(Charlie Rood Commentary)

As the discussion of guns and gun violence in America continues, I think the news occasionally needs clarification so the conversation can move forward.

You may have heard since the Newtown school tragedy there have been 650 gun deaths in the country.   There is a website tracking figures.   Click here to check it out.

While I'm sure most of the deaths tracked are horrible gun violence situations you wish would never happen and could be 100% prevented, some of the deaths tracked aren't what I would call "tragic".

The 650 deaths count includes:

Murder-Suicide:   Yes, the murder is abhorrent and should be listed.   The suicide?   Sure, a gun was used, but I'm not sure I would say it was "tragic".   I'm inclined to think in a case such as this, the suicide would be an appropriate use of a firearm.  

Armed standoff with police:   You have a weapon.   You are in a standoff with police.   You have decided to engage in a situation which could end up with you getting hurt.   If you die, is it “tragic”?

Officer shoots man involved in knife threat:   If you threaten anyone with a knife, you shouldn’t be surprised the response is one of protection.   If you threaten a police officer, you shouldn’t be surprised the protective response is from a gun.   Should this be considered “tragic”?

Grandfather kills man attacking his granddaughter:   The love of a parent to a child is strong.   The love of a grandparent to a grandchild might even trump that.   “Tragic” should not be part of describing this justified use of a gun.

Again, I’m sure most of the deaths tracked are no-question gun violence.   The examples above might just be a handful.   But, they are being counted as part of that 650.  

Am I too harsh in my descriptions?   Am I too harsh saying they shouldn’t count as “tragic”?