Bill Kelly: Sadly, gun control debate won’t happen

Not unexpectedly, the Las Vegas mass killings have sparked debate about gun control in America, but if you’re of the opinion that such a horrendous massacre will motivate real change in gun laws, don’t hold your breath.

It didn’t happen after Sandy Hook, it didn’t happen after Orlando and, sadly, it won’t happen this time either.

Pro-gun advocates will accuse the anti-gun group of wanting to “take your guns away” and that will incite gun owners to pressure lawmakers to back off.

And back off they will when threatened with defeat in the next election.

Besides, history shows that as the days and weeks pass by, the public becomes fixated on other things and anger over these shootings fades away.

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But even if real change isn’t imminent, surely both sides can agree on one thing; the second amendment notwithstanding, some people should not have access to guns.

Certainly, those with criminal backgrounds should be excluded, but screening protocols must also do a better job of detecting mental instability in potential gun owners.

It’s true that some countries have been far more proactive in dealing with gun control, but it’s clear that America is not ready to go down that road anytime soon.

Let’s be clear; more extensive background checks won’t stop the carnage, but it’s a good first step.

Bill Kelly is the host of Bill Kelly Show on AM 900 CHML and a commentator for Global News.