Gun Control- Your Views please

I will elaborate more on this subject later. I suppose most of you probably know my views based on my answers in previous threads. I would like to get your views.
Ingrid stated in another thread that they are not allowed to have guns. I am glad and support my right to bear arms. However, I do understand the need for some control at some point.

What are your views on this subject?

I am for the control of the extended clip as used by Jarred Lee Laughner. I am for the cooperation of the federal government such as recruiters to notify local authorities about failing drug test. If you go into government projects and hang around for extended periods you will see minors packing serious heat while supporting their gangs with drug trade . Though there are laws in place to prevent this, some changes could be used to untie the hands of the law to prevent innocent victims from experiencing extreme violence .

Yep Bob hit the ole proverbial nail on the head for me too.

Bob, if you don't mind answering, do you think certain felons should/should not be allowed guns. I know several people that are felons and not being able to be "allowed" to have guns also means they aren't able to obtain a hunting license. If they hunt they usually use a bow. My question is this.... should it be on a case by case basis that felons have the right to own a gun. If indeed they are mentally unbalanced and proved so by their act then should they not be allowed a gun?

As Nalley(I think) said above (paraphrasing) that there are too many young gang members and such with guns.
I agree, Yes, there are. They also usually obtain their guns on the black market. Stolen, or otherwise.
I believe in the right to protect your own. Bob has the subject marked on spot with his comment about the rural communities. I now live in a rural place but grew up in a large city. We don't usually lock our doors at night on cars or otherwise. I can attest to the fact it is not because I live (my husband )with a law enforcement officer, it is because I own a gun (25-30 rifles/shotguns and several handguns). He actually taught me how to use one, and I am grateful he did. Last summer when I went to pick up my daughter from her fathers house and was stopped in traffic at the red light and had some crack head bang on the window and then try to open the door on my daughters side of the vehicle, I pulled out the gun and yelled to my daughter to lean back and towards me, I let down the window enough for the crack head to see a 9mm pointed at them. Well needless to say they took off running.
Some can say it's cruel, but I was protecting myself and my child. No I would never aim a gun without intending to fire it. I intended on it, she scared me and my child. A parent will do funny things to protect their children.

I think Bob said it all for me as well but I am not convicted yet. He hit all the main points I would have so I agree 100% with what he said!

I wouldn't want to have on in my house (where I live now) but I'm not against guns. I DO think there should be strict gun control, however, as in people need extensive training, background checks, psychological reviews, whatever. And I don't think there's often a need to buy guns that are MEANT for killing people.

If the government came in to take my guns, they can have 'em, barrel end first.

I value the right to protect myself or others, if the situation were to arise.

Well i dont agree with any of whats been said. And i would put money on it that 99% of those not living in the USA would not agree either....

Ive noticed all the respondents live in the USA, why is that?

Its easier to buy guns in the US than anywhere else in the western world. The US is statistically ranked about 4th for murders with guns in the world, and the highest in the western world by a country mile. The USA is the largest exporter of arms in the world legally and illegally. What does that tell us?

Yep all things to be proud of thats for sure.
Thankfully I live in a country that has taken the owning of guns more responsibility. Violence perpetuates violence, why don't others see that? Problem is its too late now..

I am afraid of guns. I don't mind taking on anyone with my bare fists, if need be(!) but from a gun I cannot win.

I am glad we are not allowed to have guns too, the wrong kind of people would use them to rob and kill..we have thugs, a small group who do carry arms and do all that stuff, actually. Only criminals have weapons here.

To be honest I don't have any strong feelings against inanimate objects such as Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms or even hard drugs. I don't know of any substance or force that has not been abused, and though I have never abused firearms I have known of people that have been murdered or attempted suicide with them. When most people look down the barrel of a forty four caliber bore I assume the thought of the right to bear arms is not about their assassins rights. We have first and second amendment rights yet some would execute the one who gave them those and other rights. Am I not stating the obvious?

I would go hunting with Dick Cheney I heard since his accident he took a safty course with this guy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmYe_lW7kRA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmYe_lW7kRA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fcYKVj23FU

"I find it very hard to imagine having a gun in my car..is this something you guys always carry around in your glove box?"

Yes, I always carry, not in my glove box but in the door of my vehicle, in my purse, on my person.

Please understand this... it is not just for protection against other people who may intend harm, it also for protection when I am in the woods. I live in a very rural area and it is the norm to carry your gun into the grocery store, the convenience store, and any place you might go on a normal basis. It is not because we are afraid of other people, it is a way of life and protection here. I can remember when I lived in the city and had no clue about the rural ways and I saw a man walking down the street with a gun on his side. I called the cops because I thought he may have intended harm to someone, and he may have. I lived in a very seedy part of town and constant drug activity and such taking place all the time. Now I wouldn't second guess it here in the country.

Bob I was asked to give my views I gave them, no need to take it personally, if you dont like them well too bad and I don't need to throw stones the statistics do that for me. One way to compare the effectiveness of your gun laws is to compare them with other countries like ours and frankly they compare badly, or should non Americans not have an opinion on this topic? A question, where did Donld blow me away? Sorry Donald and I'm not having a go at you but some of your post makes no sense, well at least to me.

If it ever got to the stage of carrying guns into the grocery store as being normal here I'd say Australia is f@#ked

That is crazy...

I guess what I am trying to say, is if you see someone with a gun on their side, in a holster in the grocery store here it is not uncommon, as when I lived in the city it was very uncommon. Most people in this county are farmers. It's not like they carry it in just to carry, it is their way of life, always having a gun attatched to their hip for anything they may need it for while out in the fields. Whether it be wild hogs,bobcats or such. I can understand where it is frightening for people that aren't use to it.

Bob, I can understand what makes you say this. I would want to do the same if someone touched my boy. But what would we be doing then? Take a life for a life. If we kill a killer, aren't we killers then also, but with other motives? let's say you were to kill the sob that touched your child and the one you killed had a brother that would, in turn kill you to avenge the death of his brother...the chain of violence is never ending unless we, ourselves, make it stop.

To put people in jail is not the answer either, just look at how people come out of those places, they will have learned new ways to do criminal things, having been around criminals in there. they will be bitter, may have been molested/ raped by other men..

I feel the only way to change the world is to start by raising our children with more care again. I don't know how it is in other parts of the world, but around here making money is more important then taking care of the children properly. Often both parents work all day and when they get home, they pick up there child from daycare or after school care and feed them and then it's off to bed. Some don't even get to see their child take the first steps, or hear them speak the first words...this has serious effects on the character of a child and on the bond(ing process).

So: prevent, rather than allow things to escalate. This world is in need for more love, and it all starts with raising our children with care and teach them to be respectful towards others.

To say you, youself never had it, is no excuse. I never did either. I raised my child with endless devotion,love and care nonetheless. Love is there, in your heart, even when no one gave it to you initially..just look at your child and you will know my words are true;)

Thank you Britt, I was trying to find the words to say and you did it for me.

Hellon, this is not a ploy to get you to write for the contest, however if it inspires you to do so then I am glad, even if it's making fun of hillbillys like me. lol

"The people who openly carry when legal, and those who have the permits to carry aren't the ones you have to worry about..it's the ones who buy black market guns, don't openly carry or dont get a permit are the ones you should worry about."

From the medias I watch it would be hard to convince the victims of Jarred Lee Loughner who bought an extended clip legally that fired 33 rounds without reloading. By the grace of God there were heroes who were able to get the gun away from him while he was attempting snap in another 33 round clip. This is America and it seems to be praiseworthily to use metaphors like "You are going to have to shoot them in the head" and "Second Amendment Remedies" while mental health is not considered a priority by the congress that controls spending . Children are prescribed schedule one two and three drugs that can be sold on the black market while politicians draw crosshairs on political districts

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I think Dave made a good point, the constitution seems a bit dated. Im no expert on guns but I cant see the logic of having semi-automatic guns widely available, handguns that can be pulled out of someone's pocket or bag at a moments breath. And Britt I understand that most people who have permits are law-abiding citizens, but not all of them are.. even if 0.01% aren't 'model citizens' then thats a sizeable number of potential criminals/disturbed people that have guns, probably semi-automatic, and that kinda scares me. More extensive tests might help but I dont think they would be anywhere near foolproof.

Violence perpetuates violence, why don't others see that? Problem is its too late now..
^^
I largely agree with this also. In Ireland our police dont have guns, only special brances do, anti-gang personnel, etc. I dont think there has been an incident of a policeman being shot in years, or of a policeman shooting somebody else. I believe if they did have guns, criminals would also make renewed efforts to obtain guns to counter them... Hence violences breeds violence. Of course here guns arent easily available, and then the only ones available are shotguns for game shooting, no automatic or semi automatic weapons, and that's the way I would like it to stay. It seems like it is too late in America, where the gun culture is obviously deeply ingrained and there are so many guns in existence and available it seems like it is impossible to go back, even if people wanted to

What's kind of funny is I don't see any American's complaining much about the guns in America, but people from other countries take issue with it.
^^

It's a culture difference. Im guessing most American's are raised to believe in the right to carry guns? Its a tradtition that has been carried on for many years.

Maybe you arent complaining because it has got to such a stage where you are only 'safe' when you have a semi-automatic in a pocket or car or bag. But Im not sure it's that bad, I dont know but are many people put in life-threatening situations? How often does a situation arise where 'I would have been killed only I had my gun?' Guns are made for killing, animals and yes people, and I just think a lot more harm can come from them than can be done without them with regard to every Tom Dick and Harry owning one.

The situation must be bad in America if those figures are true, that so many incidents occured where guns needed to be used in self-defence. Thats why I said its probably too late to change laws in America even if people wanted to, crime has got to such a high level and criminals use guns so regularly. I think non-American people see high crime rates, high murder rates etc and think they are lucky there isnt such a gun culture in their country, thats how I feel anyway.

I still think the American constitution is outdated regarding gun policy.

On a side note, I always found it a little scary how many movies, tv shows etc have guns in them playing a central part. Even 'Lost,' set on a desert island had staches of gun everywhere. I guess thats part of the culture

Colm summed it up very well, America has a gun culture that seems irreversible and like Colm thank god we don't have that gun culture here. Yes violence happens, i'm not saying it doesn't and yes there are shootings here, as guns are brought here illegally from countries such as America Asia etc, but even most of those are gang related. But they are very much the exception to the rule. The average citizen has no access to hand guns semi or automatic weapons and never thinks about owning one. A few and I mean a very may own a shotgun for hunting maybe, but even that is becoming more and more rare as its increasingly difficult to get permits and access to areas you can hunt in.

And for those that think this is a country V country thing its not, theres much of the USA to be admired, its purely my views on gun laws in your country.

Guns should be illegal for everyone except the military and police. They are designed for one purpose, to kill things and unless you are some hunter out in the wilds and you need that rifle to get your family food, there is no excuse for owning one.

Home defence? You need a gun for home defence because in the US, any idiot can get a gun and try to break into your house. You need guns to protect you from other people with guns. Get a baseball bat and keep it next to you bed.

Without guns we're all more or less equal, physically. If I decide tomorrow, I want to go on a killing spree, I might get a few people with a knife, or axe before I get taken down by sheer numbers. If I had a pistol, or god forbid a semi automatic rifle..there is no end to the amount of lives I could take.

Sure, guns don't kill people, but they do making it really fucking easy to;
A- accomplish
B- consider as a real solution to a problem.

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated 52,447 deliberate and 23,237 accidental non-fatal gunshot injuries in the United States during 2000.[4] "

go back to bed America...

There does seem to be a common agreement here: "gun culture" is so entrenched in America that it would take some large philosophical revolution to change it. I think there is an idea in America that says "we as Americans have the right to overthrow our government," should it come to that. I think the right to bear arms part of the Constitution was (at least partially) to ensure that "the people" of America have the power to decide when the governing system has too much control, and to ensure that they are free to respond with a show of military strength. It goes back to that mistrust of the monarchy.

Personally, I've only ever shot pop cans with a gun, and that's all I'd want to shoot. There are a few situations where I think it would make sense to have a gun, like:

1. Running a ranch
2. Backpacking in bear country
3. Hunters who balance populations and make use of their kills.
4. Civil war reenactments
5. Zombies....? I'm running out of steam here.

So, not a ton of situations. BUT, I don't think we're likely to see a change, precisely because of that gun culture. Apart from individual crazies who want a gun to feel powerful, I think Americans as a whole view the gun as a symbol of some control that we hold in reserve... just in case.

Exactly Sibs. Is there anyone here from America who thinks marching on the whitehouse en masse, armed to the teeth would really bring about some positive change in Government? Is that the biggest and best argument for owning guns, because the constitution gives you the right?

Wake up. They'd send in the army, you'd all get killed and the precious few freedoms you have left would get eaten up thanks to your stupidity.

There is no sane reason to own a gun, except the ones Sibs stated.

Whoa!Whoa!Whoa there now Kev.... I do not want to imply that I think that marching in on the whitehouse armed would do anything to change the Government. All that is likely to do is get you a room full of pillows that you get to hug yourself in all day.

I agree with the reasons Sibs stated, but fact is fact is fact. We here in the U.S. are left to fend for ourselves, defend ourselves, and mend ourselves. If it means that having a gun is protection from a person that plans on taking what I have worked hard for then by all means bring them on. I will stand by this statement, that I will NOT turn the other cheek and let them take me down without a fight. I am tired of people ( with criminal mentality ) who think it is their right to take something of someone elses that they have worked hard for and in the flash of an eye sell it for their dope. I know this will open a new can of worms on drug issues, I just can't fathom the fact they (the criminal mindset )can get away with it. And I will do all in my power, regardless of anyone calls it stupidity, to protect my family, our belongings and our home. It is true the judicial system sucks, it is the one that needs overhauling, not me.

**Edit- Not per say me, but the people who have mindsets like my own, that do not see it wrong to own a gun as long as you have passed a background check and yadda yadda yadda.

Personally, I think that everyone should take a gun safety class and learn how to shoot.

I walk in to the grocery store, gas station, wal-mart, and every where else with my bofriend daily and he NEVER leaves with out gun.

I am in the process of getting a concealed carry licence now and you can bet your sweet bum I will carry my gun EVERYWHERE.

Bob set it all in his post and he hit the nail on the head. Let some sucker come into our home in the middle of the night and see how far he gets past Kimber...

Weapons: Afghans Have To Earn The M24Jan 13, 2011 ... January 13, 2011: Afghanistan is buying over a thousand American M24 sniper rifles for its ... and training other Afghans to do the same

Would someone help me with my homework?
Where do the rebels get their weapons?

The majority of gun-related deaths in the United States are suicides

Why do we want to cut mental health spending ?

"Guns for the Afgan Rebels"

In order to win the war on terror must we arm the rebels as well?

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There is no reason to own a gun to defend your home. Get a taser gun, get a good security system, get a dog. Keep a baseball bat next to your bed.

I'll say it again.

You need guns to defend yourselves from guns. There is no justification for them, not from a constitutional point of view (politics has moved on from the slave holder times) and not from a personal point of view.

As Dave so rightly said, guns being so easy to aquire makes it oh..about 1000 times more likely a low life criminal is going to be armed if and when he/she does break in to your home.

Think of all the high school shootings in America. None of them would have been possible if you had the same gun control laws the Uk does.

Shame on you.

In UK, they say that London and Glasgow are among the highest in crime, particularly knives.

I'm sorry but the fact is, with a gun, you can shoot one person and everyone will know. With a knife you can stab or wound around five before they know whats happening.

America views on guns is quite crazy, you just have to sit back and gawk, but I can understand it. Without Guns, they wouldn't be what they are today...

I think Abraham Lincoln founded the modern republican party. In a tour of a convent that stood during the American civil war I saw a document signed by honest Abe stating that no soldier could lawfully disturb this sanctuary . I worked with a petite woman who carried an M16 while she was on a desert storm mission, but I could never imagine my aunt Agnes the nun armed with deadly force. I had a third cousin who was said to carry a .380 caliber llama everywhere he went though it was never found after he was ambushed and shot to death at his home. It has been rumored that they found the one that murdered a poet that inspired me to write many poems. I know the world will not be rid of drug violence by banning all drugs and guns . I still hold out hope the need for them may fade . My hope is when a commentator says you are going to have to shoot them in the head he means exercise your right to vote.

Yes America is the land of freedom and oppurtunity...Visit Harlem, Brooklyn and Queens, you'll see how that freedom is used...

Micheal...You had a cousin who was ambushed and shot to death...

I'm sorry for your loss...

The law that allows you to get a gun license allows potential killers to get one also. As I said before I think that it a frightening thought. Its all fine until somebody starts using it. Until future generations become indocterinated by the culture surrounding guns. The same law that people stand so strongly by allows somebody to carry around a gun until they start shooting it at a school, office, etc. Having little or no gun control laws was a self-fullfilling prophecy, making guns easy to access was going to increase gun crime, and today's society is a result of that.

knives next? What about baseball bats? Automobiles kill the most, so maybe we should outlaw them?
^^
Knives are made to open packages, cut vegatables, carve meat. Baseball bats are used to play sport with, as are golf clubs etc. Automobiles are made for transport. But guns, guns are made to kill. Almost any object can be used to kill, even toothbrushes in prisons are lethal objects if the will is there to make them so. But toothbrush manufacturers dont think of things like 'lets put 12 bullets in a magazine in case 8 arent enough.' Guns are made specifically for the purpose of killing; esp handguns semi-automatics, etc.

I think it would be great if gun control had always been in place. But in America it's gone practically too far now. The government would have as much trouble repossessing guns from 'good guys' than 'bad guys.' Theres so many guns out there available. Not to mention the size and influence of gun manufacturing firms. I can see people's rationale for having guns, and in many ways I dont blame them. Its what they were brought up in and what they live in. But I still think the system is wrong, the laws outdated and the culture dangerous.

I dont think I would own a gun if I lived in America. I dont think my life would be more at risk for not having one. I dont think I would put myself in the position of shooting somebody else, partially because if I pull a gun on them, they are going to shoot to save their own lives, or take my gun. And so violence breeds violence.

Britt, this is a discussion about Gun control, don't tell me what I can and can't say. You don't like my opinion, fine...I'm entitled to it.

America is gun crazy. Most of you are so used to guns you don't understand you'd all be better off without em. It's no use trying to hold up how bad the country has gotten as a reason to justify keeping things the same.

"ugh well, if we banned them now the criminals would still have them"

That doesn't change a single thing about what is logical and what is right. In 2002 there was 127 homicides in Scotland. That is the whole Country.

Guns make it too easy to kill people and that is all they are made for.

If America doesn't mind high school shootings, then I suppose there is nothing to change about your laws, sorry if that is harsh, but it's the truth. YOu can all prattle on about the rights and freedom to own a gun, but look what your precious freedom can cause.

That doesn't change a single thing about what is logical and what is right. In 2002 there was 127 homicides in Scotland. That is the whole Country."

Cite where you got that little factual tidbit, because according to crimestoppers, glasgow is one of the top three highest rates in crime.

You can argue against guns, but don't put our country into it. Because really we have guns here, you should go to east london, you'd think it was a festival of firecrackers.

LoL, Glasgow is Noir, in Europe..lol, not the rest of the world.

Yeah clearly Britt, there is no shame in allowing guns to be so easily available that high school kids can get their hands on them and shoot each other.

LoL, Glasgow is Noir, in Europe..lol, not the rest of the world."

Last time I checked Glasgow is in Scotland not in me...But you still havent cited your fact...

I want to see where "only 127 homicides in 2002 on the whole of scotland" because really that is quite surprising.

What wars are you referring to Billy?

Seems we are going round in circles.

The gun society you live in America is the only one you know, as much as the almost gun free society I live in is what I know. I say almost as the police in Australia carry guns which looks most odd, but in NZ they don't.

But I ask a question which sort of society would you prefer. A gun carrying or a gun less society?

The answers not that hard really is it.

Nice research there Britt, kinda.

Yes Scotland is a violent place, always has been and I never said it was "better" than America. I said we have better gun control laws over here, which can't be disputed. We do have occasional shootings, hell we had a dude go nuts and kill a bunch of people recently, including a police officer. But it's not very common. I've never heard a gun being fired, or know anyone who has been shot at.

I was in America for 3 weeks and saw a guy get arrested at gunpoint in the street in San Fran, and they pulled a pistol out of his bag.

Knife crime is out of control in places like Glasgow, no doubt about it. Difference is, I don't add to that problem by carrying a knife around with me "just in case".

Billy Rob is making a superb point about Americans saving us Europeans. He knows that when they sent the US soldiers over to save us, they didn't give them guns, they just asked everyone to bring their own, thus cleverly validating not only the constitution, but BIlly's point.

oh..wait..

I was watching the national geographic channel which speaks about guns in the usa, especially Alaska. I saw the police stop some traffic with their guns pointed on the passengers like in some bounty hunter films. I think this is crazy. Another thing with over 60 million american people owning guns, isn't this really crazy? It seems guns are essential to them like food and shelter. Of course guns should exist, but only business owners, government purposses, police, soldiers etc but not be available just to anyone. I believe that men who counts only on their guns to defend themselves are cowards. Of course we humanbeings made this world a place of insecurity, but does this mean that we must live each day with fear that something will happen? If we can't feel safe in our own homes, where can we feel safety?

I don't want to offend anyone, and I can see that I'm heading in that direction, so I'll just keep it simple and about my feelings, and not so much about our countries and their politics or history.

Guns make it very easy to kill someone, too easy. That is why I don't like them. I respect a person's right to defend their home and land but you can do so without a gun, unless of course you are attacked by people with guns.

Which brings me back to my first point.

You need guns to defend yourself from guns. Someone breaks into your house, they aren't there to kill anyone, they are probably desperate and looking for a quick bit of cash. If they have a gun, it's probably because they suspect you, the owner might have a gun.

See how it goes around and around?