Armed America

[Spexxvet]

Originally Posted by MaggieL

Well, I know your belief is sincerely held, but to be convincing you'll need better reasons, because the ones you have suck pretty badly.

Some people still believe the earth is flat, too.

Originally Posted by MaggieL

Furthermore, "the world would be a better place without handguns" is a misplaced argument, because--beyond being untrue--

That's your opinion, not fact.

Originally Posted by MaggieL

it's not a possible part of any solution set.

Anything is possible. People in Philadelphia don't drink directly from the Delaware River anymore, do they?

Originally Posted by MaggieL

Prohibitionism doesn't work in the real world.

Have I endorsed prohibitionism? No, just rational thought.

Originally Posted by MaggieL

All such laws can possibly do is disarm the law-abiding.

While I don't endorse this, that would make it easier for gun-using criminals to be erradicated. The pro-gun contingency seems to want to have a gun to protect them from potential attacks, right? If only criminals had handguns, they would esily be identified as potential attackers, and can be shot on sight. You'd like that, wouldn't you? You could change carreers, get into law enforcement, and finally get to kill someone - use that handgun you so intensely *need* to carry.

[lisa]

Originally Posted by Spexxvet

If only criminals had handguns, they would esily be identified as potential attackers, and can be shot on sight. You'd like that, wouldn't you? You could change carreers, get into law enforcement, and finally get to kill someone - use that handgun you so intensely *need* to carry.

Oh, come on! Talk about resorting to personal attacks!

If you're gonna argue the point, use reasoned points, not personal slurs against someone.

"Finally get to kill someone..." Sheesh!

Originally Posted by Spexxvet

While I don't endorse this, that would make it easier for gun-using criminals to be erradicated. The pro-gun contingency seems to want to have a gun to protect them from potential attacks, right? If only criminals had handguns, they would esily be identified as potential attackers, and can be shot on sight. You'd like that, wouldn't you? You could change carreers, get into law enforcement, and finally get to kill someone - use that handgun you so intensely *need* to carry.

I keep bringing this up, I wonder if you read all the posts or don't think of it yourself.
Making a gun of your own, or for others is quite simple.
I get the impression that you think that if you outlaw something it will just go away.
Many of the guns that are used by gangs in the US come from China along with their drugs. The laws would only harm those who are law abiding citizens, making them criminals... they would accomplish nothing else.

BTW, Canada and a few other nations have as many guns per household as the US and lower murder and violent crime rates than the US and the UK. Guns are not the problem, it is a social consciousness/attitude problem.
My personal feeling is we have lost our commitment to the family.

Places in the US with more liberal carry laws like Texas have lower violent crime rates.

[Jordan]

Interesting debate going on and if you don't mind, I'm going to jump in for a bit. I own two guns and both are for home defense, a 9mm and a pump action shotgun. They're kept in plain sight at the end of the hallway, locked in a glass case. Once every 3-4 weeks I'll take them to the range so I don't get rusty. Only the ruger has ever been fired anywhere but the range but I was quite happy that I had it at the time.

I dislike the idea of needing them, I don't mind the fact that I have them. It's a right under our constitution, and they're to be used strictly for personal security reasons. I think many people may go overboard with their love for firearms, but then they may say the same about my love for computers.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Welcome to the Cellar, Jordan.

[lisa]

Originally Posted by rkzenrage

I keep bringing this up, I wonder if you read all the posts or don't think of it yourself.
Making a gun of your own, or for others is quite simple.
I get the impression that you think that if you outlaw something it will just go away.
Many of the guns that are used by gangs in the US come from China along with their drugs. The laws would only harm those who are law abiding citizens, making them criminals... they would accomplish nothing else.

This reminds me of an "old" joke, which I tell for the humor and not at all as part of the debate:

Q: How many gun control proponents does it take to change a lightbulb?

A: None. They just pass a law against darkness.