Gun control....

[measanan]

I'm normally against gun control. It's unconstitutional, for one.

BUT

I think Pelgar said it well, if more forcefully than I would have done. The constitution protects the rights of US citizens. The shooter at Virgina Tech was not a citizen.There are many possible arguments, including the fact that ANY gun control bill potentially opens the

Comments

[pelgar]

The Second Amendment was enacted to give the US a viable militia in order to defend itself from enemies, whether they be foreign or domestic. There was a great deal of conflict between people who trusted the govt, and those who did not.

However, times change. I like to think that our Founding Fathers were wiser than we give them credit for being.

The fact that I am allowed to have a gun - guaranteed by the Second Amendment - allows me to shoot some sorry assed SOB who breaks into my home when I am there. The concept may have originally been for defense of the country, but if you have a gun and need to use it - you use it.

Now, don't get me wrong - I'm not lying in a dark corner of my house every night waiting for someone to try to rob me... and I'd certainly be more inclined to pick up the phone and call the police...

**BUT**

...when someone realizes that someone is home, they have a few decisions to make...

Usually they turn-tail and run. But too often they pull out a gun to eliminate witnesses.

Stuff can be replaced. Absolutely. But it's not always about the stuff. Criminals are rarely polite and thoughtful of your well being. They want your stuff and they don't want to get caught.

And frankly, if you're left breathing - you're a liability.

[wyldehunt]

I'll start by saying I don't like guns. Guns are for hunting. Guns are for law enforcement. Guns are the military. Guns are for the citizenry. I may not like them, but I have owned one since I was 12. The problem isn't guns. It's people. Guns simply make it easier for someone to go postal than say a cleaver. Guns give greater potential for harm to many people at once than a tire iron. So, we limit guns for folks that might be using them within the context and spirit of the law? No. We limit individuals. Security checks, pshych profiles, what have you. Most objects around the house are legal if you apply them to the task. Should we all be reduced to safety scissors and needing the butcher to cut out steaks really small because we have no knives?

My father sent me an interesting study from Australia, and I'll see if he will resend it. Aussies enacted gun control. Gun related crime sky-rocketed. Why? I can't say for certain, but if I were some ne'er-do-well and I thought the house I was breaking into might have an owner with a loaded gun, I would be hesitant to enter. If I know the law abiding folks have no gun, I might be inclined to take a chance on a dog if I have an illegally purchased gun of my own. Food for thought...

[pelgar]

We limit individuals.

I'm right there with you most of the way. I do believe however, that at some point you have to put a limit on firepower. The citizenry doesn't really need a weapon that can put out 1,000 rounds per minute, do they?

Every citizen of the United States is given the right to own a gun. And just like your license to drive a car, it should be able to be taken away from you when you fuck up. (Or if you are diagnosed as a 1st rate psychopath)