Lately it seems everyday or so that someone is shot in the leg.I am wondering if this is a new mandate in the bylaws of the national gangbangers association or a local edit by the Hamilton County chapter?

I would surmise the emergency room staff at Erlanger is getting a lot of practice treating these type of gunshot wounds. Has it suddenly appeared to them that you receive less prison time if you only wound someone rather than outright killing them?

I haven't heard any news about this new method of solving disputes. Can someone explain?

Bill Watkins
Ooltewah

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I believe that the rash of gunshot wounds to the leg are because of the ghetto hip hop style. You cannot hit your target holding your weapon sideways. Remember, gun control means two hands on your weapon.

Dwayne Cales
Hixson
heardacry@yahoo.com

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Mr. Watkins questioned why so many shooting victims are being shot in the legs as opposed to some other more vital body part. He put forth a couple of theories that may have some merit, but I have another theory that should be considered.

I personally think it may have more to do with the need these young men have to look cool while attempting to commit murder. First, they must hold the gun 90 degrees from the angle that trained shooters use. Secondly, they must only use one hand while shooting, because the other hand must be placed on the front of the pants, just above the zipper. Otherwise their pants might fall all the way to the ground and everyone knows that the pants should only be halfway down. The force used to hold the pants in the proper position causes the shooting arm to drift downwards, thus causing the bullet to enter the victim in the legs instead the abdomen, chest or head. Who could deny that fashion plays an important role in our society.

Lee Stewart
Chattanooga
landestewart@comcast.com

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Mr. Watkins there are a few good reasons for this. I believe you will enjoy the answers:

It’s the parent's fault
It’s the school system
It’s the lack of training
It’s the video console
It’s the society today
It’s a lack of leadership
It’s a lack of mentorship
It’s the music
It’s the music videos
It’s the lack of focus
It’s a lack of pride
It’s irresponsibility

Please feel free to add to the list. I do not take lightly that the people or persons responsible for pulling the trigger have no regard for other human life. Whether it is a lighter sentence or not if you maim rather than kill, this should not be an issue that the courts should see past.

I wish I had a better answer for you and I am sure that our trauma center is up to their elbows with GSW to the leg.

David Tippit
Georgetown, Tn.