[Sangria]

I grew up with guns-lots of guns. They did not have to be locked up. My father told me if I handled them they would kill me, and if they didn't, he would kill me for touching them. I respected my Dad, and most of all, I had a great respect for guns and what they would do.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

The news just reported that this gun was in a laundry basket that the child tipped over.

[hunter112]

Yes, but you were old enough for basic reasoning. Putting a weapon within the reach of an 18 month old baby is absolutely irresponsible.

[Hildy]

Did you understand that when you were 1 1/2 years old? The fact is that if you have a gun and children, you have a responsibility. This Father was neglect and paid the ultimate price.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

How weird is it that the mayor would go visit the family who is too stupid to not put a loaded gun in a laundry basket.

Do they keep a bevy of rattlesnakes in the bathtub as well?

[aeronca]

I grew up with guns-lots of guns. They did not have to be locked up. My father told me if I handled them they would kill me, and if they didn't, he would kill me for touching them.

Some parents are afraid to be that brutally honest with their kids. Another problem is parents being so afraid/guilty about gun-ownership, that they do not even TELL the kids a weapon is hidden in the house, and fail to teach them the safety basics. Then the kid(s) stumble upon this curious looking "toy". Best to TEACH the kids....most responsible firearm owner/parents spend time with their families on the range and these are the kids that have the advantage of better safety training and the first-hand/eye witness TRUTH that "this is NOT A TOY". My kids, my nieces and nephews all grew up around firearms owned by responsible parents and did not have that dangerous "curiosity", because they were TAUGHT. The weapons were not accessable or LEFT LOADED in the dern house. Sad story, but the truth is: irresponsible parent(s) at fault in this case. God's Mercy on this family.

[Xenalyte]

I grew up with guns-lots of guns. They did not have to be locked up. My father told me if I handled them they would kill me, and if they didn't, he would kill me for touching them. I respected my Dad, and most of all, I had a great respect for guns and what they would do.

Us too. Growing up with guns removed all the mystery from them; Dad had guns like Mom had shoes. We were utterly not interested in the guns unless it was hunting season. (Mmmm, venison chili . . .)