User:Editor at CP/gun control

There are big social issues in Finland, but the same issues probably are in all Nordic countries. Still, only in Finland there have been two school shootings in less than one year.

Similarities between the two shooters are striking. Both put videos of themselves on Youtube and other social networking sites, showing themselves shooting a gun. Both declared their hate for humanity. Both declared themselves ready to leave this world with a big happening. Both were in school, felt lonely and perhaps bullied. Both were white males, this was 22 yo, the previous 19. Both killed students and a teacher, this time 10 of them vs. the previous 8 (?). Both shot themselves in the head and died later in hospital.

It is quite easy to get hold of a gun in Finland, easier than elsewhere in Europe (Switzerland is a peculiar case). The root for this may be found in the neighbour. Soviet Union once invaded Finland, the Imperialistic Russia is raising its head again. The Finnish Armed Forces can't do much - but a population expert in firing guns and with a gun in every backyard probably manages better in resisting the invasor, both on the front and in partisan action.

Still, errors were made.

1) A gun permit is given after an interview with the police. The shooter was interviewed and given a temporary permit for a caliber 22 gun.

2) The shooter put videos on Youtube, very similar to those put by the previous shooter. Videos have been removed but you can google for them with his username, Wumpscut86. The previous shooter had username Sturmgeist89. Police noticed or was notified of his videos and called him for an interview. The interview took place on Monday and he was released with no further action. He could retain his gun permit. The interviewer was the same who issued the original gun permit. The next day he committed his actions, after putting more pics and texts on internet in the morning.

3) Military service is still compulsory for Finnish males (see above about Finland's neighbour). After a few months he was discarded - his service put on hold - with code "E". Code "E" may mean many things, including "being mentally unfit for service".

How can a gun permit be given to someone discarded from the Army with a potentially dangerous reason? How can someone put those kind of videos on Youtube, be interviewed and released without further action?

Finally, Finland is waking to the problem of gun control, according to the first words by the government. Private gun permits won't be issued anymore. Let the US be alone with their guns, crimes and school shootings.