Should Americans be unarmed?

I started this topic knowing similar topics may have been brought up in the past, but I think this is a very serious issue, so I bring this issue up again. The topic to this discussion relies in the significance in your opinions, because I ask you to post your opinions, and feelings towards this subject. Below is the list of questions I ask you to answer.

1. Should all guns be banned to America citizens? If so what kind? Why or why not?

2.Do you think assault weapons should be legal? Why or why not?

3.Do you think crime rate would increase, decrease, or stay at an equilibrium if guns were made illegal? Why or why not? Would you feel safer if all guns were banned? Why or why not?

4. What kind of problems in society do you think would arise if guns were banned?

5. Do you feel safe with, or without a gun? Why or why not?

6.Do you trust in the Federal Government enough for protection without owning a gun? Why or why not?

7. In what situation would you shoot someone?

8.Would you shoot a stranger in your home that you felt threaten by?

9.Should you be allowed to carry a gun wherever you go with a permit? Why or why not?

10.Would you be willing to give up your gun, if all guns were banned? Why or why not?

11.What kind of gun/guns do you own if any?

12.What do you feel like is the appropriate age group to own a gun?

13. Similar to question 9, should you be allowed to carry a gun with you in a bar? Why or why not?

14. Add any other comments you would like to add.

Thank you for all your replies .

Regarding to question 1: A very big HE-double hockey sticks NO!

The reason why we have the right to bear arms is due to the dictatorship (tyranny) of the majority. Plus the police or federal troops cannot protect private citizens 24/7/365 all the times (meaning you don't need a police officer living with you every day and night).

Unless you're extremely wealthy and can afford a security detail to protect your six.

1.No

2.No, Any antigun person should be able to tell me which one of these is an assault weapon right?
Hunting Rifle

RPK MachineGun


3.No, Guns dont kill people, people do.

4.More then what the anti-gun people say we have now, Try taking the guns from any diehard progun owner, then youll see gun problems.

5.I Dont feel safe nor do i feel unsafe.

6.Localy, there is a police station about a half a mile away if that, numerous times incedents have happened in the area and it takes them atleast 15min to get to it, trusting the cops to be there when you need them, is not only stupid, but deadly.

7.If they had a gun, a knife, or any weapon which could harm me.

8.I would shoot any intruder in my home without question, he has no reason to be violating my property and coming into MY home, he does so at his own risk.

9.Yes, However Certain places have every right to ban guns ie schools or businesses, just like some places dont allow smoking.

10.No, Seeing as it wont happen, but regardless, it is and has been My and every other american citizens right to own a firearm, given to us by our founding fathers.

11.Several bolt action rifles, soon an ak variant.

12.18+

13.No, people get drunk, when people get drunk people do stupid things, they should be able to have no weapon which could harm another person while they are under the influence, just like they are not allowed to drive/operate a vehicle.


[edit on 27-4-2005 by C0le]

Interesting topic. My thoughts:

1. I think some firearms should be banned, but at the same time the Constitution gives the right to keep and bear arms, so I also think that none should be banned. I'm torn on this one.

2. See #1.

3. I think the crime rate would definitely increase. Drugs are the perfect comparison. If you ban guns, only the criminals will have guns.

4. See #3.

5. Definitely with. With a gun I can defend myself against any violent threat my family may face.

6. No. I'm scared of the thought of only the FBI, police, and military carrying weapons.

7. There is a triangle for this, three checks that must be satisfied before lethal force is authorized. Shooting someone is only to be done in self defense, and you only draw your weapon if you intend to fire it.

To justify shooting someone:
1. Your attacker must have the ability to kill you. They must be armed with a lethal weapon.
2. Your attacker must have the oportunity to kill you. Just because someone has a gun in their hand, if they do not point it at you you cannot shoot them.
3. Your life must be in jeopardy. Even if someone has a gun and they point it at you, they may be joking with you, or it may have been an accident. These also apply to protect the life of another.

8. If the situation met the above criteria, yes I would.

9. If you pass the required background checks, yes you should be able to carry a firearm. This is a great crime deterent. There may be a person here or there who slips through the system and has a firearm when they shouldn't, but if conceiled carry permits were issued nationwide, violent crime would plummet.

10. No, because then only criminals would have guns.

11. Mossberg shotgun and crappy little .22 pistol for plinking.

12. Rifles no age, pistols 18.

13. No. Firearms require responsibility and alcohol will impare your judgement.

1. Should all guns be banned to America citizens? If so what kind? Why or why not?
No banning guns would incur alot of costs that would naturally be passed on to the people who pay taxes (and often are gun owners) An unarmed populace would be far too enticing for the crimianl element to take advantage of knowing full well the only people who could stop them would be the police.

2.Do you think assault weapons should be legal? Why or why not?
They legal are if you possess a FFL Class III license, other than that I dont see why with a clean background and a certain ammount of age to you that you shouldnt be able to purchase at least one or two.

3.Do you think crime rate would increase, decrease, or stay at an equilibrium if guns were made illegal? Why or why not? Would you feel safer if all guns were banned? Why or why not?
I think initially there would be little change as the guns were rounded up, but as the populace turned in their weapons the criminals would stockpile and eventually be the only ones armed other than the police

4. What kind of problems in society do you think would arise if guns were banned?
Fringes of urban areas that are seeping into the natural habitat of animals would become killing fields (on the road of course) for the animals normally kept in check by hunters who thin and control the populations

5. Do you feel safe with, or without a gun? Why or why not?
for the most part yes, unless its a gun im not familiar with or have never used before, then I'm wary of it just as a person would be of a car they havent driven or anthing else unknown

6.Do you trust in the Federal Government enough for protection without owning a gun? Why or why not?
Absolutely not, some areas have horrible response time when it comes to the police with times often being quite adequate for an assailant to murder you and your entire family while you wait by the telephone for the police to arrive. Secondly many areas dont take animal control seriously, it could take hours for an animal control person to respond to a report of a bear, coyote, or ground hog attacking your pets or livestock.

7. In what situation would you shoot someone?
If they present a weapon and make any advances towards me with real intent to use the weapon.

8.Would you shoot a stranger in your home that you felt threaten by?
Not really, if they are unarmed they can wait patiently for the police to show up, if they have a weapon its a different story


9.Should you be allowed to carry a gun wherever you go with a permit? Why or why not?
Yes, I fully support the idea of a National Concealed Carry permit valid in all states. Most states do not honor the permits of others(virginia for example, over 30 states do not honor a CCW from my state). For those who travel this is a hinderance, as you have basically stop at your state line and place your weapon in the trunk or in a locked box, even if your going across the lines for say gas, ciggs and a bite to eat)

10.Would you be willing to give up your gun, if all guns were banned? Why or why not?
Quite frankly no, I would not give them up. Some of my guns were inherited when my mother passed away, and I couldnt stand to give them up to someone who doesnt understand my position

11.What kind of gun/guns do you own if any?
A Marlin 30-30, Remington 710 in 30-06, Winchester 20ga, Baretta 92FS, Smith and Wesson .38 Special, .50 Cal Sidelock Black Powder, M1 Carbine, and a Semi-Auto .22 Rimfire

12.What do you feel like is the appropriate age group to own a gun?
18, although I know many people far older who are less responsible, but generally 18 I think is an acceptable age for long rifles, and 21 for handguns.

13. Similar to question 9, should you be allowed to carry a gun with you in a bar? Why or why not?
No, at least not in any bars that serve alcohol (nobody mentioned juice bars and those goofy air bars) When you mix booze and guns its a recipe for disaster and its a rule in my house that I never handle a firearm when I've been drinking

14. Add any other comments you would like to add.

Originally posted by PeanutButterJellyTime
7. There is a triangle for this, three checks that must be satisfied before lethal force is authorized. Shooting someone is only to be done in self defense, and you only draw your weapon if you intend to fire it.

To justify shooting someone:
1. Your attacker must have the ability to kill you. They must be armed with a lethal weapon.
2. Your attacker must have the oportunity to kill you. Just because someone has a gun in their hand, if they do not point it at you you cannot shoot them.
3. Your life must be in jeopardy. Even if someone has a gun and they point it at you, they may be joking with you, or it may have been an accident. These also apply to protect the life of another.

8. If the situation met the above criteria, yes I would.

Question for ya. You say that the ability to kill someone is defined as being armed with a lethal weapon. Would you consider a 6'4", 220 pound mans hands to be lethal weapons? I know FOR A FACT that I can kill someone, in many differentt ways, with my bare hands. You can rip out someones nose by reaching around their eye, you can strangle someone to death, you can kick someone in the head untill they are dead etc...

If my 5'8" 115 pound girlfriend has some nut ball in her house, can she shoot him? I mean the guy does not have a lethal weapon like a gun, knife, or baseball bat but surely her life is in danger if he lunges at her?

Originally posted by American Mad Man

Originally posted by PeanutButterJellyTime
7. There is a triangle for this, three checks that must be satisfied before lethal force is authorized. Shooting someone is only to be done in self defense, and you only draw your weapon if you intend to fire it.

To justify shooting someone:
1. Your attacker must have the ability to kill you. They must be armed with a lethal weapon.
2. Your attacker must have the oportunity to kill you. Just because someone has a gun in their hand, if they do not point it at you you cannot shoot them.
3. Your life must be in jeopardy. Even if someone has a gun and they point it at you, they may be joking with you, or it may have been an accident. These also apply to protect the life of another.

8. If the situation met the above criteria, yes I would.

Question for ya. You say that the ability to kill someone is defined as being armed with a lethal weapon. Would you consider a 6'4", 220 pound mans hands to be lethal weapons? I know FOR A FACT that I can kill someone, in many differentt ways, with my bare hands. You can rip out someones nose by reaching around their eye, you can strangle someone to death, you can kick someone in the head untill they are dead etc...

If my 5'8" 115 pound girlfriend has some nut ball in her house, can she shoot him? I mean the guy does not have a lethal weapon like a gun, knife, or baseball bat but surely her life is in danger if he lunges at her?

Here's the answers to your questions:

The answer to the first question is a tough one. If I knew that you were capable of killing me with your bare hands, then I would be justified in shooting you. But if I couldn't prove you were truly attacking me with the ability and opportunity to kill me, I would be going to jail for shooting you. If you swung a puch at me or pushed me, then no, I couldn't shoot you. If you attempted to strangle me, I could. It has been proven time and time again that if a man with a knife is 21 feet away from a police officer with his weapon holstered, the attacker will be able to rush in and stab the policeman before the policeman can draw his weapon and fire. Also, in most states if you are a blackbelt in a martial art your hands and feet are considered a deadly weapon and if you attack someone you will be charged with attempted homicide or manslaughter instead of assault and battery or aggrivated assault.

You answered your second question. If the man lunges at your girlfriend and she feels her life is in danger, then she is justified in shooting him.

The answer I gave to number 7 is what I was taught over and over again when I was in the Navy and a member of my ship's shipboard security team. That deadly force triangle was initially created by the Coast Guard, and is used by law enforcement throughout the country. If those three conditions are met, you are justified to use deadly force and will not be found guilty in a court of law. However, a misinterpretation on your part (the gun the assailant points at you is a cap gun) will mean you commited manslaughter. It's a situation I never want to be in.

The law enforcement answer to your first question is a little different. Law enforcement officers must use the same level of force as the attacker. If you charged a police officer, he could not shoot you. He would have to use pepper spray or his night stick first. If you attacked and he realized his life was in danger, then he could escalate to deadly force. It may be too late by then though.

[edit on 27-4-2005 by PeanutButterJellyTime]

1. No, that's nuts. They sell us cars that can kill people, why not guns? Besides, there IS a legitimate reason for safety as well as hunting.

2. Nope. No reason. Only for S.W.A.T. teams.

3. Crime rates? Increase, there'd be a lot of illegal gun trade.

4. See above, HUGE increase in animal populations.

5. I feel safe without one, I can defend myself.

6. I trust in myself. The federal government doesn't guard my house.

7. To protect myself/loved ones/property, or in war.

8.ONly if there was a reasont o feel threatened, and if itwas legal to shoot. I'd shoot to wound, never to kill.

9. They should definitely allow you to carry a gun, but they also need to make guidelines and background checks INTENSE beyond comprehension.

10. None, don't intend to.

12. Whenever you need/want it, and are mature enough. You should also own your wn house.

13. Good question. Probably not, but defeats the purpose, eh? How bout those background checks?

Originally posted by C0le

3.No, Guns dont kill people, people do.

[edit on 27-4-2005 by C0le]

Both people and guns do, guns make it easier for people to kill.

Guns do this by allowing enhanced ability and feasibility. We can see the enhanced ability from suicide statistics, the most successful suicide attempts are those that involve firearms. And this greater ability also makes murder feasible in a greater number of circumstances. To anyone entertaining murderous impulses, a gun makes it feasible to attack larger people, multiple people, people from a distance, from secrecy, etc. No one in their right mind would try to rob a bank with a knife. But a gun inspires confidence of success in a would-be bank robber, allowing a crime to occur when it wouldn't have otherwise.

I'll start by saying I dont own a single gun. My father owns a few, my friends own more. I've held benellis and ak knock-offs but never shot a pistol. I might own one when I feel the need, but I live in a good neighborhood for the moment.

If america's public school system was a little bit less focused on standerized test scores, and moreso on ethic/logic development in the earlier years, I'de say give an assault rifle to every child. If they're trained to use it effectively and with proper discrestion then there shouldn't be a problem. Besides, if someone is bold enough to steal from another person's house fully aware that the occupant is armed, without question, then they probably need it more than you do. And if they don't?...well we didn't need them to be apart of the genepool anyways.

Disarming the populace? Impossible, and this country is founded on principles to to keep it that way. An "enemy" wouldn't last long within these borders, even if it originates there. On an unrelated note we don know who our enemy is anymore, but so it goes. Personally, guns make me nervous, but then again I've never really learned how to operate one. Don't think it would be too hard to learn. Would I shoot someone? I'm really the farthest thing from a violent person, but if I felt it was necessary, yup. Wouldn't aim to kill, but if they put in the position where aiming wasnt possible, then thats their fault. Carrying guns is silly, learn karate, it impresses the ladies more. Concealed weapons are such a sleasy approach to deffense.

Guns in bars? man even the cowboys knew better than that.

Originally posted by LiquidationOfDiscrepancy
I started this topic knowing similar topics may have been brought up in the past, but I think this is a very serious issue, so I bring this issue up again. The topic to this discussion relies in the significance in your opinions, because I ask you to post your opinions, and feelings towards this subject. Below is the list of questions I ask you to answer.

1. Should all guns be banned to America citizens? If so what kind? Why or why not?

2.Do you think assault weapons should be legal? Why or why not?

3.Do you think crime rate would increase, decrease, or stay at an equilibrium if guns were made illegal? Why or why not? Would you feel safer if all guns were banned? Why or why not?

4. What kind of problems in society do you think would arise if guns were banned?

5. Do you feel safe with, or without a gun? Why or why not?

6.Do you trust in the Federal Government enough for protection without owning a gun? Why or why not?

7. In what situation would you shoot someone?

8.Would you shoot a stranger in your home that you felt threaten by?

9.Should you be allowed to carry a gun wherever you go with a permit? Why or why not?

10.Would you be willing to give up your gun, if all guns were banned? Why or why not?

11.What kind of gun/guns do you own if any?

12.What do you feel like is the appropriate age group to own a gun?

13. Similar to question 9, should you be allowed to carry a gun with you in a bar? Why or why not?

14. Add any other comments you would like to add.

#1 NO NO NO. When Canada and Australia banned firearms their crime rate sky-rocketed. Reason is that criminal no longer had anything to worry about, they know that they would never be shot at during a breaking and entering. Besides, anyone who wants a gun can get one whether you ban them or not, banning firearms only hurts the decent people who follow the rules, I mean... come on, most firearms that are used for illegal purposes were obtained illegally anyway, so why would a ban stop criminlas.

#2 - #4 see #1

#5 I personally don't like guns, but I have a few knives and swords that I would have no problem using.

#6 No, unless everyone has a personal federal bodyguard, But there are enough crazies here in the US that think we are being watched anyway LOL =D

#7 If my or my family's life were in danger.

#8 If the had a gun...HELL YES! If they didn't, I would beat the living poo poo out of them.

#9 Yes

#10 If firearms would be made illegal, I would hide them until they were made legal again.

#11 None, but I would LOVE to own a B.A.R., MG-42 Spandau, and an M-60

#12 With proper training and disapline, 10, I was in cub scouts I was shooting riffles and shotguns

#13 No. A drunk man oggles another drunk mans girlfriend, words are exchanged, guns pulled, one or more bodies are hauled out in large black bags with zippers.

I'm not sure however Gov Bush has opened the door to killing your fellow man if he steps onto your property uninvited.

Dallas

Well hell Dallas....why you simply mentioning Jeb Bush?
Out where I live at [in the country of Virginia], I thought I always had the right to blast someones behind if they came onto my land "uninvited."

One of the perks of not having to live in the urban environment of the 'big' city.




seekerof

[edit on 27-4-2005 by Seekerof]

Originally posted by menjo

#11 None, but I would LOVE to own a B.A.R., MG-42 Spandau, and an M-60

If ya got the money, and can find one registered prior to 1986, and pay a $200 one time tax fee, and its legal in your state, and ya live in the good old U.S.A you can own them all =)



[edit on 27-4-2005 by C0le]

The government should only intervene when these weapons are used in a way that harms another person. Guns are a birthright in America, let them keep it. That said, I believe most types of military weapons should not be sold to the public, there is no need for American Joe to have 3 AK-47s, 2 M-16s, a MG-42 and a .50 caliber sniper rifle. I am to understand that these weapons have been temporarily banned for some time.

"When Canada and Australia banned firearms their crime rate sky-rocketed" well with australia, that's a lie. Crime has actually gone down considerably in my state (New South Wales), though there's no evidence to support that its because of stricter gun control(actually the evidence shows that the people who they took the guns off arent the ones committing the crimes ). And our guns havent been 'banned', we just are not allowed to have semi-automatic or automatic weapons without a permit and a good reason. Home protection is not a reason in Australia to have a firearm.

In the two years to December, there were substantial falls in six major crime categories, the report from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research found.

Robbery without a weapon was down 18 per cent; robbery with a weapon other than a firearm was down 36 per cent; burglaries were down 13 per cent and car theft down 22 per cent.

Crimes commited with firearms have remained relatively the same

[edit on 28-4-2005 by drfunk]

[edit on 28-4-2005 by drfunk]

1. Should all guns be banned to America citizens? If so what kind? Why or why not?

Common sense says guns have there place on firing ranges and for hunting puropes guns shouldnt be banned entirely. But only the yanks can decide if common sense should be used.

2.Do you think assault weapons should be legal? Why or why not?

Pointless question the 2nd amdenmend gives americans the right to bear arms weather it be a M16 or a nuke.

3.Do you think crime rate would increase, decrease, or stay at an equilibrium if guns were made illegal? Why or why not? Would you feel safer if all guns were banned? Why or why not?

You yanks have let a monster out of the bag one of the main arguments against banning guns is that it would create an illegal trade.
Where do you think stolen guns come from?
Legal owners perhaps?

4. What kind of problems in society do you think would arise if guns were banned?

Well Americans claim they need guns incase the government gose bad thats fine but nobody has explained how a hand gun is going to destory a tank or a F16.

5. Do you feel safe with, or without a gun? Why or why not?

I feel safe without a gun if I owned a gun it would hold no purpose.

7. In what situation would you shoot someone?

If I was in the military and it enemy or me I would shoot someone.

8.Would you shoot a stranger in your home that you felt threaten by?

Nope the cats make such a racket I would probaly shoot one of them by mistake.

9.Should you be allowed to carry a gun wherever you go with a permit? Why or why not?

Common sense again the government should have a record of your gun licence hence there shouldnt be a need to carry it in your wallet.
. If your going hunting then you will need to transport your weapon in a safe manner. If your driving to work you dont have reason to be transporting you gun around.

12.What do you feel like is the appropriate age group to own a gun?

16 - 18yrs of age howver much can depend on the matureity of the person in question. If someone is really unsuited to gun ownership I doubt they would get a fire arms licence.

Originally posted by LiquidationOfDiscrepancy
I started this topic knowing similar topics may have been brought up in the past, but I think this is a very serious issue, so I bring this issue up again. The topic to this discussion relies in the significance in your opinions, because I ask you to post your opinions, and feelings towards this subject. Below is the list of questions I ask you to answer.

1. Should all guns be banned to America citizens? If so what kind? Why or why not?

No, read and respect the US Constitution. There are already unconstitutional laws in place.

2.Do you think assault weapons should be legal? Why or why not?

Yes, Assault weapons are just regular semi automatic rifles with accessories.

3.Do you think crime rate would increase, decrease, or stay at an equilibrium if guns were made illegal? Why or why not? Would you feel safer if all guns were banned? Why or why not?

Crime would increase. There are too many uneducated, blacks and foreigners in the US. Unarming the citizens would make crime thrive and robbery and related crime would soar. America is the richest country, people have alot of nice things they need to protect. Plus other reasons. I would not feel safe if only police had weapons. Not unless there were alot of police, and there isnt really.

4. What kind of problems in society do you think would arise if guns were banned?

Militias would become terrorists to defend the US Constitution, police officers would be targeted, and Theft would soar.
5. Do you feel safe with, or without a gun? Why or why not?

6.Do you trust in the Federal Government enough for protection without owning a gun? Why or why not?

No because it is the Federal government that already has proved they have no respect for the US Constitution by making unconstitional laws. We are in a false sense of security right now and I think alot of people dont think we need the right to bear arms because they dont know what it is like to witness violence or threats to their lives. Basically the "soccer mom" syndrome. People think guns are evil but they dont understand that our history and freedom is evolved around who makes the best weapons preserves their beleifs. America is diluted and I think it will take a few more 9/11's to make us appreciate the fact we have the US Constition, even though it is crapped on daily.

7. In what situation would you shoot someone?

If they yielded a weapon. If I was verbally threatened with no way to escape (outnumbered or cornered), even if they didnt have a weapon. If someone physically attacked me in any shape or form and it was a serious situation where I may not have been able to escape or bring the person to justice.

8.Would you shoot a stranger in your home that you felt threaten by?

Yes I would shoot anyone I did not know who entered my home.. Well not hot females. Not children. Teenagers would get warning shots if they didnt have any visible weapon

9.Should you be allowed to carry a gun wherever you go with a permit? Why or why not?

Not everywhere. I dont think you should be able to carry in courts, schools, or malls. I think malls should have armed guards (police officers) not rent a cops. I said malls because there are alot of people in malls and it just takes one stray bullet to kill an innocent. I think people should also have ot do training in order to get a concealed weapons permit. Specifically on safety, following rules, knowing the laws, psych tests, etc.

10.Would you be willing to give up your gun, if all guns were banned? Why or why not?

I dont own a gun(im barely old enough to own one), but when I do or if I do, I would not give it up.

11.What kind of gun/guns do you own if any?

None, thinking of getting an assault rifle for home defense, and a concealed weapons permit to carry a pistol. Maybe in the next 5 years. Guns are scary , but I have seen alot of #ty things in my life that I cant refuse to understand the importance of owning weapons.

12.What do you feel like is the appropriate age group to own a gun?

21+ to own a home defense weapon, 25+ to carry concealed. Or military training to get concealed if you arent 25.

13. Similar to question 9, should you be allowed to carry a gun with you in a bar? Why or why not?

Absolutely, most drug addicts hang around at bars. And specifically people who probably dont deserve to breathe oxygen. I think bars is one of the most important place to be able to carry a weapon.

14. Add any other comments you would like to add.

If we closed the borders, depoerted black people, and raised the annual income for households somehow, America would be alot safer and healthier where we could maybe talk about banning machine guns or explosives. Until then, and until foreigners stop pouring into this country we will always have different social and ethnic groups in the country who could try and take away our freedoms. This is why we have the 2nd Amendment in the first place. To guarantee the safety and freedom of the State you live in. Cant have that with Euro Trash everywhere infiltrating our society. We are so infiltrated it is not even funny, I meet more foreigners everyday then I do Americans.

[edit on 28-4-2005 by Obfuscate]

[edit on 28-4-2005 by Obfuscate]

Originally posted by LiquidationOfDiscrepancy
1. Should all guns be banned to America citizens? If so what kind? Why or why not?
2.Do you think assault weapons should be legal? Why or why not?
3.Do you think crime rate would increase, decrease, or stay at an equilibrium if guns were made illegal? Why or why not? Would you feel safer if all guns were banned? Why or why not?
4. What kind of problems in society do you think would arise if guns were banned?
5. Do you feel safe with, or without a gun? Why or why not?
6.Do you trust in the Federal Government enough for protection without owning a gun? Why or why not?
7. In what situation would you shoot someone?
8.Would you shoot a stranger in your home that you felt threaten by?
9.Should you be allowed to carry a gun wherever you go with a permit? Why or why not?
10.Would you be willing to give up your gun, if all guns were banned? Why or why not?
11.What kind of gun/guns do you own if any?
12.What do you feel like is the appropriate age group to own a gun?
13. Similar to question 9, should you be allowed to carry a gun with you in a bar? Why or why not?
14. Add any other comments you would like to add.

First, I think you've asked too many questions at once to get decent replies to all of them.

1., 2. No. The Second Amendment says our right to bear arms shall not be infringed. I believe I should be able to own any weapon that the government has at its disposal to use against me. I also believe most federal weapons laws are already in violation of the Second Amendment (shall not be infringed).

3. The crime rate would increase because the criminals would know you have no way to protect yourself or kill them. I would not feel safer because federal courts have agreed that police have no obligation to protect me.

4. Tough one to answer. First, politicians would listen to us less and infringe on our rights more. Second, minor crime rates would increase due to lack of self protection. Third, major crimes might increase temporarily as the gangs fight it out for territory.

5. I normally feel safe with or without a gun. 47 years old and I've never been robbed and I've not seen a situation that would require anyone to pull a gun. So far, so good. I watch where I go and I don't try to go where I would feel unsafe.

6. I would not feel safer because federal courts have agreed that police have no obligation to protect me. Same goes with the federal government. And all the governments will continue doing raids with guns drawn. How can that make you feel safe???

7. I would kill if I felt my life was in jeopardy. You can have all my stuff, just leave me alone.

8. In a heart beat. Since you said stranger, I assume it is someone I didn't invite in. You said I feel threatened, so yes, I would shoot.

9. I have a concealed weapons permit presently. I don't carry all the time. But I do believe one needs to protect himself outside of the home also.

10. Of course not, remember Germany???

11. This is my business and even most of my friends don't know what I have. I don't think it is appropriate to answer on a public forum. Let's just say a couple of handguns, shotgun, couple of rifles. A few are semi-automatic, nothing is automatic (waste of ammo).

12. I think once one is expected to go out on his own and start his own life is the time. Here in America, age 18.

13. I would never carry in a bar or when drinking. First, your thinking is impaired and a gun could be pulled to settle an argument that could be settled other ways. Second, your sight is impaired and you could shoot an innocent bystander. Third, while you are impaired, some drunk might try to sneak up and steal the gun to shoot someone else.

14. The Second Amendment says our right to bear arms shall not be infringed. I don't understand why we have allowed so many gun laws already. It clearly shows this right is being eroded right under our eyes. I live in the country outside of a small town and guns mean alot more than in a big city. I deal with rattlesnakes and moccasins on a regular basis. If the people in a big city don't want guns, then don't buy them. Pass a City Ordinance outlawing guns (if that don't work, then how can you expect it to work nationwide???).

But guns and the Second Amendment is not only about hunting, but protecting our government and our way of life. It also stops other countries from wanting to invade America. What Army wants to take on 30 million armed citizens? It also insures we do not have a military take over of the government.

Originally posted by menjo
#1 NO NO NO. When Canada and Australia banned firearms their crime rate sky-rocketed.

What? There is no evidence of this whatsoever.


On the title of the topic, to be "unarmed" first Americans need to be "disarmed".

As a nation the US is the greatest weapons manufacturer and vendor/proliferator of all time. Manufacturers will do anything for the lure of the fast buck, and it makes war times boom times.

If it can be shown how "Americans with guns" (or any other homo sapiens variants with a hand-held device capable of launching a projectile to dismember and kill another) are good for humanity, separately to the standard Constitutional rights arguments, I would enjoy the enlightenment and education.

A few posts here smack of extreme xenophobia.


[edit on 28-4-2005 by MaskedAvatar]