Nobody shifting at less than 800mph would :)

ABM

Most people I know who own guns know how to handle them, either because they grew up with them, around them, using them, or because of the classes or whatever it takes to legally possess a firearm.

Look, I don't have a gun. I don't plan on owning a gun. Don't ask me why people have them. I just think people should be able to own them. I know enough good people who own the damn things to know that they should be able to own them. If you want to make it harder to get a gun, fine. Whatever. Sure. Psych eval and all that. Go ask someone who knows a little more about the hobby for questions/comments regarding the reasons for gun possession.

edit: Ok, for example, my grandfather carries around a pistol with him. Why? He owns a checking business for the illegals around here and he often needs to move large amounts of money. Problem with that is them Mexicans are sneaky bastards and he can't take the risk that one of them will steal the cash. So he carries protection. Will he ever use it? Nah. Does he know how, just in case? Yes.

I really don't give a fuck if you know responsible people who own guns, to be honest. I'm sure you also know some irresponsible people who own them. The only way to ensure that the irresponsible don't have them is to abolish them altogether. Look at the statistics. Violent deaths involving firearms in the U.S. numbers in the 10's of 1000's every year. Violent deaths involving firearms in the U.K. (where they have gun control) numbers around 20 on a yearly basis.

All of the statistics also show that people who own guns for personal protection are almost never in a position to use those guns for protection. More often the guns are used by their own children to either blow their own brains out or carry out a childish vendetta.

I am not okay with you endangering the life of my child simply because you know some real cool guys who own guns. Real cool guys who own guns simply because they can and they want to.

I can't disagree with what you're saying. What you say is true in that there are plenty of people who know how to handle guns properly and are of no threat to society. Some people also may require them in their line of work. However, just as I believe in welfare, even if a majority of people abuse it, I believe in gun control even if a minority of people abuse their gun rights. It's too risky to let anything go unchecked.

What is this? It's similar to what I was saying, but it doesn't belittle or insult anyone. How do you do that?

I think the US is way beyond the point where any significant portion of its privately owned firearms could ever be rounded up, much less actually attempted, given that those who see owning a firearm as a god-given right to be defended at all costs are coincidentally armed to the teeth.

It can be done little by little. The first step would be to outlaw the sale of firearms in the U.S. This will at least ensure that we are not legally putting more guns into the community. We must also up the punishment for owning an unregistered firearm.

It's worth a try. But it is also a cultural thing as much as anything else, and artificial impositions on cultural development are rarely successful. Particularly in a democracy. It doesn't matter which party attempts to do this, you can guarantee the other will oppose it, whatever their usual policies. That's how the game is played in the politics circus.

I'm afraid to say I agree with BM. I'm a little behind on the news, but I've watched enough politics these past several months to know the Reds are going shit all over anything Obama or the left proposes.

Obviously, it can't be done without a majority vote. But our country is getting to a place where we can win something like this. I look forward to the day.

Fuck guns, I have a flat full of swords waiting for me in September.

I´d like to see those nigger commies try to get me this time.

Why? Have you been practicing your cringing and crying?

Whatever. Maybe it's different because you have something to hold onto so dearly, but I still see it as ridiculous. But what the fuck do I know. I'm typically not one to give a shit if someone endangers his own life, such as with drugs. I've seen it the same way with gun control, but I've never really cared either way.

Also, I'm not endangering your child's life. I don't vote.

I don't care if people endanger their own lives, either. Have at it, I say. I do object when they endanger my life and the lives of those I love, however. The existence of a general population armed with machines that propel pieces of metal at speeds that are faster than sound travels is in my opinion a threat.

I'm a little taken aback that you would say that it's ridiculous. In 2007 there were over 400,000 violent crimes committed with firearms in the U.S. People are intimidated, raped, and murdered at gun point every fucking day, but you are confused as to why we would want to take away guns? Are you fucking serious?

I really don't see why guns should be restricted.

I think they should be controlled but allowed to a certain extent. There is absolutely no reason why anyone should be permitted to carry one down the street, but as for home defence/ shooting pests to protect your farm animals. As long as the person has proven beyond reasonable doubt that they are responsable enough to own a firearm ... i'm ok with them owning one.

I am glad I live in a country where guns aren't in every other person's arsenal. As for those who carry them, it's difficult to see them as anything but cowardly.

This of course does not extend to our armed forces.

Alcar...

What kind of a retarded statement is that?

Uh-huh, uh-huh.

Did you read his post? He was implying my beliefs were endangering his child's life. They aren't. I just sit and complain to myself. I don't "perform" any actions to further any goals.

Okay, you've given a good example of someone who has a reason for owning and carrying a gun. How on earth do you justify the milllions of other people who bought one just because they wanted to, or in case the world ends tomorrow and they want to be prepared?

You couldn't get rid of them in this generation but the hardware deteriorates over time. If you were to ban the sale of guns to anyone who didn't strictly need them, then the numbers would slowly dwindle and in 50 years they'd be approaching a similar level to rest of the world.

I still don't see why they should be restricted. Cars can be dangerous too. Should we ban them?

Cars are necessary for the general population; guns aren't.

Cars are dangerous when used incorrectly. Guns are dangerous when used correctly. Also, the gun's only purpose is to kill. In the case of the handgun, it's only purpose is to kill people. Are you intentionally being obtuse?

Sorry, rite rite, I forgot that several tons of metal moving at high speeds are completely safe.

Nothing is completely safe, but there are more of those several-ton weighing pieces of metal moving around than those bullets moving faster than the speed of sound and I think the likelyhood of one gtting killed is lower if one goes for a stroll down a cty street rather than through a shooting range.

Wanna bet on that?

Only if any deaths are the result from cars. ;)

Ah, so you are being intentionally obtuse. Thank you for clarifying that.

In Canada, you can buy pellet guns at dollar stores.

We are so fucked if someone invades us it's not even funny.