Response to shooting requires different approach 

In response to the senseless tragedy in Newtown, Conn., many elected officials and some people in the news media have proposed reinstituting a ban on some semiautomatic weapons.

While well-intentioned, this measure will do little more than satisfy the conscience of its backers, while again failing to protect innocent Americans from future tragedies. After all, let’s not forget that the previous semiautomatic ban failed to protect the victims of the Columbine tragedy, the North Hollywood shootout and other extreme acts of violence.