Guns: your views

[feelfab]

As the anniversary of John's murder gets close, I find myself curious about opinions on gun ownership. I'm not trying to start a big war here---I'm especially interested in the opinions of those who live outside the U.S. (I'm writing from the u.s.)

[Clark Kent]

This is largely a post I made on a similar topic a few months ago:

I don't agree with people having guns because they are dangerous. However, it may be a cliche but guns don't kill people, people kill people. 11 years ago a madman went on the rampage in a Scottish town and shot dead a load of schoolchildren. It was a dreadful tragedy and the Labour Party said that when they came to office (as they did in 1997) they'd ban handguns and they did. But it was a stupid, pointless law, since it punished people who do shooting as an Olympic sport and had absolutely no effect on bringing down gun crime. It was a cheap and ineffective gesture. In America those people who want to ban guns should be aware that it's impossible to create legislation to change the behaviour of people, especially people like that madman in Scotland or that Korean guy who went on the rampage in Virginia.

[FPSHOT]

I'm especially interested in the opinions of those who live outside the U.S. (I'm writing from the u.s.)

I'm one of those...

Well I agree mainly with "Superman" here. Ofcourse we see all the stories from school killings in the US and get the feeling not much is done about it. And the sad thing is that the 'examples' have entered a few North European countries which is horrible.

Basically I believe owning guns is not necessary, unless you live somewhere where you need it for protection against for instance animals. And ofcoure also for certain types of 'hunting' not based on personal pleasure but to protect areas to be filled with spieces which is a different story and often done by authorities.

Otherwise I think there is no true basis for needing to have one unless persons who have them do it to feel 'big'.

I also know that in 'the past' many people collected them so I wanna be careful. This is the 21st century and things change and guns harm more and a simple example is that a grandfather may have his private collection built up over the years which is 'understandable' but then when he alo has 'the bullits' it gets dangerous which needs no further explanation I think?

And for those who "need" or "want" that mighty feeling of shooting... well there are other ways to shoot and LOL I mean just like the Police trains their staff in cellars where you can try to hit the "middle part"... there are also 'clubs' where you can become a member and on a nice Thursday evening you can do 'your thing'.

That is a bit my opinion. Maybe if there are people who have guns for certain use can explain why they have them. I just do not understand the need when you consider the balance of the dangers there are to have them inside a house and again I think of kids ..but not only kids.

[VersusBatman]

Basically I believe owning guns is not necessary, unless you live somewhere where you need it for protection against for instance animals.
That's about the only reason I think guns should be used.

As far as collecting them, I'll admit some guns look cool, but I would buy any bullets.

Now people often say that guns are neccisary to protect yourself from criminals. But real life is not like television. In the heat of the moment, you often are too nervous to use one properly and it's very easy for an experienced criminal to take it and use it against you.

[FPSHOT]

Now people often say that guns are neccisary to protect yourself from criminals. But real life is not like television. In the heat of the moment, you often are too nervous to use one properly and it's very easy for an experienced criminal to take it from and use it against you.

There are other and better ways to do that.

Besides... how many stories are there from parents who did not think ahead and did this...then had a simpler burglar unarmed in the house...panicked... and whereas the burglar got away because the shooting dad was as you say so nervous he only shot a small flesh wound to the burglar but got sent to jail for 10 years for just doing it.... or the many stories of a 5 year old who finds the gun and kills someone like a brother or sister just by accident not knowing what a gun does...ok...not the nicest stories but they are happening all the time..I do not invent this.

[MAXWELL EDISON]

Here in Perú, guns are not permitted unless you have a licence. Yet there are accidents, specially from children whose parents are police officers. Kids get their parent's guns and start playing like cowboys and that's when the shot comes out.. and...!!! Some other people have killed suspect criminals surrounding their homes and they've shot anywhere and killed someone around. I think that's a double-edged weapon. I can keep you safe but at the same time it can kill people you love, innocent ones and even worse... you!!!!

[FPSHOT]

"fire among holiday shoppers in an Omaha department store today, killing eight people, wounding at least five others and sending hundreds into terrified panic. The shooter - identified as Robert A. Hawkins, 19 - also died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Hawkins was a student at Papillion-La Vista High School. He withdrew in March 2006, a district spokeswoman"

things like this happen far too often...and will happen again...as long as it's easier to buy a gun than a Traveling Wilbury album

[sourmilkpinky]

I like guns, big guns. But the sure do stink up the house when you bake them.

[Siobhan]

I'm not a fan of guns at all. Over here it is very rare to find people who own guns legally, apart from farmers etc. It's not something which most people consider to be necessary. They're highly dangerous and all to often fall into the wrong hands. I read of a case recently where a woman had an illegal handgun in her house which she was looking after for someone. Her teenage son got hold of it and accidentally shot his younger sister in the head while playing with it. The mass shooting in America yesterday is yet another example of how dangerous guns are if the wrong people get hold of them, and it seems it's very easy to get them over there.

[sadie]

I'm not a fan of guns at all. Over here it is very rare to find people who own guns legally, apart from farmers etc. It's not something which most people consider to be necessary. They're highly dangerous and all to often fall into the wrong hands. I read of a case recently where a woman had an illegal handgun in her house which she was looking after for someone. Her teenage son got hold of it and accidentally shot his younger sister in the head while playing with it. The mass shooting in America yesterday is yet another example of how dangerous guns are if the wrong people get hold of them, and it seems it's very easy to get them over there.


I couldn't agree more, its one of the reasons I am reluctant to visit places where guns are legal, although on saying that I am fortunate to live in a safe area but my friend lives in Peckham (S London) and illegal guns are rife amongst the gangs and it seems every month there is an incident involving guns in the gang culture, very scary. We don't seem to have the massive shoot outs the US seems to have which I am thankful for though, and I am sure it someone will mention Dunblane in response but that was over ten years ago now and a very rare incident.

[Rellevart]

I think a lot of people outside the US have a view that it's, as FPSHOT said "easier to buy a gun than it is a Travelling Wilbury's album" and that pretty much everybody over here has a gun and that's just not true.

I do think it IS too easy to get a gun, but it's not THAT easy.

And I know hundreds of people and the only one I know who has a gun is somebody who works in law enforcement. I've never even SEEN a gun (not counting in museums on on police officers) and certainly never held one.

I think the dangers far outweigh any benefits, at least for me personally, and I'd never own one. Not to mention I'm not sure I'd have the guts to actually shoot anybody even if they were physically harming me or breaking into my house or whatever, so what would be the point?

[Lucy]

things like this happen far too often...and will happen again...

Exactly.

[FPSHOT]

I think a lot of people outside the US have a view that it's, as FPSHOT said "easier to buy a gun than it is a Travelling Wilbury's album" and that pretty much everybody over here has a gun and that's just not true.

nah...that's not how I see it... it's much easier than here in the average of Europe ... and the nonchallance after terrible happenings like yesterday surprises me...but I know quite well not everybody has them or has even seen them...

but like sadie says...even here in certain areas or environments...if you want one..there are ways...

It's just easier and that is not just my opinion but comes forward in all news reports and after-talks (not sarcastic ones :wink2: ) after tragedies like yesterday and all the others... I don't judge it... I am just highly surprised each time about the nonchallance

[FPSHOT]

Oh and mind you...it's not really quiet here either.. just different when it comes to guns.. and we get a lot of news coverage here from all over the globe so can weigh things quite well... so based on that... but would you ask how things in Mid Africa are...well...

And even here in small tulip country Holland many sad things happen each week... so.,..

but this is about guns... and I just find it unbelievable how things can keep happening..not only big things but also like Siobhan said about kids finding their daddy's play toy

[Rellevart]

It's possible that what you see as nonchalance is actually just a lack of people hearing about events or having nothing constructive to say about them rather than a lack of caring about them. At least I would hope so. :smile1:

[Legs]

I think most of the accidents and tragic events come from people you don't expect, not from well known criminals. Ofcourse you can say that everyone should have the right to protect themselves, but as long as you have to protect yourself from your neighbour, or ex coleage who just got fired or some other loony who wants to kill as much people as posible before he kills himself, all of which who can buy a gun as easily as yourself, it isn't the answer imo.

And most accidents comes from non profesional people, people who don't know how to handle a gun. So yes I think that the dangers outweights the benefits of being able to buy a gun with such ease.

Like VersusBatman says, you don't know how you're going to react when you come face to face with a burglar. Most of the times they just want to flee when they hear something, trying to shoot them might worsen the situation.

I know the real criminals will get their guns no matter what.But is that a good enough reason for everyone to get a gun? And again is it them we come face to face with or is it your avarage person who you wouldn't think would be able to kill anyone?

[NaomiMcCartney]

Personally I don't really care for guns. I mean there are other ways to protect yourself by using your own physical state as a weapon of self defense. Sure it does take practice and knowledge to know what you are doing, yet so does firing a gun. Learning a fighting style for self defense not only helps protect yourself, it also gives your body benefits in regards to physical health. Does a gun help burn calories? I think not!

[FPSHOT]

It's possible that what you see as nonchalance is actually just a lack of people hearing about events or having nothing constructive to say about them rather than a lack of caring about them. At least I would hope so. :smile1:

oh that may very well be Rell ...I know that.... and it's fine with me...

but I refer more to authorities? Out here we also have our sad happenings but it is debated instantly as to how to prevent it from happening again...which ofcourse is often wishful thinking ... yet the moment someone whispers the word "nuclear" it's top priority .. but the dangers of guns is often treated nonchallance...in my personal opinion... whereas the danger can be just around your corner

No doubt I am far to deep in to this

[nightfishsnake]

i never had the desire to own or use a gun,that's why i never hunted,joined
a branch of the military or pursued a career in law enforcement.it's quite
obvious you'll never read about me going on a shooting spree,the very
thought of holding a gun frightens me!lately,i've been wondering if i should
reconsider my stand because of the fact that i work during the night shift in an isolated area and it has become a frequent reoccurance for myself of
seeing suspicious looking vehicles driving around my workplace from time to
time.after giving it some serious thought,i decided to adhere to my decision
about avoiding the use of a gun.what good would it do for me if the person(s) in the vehicle have a gun in their possession and fire first?there are no guarantees that gun ownership will protect you,you could be shot dead
before you get a chance to reach for your weapon.i'm not afraid to die,but
i would prefer to go peacefully like anyone else would.

[BadLittleKid]

Only sane persons can have a driving licence so I think the laws must require more regular checks from gunowners. Believe it or not even army has a better gun control than public.

Only occasion I would allow guns for are duels over some woman but that is entirely different thing.

[PepperlandFrog]

Personally I don't really care for guns. I mean there are other ways to protect yourself by using your own physical state as a weapon of self defense. Sure it does take practice and knowledge to know what you are doing, yet so does firing a gun. Learning a fighting style for self defense not only helps protect yourself, it also gives your body benefits in regards to physical health. Does a gun help burn calories? I think not!i echo strongly what NaomiMcCartney has said here. Having a lethal weapon like a gun or just having access to one doesn't really make you any safer, it just makes you feel safer and gives a false confidence/sense of security. In fact can be an added danger as others here have rightly pointed out. Guns have always been used to kill or injure other people and to slaughter animals for a food source, but those days of living off of the land for survival are far gone. i would never own one myself, all things being equal.

[62hofner]

I'd say that following the latest murder spree in Omaha, Nebraska two days ago, the issue of gun control is alive and well.

What the @#$%&! is a 19 year-old kid with such issues as that kid had doing wiht an AK-47? Why are these assault weapons even accessible to such troubled people - or any people for that matter?

Now, there are 8 families who's lives have been shattered. Christmas for them will no longer be entirely joyous... it will always bring back the time their loved ones were senselessly killed.

[beatlelover45223]

Personally I wish that the only people allowed to have guns would be law enforcement, unfortunately we have an amendement in our US Constitution that says, all have the right to carry arms, those applying in individual states for permits for the weapon have their own checks, in my state they enacted a longer waiting period and they are supposed to do an extensive background check??? yea right?, I think this right to carry a weapon needs to be taken out of the US constitution, things can happen to the children of the people who obtain them legally(as has been mentioned several times here) or the kid that goes postal, as did the 19 y/o in Nebraska, although why his grandparent needed an assualt rifle I cannot comprehend, many of these weapons come from other countries outside of the US...
As far illegal hanguns being out on the street, I cannot comprehend how law enforcement can keep up with removing them, they have amnesty days when local law enforcement asks that illegal weapons be turned into them, no repercussions, they get a good turn out, but also know that a month later, there will be the same number of weapons back out on the streets again, we in the US are not complacent to the problem, all we can do is teach our children what is right and wrong, having a weapon/gun is not acceptable for any reason. As far as families all over the world-there are parents who can't be bothered being a role model for their children.

[sourmilkpinky]

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee18/Kilalas_Motivation/motivator5433621.jpg

[Magill]

I always say, there'd be a lot more people alive today had it not been for guns.

*in my own Forrest Gump-y voice* "And that's all I gotta say about that!"

[hibgal]

Somebody said "guns don't kill people, people kill people" but it's impossible to shoot anyone without firearms! The scariest thing is that nearly all weapons used in these mass shooting rampages are legal weapons. Somebody issued those guns. Why don't we ever see charges against the legal authorities that fell down on their job in preventing the weapons to get into circulation in the first place? All they get is a slap on their fingers.

Btw, a friend of mine who grew up in TX got a gun from his dad when he turned 14! He almost got his head shot off when a friend picked it up without knowing it was loaded and jokingly aimed at him. Just pure luck he's not part of statistics right now.

[hibgal]

Friend turned 14 NOT dad! Sheesh!

[BadLittleKid]

I think there was a need for personal guns in American history during the age of Wild West, the immigrants had to protect themselves from outlaws, and these villains kept out from settlements because they might get shot. It was a brutish time and very unlike ours.

But today the firearms remain as an unnecessary part of the culture, most people who are threatened by guns are not outlaws. I think the ancient gunlaws were intended for people of their age only and the laws should be rewised accordingly.

[FPSHOT]

I think there was a need for personal guns in American history during the age of Wild West, the immigrants had to protect themselves from outlaws,

Wasn't it a bit the other way round? :wink1: It's a bit like burglars carry guns to protect themself from house owners........ bank robbers carry guns to protect themself against the armed bank managers

[BadLittleKid]

Well, today the bank robbers anyway sit behind the desks.:cross2:

[FPSHOT]

LMAO

[hibgal]

Historically speaking, I seem to recall that the article regarding carrying of arms was a stand against the old regimes where the early immigrants came from, many of which only allowed certain segments of society to carry weapons. Some sort of equalization. Just like the 'trial by peers' was taken from the British House of Lords, except it never worked the way juries do in USA, nor was it much used. There's just a handful of instances when the 'trial by peers' was actually used in Britain.

[raul]

the only gun i like is johns gun
in Happiness is a WARM gun

edit: i take that back. I just realised it sounds like im a fag!hahaaa

[raul]

As far as I know, there have been wars in the New World ever since Columbus discovered it. But there have been wars elsewhere, too. But what I have to say are the events that happened in America.

I think there was an English (or British) - French war in the 17th century. Incomers from elsewhere, largely from Europe, saw an opportunity to grab a piece of land, while it was still possible. I saw this in the film Far and away, I don't know if it's a reliable source. Then there was the wild west, I don't know exactly about the legal system then, except that there were local sheriffs, who, them selves, some of them, were local dictators. Appart from that, it seems to me it was pretty close to anarchy. At least that's the way it's portrayed in some Western films, and I think Western novels. I read The ghost of LLano Estacado, by Zane Grey, I think, but it was a long time ago, I've forgotten about it, except I think that "the ghost" was revealed to be a woman in the end. Then there are Italian comic books about the wild west. In some Western films Native Americans are portrayed exclusively as the bad guys, and white people (cowboys), at least some of them as the good guys, with even some white people shown as bad. That's if I'm not wrong, that is, I haven't seen a Western in 10 years. While, in reality, as far as I know, native americans were peace loving people, and it's quite possible that they knew some things no one else ever did. White people hunted them down and killed them ruthlessly, so that they whipe them out from entire America, in order to have the whole land for them selves. So, we have today what we have-white people have locked them in the reservats. It all ended with the civil war, I think, another act of violence. Then there was Al Capone, John Dillinger, and the likes, Al was a dictator and a villain. John was just a criminal, as far as I know. Violence is still tremendous in the USA. So are many USA films, which people watch, and it influences them. There's the rating system, which prohibits kids under certain age to watch them. But, still, there's a lot of violence everywhere, even some cartoons were violent, and some of them have been becoming increasingly violent, and some of them are seriously violent. Kids are especially prone to influences. Why do they make them violent? Obviously the ones who make them are not normal, and the only answer that comes to my mind is stimulation of violence. Someone wants for violence to happen. Why? The disgusting answer that comes to my mind is that someone benefits from people being killed, thus controlling the demographic explosion at least a bit. Quite recently a 3 year old, or somewhere around that age, has shot his 6 months old, or something like that, brother dead. I don't think anyone, except the one, or ones, who is actually the one, or ones, who make things happen, can control the violence. But that one, or ones, want(s) for violence to happen.

[beatlebangs1964]

What Naomi said.

I am not only opposed to guns, I am also opposed to this argument which I feel is illogical:

"Guns don't kill. People kill." Yeah, but guns are an instrument of death and their purpose is to be used to kill human or beast. Guns were created with the purpose of ending a life.

Once again, I do oppose guns.