Terminology, vocabulary and definitions

The latest installment of controversy hinges on what constitutes a "school shooting". In my mind a school shooting is event which, at a minimum, takes place at a school with students present for classes or school activities. IMHO, I would include events where a gun is fired whether or not injuries result. The rather infamous video of a cop at a school shooting himself would qualify as a "school shooting" for me. My interest is in preventing these events.

We have terminology for good reasons. In the past some professions taught Latin and other languages to those in training not only in order to read some pivotal works in their original language but also for precision of thought. Latin makes it possible to express specific ideas in few words.

The military developed the assault rifle in the 20th century . The German Sturmgewehr 44 and the AK-47 are "assault rifles". They can fire in full-auto like a machine gun. When we want to be precise, using a term that carries a very specific definition is how we do it and it is common sense to use precise terms when talking about gun laws. I don't see how introducing a term like "assault weapon" does anything to further the discussion because it is so vague and imprecise.

Similarly, a gang shootout in a school parking lot at 11PM fails to qualify as a "school shooting".

Having young folks shot during their classes at school is a extremely horrific event. There should be steps taken to reduce these events. A school should be a safe environment where the focus is on learning, discovering and expanding horizons. The idea that a son or daughter would be shot in their college dorm or classroom by another student is absolute mayhem and completely revolting. The idea that a twenty year old with no business there would enter a Kindergarten and kill a room full of children and teachers is so over the top I can't express my level of disgust.

When 80 people die in 60 auto accidents across the country, each incident may or may not make the local news depending on what other events are contending for the media's attention. When 80 people die in a single plane crash, the news reaches a billion people around the world. Murders work the same way. A single murder in a bad neighborhood may not be mentioned on the news for a few days if other events seem more to the producer's liking. Have a parent kill their whole family and it likely goes national.

Let's be precise about what we're discussing. If you want use the term "clip" instead of "magazine", that's fine. If we're talking about a specific event and weapon used was a Windham MPC A4, then use that name. If it was a Sig RM-400, use that name. These are examples of AR-15 type semi-auto rifles. AR-15s look military. It's time to accept that appearance means nothing. The common denominator in school shootings is guns. Trying to hang responsibility on particular models or particular looks is nothing but distraction. Makes for media fodder but little else.

Is there something that can be done, something REASONABLE, that would have a chance at preventing some types of school shootings?