View Poll Results: Should U.S Citizens give up their "right"?

Voters
69. This poll is closed
  • Yes (U.S citizen)

    10 14.49%
  • No (U.S citizen)

    25 36.23%
  • Yes (Non U.S citizen)

    23 33.33%
  • No (Non U.S citizen)

    11 15.94%
Page 5 of 10 FirstFirst 123456789 ... LastLast
Results 121 to 150 of 271

Thread: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

  1. #121
    Chieftain of the Pudding Race Member Evil_Maniac From Mars's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    6,407

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Quote Originally Posted by LittleGrizzly View Post
    That's very true, my problem is its alot harder to defend yourself when the other person has a gun...
    Chances are that:

    A) The other person will have a gun anyway.
    B) There is a chance of you having concealed carry and he won't attack you in the first place.

    I would argue that i am far freer without an armed populace...
    Why? Instead of a government having a monopoly on firearms, more people can have them. Gun owners in America (legal gun owners) do not make you less free at all.

  2. #122

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Quote Originally Posted by LittleGrizzly View Post
    My statement was: "you cannot defend yourself as well without a gun" which is true.

    That's very true, my problem is its alot harder to defend yourself when the other person has a gun...

    You have the right to self defense, and that requires tools to be effective. If you give up tools, you cannot defend yourself as well, thus you are compromising one of your freedoms.

    I would argue that i am far freer without an armed populace...

    Although i can see your basic point that if your denied anythingyou are less free, but that just gets silly if you think about it... one country could be freer than another because it allows each and every resident to have thier own arsenal of missles (now thats what you need to take down a goverment!)
    Sure, the question is a practical one. Ideally, the laws would be written to provide the maximum level of self defense capability with the minimum danger to society at large. My feeling is that the people on both sides of the debate agree on this, they just don't agree on the specifics.

    With no guns, you will have trouble defending yourself against a stronger opponent. This puts most women in a tough spot. It will also be almost impossible to defend yourself against multiple opponents. If everyone has guns, it levels the field.

    I feel like many people approach this from the perspective of, "I don't own a gun, so..." in which case it is natural to prefer that a potential attacker does not either. But that is not a valid reason when the law effects the population as a whole.

  3. #123
    This comment is witty! Senior Member LittleGrizzly's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    The wilderness...
    Posts
    9,215

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Chances are that:

    A) The other person will have a gun anyway.


    Really...? We have alot of crime here in Britian which doesn't involve guns, the chances are if your attacked in Britian your attacker won't have a gun...

    B) There is a chance of you having concealed carry and he won't attack you in the first place.

    Well you would think it worked that way, but this just seems to encourage an arms race so the criminals get proper stocked up incase they have to face guns...

    Plus even though America has alot of firearm ownership people still have crimes commited against them... so the deterrent doesn't seem to be working...

    Why? Instead of a government having a monopoly on firearms, more people can have them.

    Well we don't have an armed police force.. or mostly not armed with guns we of course have specialist sections and the like and obviously theres the army as well but largely were an unarmed society... no need for private citizens to start arming

    And why... well theres freedom to have and do things but theres also also the freedom to be free of certain things...
    In remembrance of our great Admin Tosa Inu, A tireless worker with the patience of a saint. As long as I live I will not forget you. Thank you for everything!

  4. #124
    Chieftain of the Pudding Race Member Evil_Maniac From Mars's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    6,407

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Quote Originally Posted by LittleGrizzly View Post
    Really...? We have alot of crime here in Britian which doesn't involve guns, the chances are if your attacked in Britian your attacker won't have a gun...
    Good for you - if you had concealed carry you might not be stabbed either!

    Well you would think it worked that way, but this just seems to encourage an arms race so the criminals get proper stocked up incase they have to face guns...
    Really? You mean those states with concealed carry that do pretty well for themselves without having criminal arms races? The states were criminals are more afraid of attacking? Watch the video I posted earlier or see the Cato link?

    Well we don't have an armed police force.. or mostly not armed with guns we of course have specialist sections and the like and obviously theres the army as well but largely were an unarmed society... no need for private citizens to start arming


    And why... well theres freedom to have and do things but theres also also the freedom to be free of certain things...
    You are free of your neighbour owning a firearm? I'm sorry, but the "my right to swing stops where my neighbour's nose begins" doesn't apply here in the slightest. You are free to be free of it - don't own one.

  5. #125
    This comment is witty! Senior Member LittleGrizzly's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    The wilderness...
    Posts
    9,215

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    With no guns, you will have trouble defending yourself against a stronger opponent. This puts most women in a tough spot. If everyone has guns, it levels the field.


    Im not a big fan of the leveller theory... all i see is a different set of ineqaulitys...

    From who has the most strength and speed and training in an unarmed brawl....

    To who has the best gun and speed and training in a gun fight...

    Not that we one we have with guns is preferable to the one without... i just don't see one as superior to the other...

    It will also be almost impossible to defend yourself against multiple opponents.

    This is one of my main problems with guns actually...

    They can give you power over a far larger group of people, if someone walks up to me and my 3 friends with a knife and demands all our money we probably wouldn't give him the money... if he walks up to us with a gun... i don't see any result other than us giving him the money...

    I feel like many people approach this from the perspective of, "I don't own a gun, so..." in which case it is natural to prefer that a potential attacker does not either. But that is not a valid reason when the law effects the population as a whole.

    TBH whether I owned a gun or not i would prefer my attacker unarmed

    I don't see why the reasoning is invalid, I don't own a baseball bat and i wouldn't want to be attacked by one but i would never advocate banning baseball bats. Guns are very different from regular everyday items like cars and baseballs bats...

    Good for you - if you had concealed carry you might not be stabbed either!

    Well i would much rather be attacked with a knife than a gun... so this is a good thing :)

    Really? You mean those states with concealed carry that do pretty well for themselves without having criminal arms races? The states were criminals are more afraid of attacking? Watch the video I posted earlier or see the Cato link?

    What I mean is that if you think the guy your going after is going to be armed then you make sure you can at least match the guy if not outdo him...

    That or you kill whoever the person is before they know your there to stay on the safe side...

    You are free of your neighbour owning a firearm? I'm sorry, but the "my right to swing stops where my neighbour's nose begins" doesn't apply here in the slightest. You are free to be free of it - don't own one.

    I disagree entirely, my nieghbour isn't allowed to play his music loud late at night because of my freedom and he isn't allowed to own a gun because of my freedom...

    It is to be free of other people owning guns that i want... whether or not i have one is not a problem... or if it was it could be easily sorted out...
    In remembrance of our great Admin Tosa Inu, A tireless worker with the patience of a saint. As long as I live I will not forget you. Thank you for everything!

  6. #126

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Quote Originally Posted by LittleGrizzly View Post
    With no guns, you will have trouble defending yourself against a stronger opponent. This puts most women in a tough spot. If everyone has guns, it levels the field.


    Im not a big fan of the leveller theory... all i see is a different set of ineqaulitys...

    From who has the most strength and speed and training in an unarmed brawl....

    To who has the best gun and speed and training in a gun fight...
    Guns are easy to use. You point, you shoot. We're not talking about being a sniper or a western style duel...

    It will also be almost impossible to defend yourself against multiple opponents.

    This is one of my main problems with guns actually...

    They can give you power over a far larger group of people, if someone walks up to me and my 3 friends with a knife and demands all our money we probably wouldn't give him the money... if he walks up to us with a gun... i don't see any result other than us giving him the money...
    I would say give em the money either way...why risk death for $40?
    Last edited by Sasaki Kojiro; 04-08-2009 at 01:15.

  7. #127
    This comment is witty! Senior Member LittleGrizzly's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    The wilderness...
    Posts
    9,215

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Guns are easy to use. You point, you shoot. We're not talking about being a sniper or a western style duel...

    I know what your getting at...

    But imagine me (young healthy male) been practising shooting my pistol for years... and due to my years of computer gaming i also have cat like reactions... then we have an old woman whose son gave her the pistol but she's never practised with it, she has arthritis in her hands which makes squeezing the trigger a struggle her eyesight isn't what it used to be and her reactions are anything but cat like...

    Im going to win that gun battle all day long... something would have to go freakishly wrong for me to lose that gun battle...

    Obviously thats a slight exagerration but it applies to all situations as well, arming everyone with guns simply means the one with the quickest reactions and the best shot is king, if everyone is armed only with thier fists then the martial artist or the strong man is king...

    I would concede that firearms probably levels the playing field slightly, my problem is that whilst the playing field may be levelled slightly it just got a whole lot more dangerous...

    I would say give em the money either way...why risk death for $40?

    Giving them the money would be the sensible thing to do but i would rather have the chance to fight with a bit less risk (attacker armed with knife) if i choose to do so
    In remembrance of our great Admin Tosa Inu, A tireless worker with the patience of a saint. As long as I live I will not forget you. Thank you for everything!

  8. #128

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Quote Originally Posted by LittleGrizzly View Post
    Guns are easy to use. You point, you shoot. We're not talking about being a sniper or a western style duel...

    I know what your getting at...

    But imagine me (young healthy male) been practising shooting my pistol for years... and due to my years of computer gaming i also have cat like reactions... then we have an old woman whose son gave her the pistol but she's never practised with it, she has arthritis in her hands which makes squeezing the trigger a struggle her eyesight isn't what it used to be and her reactions are anything but cat like...

    Im going to win that gun battle all day long... something would have to go freakishly wrong for me to lose that gun battle...

    Obviously thats a slight exagerration but it applies to all situations as well, arming everyone with guns simply means the one with the quickest reactions and the best shot is king, if everyone is armed only with thier fists then the martial artist or the strong man is king...

    I would concede that firearms probably levels the playing field slightly, my problem is that whilst the playing field may be levelled slightly it just got a whole lot more dangerous...
    I'm not an expert it's true, and I don't know that anyone could say to what extent the playing field is leveled. I do know though, that becoming stronger takes much work, as does becoming skilled in a martial art, while on the other hand when I fired a gun for the first time I was quite accurate despite having no training. It was a small caliber gun and I imagine easier than a larger one.

    Your points are viable for the mugging scenario you brought up, but that's not my concern; as I said, I would just give up the money. Someone breaking into your house is a different scenario. Say it's a jealous ex-boyfriend breaking into his old girlfriends house with the intention of killing her. In hand to hand she will surely lose, but do you see how if they both have guns she has a much better chance? She can use surprise and concealment to much greater effect, when both have little use in hand to hand combat, unless she can somehow knock him out in one blow, which is unlikely.

  9. #129
    This comment is witty! Senior Member LittleGrizzly's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    The wilderness...
    Posts
    9,215

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    I do know though, that becoming stronger takes much work, as does becoming skilled in a martial art, while on the other hand when I fired a gun for the first time I was quite accurate despite having no training. It was a small caliber gun and I imagine easier than a larger one.

    I do imagine just doing target practice the average first time shooter would probably be fairly accurate... i would say though its a little different if your getting shot at and have to make the shot to save your life... this would usually fall in the favour of the attacker (who you would imagine would be used to or more used to such pressure) or a person with significant training...

    Its probably easier to get good with a gun than become strong or a martial arts expert but it still takes some time to learn what you may need to know to keep you alive in a shootout... and even then your potential attacker can still simply out train you or out gun you...

    which is another point i wanted to make it could be argued that it unevens the playing field to the rich... or maybe not rich but the poor certainly can't afford the latest guns... they may have to make do with some old crappy pistol... whereas someone with a bit of money could get something a bit faster a bit more accurate .... a bit more lethal...

    This i would say would work against ordaniry civilians more than criminals as you could say a gun would be a tool of a criminals trade so he would ensure he has the best tools to do his job whereas your ordaniry citizen has other worries outside of purchasing a good gun to combat criminals with...

    Say it's a jealous ex-boyfriend breaking into his old girlfriends house with the intention of killing her. In hand to hand she will surely lose, but do you see how if they both have guns she has a much better chance? She can use surprise and concealment to much greater effect, when both have little use in hand to hand combat, unless she can somehow knock him out in one blow, which is unlikely.

    From the sounds of your scenario it would be better for them to both have guns... im sure we could both come up with 100 scenario's where the other would have to admit it would be better to have them both armed or both unarmed.

    I suppose in the situations where someone is determined to kill the other person i would rather the potential victim had a gun to defend themselves.... (in a deseted area where there aren't innocent bystanders to kill) but then in your average day to day crime i would rather people didn't have guns...

    Imagine if when some kids went to mug an old lady she reaches for her piece... these kids just wanted to snatch her bag but now she's reaching for her gun so they panic go for thiers and thanks to having youth on thier side end up shooting the old lady before she can shoot them... though i also think a young mugger being shot would be tragic as well....

    Now without guns the old lady might have had a nasty time of it as well, she could have got beaten up a bit or the youths could have simply snatched the bag and run... but regardless of the fact this little old lady is relatively defenseless its actually less dangerous for her to have a gun...

    Edit: the little old lady is supposed to be an example of how guns would escalate ordaniry crimes rather than a scenario where we say guns or no guns is better...
    Last edited by LittleGrizzly; 04-08-2009 at 02:32.
    In remembrance of our great Admin Tosa Inu, A tireless worker with the patience of a saint. As long as I live I will not forget you. Thank you for everything!

  10. #130

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Ok, I don't want to promote the image that I am full on hard core gun everyone with no laws whatsoever. I just don't like the idea of banning guns.

    I thought about it for a while and have come up with what I hope is a more moderate approach.

    A 1 day background check and waiting period.
    A safety test and accuracy test to pass before receiving a weapon, which must be passed again every 3 months since receiving the gun (in other words, 4 times a year). THIS MUST BE DONE FOR EACH GUN YOU BUY!

    However....
    You are allowed to buy whatever gun you may want, assault rifles, whatever you want (if you are that afraid of the government).

    So, any type of guns for those not suspected or convicted, terrorists, gang members, mentally unstable etc... with overall minimal restriction, but with key tough measures on being safe with your gun and being accurate with it at all times (to prevent/curb accidental deaths when exchanging fire with a hostile madman or just preventing bad things from happening period).

    Opinions?

    Excuse me if I am ignorant and these are already in place. But I have not seen or heard of a law that requires an accuracy test to be allowed a gun.
    Last edited by a completely inoffensive name; 04-08-2009 at 02:36.


  11. #131
    Old Town Road Senior Member Strike For The South's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Between Louis' sheets
    Posts
    10,369

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Quote Originally Posted by a completely inoffensive name View Post
    Ok, I don't want to promote the image that I am full on hard core gun everyone with no laws whatsoever. I just don't like the idea of banning guns.

    I thought about it for a while and have come up with what I hope is a more moderate approach.

    A 1 day background check and waiting period.
    A safety test and accuracy test to pass before receiving a weapon, which must be passed again every 3 months since receiving the gun (in other words, 4 times a year). THIS MUST BE DONE FOR EACH GUN YOU BUY!
    LOL. What would this do? Other than tax expenditures and bearucratic BS?
    There, but for the grace of God, goes John Bradford

    My aim, then, was to whip the rebels, to humble their pride, to follow them to their inmost recesses, and make them fear and dread us. Fear is the beginning of wisdom.

    I am tired and sick of war. Its glory is all moonshine. It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, for vengeance, for desolation.

  12. #132

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Quote Originally Posted by Strike For The South View Post
    LOL. What would this do? Other than tax expenditures and bearucratic BS?
    I am just trying to bridge the gap here. And it is important for people who own guns to be responsible with them. To me responsible means being able to use it accurately and with the skill to accomplish its job with no collateral damage.

    EDIT: If it really was me making policy, there would many other pointless things cut so that accuracy tests every 3 months would not be another nail in the coffin for the Treasury.
    Last edited by a completely inoffensive name; 04-08-2009 at 02:46.


  13. #133
    This comment is witty! Senior Member LittleGrizzly's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    The wilderness...
    Posts
    9,215

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    A quick visit to a physcologist before you acquire your gun license could be a good thing also...

    Maybe after that every 5-10 years a renewed physcological test and then the accuracy test ect. every 3 months seems to short a timespan... though i could see the logic in testing thier accuracy more frequently as age goes on and also maybe physcological status...

    I was also trying to think of some way that parents could prove thier guns are kept in locked cupboards and the like where thier kids cannot access them... other than some kind of home visit i can't see how to do it...

    It could be another thing checked out every 5-10 years come renewal time...

    TBH i don't see how much effect this would have on the problems though... do you think it would help ?
    In remembrance of our great Admin Tosa Inu, A tireless worker with the patience of a saint. As long as I live I will not forget you. Thank you for everything!

  14. #134

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Quote Originally Posted by LittleGrizzly View Post
    A quick visit to a physcologist before you acquire your gun license could be a good thing also...

    Maybe after that every 5-10 years a renewed physcological test and then the accuracy test ect. every 3 months seems to short a timespan... though i could see the logic in testing thier accuracy more frequently as age goes on and also maybe physcological status...

    I was also trying to think of some way that parents could prove thier guns are kept in locked cupboards and the like where thier kids cannot access them... other than some kind of home visit i can't see how to do it...

    It could be another thing checked out every 5-10 years come renewal time...

    TBH i don't see how much effect this would have on the problems though... do you think it would help ?
    I don't know why you mention for them to see psychologist unless they have been through some trauma....

    3 months should not be that much of a bother, I mean they can choose whatever gun they want and if they truly use it for sport then the accuracy test should be a breeze for them, if they are using it for self defense I can only hope that they would want to be as accurate as possible so when the intruder comes in he/she does not start blasting holes in his own wall.

    I can understand a gun under law needing to be sold as part of a "package" of some sort. Trigger guards, lockbox...etc could be included and really should be bought along with the gun in first place.


  15. #135

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Quote Originally Posted by LittleGrizzly View Post
    I do know though, that becoming stronger takes much work, as does becoming skilled in a martial art, while on the other hand when I fired a gun for the first time I was quite accurate despite having no training. It was a small caliber gun and I imagine easier than a larger one.

    I do imagine just doing target practice the average first time shooter would probably be fairly accurate... i would say though its a little different if your getting shot at and have to make the shot to save your life... this would usually fall in the favour of the attacker (who you would imagine would be used to or more used to such pressure) or a person with significant training...

    Its probably easier to get good with a gun than become strong or a martial arts expert but it still takes some time to learn what you may need to know to keep you alive in a shootout... and even then your potential attacker can still simply out train you or out gun you...

    which is another point i wanted to make it could be argued that it unevens the playing field to the rich... or maybe not rich but the poor certainly can't afford the latest guns... they may have to make do with some old crappy pistol... whereas someone with a bit of money could get something a bit faster a bit more accurate .... a bit more lethal...

    This i would say would work against ordaniry civilians more than criminals as you could say a gun would be a tool of a criminals trade so he would ensure he has the best tools to do his job whereas your ordaniry citizen has other worries outside of purchasing a good gun to combat criminals with...

    Say it's a jealous ex-boyfriend breaking into his old girlfriends house with the intention of killing her. In hand to hand she will surely lose, but do you see how if they both have guns she has a much better chance? She can use surprise and concealment to much greater effect, when both have little use in hand to hand combat, unless she can somehow knock him out in one blow, which is unlikely.

    From the sounds of your scenario it would be better for them to both have guns... im sure we could both come up with 100 scenario's where the other would have to admit it would be better to have them both armed or both unarmed.

    I suppose in the situations where someone is determined to kill the other person i would rather the potential victim had a gun to defend themselves.... (in a deseted area where there aren't innocent bystanders to kill) but then in your average day to day crime i would rather people didn't have guns...

    Imagine if when some kids went to mug an old lady she reaches for her piece... these kids just wanted to snatch her bag but now she's reaching for her gun so they panic go for thiers and thanks to having youth on thier side end up shooting the old lady before she can shoot them... though i also think a young mugger being shot would be tragic as well....

    Now without guns the old lady might have had a nasty time of it as well, she could have got beaten up a bit or the youths could have simply snatched the bag and run... but regardless of the fact this little old lady is relatively defenseless its actually less dangerous for her to have a gun...

    Edit: the little old lady is supposed to be an example of how guns would escalate ordaniry crimes rather than a scenario where we say guns or no guns is better...
    The key difference between the two scenarios to me is this:

    In the ex-girlfriend scenario, it is entirely possible that she has done nothing wrong. She can't be held responsible for her ex's actions. If guns are legal then she has the capability of defending herself if she wants to, to practice if she wants to, and the chance to at least try to deal with the pressure of the situation. She might not buy a gun, she might not practice with it, she might not remain calm enough under pressure to shoot straight, but she has the freedom that is a prerequisite for all of those things.

    In the granny being mugged scenario, she broke the law by drawing her gun first. The law is fairly strict about when you are allowed to brandish your weapon. She had the freedom to not buy a gun, not carry a gun, and the poor decision was hers.

    I don't think the issue is how many scenarios are beneficial to the person vs how many are harmful. I have seen statistics, though I don't know if they are reliable, that people who own guns are more likely to die in the event of a break in. Viewed from the top down (what appears to be your approach), this would indicate that owning guns causes deaths and therefore shouldn't be allowed (disputes about statistics aside, I don't want to go into the practicality of banning guns because that's been done to death and is fairly one-sided). But viewed on the individual level, the death someone who chooses to own a gun and chooses to use it when they're house is broken into is very different from the death of someone who was attacked and was not given the freedom to defend themselves with the necessary tools.

  16. #136
    Chieftain of the Pudding Race Member Evil_Maniac From Mars's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    6,407

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    LittleGrizzly, you're presuming things and creating strawmen. While they are plausible cases, they just don't hold up to facts in general - or if they do, they are minority cases that won't have any effect on the statistical outcomes.

    Quote Originally Posted by Cato Institute
    4. States that allow registered citizens to carry concealed weapons have lower crime rates than those that don't.

    True. The 31 states that have "shall issue" laws allowing private citizens to carry concealed weapons have, on average, a 24 percent lower violent crime rate, a 19 percent lower murder rate and a 39 percent lower robbery rate than states that forbid concealed weapons. In fact, the nine states with the lowest violent crime rates are all right-to-carry states. Remarkably, guns are used for self-defense more than 2 million times a year, three to five times the estimated number of violent crimes committed with guns.

  17. #137
    This comment is witty! Senior Member LittleGrizzly's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    The wilderness...
    Posts
    9,215

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    I don't know why you mention for them to see psychologist unless they have been through some trauma....

    heh, I mean to assess thier mental state rather than try to work through thier issues with them...

    I imagine most criminals would pass one i was just mainly thinking a physcologist may spot someone who is mentally unstable and so should own guns whereas they could met all the other legal requirments... like an extra lock... just incase...

    3 months should not be that much of a bother

    It does seem like a bit of a waste to do it that excessively, not so much for the gun owner but for the money you have to spend paying people to go around and do all this testing... surely for every gun owner in america doing that every 3 months would be a huge bill...

    I suppose 5-10 could be excessive... how about yearly or every other year...
    In remembrance of our great Admin Tosa Inu, A tireless worker with the patience of a saint. As long as I live I will not forget you. Thank you for everything!

  18. #138

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Quote Originally Posted by LittleGrizzly View Post
    I don't know why you mention for them to see psychologist unless they have been through some trauma....

    heh, I mean to assess thier mental state rather than try to work through thier issues with them...

    I imagine most criminals would pass one i was just mainly thinking a physcologist may spot someone who is mentally unstable and so should own guns whereas they could met all the other legal requirments... like an extra lock... just incase...

    3 months should not be that much of a bother

    It does seem like a bit of a waste to do it that excessively, not so much for the gun owner but for the money you have to spend paying people to go around and do all this testing... surely for every gun owner in america doing that every 3 months would be a huge bill...

    I suppose 5-10 could be excessive... how about yearly or every other year...
    A year is a enough time to get sloppy at something. What about every six months? The goal is to keep the gun owning population accountable by making sure they are skilled with their weapons.

    EDIT: Also I think the complete background check during the one day waiting period is where checking to see if customer is mentally unstable is put into the equation.
    Last edited by a completely inoffensive name; 04-08-2009 at 03:10.


  19. #139
    This comment is witty! Senior Member LittleGrizzly's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    The wilderness...
    Posts
    9,215

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    LittleGrizzly, you're presuming things and creating strawmen. While they are plausible cases, they just don't hold up to facts in general - or if they do, they are minority cases that won't have any effect on the statistical outcomes.

    I have to disagree. Your quoted bit talks about guns used in crime.. Remarkably, guns are used for self-defense more than 2 million times a year, three to five times the estimated number of violent crimes committed with guns. In Britian we have far less crimes commited with guns, this is partially because they don't need to worry about the average home owner packing so they don't bother packing themselves....

    I don't have a paticular problem with conceal and carry... just guns in general

    In the granny being mugged scenario, she broke the law by drawing her gun first. The law is fairly strict about when you are allowed to brandish your weapon. She had the freedom to not buy a gun, not carry a gun, and the poor decision was hers.

    What? assuming in my secnario she knew she was about to be mugged she isn't allowed to brandish the weapon? learn something new every day!

    The example still holds true as an example of escalation guns can cause... don't get me wrong knifes and other weapons can also cause escalation of the situation but guns being more effective killing tools escalate it more than knifes and the like...

    I don't think the issue is how many scenarios are beneficial to the person vs how many are harmful.

    I think this is where our different opnions come from... the reason im against private gun ownership is because i think in a majority of situations involving criminals your better off without guns about whereas for you it is more of a what if i need it type thinking... i think?

    EDIT: Also I think the complete background check during the one day waiting period is where checking to see if customer is mentally unstable is put into the equation.

    Isn't this simply a check to see if they have been declared mentally unstable... my point was they should be confirmed mentally stable rather than not have been declared stable... though that may be a little OTT it could stop someone unstable getting hold of weapons...

    A year is a enough time to get sloppy at something. What about every six months? The goal is to keep the gun owning population accountable by making sure they are skilled with their weapons.

    I would've thought it would be the type of skill that doesn't detoriate too quickly.. thats an assumption though... so if it is nessecary then every 6 months doesn't seem too bad... that would be hell of a workload though... how many gun owners in USA ?

    anyway enough talk of guns... time to put the things to good use!

    ETW here i come...
    Last edited by LittleGrizzly; 04-08-2009 at 03:36.
    In remembrance of our great Admin Tosa Inu, A tireless worker with the patience of a saint. As long as I live I will not forget you. Thank you for everything!

  20. #140

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    I think the British should have learned their lesson about banning guns from Shawn of the Dead. They could only scrounge up the one gun from the Winchester and look what happened, all but two died including my favorite character. Just saying....


  21. #141
    Arena Senior Member Crazed Rabbit's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Between the Mountain and the Sound
    Posts
    11,074
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Sorry, but I can't be bothered to read more useless 'scenarios' devised by gun banners, especially those who have never touched a gun, to justify banning guns. The granny with the purse thing? The whole thing is implausible.

    And why... well theres freedom to have and do things but theres also also the freedom to be free of certain things...
    Like freedom to be free of other religions? Or people of different races? Or of ideas you don't like?

    A safety test and accuracy test to pass before receiving a weapon, which must be passed again every 3 months since receiving the gun (in other words, 4 times a year). THIS MUST BE DONE FOR EACH GUN YOU BUY!
    That's one of the most ridiculous gun-related proposals I've read. Even outright bans are straightforward.

    This undermines the whole concept of having a right and freedom. It'd be a huge bureaucratic snarl. Have you ever used a gun?

    In Britian we have far less crimes commited with guns, this is partially because they don't need to worry about the average home owner packing so they don't bother packing themselves....
    No, it's because you have a fraction of the population. And even in the years after the handgun ban, injuries from firearms rose dramatically.

    CR
    Ja Mata, Tosa.

    The poorest man may in his cottage bid defiance to all the forces of the Crown. It may be frail; its roof may shake; the wind may blow through it; the storm may enter; the rain may enter; but the King of England cannot enter – all his force dares not cross the threshold of the ruined tenement! - William Pitt the Elder

  22. #142
    Master of Few Words Senior Member KukriKhan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2001
    Posts
    10,415

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    As a side note: in my town of 130,000 residents, City Council proposes to balance the budget by laying off Police Officers next month. Leaving on average, 8 cops on-duty at any given time, covering 37 square miles.

    On Monday, the local newspaper reported that gun shops sales were up 62% over last year, and they had run out of .38, .45, 9mm & 30-06 ammunition.

    Coincidence?
    Be well. Do good. Keep in touch.

  23. #143
    Master of useless knowledge Senior Member Kitten Shooting Champion, Eskiv Champion Ironside's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Sweden
    Posts
    4,902

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Quote Originally Posted by KukriKhan View Post
    As a side note: in my town of 130,000 residents, City Council proposes to balance the budget by laying off Police Officers next month. Leaving on average, 8 cops on-duty at any given time, covering 37 square miles.

    On Monday, the local newspaper reported that gun shops sales were up 62% over last year, and they had run out of .38, .45, 9mm & 30-06 ammunition.

    Coincidence?
    Probably not, seems to fit one aspect of the US mentality to guns pretty well. The good question is if there's serious crimes in the area that would validate the increase or is it only the mental aspect of it that matter?

    Anyway, time to make a serious post this thread:

    It's a fact that gun related crimes are higher in the US compared to Europe per capita. The question is why and the answer is the culture. But that is a cheap answer, as it lacks the important depth. Anybody willing to tackle the issue?

    Personally I would say that it's the gun culture, that guns are seen as a normal tool for self-defense. As a consequence, so does the criminals, creating an escalation of gun use. For some Americans it might very well be acceptable, but the perspective in Europe is very different.

    Here, they idea of needing to use a gun for self-defense are a sign of either two things. A: either you're overly paraniod over something that are so unlikely to happen that a normal person won't bother (been suggested for the US in the "culture of fear" argument) or B: It sucks to be you. Simply put the conditions are so bad that it validates gun use. Most Europeans would put that close to the end of civilisation as we know it and want it on a scale.

    Then there's another aspect of it. For some Americans it's the ultimate sign of self-reliance, that in turn are an epitome of the american dream. For a European it's a cool thingy on the shooting range.

    And for some, that self-reliance seems to equal protection from the evil goverment and my guns are they only thing the keeps the goverment away (some consider this only valid the day the revolution comes. And it will come). Interestingly enough they mostly seem to rather isolate themself from society than trying to cure its ills. They are the gun owers that causes most "no compromise" issues in the US as any goverment regristration will be used against them later.

    Back a bit on topic, would banning guns in the US make a difference? Alone, it would not and with very good actions to reduce the gun violence (that I don't know how exactly) it wouldn't really be needed. That's why IMHO the US doesn't deserve guns. It would probably be more effetive if combined with the unknown tactics though.

    And back to some lesser stuff:

    CR I would say that unless the admittably short summary on wiki is misssing a pretty big part, the book doesn't really cover my argument in the last post (that longer lasting rebellions makes the amount of weapons at the start an irrelevant issue for actual victory).

    Quote Originally Posted by hooahguy View Post
    people shouldnt be afraid of their government-governments should be afraid of their people.
    -V
    Yes, and?

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Yeah, yeah I'm just using one of my favorite counter arguments. Then again I'm not sure if hooahguy can spot the flaw.
    We are all aware that the senses can be deceived, the eyes fooled. But how can we be sure our senses are not being deceived at any particular time, or even all the time? Might I just be a brain in a tank somewhere, tricked all my life into believing in the events of this world by some insane computer? And does my life gain or lose meaning based on my reaction to such solipsism?

    Project PYRRHO, Specimen 46, Vat 7
    Activity Recorded M.Y. 2302.22467
    TERMINATION OF SPECIMEN ADVISED

  24. #144

    Post Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Quote Originally Posted by Sasaki Kojiro View Post
    My statement was: "you cannot defend yourself as well without a gun" which is true. Whether you feel you are in danger is not the issue--neither do I. We are discussing a principle. If there was one murder a year in the US the principle would remain.
    Violence leads to violence. If everyone carries a gun with himself/herself, the probability that gunfights are going to occur is higher, therefore boundless gun ownership doesn't lead to bigger safety, but to more violence and danger. The statistics also support the latter statement. The rate of homicides committed with firearms is the highest in the USA. That country is world-leader with 65%, followed by developing and too safe countries like South Africa (69%), Colombia (45%), Zimbabwe (39%). These are the dry statistical facts, good Sir, you can't argue with numbers.


    Quote Originally Posted by Sasaki Kojiro View Post
    You have the right to self defense, and that requires tools to be effective. If you give up tools, you cannot defend yourself as well, thus you are compromising one of your freedoms.

    The issue with individual rights vs collective rights has been discussed before, so I'll just make a comparison.

    1) People have the right to life
    2) Alcohol being legal leads to drunk driving accidents
    3) Therefore, alcohol should be banned

    Do you agree with the conclusion?
    And I will dismiss this faulty comparison again by pointing out that alcohol isn't specifically designed to kill people, meanwhile guns are.
    Guns don't kill people, people kill people, and so do monkeys if they have a gun.
    Last edited by PowerWizard; 04-08-2009 at 17:08.
    Life is full of surprises and you never know what you're going to get until you get it; always expect the unexpected.

  25. #145
    Master of Few Words Senior Member KukriKhan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2001
    Posts
    10,415

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Guns don't kill people, people kill people, and so do monkeys if they have a gun.
    Bullets bouncing around inside bodies, kills people.

    Just sayin'. :)
    Be well. Do good. Keep in touch.

  26. #146

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Quote Originally Posted by PowerWizard View Post
    Violence leads to violence. If everyone carries a gun with himself/herself, the probability that gunfights are going to occur is higher, therefore boundless gun ownership doesn't lead to bigger safety, but to more violence and danger. The statistics also support the latter statement. The rate of homicides committed with firearms is the highest in the USA. That country is world-leader with 65%, followed by developing and too safe countries like South Africa (69%), Colombia (45%), Zimbabwe (39%). These are the dry statistical facts, good Sir, you can't argue with numbers.
    Surely one can argue about the significance of numbers and the meaning of them? What is the murder rate in switzerland? In any case, this was not what we were discussing.


    And I will dismiss this faulty comparison again by pointing out that alcohol isn't specifically designed to kill people, meanwhile guns are.
    Guns don't kill people, people kill people, and so do monkeys if they have a gun.
    Why do you think that makes it a faulty comparison? Your argument was that people have a right to life. Many, many people die from drunk driving accidents. If you argue that guns being legal infringes on the population's right to life, then you would have to argue that alcohol being legal infringes on the population's right to life. You can say the problem is people driving when they shouldn't, I can say that the problem is people shooting other people when they shouldn't.

    As for design, if you insist on it, I would not that cars are design to travel at lethal speeds and alcohol is designed to make people into dangerous drivers. But again, the point isn't to compare alcohol and guns, but to use the same logic you did on a different scenario. What is your argument for keeping alcohol legal, regardless of whether you consider the comparison valid?

  27. #147
    The very model of a modern Moderator Xiahou's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    in the cloud.
    Posts
    9,007

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Quote Originally Posted by PowerWizard View Post
    Violence leads to violence. If everyone carries a gun with himself/herself, the probability that gunfights are going to occur is higher, therefore boundless gun ownership doesn't lead to bigger safety, but to more violence and danger. The statistics also support the latter statement. The rate of homicides committed with firearms is the highest in the USA. That country is world-leader with 65%, followed by developing and too safe countries like South Africa (69%), Colombia (45%), Zimbabwe (39%). These are the dry statistical facts, good Sir, you can't argue with numbers.
    Source your statistics please. Also, 69% is more that 65% last I checked.
    Last edited by Xiahou; 04-08-2009 at 17:34.
    "Don't believe everything you read online."
    -Abraham Lincoln

  28. #148
    Banned ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Castle 2_5_2, Swissland.
    Posts
    0
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Well, I think Assault weapons should be banned. I mean, these AK-47's and the variations of them out on the market. Don't hand me this BS "Well, People used them for Taget pratice and...."......

    Come on people. You are A CIVLLIAN. Why the hell do you need a Ak-47? Please give me a logical reason beside the "Self-Defense" and "Taget Pratice" arguments. Those people typically can't give you one. I'm all for guns, Hell, I have a 16 gauge, and I used 16 gauges, .22 long rifles (bye bye groundhog heads !) and a .22 pistiol once before, so I'm all familiar with guns and I like using them for hunting and that. BUT, you don't need AK-47's.



    Now, I think we need guns in general (exculding stupid assault weapons). Trust me, if I see a bunch of gang members walking at me, and I know I'm going to get gang beated, I prefer using a gun and not be the our British friends and just stand there and be stabbed or death or try to fist-fight with several gang members.

  29. #149

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Quote Originally Posted by a completely inoffensive name View Post
    A 1 day background check and waiting period.
    A safety test and accuracy test to pass before receiving a weapon, which must be passed again every 3 months since receiving the gun (in other words, 4 times a year). THIS MUST BE DONE FOR EACH GUN YOU BUY!(emphasis by me)
    .
    Two things

    I am opposed to any waiting periods at all, Even if I wasn't it makes no sense to give somebody a waiting period for their next purchase if they already have a gun.


    Also I've got over twenty different guns, that means I'd be taking over 60 test a year Which isn't going to happen.

    Another thing, the four basic saftey rules are the same wether it's
    a long gun or a hand gun. So why would you need to test for each gun?


    The gun debate in this country is a joke, we've got people who know nothing guns; trying to set rules about them for people who do, its makes no sense.

    Here's an example


    here's another one http://(there are no heat seaking bullets)


    Come on people. You are A CIVLLIAN. Why the hell do you need a Ak-47? Please give me a logical reason beside the "Self-Defense" and "Taget Pratice" arguments. Those people typically can't give you one.
    Why do people need anything extravagant? Like mansions or cars that go over 120mph, Speakers that are loud enough to shake your neighbors house. No body ever "needs" that stuff but in a free country you should be able to obtain all of those things.
    Last edited by scooter_the_shooter; 04-08-2009 at 19:25.
    Formerly ceasar010

  30. #150
    Old Town Road Senior Member Strike For The South's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Between Louis' sheets
    Posts
    10,369

    Default Re: U.S Citizens right to own a firearm debate

    Long time no see, sweetheart.

    20 guns? All for hunting or do you have some collectables?
    There, but for the grace of God, goes John Bradford

    My aim, then, was to whip the rebels, to humble their pride, to follow them to their inmost recesses, and make them fear and dread us. Fear is the beginning of wisdom.

    I am tired and sick of war. Its glory is all moonshine. It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, for vengeance, for desolation.

Page 5 of 10 FirstFirst 123456789 ... LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Single Sign On provided by vBSSO