Zero Excuses, Zero Room for Tolerance Where Irresponsible Gun Ownership Is Concerned

A western Pennsylvania man has lost his 7 year-old son, apparently because he discharged his handgun accidentally as he climbed into his vehicle outside of a gun store, shooting his child in the chest. From what has been reported so far, he had cleared the magazine but didn't realize there was a round left in the chamber.There is no excuse for this. None. Regardless of how badly this man and his family are dreadfully being punished already, the accidental shooter is a person who should never handle a firearm again. I grew up and remain close with several responsible, law-abiding gun owners and enthusiasts. Their children will eventually die as we all will. But they won't die at the hands of their fathers because of frankly idiotic mistakes like this.Owning a firearm s a harrowing responsibility. Every single thing related to its use, maintenance and storage must be meticulously attended to by its owner. Failure is not an option. Ever. There is simply too much at stake.