I was comparing the US to other "developed" nations. I am well aware that other less developed countries have higher murder rates. If that gives you solace to know that you beat Colombia, then congratulations! If you want to check out stats, then you should search for "Gun related crime" statistics, as opposed to murder rate to get a more accurate representation of the impact of guns.
Also, how can the stats on gun ownership be accurate? I'm assuming these only include registered firearms, since there is really no way to get an accurate count of all the unregistered guns in the US.
I'm not insinuating that people like yourself Mr Nudiepants, are the cause of gun crime. But by increasing the accessiblity of firearms, can you honestly believe you are making society safer?
And I did not dismiss the constitution. I merely stated that the second amendment has been misinterpreted. It also becomes tiresome when Americans try and justify anything they do by referencing it. You are aware that almost every nation on earth has a constitution aren't you? So why are Americans the only ones constantly spouting constitutional rhetoric in order to justify their actions or beliefs?
Hmmm, maybe I should move the black line on my avatar's eyes down to look like a Hitler mustache?
When going thru this thread i have had my own opinins forming in my mind ready to type down when i reached the end, however with each of DamonX' entries he's stolen each and every retort i had prepared... even including the blah blah blah comment.
So Ive come to the conclusion.... What Damon says double it and imagine a cute dog puppy saying it.
Over to you Damon!
PS If Damon suddenly comes across all mental then i may retract the above comment.
Damon, I honestly do feel that if you armed law abiding citizens then there would be less crime and a safer community. You really think some nut job is gonna try and rob you if he knows the possibility of you carrying is high? I guess he would if he wanted to commit suicide.
I have never had to use my gun, ever. And I carry it with me everywhere I go. You may not know I have it, but it's there just in case. I would rather have a gun and not need it then not have it and wish I did.
I am a proud gun owner and licensed carrier, and I know one thing I need to know. It makes ME safer and My family. I don't really care that it makes people quiver thinking there are guns out there. Most guns are in the wrong hands any way, statistics on murders by gun per capita is bullshit at its finest. Those guns were obtained illegally and would continue to happen that way even when you make it illegal for upstanding citizens to own guns. The bad guys are going to get them regardless. A lot of guns come from our military, supply sergeants can be greedy people and often have little businesses on the side selling arms.
The hyperbole extended here about M-16's, Uzi's, grenade launchers, etc only goes to prove the mentality of anti-gunners. The right to bear arms is limited to non-automatic weapons and non-explosive devices unless you have a FFL, Federal Firearms License, and this is a motherfucker to get. You had better be squeaky clean to get it and you are on many nationally and internationally flagged hot lists, not the gun-toting gang-bangers out there that bought it off this guy, that bought it off this guy, who robbed it out of someones house.
Yes, guns are weapons, so are machetes and chopsticks and those can be found at Walmart. Don't blame weapons for homicidal tendencies, blame the homicidal maniac ... he's the one pulling the trigger of a cold and uncaring weapon. If you take away guns, which is virtually impossible by the way, you only take away registered guns; then people will kill with something else. Change the killer and not his weapon. Change humanity, not their tools.
It has to be said, Chopstick crimes are through the roof here in the uk. And the whole ' a criminal with a gun is less likely to go ahead if he knows everyone is armed' argument kinda falls down if you consider most houses have numerous knives in their properties but yet crime continues.
Doll, let me put this into perspective for you. Say a guy who's 6'5" and weighs about 300 is trying to or rob you. There is no way you're escaping that situation unscathed. Put a gun in that purse of yours and you have now leveled the playing field. Your chances of getting away just dramatically increased. One of two things would happen, you pull the gun and he decides he's no longer interested or he is still aggressive and you have to pull the trigger. I never wish that upon anyone to actually have to use your gun in self defense. But having the gun should be a comforting feeling, knowing that you can minimize the threat if need be.
I'm done ranting for now.
A crime will be commited no matter what? Sorry. I'll take my chances against the guy with chopsticks rather than the guy with a handgun.
And the whole "if you ban guns, then only criminals will have them" agument? Owning guns does not decrease your chances of being the victim of a violent crime. If your argument was correct, then you would expect Canada to have a higher crime rate than the US, since here...like you say...only the criminals have guns. (and I'm referring to hand guns and the like, not hunting rifles).
If you feel like owning a gun provides you with a sense of security, fine. If you want a gun to protect yourself against and burglers, fine. Just don't delude yourself into thinking that you're upholding some valiant ideal of freedom or that you are serving some purpose by protecting society.
And you keep bringing up psycho mass murderers...Although these cases get a lot of media attention, they are really not all that common and make up a very low percentage of the crimes commited in the US or anywhere else.
A gunman isn't likely to shoot up a school knowing teachers and a select few students are packing, unless he's looking for an easy way out.
Look, I'm not trying to persuade you into liking guns or to change your opinion. I'm just trying to point out that with the proper safety techniques, proper training and an overall passion, guns can be a lot of fun. I have never once picked up a gun and thought "this would make robbing that store easier" or "I think I'm going to commit a crime today". Like I've said several times, I feel better knowing it's there. But that's my opinion.
I know guns can be fun. I've had fun with guns before. I've also had fun with cocaine, but I don't think making it legal would be in society's best interests.
I also agree that banning guns in the US would not work. Its too late. But that doesn't mean that being lenient on firearms was a good idea in the first place. It would probably be ok in a society where everyone was relatively equal and the existing crime rate was relatively low, but combining easy access to guns with a large number of citizens inhabiting low socioeconomic status is a recipe for disaster. I, for one, am pleased that I've only been attacked with brass knuckles and bottles.
And I don't think there's any confusion. Nobody is suggesting that you personally are more likely to commit a crime because you have access to guns.
I would comment on the 2nd amendment, but I think I've said my piece concerning that. Seems like people will interpret that the way they want to in order to suit their own needs.
I'm going to have to completely disagree with you about arming high school students though. I doubt you'll find many supporters for that idea.
