take effect, at least in this country. To the misfortune of everyone, we live in a country where the exception is always the rule.

A total gun ban can be swung in this country, just like they did with the RH bill. But better believe that where there is a will, there will always be a way, and most especially if you throw in a little grease money.

In other words, we can have the best and most well-crafted total gun ban law in the whole world, but I will bet my last pair of briefs that gun-lovers will always find a way to acquire guns, even if it means taking chances with the law.

Take a look at all things illegal and against the law in this country. Many are used or being committed even in full sight of everyone else, including agents of the law. Don't get me wrong. Our country is beautiful and I would not change it for any other. But we suck with laws.

Take illegal drugs. It is not for lack of laws that illegal drugs are proliferating. Illegal drugs are proliferating because, despite our laws, people take chances with them, all the more so since many law enforcers are themselves in on the whole thing.

So, why break my heart advocating for a total gun ban when I know that will never happen. And even if it does happen, I know from experience that such a law will only be honored more in the breach than in compliance.

Perhaps the best anyone can aspire for is tougher regulation and more earnest crackdowns. Maybe gun ownership should be made more difficult and discriminating. And there should be no letup in going after loose guns.

Penalties for indiscriminate firing of guns, especially as a form of irresponsible revelry, should be crafted in a way that makes the lives of offenders very miserable, especially if they result in death.

The authorities should exert greater effort in mopping up all those loose firearms. It may be a very difficult task but it is not impossible. If they can reduce the number of loose guns by even just half, that would be an unheard of achievement.

And if authorities can continue to whittle that number year after year, then maybe our society can indeed feel a little more safer than it is now, when even innocent children like Stephanie Nicole can be felled by a single bullet irresponsibly fired in glee.

Applying the law in a manner that is efficient, quick and just remains to be a great challenge for this administration and even for administrations to come. For in this country, it is not for lack of laws that is the problem. It is in the implementation of them.