[r9etb]

Sad. Curious kids (i.e., all of them) and loaded guns don't mix, and should never be kept in the same house.

[ApesForEvolution]

First off, a 1 1/2 yr child should never, ever be able to come across a loaded handgun. Second, 'curious' children that are old enough to expect obedience from need to be trained. Do we move the busy roadway from in front of the house or teach children to stay out of it? You err on the part of lazy parenting with your statement. And, again, a 1 1/2 yr child should NEVER be allowed to come across a loaded gun. Loaded guns in the homes of responsible people have saved many, many innocent people from evil intruders. When your the window break or the door is kicked in, loading is the last thing you want to deal with.

[Joe Hadenuf]

Curious kids (i.e., all of them) and loaded guns don't mix, and should never be kept in the same house.

Huh? What about sharp knives, ladders, extension cords, razor blades, swimming pools?

[Joe Hadenuf]

Huh? What about sharp knives, ladders, extension cords, razor blades, swimming pools?

And drugs, medications, cigarette lighters, gasoline, the neighbors dog.......

[Blood of Tyrants]

Incorrect. Loaded guns belong in EVERY house for the protection of those within. They should be secured from little fingers, though. As soon as they are old enough, they should be taught to respect guns and the destructive force in them.

[Joe Hadenuf]

Curious kids (i.e., all of them) and loaded guns don't mix, and should never be kept in the same house.

More kids are killed in swimming pools every year. Should swimming pools not be allowed where children live?

[GovernmentShrinker]

That's silly. Leaving a one and a half year old to roam a home unattended, puling things out of closets and off shelves is a recipe for disaster with or without guns in the house. THREE adults in the home at the time, and none could be bothered to keep an eye on this kid! At least two were reportedly engrossed in the TV. Children of stupid/irresponsible people are disproportionately prone to death from all sorts of causes. That's no reason to assert that all homes with children should leave themselves unprepared for self defense in an emergency.

Minor safety precautions -- e.g. no bullet in the chamber, and out of reach of toddlers -- allow the gun to be kept ready for self defense use, but inoperable to a tiny tot whose adult supervisors turn their backs for just a minute. I don't even have any children in my home, but I STILL keep my bedside revolver with an empty chamber on first.

[Pintobean]

"Sad. Curious kids (i.e., all of them) and loaded guns don't mix, and should never be kept in the same house. "

All children are curious, it is the responsibilty of parents to teach their children.

The best way to handle curiousity is to address it at an age appropiate level while at the same time keeping things like handguns in a secure place until such a time that the child is old enough and mature enough to use such items appropiately.
The idea that you can child proof the world, only serves to bring about more situations like this one.