IMHO, the first problem may be WHY the damn gun was there AND loaded in the first place. Seems like it was a handgun. MOST people who have "protection" guns are 1)ill trained, & 2) have NO idea what it's like to point & PURPOSELY shoot another person. Even when you feel threatened, if you point the weapon, delay for a moment, & YOU'RE dead! THEN, they leave it where kids can find (& PLAY?? with) it....combine that with the possible presence & use of booze and/or drugs, & the recipe is disaster. Too bad they don't do psychological screening before selling handguns. Here in Ohio, folks can be licensed to "carry". I was in a favorite leather store & the owner & I were appalled at a man's attitude about his handgun...he was easily in his 60's & used terms such as "packin', blow 'em away, etc". What a GREAT attitude he had!!
While I do not own a gun & don't hunt, I do support folks rights to own guns. Unfortunately, there are too many gun owners out there who have no business owning them. Sorry for the rant, but I sold guns after I got out of the Army in 1969, & I talked many folks OUT of buying based on fear.
Mike
FAOL..All about caring, sharing, & good friends!!