"FROM MY COLD, DEAD HANDS!!!"

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  1. profile image0
    Jonesy50posted 11 years ago

    I've seen the stories of how the anti-gun liberals are using the deaths of children to further their agenda. I've seen the stories of the anti-gun committee lead by the completely inept Uncle Joe Biden. I've seen the story about China calling for the disarming of Americans.

    To the anti-gun liberals and the most inept government this country has ever known, I have only one thing to say.

    "FROM MY COLD, DEAD HANDS!!!"

    To all the anti-gunners on this web site, click on the link and watch the video. It only takes a split second for a person's life to changed completely by a mad man. We saw that in Connecticut.

    http://girlsjustwannahaveguns.com/2012/ … liticians/

    I will NOT give up my right to protect my family or myself without one hell of a fight. I will NOT give up my liberty and freedom to a bunch of liberals who are scared to death of their own shadows!

    Thanks to some of the comments on this sight and the over reaching acts of my government, I'm now a renewed member of the NRA.


    In the words of the late Charlton Heston, former president of the National Rifle Association:

    "FROM MY COLD, DEAD HANDS!!!"

    Short Version:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0B_UZNtEk4

    Long Version:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ju4Gla2odw

    1. profile image0
      Sarra Garrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Amen!!!!!  From My Cold Dead Hands!!!!!

      1. Mark Knowles profile image57
        Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Interesting. How many people would you kill to protect your automatic weapons?

        1. profile image0
          Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          See below, Mark, and please leave off these types of questions. It insults your intelligence and ours to ask such things.

          1. Dr Billy Kidd profile image90
            Dr Billy Kiddposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I have one disagreement with this discussion. People have to ask questions. Like why does a normally straight thinking person sound like a rabid idiot .... "in my cold dead hands!" I mean like, what makes a person go Rambo.

            C'mon, I joined the National Rifle Association at age 10. My father taught me to shoot at age 4. Together, they taught me respect for weapons and how to hit the target--any target. And I don't understand why a person is wailing about somebody coming to take their guns away. Nobody except paranoid people are talking about it in this kind of paranoid fashion.

            All it is that people are discussing is whether manufacturers will continue to make or import 30 to 100 round clips and certain types of assault rifles. They're not talking about taking anything away, just stopping the manufacure of new ones.

            As an NRA member I"m for some of this. In fact, until the 1986 bill was passed, a manufacturer in Florida made a small ... a 1/3 of the weight of a MAC 10 ... 50 round machine gun that fit one hand, fired 22 LRs without a kick, and was used by gangs to literally spray bullets.

            I don't think idiots need those conceilable types of full autos. Yes, I think it's OK to buy the ones in existence--with a permit.

            But if you're afraid of your own governemtn, then bring it on. Fat change you'll beat out the National Guard, the FBI, the Secret Service, or the 21 spy agencies. The issue is getting the facts and discussing this in a sane fashion so that people get what you're saying: you want to keep your guns. And that's great.

            1. Dr Billy Kidd profile image90
              Dr Billy Kiddposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              PS: I regret the use of the word "idiot," I mean in no way to disparage the writer. I just had problems with the tone of the argument.

              I watched the video and believe the woman makes and impressive argument. And I thank the writer for this lead. I'm am stunned, if it's true, that there is no conceieled weapons law in Texas that would allow that woman to carry a gun in her purse. Her story is tragic.

              May father, who was a federally licensed weapons dealer, always carried semi-automatic weapon. So I was raised to believe that certain people with the know how and training should carry guns to help protect the public.

            2. profile image61
              thegoodlandlordposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              >I don't think idiots need those conceilable

              I always enjoys others who think they have rights to define my "needs" 

              >Fat change you'll beat out the National Guard, the FBI, the Secret Service

              That's assuming all of those agencies have people who are willing (and able) to go against fellow Americans.

              1. profile image57
                MAYDAY1905posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                What does the word 'conceilable' mean exactly?

            3. profile image0
              Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              First off, Doc, I don't own any automatic weapons. I own semi-automatic weapons - one trigger pull, one shot. I know with your described experience you know this. It's for the less knowledgeable amongst us.

              Thank you your regrets on the use of the word "idiots." If, in fact, you are a NRA member, you should know, while there are less than stellar people who own guns, a majority of owners are law-abiding citizens, simply following their 2nd Amendment rights to keep and bear arms.

              I will speak to the question of 'concealable' at least as it pertains to Tennessee, where I live. Tennessee is not a conceal state. I can carry my pistol in full view, for all to see. It's my understanding it was done this way so if a handgun carry permit (HCP) holder's weapon was seen from concealment by another person and they reported it, the HCP holder would not have broken any laws. They would have only made some bed wetter do so while standing in a Wal-Mart store or bank rather than the privacy of their own bed.

              While concealment is not required in Tennessee, it is encouraged by HCP class instructors, LEOs, and most HCP holders. I do so to maintain the element of surprise and so not to freak out the afore mentioned bed wetters.

              My opinion of the government trying to control guns is two fold.

              1. I'm a Conservative in most my thinking. Not all but most. When it comes to guns, I definitely am. I don't trust Republican politicians any further than I can throw them so you know I in no way trust a liberal/Democrat one, especially not the present administration.

              The 2nd Amendment is in place for self-protection from a tyrannical government, allowing us to 'keep and bear arms' for that very need, if necessary. IMHO, this administration is the most tyrannical we've ever had, causing the need for for the 2nd Amendment to be in place all the more.

              Yes, I know there will be those who will disagree. Save it. I don't care.

              2. If we give the government an inch, they'll take a mile. We see it with taxes all the time. These people work for you and I. I don't know how you handle employees you may have but mine do not tell me what to do. I'll listen to them but as the owner, I have the final say.

              In this case, if the majority of their employers are telling them to shut up and sit down, that's what they should do or risk being unemployed. In my opinion, they all (Obama, House of Reps, and Senate) should be at this point.

              1. Ralph Deeds profile image65
                Ralph Deedsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                "The 2nd Amendment is in place for self-protection from a tyrannical government, allowing us to 'keep and bear arms' for that very need, if necessary. IMHO, this administration is the most tyrannical we've ever had, causing the need for for the 2nd."

                Good luck. The danger isn't from the government. It comes from the banksters, polluters, big drug companies, health care insurance parasites, for profit hospitals and doctors and evil men like the Koch brothers and their dupes. The idea that you can protect yourself from the government with guns is just plain silly.

                1. profile image0
                  SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  "The idea that you can protect yourself from the government with guns is just plain silly."

                  On the surface, you are entirely correct. The Government would have better weapons by far. An armed citizenry however, makes the idea of attempting to implement a tyrannical Government a long and drawn out battle. They would not go as sheep to the slaughter. It would not be a quiet affair, able to be covered up and swept under the rug.

                  1. profile image0
                    Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Ralph is assuming our soldiers would follow the orders to attack their own people.

                    Liberals like to envision all the conservatives and anyone else that doesn't agree with them being rounded up and shot. Sooner or later, the guns would be turned on them as well. Some are just unable to realize that.

                2. profile image0
                  Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  roll Spoken like a true liberal, Ralph.

                  Obviously, we have different views on who the bad guy is. I don't consider the government the supplier of all I need like liberals do.

                  If you were to open a business, Ralph, would be to give things away or for profit?

                  Keep your money in your mattress, wear a surgical mask, don't ever take so much as an aspirin, don't ever get sick, and don't look for a doctor. As for the Koch brothers, I wouldn't have a problem in the world being as rich as them.

                  I do know I won't go willingly like the liberal zombies have to the kool-aide trough.

                  You have a good day now.

        2. Castlepaloma profile image76
          Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          amen mark

        3. profile image54
          whoisitposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Annie get your pencils.

        4. Disappearinghead profile image60
          Disappearingheadposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Brilliant!

        5. GA Anderson profile image88
          GA Andersonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Greetings Mark,

          I'm just using your "... protect your automatic weapons..." comment as an opening to offer what I hope is a little clarity.

          ie.

          civilian Ar-15 type "assault" rifles are the icon of the anti-gun folks, (and anti-assault weapon folks) -
          but that is only because of their menacing appearance, they are not automatic constant-fire assault weapons.

          the weapons we see in news broadcasts - THE ASSAULT weapon - the AR-15, AK-47, etc,  actually have the same semi-automatic firing rate as the typical semi-automatic .22 cal that most hunting fathers teach their kids with.

          There are no legal automatic weapons available to the public.

          Any semi-automatic rifle - including tame-looking hunting rifles, can fire just as fast, and do just as much damage as those evil assault rifles everyone is being pointed to.

          I think the hysteria to ban "assault" rifles is the product of two types of folks:
          1) anti-gun advocates that know the difference - but have an agenda
          2) folks that don't understand the difference between semi and automatic firing rates, see the horror of the tragedy, and are misled by #1

          So, honest anti-gun advocates should be promoting the ban of ALL semi-automatic weapons - pistols included - not just the "mean-looking" Ar-15s

          Other than it's "macho" image, I don't see a benefit of owning one of them. I prefer a well-crafted hunting rifle instead.

          GA

          1. BloodRedPen profile image63
            BloodRedPenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            GA Anderson - Here is an interesting side note to the conversation. I have a marlin .22 cal semi automatic rifle made in the 1970s. It hold 17 rounds. Under the new assault weapons laws it can only hold 10 rounds and be legal.

            1. GA Anderson profile image88
              GA Andersonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Thanks, your anecdote illustrates my point.

              And as an example of the "it's a small world" adage - I had a Remington .22 as a kid, I think it and the Marlin were clones. So I know what you mean about the 17-round tube-load. (for folks unfamiliar with this gun - it did not use a clip - it used a feed tube nestled under the barrel)

              I used mine for target practice and squirrel hunting,

              http://s4.hubimg.com/u/7497047_f248.jpg

              but now I guess it's an illegal assault weapon.
              same caliber, same firing rate, but 3 more rounds in clip - 20 vs. 17
              http://s3.hubimg.com/u/7497042_f248.jpg
              ps. - but a lot less accurate

              GA

              1. profile image0
                Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Oh Lord!!
                Killing squirrels for fun?
                Such an ad nausea details about a gun?
                What kind of child were you?
                That's the way serial killers are made.
                Have you the same knowledge of the history of
                your country?? Or the periodic table of elements?
                The mass and location of planets in our  solar system?
                The GNP of the UK and Australia??
                Clips,firing rates and calibers??? OMG!!
                Ask any 6th. grader in most countries of our planet and they
                most certainly know.
                But calibers,clips,rounds and firing rate???
                You are the poster child against gun owning!!
                No wonder America is number 23 worldwide
                in education and knowledge....

                1. GA Anderson profile image88
                  GA Andersonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  LOL, I said squirrel hunting - we ate what we bagged.
                  Yes, hunting was/is fun - as in enjoyable, but that's not the same as going out to shoot them like paper targets just for the fun of killing.



                  Ah, you know me so well...
                  ps. "an" indicates a singular, whereas "details" indicates a plural, do your 6th graders skip grammar lessons to double-up on a science or economics class? just saying...



                  Yes, I know a lot about my country's history...
                  No, I can't name the elements of the periodic table, by heart, but I know what it is and can research any specific data I need.
                  As for the planet questions - ditto above...
                  And the GNP questions - ditto the ditto...

                  Obviously you will tell me  you do know those facts by heart - well, when is the last time that knowledge was useful to you in your everyday life - oops, you mean you really are a chemist, metallurgist, cosmologist, hang-on, I'll guess right in a minute...




                  I'm impressed if the 6th graders you know can recite the answers to your questions without looking them up....
                  Good thing I'm not in the sixth grade anymore - I'd be in the dummies class (there's an open door for you)



                  err... well I do know what those mean, and I would recognize specific ones mentioned, but I don't know specific firing rates, or clip capacities, but, once again, If I needed more specific data - I can look it up.




                  I know, I know. Maybe if I studied hard, and from the right teachers, (like you), I could lurn to be a more enlightened person.

                  GA

                  1. profile image0
                    Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    GA.
                    Now that's a good heartened  and illuminating  post!!
                    LOLOL...I'm sorry about my grammatical errors but
                    I do not speak nor write English as such.
                    I do speak 6 other languages but my poor knowledge of
                    English comes only from watching the BBC and Bloomberg's
                    channels on TV.( Besides using Google Translate a lot...)
                    I wrongly understood that "AN" precedes  a word that starts with
                    a vowel and also,like you said,to point out a singular.
                    When did all my  useless knowledge I used last?
                    Hard to say but I imagine my entire life...
                    I hate to admit it but I must agree with most of your posting.
                    I was always the 'weird" nerd with the thick glasses surrounded
                    by huge books,statistic,percentages and strange formulas... and
                    I was been ignored by most of my "cool" schoolmates.
                    If you want to know my credentials??,please,look at my bio.
                    I could give you besides that, a link to the UN,UNESCO or UNICEF
                    I'm not much but whatever I'm I did it by myself.
                    I know..I know...May be I studied too hard and forgot to have
                    fun like you did???
                    I'm sure you were the "in crowd" or "cool jock"  very popular
                    guy in school..
                    Mmmm...thanks for the post.
                    It made me think a lot...
                    I think I'm been misinterpreted  by most and misunderstood
                    by all so  this will be my last posting GA....
                    :-)

                    Farewell GA!! ( Smart dude...)

                  2. MrBecher profile image59
                    MrBecherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Not being a scientist and knowing a couple extremely basic features of items you own is not an argument for ignorance. And then having your intelligence compared to that of a hypothetical sixth grader is nothing but insulting. Clearly not a coherent defense of anti-gun advocacy.

                2. MrBecher profile image59
                  MrBecherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  America is behind in education for many different reasons, least of which is our enthusiasm for freedom and gun rights. I don't know how they teach government in Europe (in America's almost 250 years, we've had one civil war. How many civil wars have the countries of Europe had? I seem to recall revolutions all throughout Europe at the beginning of the century, not to mention the many genocides, and the various groups of government enforcement which have literally commit some of the most heinous crimes that this world has ever seen), but here in America, we respect the freedom of the individual, and although (often times through illegal means) we have tragic incidents of violence with the use of guns, we are not so easily fooled by (though that is fading) politicians sensationalizing these tragedies for political gain and public subservience. In addition, if you think guns are at the heart of such violence, I'd like you to explain to me how such tragedies that we see today are seen throughout all of history, even without guns? How many mass murders have (and still do) use knives to carry out the impulses of their mental illness? Guns, in fact, are a means by which old people, young women, and unaware victims can even the odds against the cold criminals that set out to kill them. Automatic firearms are illegal, and semi-automatic weapons are only dangerous in the hands of the mentally ill, whom either steal them in the first place, or whose issues are ignored and are left to their own sinister devices. Taking away guns will not stop a murderer. That argument is empty and used only as a device to overwhelm people with emotion enough to prevent them from recognizing the gross invasion of their rights that anti-gun activists so desperately desire.

                3. AurallyPleasing profile image69
                  AurallyPleasingposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Please to use proper Latin. The phrase is "Ad nauseam" and of course, your abysmal grammar does nothing to further your point.
                  Keep debating, world, eventually someone will take notice.

          2. MrBecher profile image59
            MrBecherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Very well put, I wish more people understood this. But I guess the masses are the masses for a reason...

        6. LucidDreams profile image64
          LucidDreamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          TOO MANY GUNS IN THE USA. TOO MANY IDIOTS WHO EITHER OWN THEM OR HAVE EASY ACCESS TO THEM BECAUSE OF OTHERS WHO OWN THEM!

          12-21-12
          http://news.yahoo.com/gunman-kills-woma … 09136.html
          12-21-12
          http://now.msn.com/teen-shoots-and-kill … l-argument
          12-11-12
          http://abcnews.go.com/US/oregon-mall-sh … d=17939128
          9-27-12
          http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/3 … 26843.html
          8-14-12
          http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/13/justice/t … index.html
          8-5-12
          http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/2 … 68229.html
          7-20-12
          http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nati … n/1627229/
          7-9-2012
          http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2012/0 … ournament/
          5-29-12
          http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/ … ki01m.html

          We have a problem here in the USA! This is not just about mentally ill people either. I am not against the second amendment but I really have to wonder when it ends? If nothing else.....as responsible gun owners, keep your dang guns locked up tight so those who would commit such atrocities will not be using your gun to do it!

          1. profile image0
            SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            "In 2002 — five years after enacting its gun ban — the Australian Bureau of Criminology acknowledged there is no correlation between gun control and the use of firearms in violent crime. In fact, the percent of murders committed with a firearm was the highest it had ever been in 2006 (16.3 percent), says the D.C. Examiner.

            Even Australia’s Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research acknowledges that the gun ban had no significant impact on the amount of gun-involved crime:"

            "The International Crime Victims Survey, conducted by Leiden University in Holland, found that England and Wales ranked second overall in violent crime among industrialized nations. Twenty-six percent of English citizens — roughly one-quarter of the population — have been victimized by violent crime. Australia led the list with more than 30 percent of its population victimized. The United States didn’t even make the “top 10″ list of industrialized nations whose citizens were victimized by crime."

            "Moreover, Australia and the United States — where no gun-ban exists — both experienced similar decreases in murder rates:

            source: http://www.captainsjournal.com/2012/07/ … and-brits/

            Criminals will find guns. Period. Gun laws only take the guns out of the hands of law abiding citizens. Now, that said, I do support required background checks, to include criminal and mental health issues. For everyone. No more loopholes for online purchasing and private sales.

            1. Don W profile image83
              Don Wposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Thanks for taking the time to actually look at some of the information available, and provide some alternative information.

              I've fact checked some of the claims made in the blog you link to, which cites the DC Examiner as the source. Here's what I found:

              Claim 1: "In 2002 -- five years after enacting its gun ban -- the Australian Bureau of Criminology acknowledged there is no correlation between gun control and the use of firearms in violent crime"

              The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BSCR) covers New South Wales, a religion of Australia, but not all of Australia. I can find no such acknowledgement from 2002. I did find a press release from June 6 2001 which says:

              "Homicides and robberies with firearms have declined over the last few years in New South Wales but non-fatal shooting offences have increased."

              Rather than suggest no correlation between gun control and gun violence, that press release went on to suggest legislation was not tight enough:

              "However some legal loopholes have become apparent which make it possible to obtain or create a firearm without having to register it. The new firearm legislation presently under consideration by the NSW Parliament is designed to close these loopholes. For this reason it is an important further step in preventing firearm violence in New South Wales."

              Conclusion: Far from suggesting no correlation, the BSCR explicitly state that legislation is important in preventing firearm violence.

              Claim 2: ". . . the percent of murders committed with a firearm was the highest it had ever been in 2006 (16.3 percent) . . ."

              I found no information indicating that. However according to BSCR press releases from 2006 and 2011:

              "The number of incidents involving a firearm declined (48% between 1995 and 2011). Robbery involving a firearm decreased (51%, 1995-2011) and unlawfully discharge firearm decreased (24%, 1995-2011)."

              The BSCR also stated that a total of 29 people were victims of murder involving a firearm in 1995. In 2011 the figure was 11. And:

              "The total number of criminal incidents involving a firearm in NSW is now about 44 per cent lower than its peak in 1997"

              And:

              "Robberies with a firearm have shown the most spectacular decline. The incidence of this offence peaked in 1997, when police recorded over 1,200 offences. Last year, NSW Police recorded fewer than 500 robberies involving firearms."

              Conclusion: I can not determine whether or not murders were 16.3% (of what!?) in 2006, as the original reference was not specific, but most evidence indicates that the rate of crimes committed with firearms in this region of Australia, including homicides, have drastically reduced since 1995.

              Claim 3: "The International Crime Victims Survey, conducted by Leiden University in Holland, found that England and Wales ranked second overall in violent crime among industrialized nations. Twenty-six percent of English citizens — roughly one-quarter of the population — have been victimized by violent crime . . ." etc.

              Data from the International Crime Victims Survey (ICVS) is not categorised into violent, non violent crimes. Instead the survey distinguishes between "contact" crimes and "non contact" crimes. There are three contact crimes in the survey: robbery, sexual incidents, and assaults & threats. No country in any year of the survey (1988, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2004) has ever reported a crime level of 26% for any type of crime. 2006 data published in 2008 is not publicly available. So it is not clear what the claim about "violent crime" is  based on.

              However, if you calculate the correlation between gun ownership levels (not included in the survey) and the crime data, averaged over each of the 5 years, the data for these three crimes indicates:

              Robberies: No significant correlation between levels of gun ownership and prevalence of robbery victimisation.

              Sexual Incidents: Positive correlation (strong) between levels of gun ownership and prevalence of sexual incident victimisation.

              Assaults & Threats: Positive correlation (weak) between levels of gun ownership and prevalence of assault & threat victimisation.

              Correlation does not prove a causal relationship, so caution should be taken when assigning a cause, but it can serve as an indicator.

              Note: The correlation coefficient was calculated using covariance(x,y) / [Sqrt(Variance(x)) * Sqrt(Variance(y))]

              Claim 4: "Australia and the United States — where no gun-ban exists — both experienced similar decreases in murder rates"

              Despite a falling homicide rate, the reported number of people treated for gunshot attacks from 2001 to 2011 has grown almost 50%, and the U.S. consistently maintains the highest homicide rate among developed nations. You are still at least 3 times more likely to be murdered in the U.S. than in other developed nations.

              Conclusion: Red herring

              Summary:
              I could not substantiate a single claim made by this blog. The exact reference material it uses is not cited. Accessing the main source, I could not find any data that matched the data presented. I would therefore categorise this information as unreliable.

              Sources:
              2001 Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research Press Release (pdf)

              2006 Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research Press Release (pdf)

              Criminal offences involving firearms in New South Wales, 1995-2011

              International Crime Victim Survey 2004/2005

              Crime in the United States (FBI)

              In Medical Triumph, Homicides Fall Despite Soaring Gun Violence

            2. LucidDreams profile image64
              LucidDreamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              I wonder how many children accidentally kill themselves with guns when none are around, my bet is zero! The USA averages around 3000 per year, that's just accidents with children.
              It's not just mass shooting sprees that bothers peop-le who want more gun control. No matter how you look at it, something has to be done.

              1. profile image0
                Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                But in the mind of a liberal, it never hurts to have the deaths of 20 children to help further their political agenda, does it, Dreamer?

                Something needs to be done, alright. People need to stop fearing inanimate objects that they don't understand.

              2. MrBecher profile image59
                MrBecherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Interesting, over 3,500 people in the US accidentally drown each year, according to the US government. Maybe we should take away water?

                Afterall, of all accidental deaths among infants aged 1-4, about a third of them were drowning. How can these barbaric, redneck Americans tolerate having so much water around?!

                Or maybe the problem is shitty parents... hm! Maybe instead of wasting our time trying to take away the rights of all, we should teach parents to watch after their kids. Almost a good argument, though!

                1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
                  MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  So we shouldn't regulate one thing that causes deaths because other things cause death too?

                  You do realize that's like saying that murders shouldn't go to jail because heart attacks kill people too?

                  1. MrBecher profile image59
                    MrBecherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    You misunderstood. My point was that something being the "cause" of deaths is not sufficient for justifying banning it. Just because people are killed with guns does not mean that we should leap to ban them.

              3. Scottie Futch profile image67
                Scottie Futchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                I wonder how many kids accidentally kill themselves by jumping out of a tree, a swing, or the roof of a house because they want to be able to parachute with a blanket.

                If kids are killing each other in mass numbers with guns then maybe we should make it illegal for kids to own firear... oh wait.. kids can't own firearms. In some areas they can own a hunting rifle at 16 or so, but that's about it.  Kids playing with guns isn't a reason to ban guns. It's a reason to imprison parents for neglicent homicide due to leaving their firearms out where curious hands can find them.

          2. profile image0
            Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            A real pleasure to read such an intelligent well thought out comment.
            Common sense like yours in the USA is not that common.
            There is no place in the XXI Century for those nonsense
            "amendments" people hide behind. That antiquated and obsolete XVIII Century idea  give people the right to destroy lives just because the law says you can..
            What other purpose have guns but kill??
            America better wake up and realize it has a huge problem.

            1. MrBecher profile image59
              MrBecherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Excuse me, but nonsense "amendments"?! Do you have any idea how much the Founding Fathers and the patriots fought and died to erect a republic in which people would no longer have to fear the government? Something that history has so rarely seen? That nonsense "amendment" ensured that the people whom which the government serve can protect themselves from said government if it were to become tyrannical. Do you think we're safe from that? Do you have any idea how quickly governments can turn on their people, even after being rectified by those very same people? America better wake up and realize that just because the rest of the world wants to bow to their government doesn't mean that we should.

          3. AurallyPleasing profile image69
            AurallyPleasingposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            The Swiss, who are the most heavily armed society in the world today--virtually every house has a man serving in the militia and thus an assault rifle--crime is unheard-of, because their careers would be very short, if they were to encounter a man with a gun. Gunmen would be much less willing to fire into a crowd if they thought there would be return fire. Sure, there will still be a few, just as there are a few morons who continue to be criminals in Switzerland. But the advantage there would be that they could not be serial killers, because in the first two atrocities they committed there would be one man who shot them dead. And I am sure that if you were in that crowd, you would be thankful and not care about gun control, because now you are alive, and had he/she not had that gun, you would be dead. Think it over, and when you have any logic in your vacant crania, come back and talk to me.

            1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
              MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Yep... and each and every citizen is required to be trained sufficiently in their use... at 18 they are whisked away for MANDATORY training.  It is lengthy too.  If you want that then I'm all behind it... Every single person...whether they want it or not...

              You support that?

              1. Ralph Deeds profile image65
                Ralph Deedsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Sounds like Archie Bunker to me.

                http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLjNJI54GMM

              2. Scottie Futch profile image67
                Scottie Futchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                I support that MelissaBarrett but then I volunteered to join the Army so my opinion is a bit biased. smile

        7. Wesman Todd Shaw profile image81
          Wesman Todd Shawposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Nobody has automatic weapons in the USA except the military and the Mexican drug cartels the government sold automatic weapons to....tard.

          1. Mark Knowles profile image57
            Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            So - how many would you kill to keep your semi automatic weapons?

            1. profile image0
              SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              lol Nice choice of wording. No one is "protecting" a weapon. They are protecting their right under the 2nd Amendment.

              1. profile image0
                Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                So, they are protecting their right to own a weapon with a weapon, but they are not protecting the weapon. That's a nice spin!

                1. profile image0
                  SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Yep. Just as nice a spin as the newspaper who thought it would be cool to put in print the name and address of every gun owner in their county. Complete with google maps. Attached to an article that infers they are "dangerous". Then when they got some backlash, they hired armed guards. lol

                  Here's the thing. We can go round and round here no doubt. Most have no issue with military grade weapons not being owned by the general public. Most have no issue with mandatory background checks (including mental health checks) and a waiting period before purchasing a gun. 
                  The point (and it has come out in this thread in spades) is that is never enough. All proposed legislation does not offer any specific definition and leaves it open ended, not for Congressional action, but for the Attorney General to decide what guns are added later, at his/her discretion. THAT is the problem. You give an inch and they want a mile. So you don't give that inch and you wind up with a stand off. There are reasonable people, sure, who have no intention of it becoming the eradication of the 2nd Amendment. But that just is not the case, nor the practice. Show me a reasonable gun control law, that limits the wholesale addition of more weapons at the discretion of one person, with a specific definition of what is covered, and I'd bet my last dollar you could get it passed.

                2. MrBecher profile image59
                  MrBecherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  So, they are protecting their right to own a weapon with discourse, but they are not protecting the weapon.

                  Fixed that for you.

              2. Mark Knowles profile image57
                Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Sorry - how many people are you prepared to kill to keep your LAWL 2nd amendment right to carry a semi automatic weapon?

                1. profile image0
                  Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  How many is your side willing to kill to take our 2nd Amendment rights given to us by the Constitution, Mark?

                  Once they take our guns, what rights that you hold the dearest are you willing to give up?

                  1. Scottie Futch profile image67
                    Scottie Futchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    What is a semi-automatic weapon to you? I was under the impression that a semi-automatic weapon was simply one that auto-loads the chamber so that you can fire off a round with each squeeze of the trigger instead of having to cock and load repeatedly or stuff powder down a tube. Almost every single weapon in the US is semi-automatic. Hunting rifles, handguns, some shotguns, they are NOT machine guns in the way people think. You can't 'Pray and Spray". with a semi-automatic. You have to pull the trigger each and every time the weapon is fired. A true military grade weapon is either full-automatic (constant stream of fire while the trigger is depressed) or burst weapons that fire 3-5 rounds, typically 3 rounds. Burst weapons are usually far more favorable because full-automatic weapons are primarily for suppressive fire and anti-vehicle assault due to the high-rate of fire.

                    Unless you want everyone to go back to the days of muskets and having to manually load the chamber with each firing then get used to semi-automatic weapons.

                  2. Mark Knowles profile image57
                    Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Sorry - did not answer my question. Please answer my question and I will gladly answer yours.

                2. Mikeg422 profile image59
                  Mikeg422posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  I'll be the first to step up and answer your question for you Mark. I am not a gun owner period, only because I live in a dangerous city, and I would use it. In protection of my rights to own a gun I personally would kill as many tyrants, and lunatics who want to infringe on my rights as it takes. So in your mindset the government and police can protect us just fine...correct? The only question I have for you is if guns were outlawed, who will protect us from the government, and police?

                  1. profile image0
                    Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    While waiting for the police when someone was kicking down his door, would Mark think:

                    a. If I had a gun, I could protect myself and my family.

                    b. Is my life insurance paid up because this is going to end well.

                    or

                    c. Surely, the police will get here in next few seconds and arrests this horrible, horrible criminal.

            2. MrBecher profile image59
              MrBecherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Mark, semi-automatic rifles include hunting rifles. Are you saying it should be illegal to hunt?

          2. Ralph Deeds profile image65
            Ralph Deedsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            True. But a semi-automatic rifle with a big magazine is sufficient to knock off a lot of people in a short time.

            1. Castlepaloma profile image76
              Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              LOL

            2. MrBecher profile image59
              MrBecherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              So is two semi-automatic rifles with small magazines. Or better yet, an illegal gun! If you want people to stop killing, taking away guns won't do it.

              1. Ralph Deeds profile image65
                Ralph Deedsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Clear evidence is that it would slow them down a bit.

                1. AurallyPleasing profile image69
                  AurallyPleasingposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Post here with links to scientific studies that prove your evidence, and I will link mine below. Then we may have a scholarly debate in the manner that the Greeks used to define which peoples were civilized or not, and then we will see what we end up with. Sound fair?
                  Source 1: http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=3083618&page=1
                  I would like you to read this and reply with a source for rebuttal.

                  1. Ralph Deeds profile image65
                    Ralph Deedsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Here's a good recent article by Elizabeth Rosenthal in the NY Times.

                    http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/06/sunda … lling.html

                    As you may know Stossel is a libertarian reporter for Fox News.

                    Perhaps I overstated when I said "clear evidence" and should have just said "common sense" should tell you that assault weapons and pistols with high capacity magazines can kill more people in a short period of time than ordinary hand guns or hunting rifles.

                    Are you a subscriber to Archie Bunker's gun control recommendations?

                    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLjNJI54GMM

                2. MrBecher profile image59
                  MrBecherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  What if they have a sling that makes it easy to switch weapons? Or they have extra clips attached to the gun so they can switch clips quickly?

                  You can try all you want to stop people from being violent, but you're never going to be able to. Before they had guns, mass murderers used knives. Imagine if they banned knives.

        8. profile image0
          Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Awesome comment!!
          Super smart.

        9. profile image0
          Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Excellent point mark.
          Great question.
          Never give up Mark!!
          Someday they might see the light.

        10. MrBecher profile image59
          MrBecherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          The wonderful thing about democracy is that you don't have to kill people to defend your rights, you merely need to speak up. I know, I know, in Europe when you have your basic rights violated you either roll over or resort to revolution, but here in America we at least try to defend ourselves from our government. That's probably why Europe followed our lead...

        11. Greensleeves Hubs profile image92
          Greensleeves Hubsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          I'm sure the pro-gun lobby would only murder the people they regard as criminals Mark.

      2. profile image0
        Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Thanks, Sarra. Don't let people like Mark harass you with leading, insulting questions. Just click more then report and go from there.

        1. Mark Knowles profile image57
          Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          You think anyone will take any notice of a spammer persona? lol Definitely need some more gun laws. Well done. You have convinced me of it.

          1. profile image0
            Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            AGAIN, thanks, Mark, duly noted. You like pushing buttons so I pushed a couple of my own.

            Merry Christmas!

            1. Castlepaloma profile image76
              Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              As long as christian fun-dies don't push the red button

              OH Lord Satan?

              1. profile image0
                Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                What?!?!?

                Let me guess. You don't like that I said Merry Christmas. Great! Start your own forum!

                1. Castlepaloma profile image76
                  Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  I did not know this thread was just for gun happy people.

                  1. profile image0
                    Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    No, Castle, it's not just for pro-gun people. However, I will not be insulted by anyone anymore than I would expect you to be.

      3. Paul Wingert profile image60
        Paul Wingertposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Now that Charlton Heston has been dead a while, I guess he wouldn't mind if we take away his gun.

    2. Don W profile image83
      Don Wposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You can make all the extreme statements you want, but people will not be bullied on this issue by a small sub group unreasonable gun owners. There are lots of sensible gun owners who want something done about the proliferation of certain types of weapons and have said so publicly, including various politicians and N.R.A. members.

      There will be further gun control measures, whether you like it or not. That much seems clear. Throwing a tantrum isn't going to change that. Instead you have the opportunity to add something meaningful to the discussion and help make sure those measures are sensible and effective.

      Now you can make extreme statements and pretend to be Davy Crockett at the Alamo, or you can grow up, sit round the table with the adults, and try to get things done. It's your choice. To be honest I'm not sure anyone cares which you choose. Changes are on the way.

      1. Paul Wingert profile image60
        Paul Wingertposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        It only took an incredibly small group of unreasonable gun owners to get machine guns, silencers, and sawed off shotguns taken away back in the early 30's.

      2. Ralph Deeds profile image65
        Ralph Deedsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        True. Gun owners would be well-advised to support sensible, commonsense regulations and find a new spokesman. LaPierre isn't up to dealing with the current situation, in my opinion. (I am a lifelong hunting gun owner and an Army veteran.)

      3. Wizard Of Whimsy profile image59
        Wizard Of Whimsyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Some brains are cold and dead too and arguing with them can be a waste of effort.

        http://s2.hubimg.com/u/7523597_f520.jpg

        1. Castlepaloma profile image76
          Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          I should not
          LOL

      4. Greensleeves Hubs profile image92
        Greensleeves Hubsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Thanks Don W for a touch of realism in what is often an irrational debate.

    3. Don W profile image83
      Don Wposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Just to show it's not all about the so called "anti-gun liberals", Conservative judge Larry Burns has written an article in the LA Times:   

      "Bring back the assault weapons ban, and bring it back with some teeth this time. Ban the manufacture, importation, sale, transfer and possession of both assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Don't let people who already have them keep them. Don't let ones that have already been manufactured stay on the market. I don't care whether it's called gun control or a gun ban. I'm for it. I say all of this as a gun owner. I say it as a conservative who was appointed to the federal bench by a Republican president.

      I say all of this as a gun owner. I say it as a conservative who was appointed to the federal bench by a Republican president. I say it as someone who prefers Fox News to MSNBC, and National Review Online to the Daily Kos. I say it as someone who thinks the Supreme Court got it right in District of Columbia vs. Heller, when it held that the 2nd Amendment gives us the right to possess guns for self-defense. (That's why I have mine.) I say it as someone who, generally speaking, is not a big fan of the regulatory state."

      Would you describe him as an anti-gun liberal?

      http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/com … 4314.story

    4. WriteAngled profile image74
      WriteAngledposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      To Jonesy50

      I am so glad that you and your kind do not pollute the country in which I live.

      Go on, shoot yourselves reciprocally to death. It will make the world a far more pleasant place for the rest of us when you are gone.

      1. profile image0
        Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Thanks for stopping by, WA. Yet another country heard from. It never ceases to amaze me how people of other countries complain about our guns but love us when those guns are used to repel invaders from their lands.

        It's nice to know you think so highly of us Americans. Perhaps you'll have the opportunity to need our assistance some day. Then maybe you'll cry a different tune.

      2. eternals3ptember profile image60
        eternals3ptemberposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Damn that's a leedle cold, don't ya think...?

        1. profile image0
          Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Not when you consider the source, eternals3ptember. Just another foreign liberal scared of something she doesn't understand. If a liberal dislikes me, I consider it a badge of honor.

    5. Disappearinghead profile image60
      Disappearingheadposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Isn't it great how the NRA can turn a tragedy into a sales opportunity.

      1. profile image0
        Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Isn't sad how the left will use the deaths of children to further their political agenda.

        1. carterchas profile image60
          carterchasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          We are not using the deaths of children to further our political agenda.  The deaths of those children are examples of why it is correct.  Sometimes I think your org should change its initials to N.A.A. --National Assassins Association.   
          The biggest fear we have in this country is: other people with guns.

          1. profile image0
            Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            People fear what they don't understand. They don't understand what they're too stupid or lazy to learn anything about.

            1. Castlepaloma profile image76
              Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              carterchas

              Number one fear in America is public speaking, have I cross the line again Jonesy

              Sassy
              The United States didn’t even make the “top 10″ list of industrialized nations whose citizens were victimized by crime."

              Lying is the greatest pass time too . How can a country like USA  have 4% of the world's population with 26% of the world's prisons and 50%  of the world's war budget be so crime less?

              Stop protecting me, your killing me and the natural  environment too.
              Other wise, I really love America

              1. profile image0
                Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                It was carterchas who said "The biggest fear we have in this country is: other people with guns." Not I, so you've crossed no line with me.

                1. Castlepaloma profile image76
                  Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Recorrecting carterchas on America's Biggest fear

                  World's biggest fear is nuclear weapons and the Natural envionment

                  Between USA and Russia they own 90% of those nukes

                  1. Mikeg422 profile image59
                    Mikeg422posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Good point, so why isn't everyone up in arms about nuclear disarmament? They set off just one of those and there won't be many left to argue over who has guns.

              2. profile image0
                SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Hi Castlepaloma,

                I might recommend that you actually read through a post before you accuse someone of lying. Just a thought before the New Year resolutions. smile

                Those are not my findings you'll see if you actually read the post but from the ICVS report of 2006. It is conducted to ascertain the percentage of the population victimized by crime. The US ranked 24th, for that particular year.
                source: http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread. … Comparison

                As for the rest of your post, while we know there are at the very least indirect victims of any crime, not all prisoners have committed violent crimes with direct result victims.

                1. wilderness profile image95
                  wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  The number of people incarcerated for non-violent, victimless, "crimes" is huge.  How many are in jail for
                  Having pot in their possession, or drug paraphernalia? 
                  DUI?
                  Tax evasion?
                  Financial fraud?
                  Failure to appear?
                  Parole violation?
                  Silly claims? (My son got 10 days for stealing a case of beer and them walking through a flyswatter held in front of him by the clerk.  Assault and Battery).
                  Driving on a suspended license?
                  Prostitution?

                  I don't have numbers, but would wager that at least half of our prisoners are there for "victimless" crimes.

                  1. Castlepaloma profile image76
                    Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Read carefully Sassy, I did not call you a liar,  I said (In America) Lying is the greatest pass time too. From researching many homicide rate sites, I found Stupidity the greatest killer of all, and most likely many of you would agree.

                    Beside many surveys had their own apolitical agenda to follow and many were all over the map, yet the most consistence was USA the greatest amount of homicide in the industrial nation

                    Wiki had intentional homicide rate per year per 100,000 inhabitants
                    Africa            17.0    169,105
                    Americas      15.4     144,595
                    Asia              3.1       127,120
                    Europe         3.5        24,025
                    Oceania       2.9       1,180
                    World           6.9       466,078

                    That means America is almost  four time greater than Europe combined
                    In order for ICVS report to be correct, American police and the American system is doing 4 or 5 times the killing rate than it's own people are doing on the streets. That would make sense in the case of war on pot, where political Cartels and police raid kill with their guns.

                    I say take all guns away, except the guns to hunt for food, I've toured every continent accept most parts of Africa. From my own personal experience America is the most dangerous to travel in the industrial nations.

      2. LucidDreams profile image64
        LucidDreamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        According to the NRA, we need to start arming all of our teachers with guns here in the USA. As if having 50% of all the worlds guns isn;t enough, we need more, arm the teachers right? To me it's really pretty simple, kind of like anything else. Find a model that works and copy it. Having guns everywhere is obviously not working! Learn from the countries which have minimized gun violence and impliment a similar strategy! Is this really so hard to figure out? Why the big debate? Screw the NRA and do what is needed for our citizens. There are many high population developed countries who have figured this out quite some time ago. Is America going to continue to decline and embarrass themseleves or step up? We are obviously not the LEADER in this argument, can't we learn from what other countries have done?

        1. A Driveby Quipper profile image58
          A Driveby Quipperposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          That isn't what the NRA says at all. No one who represents the NRA ever made a statement like that. Some kook might have.

          That's just bad journalism on your part. HubPages forum seagull splatter.

          Class dismissed.

        2. Ralph Deeds profile image65
          Ralph Deedsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          +++ Also, protecting school children in the classroom from insane shooters is the smallest part of the gun problem. Drug gang shootings, movie theater shootings, accidental shootings, impulsive suicides, drive-by shootings, robberies at gas stations, road rage shootings, family feud shootings and bar fight shootings combined are a much more significant problem than classroom shootings.

          1. Ralph Deeds profile image65
            Ralph Deedsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Here's an example from my morning Detroit Free Press:
            DETROIT
            A man and woman on their way home from a Detroit casino early Tuesday were shot multiple times on I-94 after a traffic dispute, according to Michigan State Police.

            The shooting took place on westbound I-94 near Junction about 3:10 a.m., Michigan State Police Lt. Michael Shaw said in a statement Tuesday.

            The pair was leaving the MGM Grand Detroit in Detroit when they became involved in a traffic incident with an unknown number of people in a black Ford Expedition, Shaw said. The victims said the Expedition followed them on the Lodge Freeway and then onto I-94.

            The woman was hit nine times and was in surgery. She is expected to survive, Shaw said. The man was also wounded and is speaking with investigators. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 800-SPEAKUP (800-773-2587).

            1. profile image0
              Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              That's horrible, Ralph. Shame the couple didn't have a means of protecting themselves. Sounds like you should move from a city that's that violent and in it's death throws anyway.

            2. MelissaBarrett profile image58
              MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              50 years ago the guys would have just stopped the cars and beat the crap out of each other.

              1. Scottie Futch profile image67
                Scottie Futchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Not necessarily. There was a lot more violent crime fifty years ago per capita than there is today. The only difference is that people BELIEVE there is more currently do to sensationalism on the news.
                http://www.gallup.com/poll/150464/ameri … ening.aspx The actual statistical poll for real victims of violent crimes is in the center of the page and is based on victims per thousand citizens. it DROPPED from 47.7 per thousand in 1973 to 15 per thousand in 2009.

                If you look at the statistics from several sites based on the criminal investigations it shows that violent crime has dropped to nearly HALF of what it was per 100,000 people since the 1950s and certainly dropped since the 1990's. There are no doubt more crimes committed per day than in the 1950s due to population differences, but the percentage of the population committing them is lower when population numbers are compared.

                You are still far, far, more likely to get beat to death with a baseball bat or a shovel than shot by an assault rifle in this country. Despite the news flashes and sensationalism America is actually a very safe country to live in outside of the worst parts of some inner-city regions.

    6. profile image0
      Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      So much for the home of the brave.

    7. Xenonlit profile image60
      Xenonlitposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Fine with me.

      1. profile image0
        Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        roll

    8. LauraGT profile image86
      LauraGTposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Actually, if you own a gun you are more far more likely to end up dead, so your hands may be dead and cold long before you wish.

      1. wilderness profile image95
        wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Data and source?

        1. Don W profile image83
          Don Wposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          How about this study:

          "Rather than confer protection, guns kept in the home are associated with an increase in the risk of homicide by a family member or intimate acquaintance."

          http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NE … 0073291506

          Or this one:

          "Instead of conferring protection, keeping a gun in the home is associated with increased risk of both suicide and homicide of women. "

          http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article … eid=623145

          Or this one:

          "A gun kept in the home is far more likely to be involved in the death of a member of the household than it is to be used to kill in self-defense4. Cohort and interrupted time-series studies have demonstrated a strong link between the availability of guns and community rates of homicide2,15-17. Our study confirms this association at the level of individual households."

          http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NE … 0073291506

          Or this one:

          "Our review of the academic literature found that a broad array of evidence indicates that gun availability is a risk factor for homicide, both in the United States and across high-income countries.  Case-control studies, ecological time-series and cross-sectional studies indicate that in homes, cities, states and regions in the US, where there are more guns, both men and women are at higher risk for homicide, particularly firearm homicide."

          http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/research/hi … index.html

          Or this one:

          "Guns kept in homes are more likely to be involved in a fatal or nonfatal accidental shooting, criminal assault, or suicide attempt than to be used to injure or kill in self-defense."

          Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9715182

          Take your pick. If you need any more, you let me know.

          1. wilderness profile image95
            wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Applause.  Your first link looks pretty good, giving a strong link between owning a gun and being murdered by someone that knows it's there (spouse, child, close friend, etc.)

            It's a little short on numbers (174 gun owning homes with murders aren't very many) and very limited in demographics, but the correlation is there for what is shown, or at least they claim it is.  There is no analysis shown (just "we did it") and numbers are hard to come by.

            It's a good start, now if we could just expand it to several thousand home homicides in different areas, covering all demographics, it might actually say something.  That information is somewhere; it has to be standard practice to find out if there is a gun in the home when there's been a murder there. 

            There was one caveat that seemed particularly pertinent; are people likely to get into a fight also likely to buy a gun (which is the cause and which the result)?  They didn't cover that (don't see how you could), but it was a valid point and something to consider.  It also points out very strongly the danger in relying on statistics of this sort, particularly stats from small samples that limit other possible considerations.

        2. LauraGT profile image86
          LauraGTposted 11 years agoin reply to this
          1. profile image54
            whoisitposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            If you own a gun you are far more likely to end up dead? I guess you will live forever?

      2. profile image0
        Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Ahhh, another Massachusetts liberal. Be sure to stay away from those "gun-free zones," now.

        You have a nice day, Laura.

        1. LauraGT profile image86
          LauraGTposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Go ahead, call me "names."  I'm happy to be a liberal, and that I live in a state with strict gun control laws.

    9. LucidDreams profile image64
      LucidDreamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'm glad idiots like him are gone actually!

    10. Andres Canales profile image60
      Andres Canalesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You really need guns to defend yourselves in USA. I’m ignorant about that; all I know is what I saw in the news: crazy people killing innocents. But how many times have you used your gun to defend yourself. How many crazy people have you stopped, how many children have been save by guns. Is USA that way?

    11. MrBecher profile image59
      MrBecherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      http://theacru.org/acru/harvard_study_g … roductive/

      An extensive, highly detailed Harvard study concludes that higher gun ownership is directly correlated with less violence.

      Nations with stringent anti-gun laws generally have substantially higher murder rates than those that do not. The study found that the nine European nations with the lowest rates of gun ownership (5,000 or fewer guns per 100,000 population) have a combined murder rate three times higher than that of the nine nations with the highest rates of gun ownership (at least 15,000 guns per 100,000 population).


      Norway has the highest rate of gun ownership in Western Europe, yet possesses the lowest murder rate. In contrast, Holland's murder rate is nearly the worst, despite having the lowest gun ownership rate in Western Europe. Sweden and Denmark are two more examples of nations with high murder rates but few guns.

      Russia's murder rate is four times higher than the U.S. and more than 20 times higher than Norway. This, in a country that practically eradicated private gun ownership over the course of decades of totalitarian rule and police state methods of suppression. Needless to say, very few Russian murders involve guns.


      A tough pill to swallow for blind followers of anti-gun advocacy and irrational "humanists"...

    12. OLYHOOCH profile image61
      OLYHOOCHposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      NRA,,,,, You have been very Quite in all this. Looks like, WE THE PEOPLE, Have another Group of Goo-die- too shoes that have been bought off.

      IS THIS WHAT YOU THINK WE WILL STAND FOR,,,,,,, NOT

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7vNj2sb_00

      1. Ralph Deeds profile image65
        Ralph Deedsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Clever but misleading piece of propaganda. I wonder who put up the money for it?

        Leonard Pitts column today:

        "...Here we are, a little over three weeks after the massacre at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., a little over two weeks after the National Rifle Association said there should henceforth be armed guards at every school, and at least one school system, Marlboro Township in New Jersey, is taking its advice. Under a pilot program in partnership with local police, students who returned to school last week found their campuses patrolled by armed officers.

        "But here's the thing. If this is truly a good idea, then why stop there? After all, it is not just our schools that are being shot up. So let us follow this advice to its logical end.

        "Consider:

        "• Four firefighters in upstate New York were shot, two of them killed, on Christmas Eve when they responded to a call and were ambushed by a man with a semiautomatic rifle. So we should have armed guards on all our fire trucks...."

        http://www.freep.com/article/20130108/O … xt|Opinion

        1. profile image0
          SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          I'll admit that I have not had a chance to watch the entire video however, from what I did watch, what is misleading Ralph? Could you be a bit more specific.
          Sure they did not necessarily go out and shoot all the Ukraine farmers, however, they did first make them register their weapons, use that information to confiscate their weapons, then take their land, imprison them, and control their food. They did attempt to fight back, but without weapons, all they had were farm tools.
          Nazi Germany used much the same tactics to disarm the Jewish population before they began exterminating them. Only they included clubs and sharp pointed weapons in their ban.
          In China, yes, it was also due in part to the cultural nature of the people as well. And yes, it was an invading Army and not the government. Still, those who were to protect them fled, leaving unarmed civilians with no means of protecting themselves at all against a ruthless invading force.

  2. profile image0
    Motown2Chitownposted 11 years ago

    Wow!

    This has to be the most original thread I've seen in the forums all week.  Throw in some end of the world paranoia and you'll be the ultimate winner.

    roll

    1. profile image0
      Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      No doubt what side your on, Motown2Chitown. roll

      You have a good day now.

      1. profile image0
        Motown2Chitownposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Glad you know what 'side' I'm on in the debate.  I don't actually since there are ultimately so many things to be considered and it's not just a black/white, right/left issue, and I'm not a black/white, right/left person.

        Wait, which debate are we talking about here...the end of the world or the gun thing?

        Anyway, enjoy.  You'll need your stamina for this one, that's for sure.

        1. profile image0
          Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Anti-gun debate, Motown2Chitown. I'll let you handle the whole 'end-of-the-world' thing. That's seems to be more your concern.

    2. wilderness profile image95
      wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      lol  True. 

      Still, stripped of the histrionics and posturing there are an awful lot people that feel the same way.

      1. profile image0
        Motown2Chitownposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        I do understand that.  And respect it.  It's the histrionics and posturing that are getting so old, though.  If people could discuss this particular issue without acting as if their own lives are at stake in this very moment!, it might be a discussion worthy of participation.

        Till then, it's - sadly - just irritating.

        smile

        1. profile image0
          Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Glad I could be irritating to you, Motown2Chitown. It's unfortunate you don't find the taking away of our Constitutional rights as irritating but that's okay. We got this. You can thank us later.

          1. profile image0
            Motown2Chitownposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            You're not irritating to me.  smile

            What's irritating is the craziness and melodrama that surrounds this argument.  What's sad is that those who are most vocal in the argument don't understand that if we set that aside, we might actually find some common ground.

            1. wilderness profile image95
              wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Sure agree with you (again!) on that. 

              I've joined in a few discussions on the matter but have found very very little information; just melodrama as everybody screams that they have the complete and only answer.

            2. profile image0
              Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              What's truly sad is the left's use of the deaths of 20 children to further their anti-gun agenda.

              I don't have the "complete and only answer," Motown, any more  than you do. I do have the right to express my opinion, no matter who dislikes or disagrees. That would include you, Wildrness, and Mark.

              1. wilderness profile image95
                wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Speaking only for myself, I can say that I am very interested in discussions about bring that kind of tragedy to a halt. 

                I am not, however, interested in discussions with people shouting their emotional concerns without regard to actual data or debate.  Screaming "FROM MY COLD, DEAD HANDS!!!" and putting everything in bold simply tells me that you aren't interested in a solution or discussion; that your only concern is expressing your personal ideology.

                1. profile image0
                  Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  "your only concern is expressing your personal ideology"

                  And what are you supposedly doing, Wilderness. You don't like guns. I get it.

                  Please answer me this. Why should I not have the right to legally carry a firearm and protect myself from the crazies such as the shooter in Newtown?

                  1. wilderness profile image95
                    wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    No, you don't get it.  I own and enjoy the use of guns.

                    I also "own" a very deep sadness over Sandy and want that particular problem solved as well as "owning" a basic mistrust of people demanding that we give up more freedom to own guns.

                    But screaming that you will not give up your guns is counter productive.  No one listens, at least no one that cares.  You want to continue to own guns while also solving the problem?  Fine.  Find a solution to both that is workable and present it.  In a calm, rational manner that others will actually listen to.

                    Personally I don't really believe that any form of gun control, from removing large magazines to total gun confiscation, is going to help, but I don't try to show that belief by screaming that you can't have my guns.

                    I don't disagree with your basic premise (you would have a difficult time taking my guns away), just with your method of presentation.  I suppose because I don't care what your opinion on gun control is; I just want a solution that will work!

                  2. LucidDreams profile image64
                    LucidDreamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Crazies generally don't announce they are coming to kill you. They just open the door and start firing. The killing in Columbine had atleast one or two armed officers and obviously that did not work.

              2. adjkp25 profile image89
                adjkp25posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                You are aware that a few Republican's are now saying that they want some additional gun control measures as well right?

                1. profile image0
                  Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Thanks for the intelligent question, adjkp25.

                  I live a state where we already have gun laws. The last thing we need is more being imposed by an over-reaching federal government.

                  1. profile image0
                    DMartelonlineposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Tennessee has some of the WEAKEST gun laws in the United States. No registration, no licensing and no assault weapons ban.

                  2. adjkp25 profile image89
                    adjkp25posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    My point was people on the right want more control too and some on the left don't want to take away all of the guns, generalizing isn't always productive.

                    I personally don't care if someone has a shotgun or rifle for hunting or a handgun to protect their home and I disagree with those rights being taken away.

                    I do, on the other hand, question why our society needs guns that can fire a bullet a second.

            3. Mikeg422 profile image59
              Mikeg422posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              You hit the nail on the head, but that is the way of things here in America these days. Every debate draws out almost religious styled zealots, I noticed this in the election, and primaries, gun laws, Obamacare, I mean seriously pick a subject, and Americans will verbally abuse the hell out of eachother debating it. I live in THE most violent city in America (Philadelphia), and strangely enough we also have some of the toughest gun laws. I draw my conclusions to gun laws and bans from my own personal experience, and from what I see they don't work. What I often wondered is when we will use technology to make guns genetically registered to their owners, so only that person can fire the weapon. I might be a little off track, but that seems the most ideal solution to me.

          2. Mark Knowles profile image57
            Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Spam is always irritating - and you are a spammer.

      2. MelissaBarrett profile image58
        MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Nope... they feel that way WITH the histrionics and posturing... If you took that -and the paranoia- away they'd be pro gun control.

        1. wilderness profile image95
          wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Unfortunately true, although I'm not sure that many would end up firmly entrenched in the pro control group.

          Of course, I might also add that the very term "paranoia" is some of the same.  I'm firmly convinced, for instance, that the ultimate goal of the pro control group is to remove all guns from private citizens and don't think that's merely paranoia. 

          I'm also not convinced that reducing gun ownership will significantly affect either overall homicide rates OR mass killings - some hard data or statistics would convince me otherwise, but insinuating that I'm mentally ill for asking for that data won't. smile

          1. tammybarnette profile image61
            tammybarnetteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Well said Wilderness. I am a liberal and I do not believe there has ever been a need for military weapons in the hands of civilians, but here we are. I DO believe in our rights to bear arms. So, how do we now make laws that eliminate sells of military style weapons without taking into account those that already own them are probably not "stable" citizens....How do we be fair? We must be able to protect ourselves and our families, we must never let the government overstep into our rights here, but we must take note of these tragedies and make common sense change.

            1. wilderness profile image95
              wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Tammy, I don't know.  To me, the problem is two pronged - preventing such incidents as Newtown and preventing common murders.  They are totally separate issues to my mind.

              I seem to be a very lonely voice here, but I just don't think that any form of gun control is going to help prevent school massacres.  Do you remember Kansas City, or the World Trade Center?  The nearly constant bombings in the middle east?  If we take guns away from the madman shooting our children is that what we'll see? 

              Or will it be something else?  Remember the cases of Anthrax through the mail?  It isn't difficult to make chlorine or even mustard gas, for that matter.  Pipe bombs are extremely simple to construct.  I've thought about this a great deal lately, and have succeeded mostly in scaring myself with the gruesome possibilities that we don't even try to prevent and that I personally can't see a hope of stopping no matter what we do.

              To me, then, the problem at Newtown is not one of guns and controlling guns isn't the solution.  It's a red herring to make us feel good but one that will provide no security and that could make the problem worse. 

              Somehow we must keep these madmen off the streets and I don't know how to do that either.  It isn't a matter of taking away the preferred tool of that shooter; it is a matter of not allowing him the possibility of causing any damage to our children or citizens.

              Gun control

              Similarly, I don't believe that gun control is the answer to simple murders, either.  I have tried, and tried hard, to find a strong correlation between gun ownership and homicides in general and can't.  Nothing I can see shows that either gun ownership (of any kind) causes murders or that the two are even related. 

              What little I have found shows that with gun ownership that gun deaths rise, but that's a no-brainer.  It doesn't show that lowering gun ownership rates will produce low homicide rates.  It appears that the problem is cultural, not guns, and if a gun isn't at hand some other tool will be used.

              Nothing I've found, though, is actually statistically significant and I'm totally unwilling to make any conclusions here.  Given that, I have a hard time justifying the loss of freedom required if we institute further gun controls. 

              It was absolutely predictable that we would be seeing cries for further gun control come out of the Newtown tragedy, but so far it's just a demand that something be done, effective or not, and guns are the obvious whipping boy.  I really believe that we desperately need to forget about the tool and concentrate our efforts on the mind that is using it instead.

              1. Don W profile image83
                Don Wposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Here's some of that "hard data and statistics" you were looking for, just in case you missed it before.

                In April 1996 after a mass shooting in Australia, the Prime Minister introduced legislation banning semi-automatic and automatic rifles, and shotguns. This should give some idea as to whether such measures has a generally positive effect, negative effect, or no effect.

                This study from the Australian National University, summarised by the Washington Post here, and Slate here,  tells us that since the legislation, the firearms homicide rate has fallen 59 percent, and the firearm suicide rate has fallen 65 percent.

                And that there was no parallel increase in non-firearm homicides and suicides. Read that again, just so you are clear, there was no parallel increase in non-firearm homicides and suicides. This chart shows the change in firearm suicides per 100,000 population in Australia after the legislation was introduced.

                http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/australia-suicides-buyback-e1355850772517.jpg

                There were thirteen mass shootings in Australia during the period 1979–96. During the period since stronger controls 1996 onwards there has been 0. So there is evidence that indicates restricting access to certain types of weapons benefits society. Perhaps you need to look more closely at the issue than you have.

                1. wilderness profile image95
                  wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  OK, lets talk about your "data".

                  1.  First, data from exactly one country is nearly worthless; find it for 50 more.  Or at least as many as have a similar culture to the US as possible.

                  2.  Pretty graph, but it has absolutely nothing to do with homicides OR mass murders.  It looks nice and seems authoritative though - is that why you included it?

                  3.  You make the claim of no additional homicides from other sources; where are the numbers?  Are they significant over an 18 year span?  Did they vary widely by year, (using a gang war or some such that produced high numbers but only happened once) as part of the statistics?  Words don't have quite the same effect as numbers, at least to me.

                  4.  A 19 year span that had 13 mass shootings vs 0 in the next 18 certainly seems significant.  So much so that I don't believe it is due to banning automatic and semi-automatic weapons only.  What other "stronger controls" were put into effect?  Were there other efforts made to limit those mass shootings, what were they and what effect did they have?  With only 13 data points there can be a lot of variables that can skew the results; were they all in one location, religious organization or something else that might have a particular cause that was removed?

                  In short, your "data" from one country is of some, but limited, value.  Just as the data I provided you was - as the two sets show diametrically opposite results which one is actually indicative of what the US might see?  The incomplete set here or the incomplete set I provided?  The set that shows the desired result of gun control or the set that says it won't matter?

                  1. Kangaroo_Jase profile image74
                    Kangaroo_Jaseposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    wilderness,

                    Australia and the US share similar cultures. With this debate Australia does not have an intrinsic belief in a right to bear arms. In fact, 98% of Aussies has no idea what is in our very own Constitution.

                    With the mass shootings we have had in Australia, they do relate to the use of auto or semi-auto weapons. The massacre in Port Arthur in Tasmania by Martyn Bryant is the last recorded mass murderer in the country with using firearms.

                    As far as I am aware there has been no other legislation of firearms since 1996 to date.

                2. LucidDreams profile image64
                  LucidDreamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  The same evidence produced for Australia is also evident from a mass shooting incident in Great Britain, then a gun ban.. Why is it so hard to get people to understand that we have too many guns floating around? This is not rocket science!

              2. tammybarnette profile image61
                tammybarnetteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Excellent points Wilderness. I do believe military weapons have no need in society, the inability to shoot hundreds of rounds at a time will save lives IMHO, butI agree 100% that this is a societal issue. Video games, Movies, Television; all have a part to play. The minds of the youth most especially are all but consumed and controlled by violent messages. Have we built this culture of sociopaths? Add to this the mental health issues, the unwon drug war, economic conditions,and the overmedicated and we have a cocktail of disaster in out society. Much needs to be done, and merely banning certain weapons will only be an inefficient band-aid.

                1. wilderness profile image95
                  wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Thank you.

                  I, too, believe that military weapons should not be owned by the general population.  But what is a military weapon?  I've seen no one declaring we need to rid ourselves of rocket launchers, tanks and cannons. 

                  Assault rifles, yes, but repeatedly asking what an assault rifle is has gotten either no answer or a snotty one.  No definition.  No one answers, just repeats the question of do I think we need assault weapons in the home?  How can a thinking, reasoning person answer that (and yes, I know that the country voted in Obamacare without knowing what it was but that was stupid and irresponsible)?

                  Large clips - I remember years ago debating this issue and having it pointed out that large clips often jam, and that it takes less time (2 seconds was the figure bandied about then as I recall) to change clips than it does to clear that jam.  Should our efforts, time and funding go to something like that?  Are there better ways to spend those resources?  Should we simply ban changeable clips period?  My hunting rifle has no clip, and it takes time to reload it.  There are millions of weapons that will make unusable; is the return worth the cost?

                  Sometimes I do think we have built/are building a nation of sociopaths, and if so that's what will have to be corrected to stop (or seriously reduce) both shootings in general and mass killings.  I doubt that many would argue we don't need a cultural change here, but it's just like the gun issue - no one can agree on what's wrong or how to fix it.

                  1. tammybarnette profile image61
                    tammybarnetteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    So sad and so true. We can't agree on anything anymore. I believe it is mostly because we have been reduced to political agendas in order too utilize our free speech in a vain attempt to be heard. It is a hard nut to crack however, the changes that is. We can not unlearn, only refocus...Too much government control is wrong, but so would be the opposite of too little government help. In the center there is sense to be made, but the politicians aren't getting it done and neither are the citizens. We are being taught to think and speak in "the language"..."the talking points"...All of this of course to feed the pockets of the Corporations whose lobbiest design legislation that in no way protects the people.I believe the people could come together perfectly well if our own voices are heard, instead of our regurgitated(sp) talking points.

          2. MelissaBarrett profile image58
            MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            *Smiles* It might be paranoia wilderness as I am pro-gun control and it is certainly not my goal to remove all guns from private citizens. 

            Unfortunately there IS no data or statistics that show that reducing gun ownership would reduce mass killings because there is no comparable situation in which it has been tried. 

            Gun-control advocates are going on the- very logical- assumption that without a gun it becomes exceedingly difficult to shoot someone with a gun. 

            So the argument: If someone wants to kill a group of people then they can do it in other ways.  Well yeah they COULD and sometimes they DO... However these crimes are rare statistically (not that it diminishes their tragedy) tend to require more resources and time and generally have a higher survival rate.  There is a learning curve to the more extravagant mass-killings that simply isn't there with gun based killing sprees.  Any crazy idiot can figure out how to load a gun and turn off the safety. 

            In addition the pure SPEED with which a semi-automatic or automatic weapon can kill is- and lets be honest- unmatched by any other form of mass-killing with the exception of mass killings that involve explosions.  Explosions are- once again- on that learning curve.

            1. wilderness profile image95
              wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              I'll try to hit most of your points:
              You may not want to remove all guns but you know that many do.  You may eventually stop the control effort, but you also know that others will chip away little by little, taking more each year, until the goal is reached.  Consider what is being done with cigarettes, for example.

              Yes, there is data.  Just look at the middle east where guns are not as common as the US and where bombings occur almost daily.  We may have a picture that everyone in Iraq is armed, but it isn't so.  Whether that data is applicable to the US is very debatable, but it is data.

              That high gun ownership will result in high gun deaths is a no brainer, but will it result in high overall homicide rates as well?  That is the question, not how many deaths will result from a specific tool.

              False premise, IMHO.  Bombings are relatively rare in the US because of the availability of other tools - take away those tools and I believe we will see more bombings, perhaps with even higher death rates than guns.  Any crazy idiot can learn to make a fertilizer bomb (the net is great for that sort of thing) and it is cheaper and quicker than procuring a gun.  Add in a car (rented or stolen) and you have the makings of something that makes Newtown look like a walk in the park.

              Speed is immaterial if it kills.  You may (or may not) kill more people quicker, but if injuries result in death later it doesn't matter.  Plus, there are other ways besides bombs; plowing through a elementary playground, or the school bus loading area, with a car comes to mind.  There are dozens if not hundreds of ways to kill our children (particularly if ones own death is desired) and not all are slow.

            2. LucidDreams profile image64
              LucidDreamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Melissabarrett
              There is stats regarding some form of gun control. See Australia and Great Britain after mass shootings!

          3. Don W profile image83
            Don Wposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I've given you that data on several threads, and cited the relevant peer reviewed papers it all comes from. It includes country by country statistical analysis, State by State analysis in the U.S. and data about the effectiveness of control measures in other countries like Australia. You have chosen to either dispute it without presenting reliable supporting data, or ignore it. Short of spoon feeding it to you, there's not much else I can do.hmm 

            But please don't say hard data or statistics would convince you. Evidently it won't.

            1. wilderness profile image95
              wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              I'm not going to look them up now, but no you haven't.  You provide data on gun ownership vs gun deaths, but that is of no consequence.  You (or someone) provided data on suicide by guns, but that isn't germane either.  Someone gave stats on Australia (that did not agree with other sources) but one country means nothing as I'm sure you will agree.

              The data that matters is a comparison of total homicide rates vs gun ownership rates.  Nothing else, and I came the closest to that with the data I provided myself in another thread.  It just wasn't of high value either (as we both pointed out) because it was too limited, didn't really take culture into account and was from wikipedia.

              1. Don W profile image83
                Don Wposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                So, just so I have this clear. Are you saying that you think every single study related to gun homicides, gun suicides, gun ownership, gun victimisation, and general homicide, from country by country comparisons to State by State comparisons, to in depth studies in countries that have introduced restrictions to certain types of weapons. None of it. Not one bit. Zilch has any relevance to the issue of gun violence in the U.S., and can be of no use in that regard? Is that your position? All that data can safely be completely discarded?

                You mention data not agreeing with "other sources". Okay, then name the sources man! What sources, published by whom, when? I'll only accept peer reviewed, published papers like those I have cited. Mentioning data without citing a source is pointless.

                1. wilderness profile image95
                  wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  None of the data I've seen on these forums has been of much, if any, value.  Most of it concerns matters other than what we are discussing and what little doesn't is incomplete and/or from lousy sources.

                  You know what sources; you looked at what I provided and commented on it.  To refresh, it was from wikipedia (and I gave a link) but I'm sure it came from somewhere else - no one posting on wikipedia is going to amass that kind of data with their own studies.  You can probably find where that data came from and verify it is correct from links on wikipedia; I didn't try as it was mostly an exercise in showing what I was interested in seeing.

                  Don, you just aren't getting it: I don't care about gun violence.  I care about violence from all sources.  I believe, based on that tiny bit of lousy evidence (and considering primarily mass murders by insane shooters), that reducing gun violence will result in an increase of other forms of violence, possibly exceeding that from guns.

                  I've repeatedly asked for information about that, data that shows fewer guns will result in less violence overall and have been shouted down with stats showing fewer guns will produce fewer gun deaths, fewer gun suicides or other inconsequential matters.  You continually persist in showing any stats that you think prove that limiting gun ownership will prevent killing but it always shows that limiting ownership will only prevent deaths in a specific, limited area without addressing what happens in overall violent deaths. 

                  You've come close with the data on Australia, but stop short of showing numbers indicating that overall violence decreases with the removal of (some form of) guns.  Whether it actually does that or not (I haven't had time to investigate the links given) it is still a single data point and that does not make a statistical study.

                  1. Don W profile image83
                    Don Wposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    For the love of Mike! The subject under discussion is guns and gun control. First you tried to shift from gun homicides to homicides:

                    "Gun homicides aren't relevant here, homicides in general are."

                    When the data on that didn't show what you want, you tried to shift again to violence in general:

                    "I don't care about gun violence.  I care about violence from all sources."

                    No dice. Trying to move the goal posts when it looks like the data does not support what you want, is plain dishonest. The subject of this thread and the other threads we have corresponded on is gun homicide and gun control. Not homicide in general, and not violence in general. We're talking about guns. Remember those? If not, see the OP.

                    And since when is Harvard a lousy source? Which of your sources is better? That's right you haven't cited any except Wikipedia. You've offered not a single shred of reliable supporting evidence for your assertion that gun control will not be of benefit. Yet you have the gall to call into doubt any data I present, every bit of which has been cited, linked to and from reputable sources.

                    I'll give the benefit of the doubt and assume this demonstration of selective reasoning is unintentional, although I'm sorry to say it's not the first time I've encountered it discussing this subject with someone who is anti gun control. Never the less, the data is there for anyone who actually wants to consider the evidence available in support of gun controls.

  3. profile image0
    Jonesy50posted 11 years ago

    I don't expect everyone to agree with me on this issue but please be aware I WILL NOT be insulted and will gladly report those that do. It's not in my nature to do such a thing but I do have a right to express myself and will not be shouted down by anyone.

    If you're here to spew your out and out hatred of me, save it and stay on topic. Act like if adults, if possible. If not, go elsewhere.

    1. Mark Knowles profile image57
      Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      WILL NOT huh? Brave words from behind your spammer persona. lol

      Certainly convinced me you are not to be trusted with a gun. wink

      1. profile image0
        Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Thanks, Mark, duly noted. You like pushing buttons so I pushed a couple of my own.

        Merry Christmas!

        1. Castlepaloma profile image76
          Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          It's better he pushes your button, then too many others pulling triggers

          Going to the End of the World party now, have a merry one too.

    2. Castlepaloma profile image76
      Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Words do not hurt much, not even sticks and stones
      A 3 cent bullet can mean" End of story all together.

      1. profile image0
        Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        3 cent bullet? Where do you buy you ammo? That's a great price!!!

        Happy End of the World!!!

        1. Castlepaloma profile image76
          Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          OK, 3 cent are not easy to get, 50 cent are easy enough.

      2. Mikeg422 profile image59
        Mikeg422posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Hey don't knock stones. They are next on the list of things we have to ban to make everyone safe right after knives and spoons. I say we take this to the next level, and to assure there is no more violent death we will ban arms and legs (hard to kill someone without those), we will start the Liberal amputation at birth agenda. I gauruntee crime will decrease to nil, until the first head butting murder than the population will be reduced to nil.

  4. knolyourself profile image60
    knolyourselfposted 11 years ago

    "NRA Calls for Armed Officers in Schools" - NRA calls for police state to protect their gun ownership.

    1. LucidDreams profile image64
      LucidDreamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Idiots!

      1. wilderness profile image95
        wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        I understand that all of the high schools in my area have a cop on duty in the school.  Although I'm not positive, I believe they are armed.

        As far as I know, none of the elementary schools do.

      2. Mikeg422 profile image59
        Mikeg422posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Here are some of the idiots you speak of.http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/27/us/utah-teachers-weapons/index.html
        These people seem like real morons huh? Get a life bud.

  5. LuisEGonzalez profile image78
    LuisEGonzalezposted 11 years ago

    So what is more important? The right to own a gun or the taking of a human life?
    I rather give up this "right" than to see my weapon end a precious life. And no, don't tell me to say this when someone comes to harm me or my family, it won't work. The correct thing to do is to ban all guns....ALL OF THEM !.................yikes

    1. Paul Wingert profile image60
      Paul Wingertposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      The supreme court ruked that citizens have the right to bear arms. But the gov't can put onrestrictions. That's why you and I can't go out and buy a rocket launcher. However, the gov't can ban certain guns and/or simply make it nearly impossible to buy a gun or ammo (imposing increadably high taxes on them along with a permit process that's so intense that only a handfull of people can apply for one. Kinda like getting a permit to own a machine gun.

  6. Kangaroo_Jase profile image74
    Kangaroo_Jaseposted 11 years ago

    This is always going to be an unresolvable issue whilst all of us debate the for or against arguments of having or not having guns. When we can stand up as a united international community to talk about and come up with logical, adult, well thought out and actionable resolutions to the issue. THEN we may achieve results.

  7. profile image0
    SassySue1963posted 11 years ago

    Well, I still believe in the words of this former President:

    "We must reject the idea that every time a law's broken, society is to blame rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is responsible for their own actions."

    1. Paul Wingert profile image60
      Paul Wingertposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Is this from the same guy who declared all out war on drugs in tghe early '80's? Buy the way, how's that coming along?

      1. profile image0
        SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Nice try at re-direct. On topic might be nice. smile

        This is the problem. Here on these forums, in Washington. It isn't about the problem at hand, it is about the "us versus them" mentality. Obviously you have an issue with Reagan so any idea is a bad idea. Any premise is a bad one. Society is not to blame for all the ills of the land. You will always have criminals, you will always have the mentally unstable.

        1. Don W profile image83
          Don Wposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Yes, but the fact that a law cannot completely eradicate a particular problem is not an argument against having that law.

          Making child pornography illegal does not completely it, but that does not mean child pornography should be legal.

          1. profile image0
            SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            And that is why shooting people is against the law. We're not talking about a law aimed at making a particular action illegal. We are talking about eradicating a right guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Sure, you and others here on this thread might not be about disarming the citizenry completely. Make no mistake however, that is the bigger agenda. I find it ironic that not one person has mentioned that the President, who blasted Romney during the campaign for politicizing Benghazi, politicized this event from the word go. He saw an opportunity, and pounced, immediately, playing on the emotions from such a tragedy in the hopes of pushing through an agenda he previously claimed was not part of his agenda. Nancy Pelosi has already made a statement about changing the First Amendment, now they are taking aim at the 2nd Amendment. This should concern EVERY American.  It is not about assault weapons, which no one will specifically define, because it is about slowly chipping away until you're right to bear arms is gone completely.

            1. Don W profile image83
              Don Wposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              "And that is why shooting people is against the law. We're not talking about a law aimed at making a particular action illegal. "
              We are. The action of manufacturing certain weapons etc. for the use of private citizens.

              "We are talking about eradicating a right guaranteed by the Bill of Rights."
              Manufacturing a certain type of AR-15 is not a right guaranteed under the Bill of Rights, nor is possessing a high capacity ammunition clip.

              The rest of your post consists of unsubstantiated claims about political motives of gun control advocates. They may well be your personal opinions, but they are not helpful in progressing any kind of sensible discussion on the subject.

              1. profile image0
                SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Again, "certain weapons". A "certain type". Which ones? Do all semi-automatic weapons fall into that category? What determines an "assault" weapon which currently does not have any specific definition? And next year when someone takes a weapon that was previously not considered under any such bans (if implemented) do we just now consider it part of the ban? Two years from now it's just a hunting rifle. Do we now ban them?
                Of course political motives are part of the discussion. You cannot have any discussion if you do not understand all sides of an issue. It is not that the hunter or gun aficionado insists on having access, it is the bigger picture. We already know if you give the government an inch, it takes them no time at all to attempt to take a mile. Good grief, you can't even drink a 20 ounce soda if you want to in NY now. A clear case of giving the inch and the government taking the mile.
                The complete refusal to acknowledge that there are those whose agenda involves the complete eradication of the 2nd Amendment, even if you are not a part of that group, eliminates any further discussion entirely because it is based on complete fantasy.

                1. wilderness profile image95
                  wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Calm down, Sassy.  No one wants to take away your right to bear arms

                  You will still be able to keep your paintball and BB guns - the second amendment requires that you may bear arms, and both are arms.  They even both project things from a long tube, for goodness sake!

                  Until next year, when the argument will include those as well, and your "arms" will be limited to stick and stones.  After all, the amendment doesn't specify which arms you can bear.

                  The following year may see it illegal to bear any stick more than 6" long or stones larger than 1/4" in diameter, but you can still bear arms.  No one wants to take away your right to bear arms.

                  1. profile image0
                    SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Hi Wilderness,
                    You don't have to wait for next year! Here is the proposed ban list:
                    Rifles (or copies or duplicates):
                    M1 Carbine,
                    Sturm Ruger Mini-14,
                    AR-15,
                    Bushmaster XM15,
                    Armalite M15,
                    AR-10,
                    Thompson 1927,
                    Thompson M1;
                    AK,
                    AKM,
                    AKS,
                    AK-47,
                    AK-74,
                    ARM,
                    MAK90,
                    NHM 90,
                    NHM 91,
                    SA 85,
                    SA 93,
                    VEPR;
                    Olympic Arms PCR;
                    AR70,
                    Calico Liberty ,
                    Dragunov SVD Sniper Rifle or Dragunov SVU,
                    Fabrique National FN/FAL,
                    FN/LAR, or FNC,
                    Hi-Point20Carbine,
                    HK-91,
                    HK-93,
                    HK-94,
                    HK-PSG-1,
                    Thompson 1927 Commando,
                    Kel-Tec Sub Rifle;
                    Saiga,
                    SAR-8,
                    SAR-4800,
                    SKS with detachable magazine,
                    SLG 95,
                    SLR 95 or 96,
                    Steyr AU,
                    Tavor,
                    Uzi,
                    Galil and Uzi Sporter,
                    Galil Sporter, or Galil Sniper Rifle ( Galatz ).
                    Pistols (or copies or duplicates):
                    Calico M-110,
                    MAC-10,
                    MAC-11, or MPA3,
                    Olympic Arms OA,
                    TEC-9,
                    TEC-DC9,
                    TEC-22 Scorpion, or AB-10,
                    Uzi.
                    Shotguns (or copies or duplicates):
                    Armscor 30 BG,
                    SPAS 12 or LAW 12,
                    Striker 12,
                    Streetsweeper. Catch-all category (for anything missed or new designs):
                    A semiautomatic rifle that accepts a detachable magazine and has:
                    (i) a folding or telescoping stock,
                    (ii) a threaded barrel,
                    (iii) a pistol grip (which includes ANYTHING that can serve as a grip, see
                    below),
                    (iv) a forward grip; or a barrel shroud.
                    Any semiautomatic rifle with a fixed magazine that can accept more than
                    10 rounds (except tubular magazine .22 rim fire rifles).
                    A semiautomatic pistol that has the ability to accept a
                    detachable magazine, and has:
                    (i) a second pistol grip,
                    (ii) a threaded barrel,
                    (iii) a barrel shroud or
                    (iv) can accept a detachable magazine outside of the pistol grip, and
                    (v) a semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that can accept more than 10
                    rounds.
                    A semiautomatic shotgun with:
                    (i) a folding or telescoping stock,
                    (ii) a pistol grip (see definition below),
                    (iii) the ability to accept a detachable magazine or a fixed magazine capacity
                    of more than 5 rounds, and
                    (iv) a shotgun with a revolving cylinder.
                    Frames or receivers for the above are included, along with conversion kits.
                    Attorney General gets carte blanche to ban guns at will: Under the proposal, the U.S. Attorney General can add any "semiautomatic rifle or shotgun originally designed for military or law enforcement use, or a firearm based on the design of such a firearm, that is not particularly suitable for sporting purposes, as determined by the Attorney General."


                    Note that Obama's pick for this office, Eric Holder, wrote a brief in the Heller case supporting the position that you have no right to have a working firearm in your own home. In making this determination, the bill says, "there shall be a rebuttable presumption that a firearm procured for use by the United States military or any law enforcement agency is not particularly suitable for sporting purposes, and a shall not be determined to be particularly suitable for sporting purposes solely because the firearm is suitable for use in a sporting event." In plain English this means that ANY firearm ever obtained by federal officers or the military is not suitable for the public.

                    No worries. Back to bricks, swords and bows and arrows right?

                    Have a very Merry Christmas!

                2. Don W profile image83
                  Don Wposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  "Again, "certain weapons". A "certain type". Which ones? Do all semi-automatic weapons fall into that category? What determines an "assault" weapon which currently does not have any specific definition?"

                  This is why gun experts are needed in the discussion. You tell me which guns, features and accessories would provide the most efficient means of performing a mass shooting. On second thoughts, don't. But that's the sort of information gun experts can help with (the N.R.A. would be the obvious organisation to help in that regard but they would loose millions in sponsorship from gun manufacturers, so wont). These are some of the obstacles, but something being difficult to do does not justify not doing it.

                  "And next year when someone takes a weapon that was previously not considered under any such bans (if implemented) do we just now consider it part of the ban? Two years from now it's just a hunting rifle. Do we now ban them?"
                  That's a "slippery slope" argument. Just because some weapons are controlled today, does not mean all weapons will be controlled tomorrow.

                  In the 1800s, 10 states (including Texas!) passed laws barring the possession of concealed weapons. The Governor of Texas said "the mission of the concealed weapon is murder. To check it is the duty of every self-respecting, law abiding man." That was in 1893. Did that open the flood gates and lead to the repeal of the 2nd amendment? If anything gun control laws are less stringent today.

                  "The complete refusal to acknowledge that there are those whose agenda involves the complete eradication of the 2nd Amendment, even if you are not a part of that group, eliminates any further discussion entirely because it is based on complete fantasy."
                  There's no refusal to acknowledge it. Just an understanding that worrying about people's ultimate agendas is not going to help develop any solutions.

                  1. wilderness profile image95
                    wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    "which guns, features and accessories would provide the most efficient means of performing a mass shooting"

                    From medium range, probably a tripod mounted, belt fed, fully automatic .50 caliber "machine gun".  From very short range (inside a classroom) a much smaller weapon, but still fully automatic and belt fed.

                    But, of course, those are already banned.  We need something else as banning those didn't stop anything. 

                    So you asked the wrong question.  The right question to ask is "which gun currently legally available is the most deadly?".  That way the same question can be asked every year when there is another mass shooting.

                3. Quilligrapher profile image73
                  Quilligrapherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Hi there, Sue. Before I forget, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

                  I read your statements very carefully and I am quite concerned when you say:
                  “That is the bigger agenda…there are those whose aim is that very thing… there are those whose agenda involves the complete eradication of the 2nd Amendment… The complete refusal to acknowledge [this] is based on complete fantasy…”

                  I admit you are not alone when you say there is a lurking conspiracy to deprive Americans of their right to bear arms. Therefore, I must ask you and others who feel this way to share your facts with us.

                  Can you identify who is behind this agenda? Who exactly wants to eradicate the Second Amendment and why? Furthermore, if you can not answer these two questions, why do you claim other positions that disagree with you are based on fantasy?

                  If you are convinced you are right without having any supporting proof then it follows your claims are also based on complete fantasy. Without offering supporting facts, you are simply making wild and exaggerated claims without providing a shred of evidence.

                  Not being able to supply any supporting facts makes your assertions “baseless or excessive suspicion of the motives of others” which is consistent with the definition of paranoia. {1} If you are not just being paranoid, you should be able to tell us who is behind this agenda and why.

                  Have a great holiday, Sue. I am looking forward to learning from you.
                  http://s2.hubimg.com/u/6919429.jpg
                  {1} http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/paranoia

                  1. profile image0
                    SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Hi Quill,

                    I hope you have a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year as well. Pretty Panther has said how it takes 2/3 of this and 1/4 of that to pass any gun legislation. Perhaps someone should tell the President that you both supported. Any time a President has decided to use Executive Privilege to deter a right guaranteed within the Bill of Rights, you have serious issues.

                    "The Obama administration will consider executive actions and specific proposals for legislation as part of its gun policy response to the school massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said on Wednesday."
                    source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/1 … 31194.html

                    Here is the list that was leaked:
                    "Rifles (or copies or duplicates):
                    M1 Carbine,
                    Sturm Ruger Mini-14,
                    AR-15,
                    Bushmaster XM15,
                    Armalite M15,
                    AR-10,
                    Thompson 1927,
                    Thompson M1;
                    AK,
                    AKM,
                    AKS,
                    AK-47,
                    AK-74,
                    ARM,
                    MAK90,
                    NHM 90,
                    NHM 91,
                    SA 85,
                    SA 93,
                    VEPR;
                    Olympic Arms PCR;
                    AR70,
                    Calico Liberty ,
                    Dragunov SVD Sniper Rifle or Dragunov SVU,
                    Fabrique National FN/FAL,
                    FN/LAR, or FNC,
                    Hi-Point20Carbine,
                    HK-91,
                    HK-93,
                    HK-94,
                    HK-PSG-1,
                    Thompson 1927 Commando,
                    Kel-Tec Sub Rifle;
                    Saiga,
                    SAR-8,
                    SAR-4800,
                    SKS with detachable magazine,
                    SLG 95,
                    SLR 95 or 96,
                    Steyr AU,
                    Tavor,
                    Uzi,
                    Galil and Uzi Sporter,
                    Galil Sporter, or Galil Sniper Rifle ( Galatz ).
                    Pistols (or copies or duplicates):
                    Calico M-110,
                    MAC-10,
                    MAC-11, or MPA3,
                    Olympic Arms OA,
                    TEC-9,
                    TEC-DC9,
                    TEC-22 Scorpion, or AB-10,
                    Uzi.
                    Shotguns (or copies or duplicates):
                    Armscor 30 BG,
                    SPAS 12 or LAW 12,
                    Striker 12,
                    Streetsweeper. Catch-all category (for anything missed or new designs):
                    A semiautomatic rifle that accepts a detachable magazine and has:
                    (i) a folding or telescoping stock,
                    (ii) a threaded barrel,
                    (iii) a pistol grip (which includes ANYTHING that can serve as a grip, see
                    below),
                    (iv) a forward grip; or a barrel shroud.
                    Any semiautomatic rifle with a fixed magazine that can accept more than
                    10 rounds (except tubular magazine .22 rim fire rifles).
                    A semiautomatic pistol that has the ability to accept a
                    detachable magazine, and has:
                    (i) a second pistol grip,
                    (ii) a threaded barrel,
                    (iii) a barrel shroud or
                    (iv) can accept a detachable magazine outside of the pistol grip, and
                    (v) a semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that can accept more than 10
                    rounds.
                    A semiautomatic shotgun with:
                    (i) a folding or telescoping stock,
                    (ii) a pistol grip (see definition below),
                    (iii) the ability to accept a detachable magazine or a fixed magazine capacity
                    of more than 5 rounds, and
                    (iv) a shotgun with a revolving cylinder.
                    Frames or receivers for the above are included, along with conversion kits.
                    Attorney General gets carte blanche to ban guns at will: Under the proposal, the U.S. Attorney General can add any "semiautomatic rifle or shotgun originally designed for military or law enforcement use, or a firearm based on the design of such a firearm, that is not particularly suitable for sporting purposes, as determined by the Attorney General."


                    Note that Obama's pick for this office, Eric Holder, wrote a brief in the Heller case supporting the position that you have no right to have a working firearm in your own home. In making this determination, the bill says, "there shall be a rebuttable presumption that a firearm procured for use by the United States military or any law enforcement agency is not particularly suitable for sporting purposes, and a shall not be determined to be particularly suitable for sporting purposes solely because the firearm is suitable for use in a sporting event." In plain English this means that ANY firearm ever obtained by federal officers or the military is not suitable for the public. "

                    You can call it by whatever name you like. I do not live in fantasy land. They want them banned, and if Republicans won't cooperate, the President is poised to use Executive Privilege to deny citizens a right protected by the Bill of Rights.

                  2. Mikeg422 profile image59
                    Mikeg422posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Quill the UN has been pushing the Whitehouse for a couple of years now to sign the disarmament treaty for our citizens. The reason for disarmament? UN agenda 21 seems a very likely reason, they know if they attempt the lunacy mentioned in that particular document Americans are going to fight them tooth and nail.
                    Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, delivered by Angela Kane, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, to the United Nations Disarmament Commission in New York on 2 April:



                    I am pleased to send greetings to all delegations on the opening of the 2012 session of the United Nations Disarmament Commission, and wish at the outset to congratulate Ambassador Enrique Román-Morey of Peru as he assumes his duties as Chairman.



                    This is a very important year for the Commission, and not just because 2012 marks the sixtieth anniversary of its establishment.  The Commission is commencing a new three-year cycle of deliberations and is expected to consider profoundly important issues relating to nuclear disarmament and the regulation of conventional armaments.



                    The existence of differences in policies and priorities of Member States is not a new challenge facing this Commission, which has a long history of overcoming such obstacles, even in times of great instability in international relations.  Though the Commission rarely met between 1959 and 1978, it was later able to adopt various guidelines and recommendations until 1999, its last truly productive year of consensus.



                    So the Commission today has only one responsible course to follow.  It must focus its deliberations on finding common ground for addressing current and emerging global challenges, ranging from the elimination of the deadliest weapons of mass destruction, to the reduction and limitation of conventional arms.



                    I remain personally committed to doing all I can to advance disarmament goals.  Progress is vitally needed because, directly or indirectly, it has the potential to benefit all other goals of the United Nations, just as the failure of disarmament efforts would jeopardize the security and prosperity of all.



                    My commitment is reflected not only in my past efforts to revitalize multilateral cooperation on disarmament, but also in the five-year action agenda that I outlined this year.  I have full confidence that Ms. Angela Kane, the new High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, will build on the accomplishments of her distinguished predecessors as we implement the agenda.



                    Please accept my very best wishes for a productive session.

                    This was copied off of the UNODA official site. Try reading UN agenda 21, although it is a 300 page nonsensical plan, it was ageed upon by the powers that be. I might be crazy, but disarmament not only falls in line with the prescribed order of things it is in fact mentioned directly in the resolution for a "sustainable" society. If by now some Americans haven't figured out that democrats, and Obama are the UN's puppets it will take a better man than me to remove the blinders.

  8. LeanMan profile image80
    LeanManposted 11 years ago

    Give an angry person a gun and they will shoot someone!! Simple as that...



    I don't care what statistics people wave around to prove or disprove their theories and beliefs just use common sense - if the mad angry person can't lay his/her hands on a gun they can't use one..

    Personally I would happily deal with a nut with a knife or another weapon, you stand a good chance of dealing with someone like that even if you have only a small amount of skill.. I am sure 2 or 3 determined teachers will easily overpower a nutty 20 year old with a kitchen knife to protect their kids, they would certainly cause enough delay for the authorities to get there and prevent worse!!

    The people that have committed these crimes have had easy access to these weapons. if they had not they would not have committed these crimes - simple as that!

    You could argue that criminals will always get guns but the people that commit these crimes are not career criminals!! They are "normal" people...


    Anyone with an attitude of "PRY IT FROM MY COLD, DEAD HANDS" shows their total immaturity to be allowed to own a gun.. what's the next step threaten the children of anyone who says that they should not have a gun?

    1. profile image0
      Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      LeanMan, you seem like one angry man. I sincerely hope you don't have any kids or guns.

      1. LeanMan profile image80
        LeanManposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Which bit was angry Jonesy50? I'm so laid back that the back of my head brushes the floor!!!

  9. profile image0
    PrettyPantherposted 11 years ago

    "We're not talking about a law aimed at making a particular action illegal. We are talking about eradicating a right guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Sure, you and others here on this thread might not be about disarming the citizenry completely. Make no mistake however, that is the bigger agenda."

    I hear this frequently stated by gun advocates, who fail to provide evidence of this "bigger agenda."  Please provide evidence of who, specifically, is promoting this agenda, how they are promoting it, and which elected officials are backing this agenda.  As you know, this "agenda" cannot be implemented unless voted in by our legislators who are selected by vote of citizens. Changing the first or second amendments will only occur if voted for by 2/3 of both houses AND ratified by 3/4 of the states. I don't see this occurring in my lifetime, but if it ever does happen, it will be the will of the people who voted for legislators that reflect their views.  In other words, it would be a reflection of the type of country its citizens want it to be.

    "It is not about assault weapons, which no one will specifically define, because it is about slowly chipping away until you're right to bear arms is gone completely."

    If additional gun regulations are enacted, the weapons which are affected will be defined within the law.  Of course, they can be defined many different ways, as reflected by the detailed discussions here on Hubpages.  I don't even know what you mean by " which no one will specifically define" since the legal definition would be hashed out during the drafting of any laws. 

    Finally, as far as most people I know are concerned, it is about automatic weapons and gun owners taking responsibility for their guns.  Since many won't do it responsibly, then us citizens have to decide to what level we want to regulate guns and gun ownership.  That does not automatically mean we want to take away the right to bear arms.  That is an overreaction that is not justified by the preponderance of the evidence.

    1. profile image0
      SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      PP, you're better than that. I stated "even if you are not part of that group". Of course not every proponent of gun regulation has the agenda to obliterate the 2nd Amendment. However, you well know there are those whose aim is that very thing. The point was not even about the definition per se, but about how far it would go and be changed for every shooting that takes place after. Are you aware the UK now has a problem with stabbings? People who commit acts of violence, will commit acts of violence. I think our time and resources would be better spent finding ways to to be certain those in need of mental care are receiving such. That families in crisis receive the help they need.
      You mention automatic weapons. Does that include all semi-automatics? Or are we talking about military grade assault weapons? I don't think you want to take away arms in the least. Even if I did, you are not in a position to do so. Now, if you want to discuss removing the loop holes that purchasing online or private sales use to ignore back ground checks and the like, I'm all for that.

      1. profile image0
        PrettyPantherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        You still have not provided evidence of this bigger agenda you speak of.  Wilderness' evidence seems to be that "our people and our country have forgotten how to compromise, how to live together."  A little flimsy for me.

        1. wilderness profile image95
          wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          PP, when was the last time our lawmakers compromised on a major issue, coming to an acceptable agreement, and then dropped it, letting the new law stand?

          Or do they then come back the next year, wanting to "compromise" some more?  Cigarettes and smoking privileges are reduced every year, while taxes are raised as an aid to stamp out smoking.  Abortion is fought every year.  Legalizing marijuana is still pretty new, but do you think it will stop with making an ounce legal or will the fight continue until it's like growing carrots?  DUI restrictions and punishments grow a little every year.

          Guns, just as you agreed, are the same - every year it comes back and we lose a little more - can't have this, can't have that.

          It's just an observation, an opinion, but it does seem to me to be the way things work now.  There is never any intention of real compromise; special interests groups will continue to fight until their goal is met and the "compromises" offered and accepted are viewed as just an intermediate step towards that goal. 

          I may agree with some of the fights (DUI comes to mind) but that doesn't change the fact that it never ends, just repeats every year.  Compromises that were accepted aren't enough now, or are too much and wanted back (as you say, we've also seen a few years when gun controls were relaxed some).  Same fights year after year - we can't seem to let it go after we've "compromised".

        2. profile image0
          SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          I've provided the banned list proposed by the Democrats and approved by the President. You can read it yourself and see it covers a large percentage of guns, the language is vaguely worded, definitions are also vague and the power rests in the hands of the AG to add whatever weapon he chooses in the future. Further , the President has already stated his intent to use Executive Privilege if necessary to obtain his goal regardless of Congress (or the People). Holder is already on record saying that no one should have a gun in their home. (paraphrased). Seems like enough evidence from those in some Power Places for me.

          1. profile image0
            PrettyPantherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I copied and pasted your list into Google and this is what came up, in addition to a bunch of right-wing websites saying just what you did, that it's a list the Dems came up with and is approved by the President.  Do you have a link to the actual new list, or is it likely that a copy and paste of this old document is circulating among paranoid gun nuts without a shred of evidence that the President supports it?

            http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-108s … 1431is.pdf

            1. profile image0
              SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              That's entirely possible, I wouldn't rule it out at all. However, I also would not rule out that anything proposed by the liberals in Congress would be exactly what was proposed in 2003. I actually chuckle at the mere mention that the President would not support it. I see you are still in denial and believe he is somewhat center in his politics.

              1. profile image0
                PrettyPantherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                LOL, yes, Obama is a centrist in most areas.  Pretty much everyone except extreme righties can see that.  As far as the list, I'm not freaked out by it, even if it is real, which it probably isn't.

                1. profile image0
                  SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  A centrist is someone with moderate political views. I'm trying to see the moderate. He wants to raise taxes, but so far has bulked at presenting any meaningful spending cuts. He pushed through a Healthcare Law, and the only thing that prevented him from making it universal healthcare were the Congressman in his own Party that were against it,  he's pro-abortion, even as a means of birth control, supports even late term partial birth abortions. Yeah, I'm just not seeing the moderate I guess.

    2. wilderness profile image95
      wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      "Please provide evidence of who, specifically, is promoting this agenda, how they are promoting it, and which elected officials are backing this agenda"

      Can't do that, but I can point to the fact that since 1837 there has been a near constant stream of gun related laws passed and that precious few of them give rights rather than taking them away.  The rather obvious conclusion is that rights will be taken until they are all gone.

      http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa092699.htm

      1. profile image0
        PrettyPantherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        "Can't do that, but I can point to the fact that since 1837 there has been a near constant stream of gun related laws passed and that precious few of them give rights rather than taking them away.  The rather obvious conclusion is that rights will be taken until they are all gone." (emphasis added)

        Do you think there is an agenda to take away cars?  The reason I ask is because they are one of the most heavily regulated commonly used items in the US.  Cars are required to have air bags and seat belts.  Every model must undergo numerous and stringent testing for environmental impact and safety.  They must perform up to a certain standard in simulated accidents.  To own a car, you must register your vehicle and pay taxes on it.  To drive one, you have to pass written and driving tests.  You are required to have insurance.  You must comply with strict laws about safe operation.  You can't drive one under the influence.  If you transport children, you must comply with car seat laws.  If you violate certain laws, you can have your license revoked or your car impounded. 

        Yes, people still die in car accidents, but the rate of death is drastically reduced due to these laws.

        I reject your statement that "the rather obvious conclusion is that rights will be taken away until they are all gone."  That conclusion is not obvious at all.

        1. stclairjack profile image77
          stclairjackposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          i am actualy a pro gun advocate,... but i am always interested in a sound argument made with brains vs braun,....

          "Do you think there is an agenda to take away cars?  The reason I ask is because they are one of the most heavily regulated commonly used items in the US.  Cars are required to have air bags and seat belts.  Every model must undergo numerous and stringent testing for environmental impact and safety.  They must perform up to a certain standard in simulated accidents.  To own a car, you must register your vehicle and pay taxes on it.  To drive one, you have to pass written and driving tests.  You are required to have insurance.  You must comply with strict laws about safe operation.  You can't drive one under the influence.  If you transport children, you must comply with car seat laws.  If you violate certain laws, you can have your license revoked or your car impounded. 

          Yes, people still die in car accidents, but the rate of death is drastically reduced due to these laws."

          this is,... HANDS DOWN,.. the best argument for regulation i've read,... quite possibly ever.

          kudos to you,.... i actualy endorse reasonable regulation of fire arms as long as it doesnt infringe upon the ability of citiezens to A) deffend their persons,... and B) deffend thier liberty from a government that might wish to do otherwise.

          1. wilderness profile image95
            wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            You're right - it works (at least with cars).

            Now, which cars were confiscated again?  I've forgotten.  Which ones do we prohibit?

            Or have we accomplished lowering the death toll by a combination of making cars safer and massive police presence and enforcement?

            Instead of confiscating the guns maybe we can do the same as cars - require the gun to identify the shooter first or it won't fire (make it safer), require training for any gun owner and put a cop in every classroom to watch for illegal use.   The first two might help, but the third won't because we won't put as many cops in schools as we put on the roads.

            1. profile image0
              PrettyPantherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Again, who has suggested confiscating guns?  As a gun owner, it wouldn't bother me in the least to have to pass a test in order to use my guns, be required to register my guns and produce them at each renewal of registration, and follow strict rules about their use.  Wouldn't bother me in the least.

              1. wilderness profile image95
                wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Ouch!  You've got me.  Sorry, Pretty - I'm not reading close enough and reading things into your posts that aren't there.  Many are proposing just that - confiscation - but you haven't.

                I'd have no trouble with that either, with but two concerns. 

                1.  If you could convince me there was little chance that registration would be used to one day confiscate guns fine.  Otherwise, I won't register a gun.  I'm happy to register me, but not to tell Uncle Sam what weapons I own.

                2.  I would change "test in order to use my guns" to "test in order to own my guns"

                1. profile image0
                  PrettyPantherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  I wouldn't try to convince you of that.  If your reasons for wanting guns are to fight the government should it turn against you, I suppose you can do that when they come and get your guns, which they would do whether or not you had registered them.

                  I find that whole line of thinking truly silly, because no amount of armed citizenry will be able to overcome the advanced weaponry of the U. S. government.

                  1. wilderness profile image95
                    wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    I'm not so sure about that - how long did it take to find Bin Laden and how many lives did we lose in the process?  Let the entire country be armed and resisting and we would never have accomplished anything.

                    It's a moot point though - if my guns are ever turned on soldiers I don't expect them to be US soldiers.  Which means an actual invasion and that isn't something I concern myself about either.  Bombs and IED's are more effective against invaders anyway - I think we've learned that quite well.

        2. wilderness profile image95
          wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          *shrug*  Pretty, you can deny that there haven't been hundreds of laws to limit guns and gun accessories over decades, but that doesn't make it so.  Cars are on the list as well, but there's a problem in that they are absolutely necessary to maintain our country at this point.  Just think though - are HOV lanes a step there?  How about the constant push to downsize cars?  Reluctance to build or maintain good roads, putting the money into mass transit instead?  Ever increasing gas taxes?  Every tiny step is just one more little thing to get rid of them.

          That is the currently accepted method of getting something done; to chip away a little at a time until it's gone.  Cigarettes are a prime example, but so are guns.  If you don't like the term "agenda" OK, but that's how our political system works any more.  Just a little at a time rather than a compromise and then drop it.

          1. profile image0
            PrettyPantherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I did not deny that there have been a steady stream of laws enacted, although many laws restricting guns have been reversed in recent years due to certain factions stoking fear that all guns are going to be banned.  Of course, no one has responded to my reminder of what it would actually take to repeal or change the second amendment.  It simply will not be done unless the people want it to be done.

            1. wilderness profile image95
              wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Yes, I believe that you're right about the reason behind relaxing a handful of gun laws.  What does that say about how people perceive the steady erosion of their rights?  I'm not alone here in thinking that ultimately they will be taken away, and even thinking about changing the second amendment reinforces that fear.  There have been enough posters just in these little forums to show that that desire isn't an isolated handful of control freaks.

              I missed that reminder, but it's not easy at all.  Takes a pretty massive agreement amongst all people, which is exactly as it should be.

              1. profile image0
                PrettyPantherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                "What does that say about how people perceive the steady erosion of their rights?"

                It says that the NRA and gun manufacturers have been highly successful in their fear campaign.

                https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRsK-kEXIpkuPkV1n4hzpecUAIoLxnkbk0pCx35CoftkmcdO5xgyQ

                https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ9iyXshrabc53DWBIlJS1S-e1L2E1IzPu_9eQMwzpQAyrWK_DK

                1. wilderness profile image95
                  wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Yep - that's typical.  While it might be fine to shock someone into looking at what's happening that's all we see from any campaign any more.  It stops there instead of providing real facts and information.

                  But it isn't just one side - that's all either side of any political debate offers any more.  How long did it take for pro control advocates to jump on the tragedy?  24 hours?  12 hours?  You get a chance to stir the emotional pot, you use it - no rationality needed.

            2. profile image0
              SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              I responded PP. And the President responded through Eric Holder. He will use Executive Privilege if Congress does not act to his satisfaction. There goes your "2/3 this and 1/4 that" argument. You've seen the list. That is just 2 cents shy of repealing all guns and the vague wording they've put forth allows the AG to add in guns of his choice whenever he wishes.

        3. LeanMan profile image80
          LeanManposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          With regards to the comments about cars...

          You cannot drive a formula one car on the roads legally!! Bit like you should not have a rocket launcher or an automatic weapon.. what do you need it for??
          How many people have had their homes invaded by criminals that needed to be repulsed using automatic weapons, missiles etc??

          1. profile image0
            PrettyPantherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            +++

          2. wilderness profile image95
            wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Sure you can - stick on some headlights, brake lights etc. - bring it up to snuff safety and pollution wise for use on the roads and it's fine. 

            A trifle over powered, and a novice will surely kill himself and someone else with it, but it's legal.  Of course, someone that actually knows how to use it won't wreck it, but a novice will.

      2. Quilligrapher profile image73
        Quilligrapherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Hey there, Wilderness.  Do you mind if I toss in my two-cents?

        I have come to admire most of your posts for their moderation and accuracy. However, I find your conclusion “that [gun] rights will be taken until they are all gone” odd coming from you because it can not be supported as being obvious or even logical. I am not saying your prediction will never be right, mind you. Only that it is a horribly weak and irrelevant argument.

        The trend you cite beginning in 1837 with Georgia’s rejected ban on handguns may, in fact, have been the first sign of a growing consensus among Americans that firearms are no longer necessary nor appropriate in a civilized and stable nation. 

        Some posters in this thread have expressed fear of a secret agenda being advanced by unknown persons who are bent on eliminating our rights under the second amendment. I, on the other hand, have a fear of a known agenda being advanced by known interests bent on using our rights under the second amendment to fill their pockets with blood money flowing from the criminal bowels of our society as well as out of our poorest inner-city neighborhoods.

        I might also offer for your consideration that the NRA founded in 1871 ostensibly for “improving American civilians' marksmanship in preparation for war” (a function already aptly provided by our military) has grown to be an extraordinary political force in this country. {1} The four million NRA members are miniscule, less than 2% of the US population now approaching 315 million citizens, yet it has power and influence grossly disproportionate to its size. {2} It blatantly uses money and pressure to manipulate the political landscape and to oppose the political will of American citizens who have larger numbers but lack the financial support from gun manufacturers, distributors, and retailers worldwide. In 2010, the NRA spent about $240 million or 100 times more than the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, the biggest-spending gun control group. {3} That spending is not from membership dues, Wilderness. That is from contributions by corporate sponsors.

        The USA has the highest gun ownership per capita rate in the world, with an average of about nine guns for every 10 Americans. I am at a loss to name one other organization with the chutzpah to suggest Americans can improve our horrific record of gun violence by fortifying our grammar and middle schools. Instead of living in fear of gun control advocates, we should be terror stricken by the thought of one organization wielding so much control over the election process in a free democratic society.

        Have a marvelous holiday, Wilderness. I am planning to do the same.
        http://s2.hubimg.com/u/6919429.jpg
        {1} http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa092699.htm
        {2} http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html
        {3} http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the … n-1-chart/

        1. wilderness profile image95
          wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          I've answered most of this earlier on in this thread:
          http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/107561#post2293212

          However, let me add a little.  Let's look at another possibility for the NRA cause.  The NRA is an organization dedicated to preserving our freedom and constitution and will fight towards that goal using what tools it finds; the money from contributors is just one of those tools.  Yes, the results of the NRA's fights benefits the gun manufacturers, but that's simply because they make the tools that support our constitution.  It's not about profit, and any profit is simply a side effect of being right  in the fight for our freedoms and constitution.  Profit isn't the goal, freedom is.

          Now you and I will look at that nonsense and recognize it as pure balderdash.  We look at the results of the NRA's fights and assign a reason for them and that reason doesn't match the stated purpose.  The stated purpose may match the results, but we don't feel that it matches the real purpose.  We can't know for sure, because we can't read minds, but we find the statement just too far from the reality we see in society.

          It's like that with the anti gun group as well - the stated purpose is to save lives while costing us just a tiny bit of freedom that we neither want nor need, but the results of their actions belies that statement.  I don't believe it any more than I believe the spin from the NRA - I look at the way they continually fight to limit gun ownership and find that the ultimate goal is to take all guns.  The stated purpose is as much balderdash as that pretend statement from the NRA is. 

          Now, you may or may not disagree with me, but you have exactly the same reason you have for disbelieving the NRA statement - you look at the results of the actions and propose a true purpose without ever being able to truly know that purpose. 

          As far as the methodology used by the NRA - it is the same methodology used today in all our political debates.  Stir the pot, build fear and emotional response and spin it for all you're worth.  You'll get a response - hopefully it's the one you want.  It's sad, it's reprehensible, but it's how our politics works.

          And you have a great holiday as well.  I respect your comments a great deal, and always find them well thought out.

  10. Oscarlites profile image68
    Oscarlitesposted 11 years ago

    IT is all about respect and teaching respect..

    YES it is all about responsibility we have to teach our children and our society about LIFE and respect others right to live!.     

    any violator of that basic right is subject to laws and governing powers to keep our people safe.

  11. eternals3ptember profile image60
    eternals3ptemberposted 11 years ago

    The first thing that came to mind was Red Dawn were they show the "from my cold dead hands bumper sticker" and then a dead guy whose gun is taken from his hands by a Russian.

  12. eternals3ptember profile image60
    eternals3ptemberposted 11 years ago

    "As long as the right people have guns, not the wrong people" is such a stupid arguement... How the f*** am I supposed to know if you're trustworthy?

  13. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    You people who want more gun control might begin with President Obama;s giving them to the Mexican drug cartels ! Lets begin there !  Ever notice that there isn't even one law against Idiot !parents ! There sure isn't the common sense to see that in this thread.  There are hundreds thousands of gun laws now !

    1. profile image0
      PrettyPantherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      There isn't one law against idiot parents?  Do you really want to stand by that statement?

      1. profile image0
        ahorsebackposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Yes ! Parents that raise kids every day are as disfunctional as these same people in this situation ! Where's that law again ?

  14. Paradise7 profile image70
    Paradise7posted 11 years ago

    As far as gun control goes, I understand both points of view.  For myself, I do not like guns and think there is something Freudian about the masculine fascination with these weapons.  Maybe a gun is a substitute for an inadequate penis.  If a man needs a missile to show who's boss, you know he REALLY has a problem in the bedroom.

    Anytime there's a gun around, the violence seems to escalate and become much more deadly.  Guns are deadly weapons and don't belong around children, in schools. 

    That said, it seems banning guns works just about as well as Prohibition did to get people to stop drinking alchohol--in other words, not at all.

    We need to figure out a way to develop a less violent society, here in America...  We could begin with the media, and expose our children to much less violence in the media, cartoons, video games, movies, and so forth.

    1. wilderness profile image95
      wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      +1.  We need to change our society, absolutely.  That's where the problem lies, it's just that we don't want to hear that and it will be a very difficult fix. 

      The bandaid of gun control is just that - a bandaid to make it look like we're doing something.

    2. eternals3ptember profile image60
      eternals3ptemberposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Sure, we need to change, but that's no reason to make them legal without restriction. People are going to buy meth and heroin and prostitutes and child slaves illegally, should we make that legal?

  15. profile image0
    Onusonusposted 11 years ago

    http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s480x480/65053_463678390334879_1983879442_n.png

    1. wilderness profile image95
      wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      lol  Pretty much, Onusus, pretty much the way it is.

    2. Don W profile image83
      Don Wposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That's not a vehicle designed to kill, THIS is a vehicle designed to kill:

      http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/M1A1_Abrams_Tank_in_Camp_Fallujah.JPEG

      Do you think private citizens should be allowed to own and operate a fully functioning vehicle like this?

      1. kathleenkat profile image83
        kathleenkatposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        If I owned one of these bad boys, I could park anywhere I wanted.

        1. wilderness profile image95
          wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          big_smile  You betcha!  In already an occupied space, middle of the street or inside the bank vault - no problem.

          That's what I want!

      2. profile image0
        Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        One of these would be great during the commute to and from the office.

        1. Don W profile image83
          Don Wposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Can you legally own a full functioning vehicle like this, and legally obtain the ammunition for it?

          1. profile image0
            Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            You're joking. Right? roll

          2. Quilligrapher profile image73
            Quilligrapherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            http://s3.hubimg.com/u/7511258_f248.jpg
            New Bargain Price! $404,000 USD - Priced to Sell Now! These are the Porsche of US WWII tanks. 2nd Hellcat available as well.

            Everything on the tank is functional including the hydraulic turret traverse and the radio-intercom system. The paint has some blemishes from being used in parades over the last few years, but that's about it. The engine runs perfectly, absolutely no issues with the Continental R-975 C1 motor. This tank was run in the South Boston St. Patricks Day Parade in March. {1}


            You will find ammo available on the same site. Knock three times and tell them Quill sent you. big_smile
            http://s2.hubimg.com/u/6919429.jpg
            {1} http://www.milweb.net/webverts/62009/

            1. Don W profile image83
              Don Wposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Nice, but a bit, well, old. I want an M1 Abrams. Can I buy one legally?

      3. Scottie Futch profile image67
        Scottie Futchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Yes, American citizens can own tanks. The main guns need to be decommissioned, but honestly what would you do with one that has no functional maingun that you can't do with an uparmored bulldozer? Surely, we should ban tanks and bulldozers alike.. yes... then ban trucks over 3,000 lbs.. then four wheeled vehicles... then trikes... then motorcycles with a gas tank that holds more than one gallon of gas.. then scooters.. then mopeds.. then bicycles.. then shoes... and finally we should ban feet. They kick.

        Back on point, depending on jurisdiction there is no reason for you not to own a tank. You won't be able to drive it on city roads without tearing up the streets for the most part so you'll be stuck using it on your private property.

        Demilitarized fighter jets are sold to American buyers on occasion too. Why is there an issue with owning a tank? Do you see every gun shop selling shells? Oooh it's a tank, let's be scared for no reason. You have to have a crew to run it, special tools to maintain it, and the tracks come off at the worst time.

        If I were a nutjob with a penchant for military vehicles I'd go with a medium transport assault carrier. It has wheels, and lots of nifty gun emplacements for the discriminating whacka-doo.

  16. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    With all  respect , you guys are seeing black or white only in the gun control issues  , and you are missing the real problem completely ,   My guess would be that there are at least a couple of hundred gun laws, or restrictions in each of the US states . To say nothing of the federal rules and laws .  I own approximately thirty different , mostly single shot or primitive firearms . Each of them bought legally and over the years I have been slightly worried each time I purchased one for fear of being denied !  My point - I could do as much damge with a double barrel or single shot shotgun as this idiot son did with a black gun [as you term an assault weapon ], One more .....ten more new laws will change nothing !

    1. Ralph Deeds profile image65
      Ralph Deedsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      "I could do as much damage with a shotgun..."

      Highly doubtful.

  17. Oscarlites profile image68
    Oscarlitesposted 11 years ago

    Kids should not have access to firearms, unless under supervision.  period.    but even a kid should have the right to defend themselves. with a firearm if necessary.  Sad that we as a society have psychopaths on the loose.

  18. stclairjack profile image77
    stclairjackposted 11 years ago

    the real answer to the gun question in the US is for BOTH SIDES to sit down to the table and address the issue fresh,.... a clean slate,...... write a brand new set of gun laws that A) respects the 2nd amendment,.. B) respects the sporting shooter, hunter, and collector,... and C) responsibly adresses the collective safety of americans.

    once that is done you recind all previous gun laws, and leave the 2nd amendment alone.

    its possible,.... ITS NOT LIKELY,.... but its possible... all thinga are possible through christ,... or cash.

    but,.... for that to happen, the left will have to stop parading pictures of "scary guns" across the flat screen shrine,... and the right will have to quit screaming "cold dead hands"

    good luck with that,.... because as every one in this thread knows,.... "scary guns".... and.... "cold dead hands" generates donations, dues, sales, votes,...... money,..... reason, logic, and compramise do not.

    if the NRA is really SERIOUS about responsible gun ownership in this country,.... they will sit down to that table and help find a real world solution,.... i am a gun owner,... i am a sport shooter,.. i am a collector,.... and i am a hunter,..... i live in a rural area where gun ownership is assumed,.... I HAVE NO PROBLEM AT ALL in relinquishing 30, 40 or 50 round mags,... ban them,.. put a bounty on them!.... doesnt offend me in the least,..... why?...... because i have great faith in my ability to do more with 5 well placed rounds than some amature with a bad attitude and a banana clip,.... period. i also have great faith in my rural folks' ability to do the same,... to defend our nation,... or ourselves from our crazy neighbor,... or our government,.... should the need arise.

    in fact,.. i would rejoice if the big banana magazine dissapeared entirely,.... it would save me TONS of money,.... cause firing off one of those is like looking at sexy naked bodies,.... you seen one of 'em you prety much,... wana see em all!,.... you got a 50 round mag,..... you'll blow 50 rounds,,... that gets expensive! lol

    but the NRA doesnt want to sit down and help write a sensible firearms law package,.... they want to generate $$$$$ ...... and influence votes (which +'s $$$),.... sence has NOTHING to do with thier over riding goal.

    and the left has no desire to write a SENSIBLE firearms law package,..... they make far too much money parading dead bodies and black guns on the flat screen shrine generating ratings and donations.

    so in the end,.... a bunch of HORIBLY FIREARMS ILLITERATE legislators will write a knee jerk toothless new gun law for "assualt weapons" (define that please???) that will acomplish nothing more than giving the left a fake win, and the right a big bullet in the next election cycle,....... meanwhile,..... nothing changes,..... nut jobs still get guns,..... thugs still kill people,.... and the earth spins on through the cosmos.

    1. wilderness profile image95
      wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      +1, right down the line.

    2. stclairjack profile image77
      stclairjackposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      thank you wilderness & ahorseback,..... and as if to demonstrate the validity of what i posted,..... only two fellows have chimed in on my common sence post,.... whilst countless others are still enjoying the pointless mud wrestling match,....... it makes my head hurt.

      love to you both!

      1. profile image0
        PrettyPantherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Um, while your first paragraph is quite nice and does make sense, the rest is a pessimistic rant that basically says it ain't gonna happen.  While I understand your feeling that way based upon the stalemate that currently exists among our legislators, I prefer to believe that it can and will be done.  However, and it's a big "however," we the people will have to start choosing our legislators not only for their political beliefs but for their willingness to work with those they disagree with to develop solutions to our problems.  I know it sounds Pollyanna but I work with people I disagree with all the time and we somehow manage to get things done so I believe we can find real leaders if we stop letting our votes be bought by whoever can pay for the nastiest ad.

        1. stclairjack profile image77
          stclairjackposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          from your lips to gods ears!,... agree comletely!,.... and i not only merely hope that your right,.... i work daily in that same direction,..... but there are moments when the realization that you and i and others like us are one of the lone sheep in the herd that it willing being led over the cliff,..... drives me to the edge of madness.

          but then i rest comfortably in the knowledge that not only our nation but human kind has had the false self important idea that we teeter on the brink of destruction many times before,... and will for many times to come,.... i've survived several end world apocalypses so far,.... mayans dont scare me,........ niether does the anti gun lobby,..... apathy scares me.

  19. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    One hundred percent +++++

  20. Ralph Deeds profile image65
    Ralph Deedsposted 11 years ago

    The most indefensible thing I've read recently that the violent video game companies put links to gun sites for all kinds of assault weapons matching the ones on the video game. These links were removed after th Newtown school massacre.

  21. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    Raalph I'll tell you , I'd hate to be raising kids today !  the outside forces of evil are everywhere !..........Happy new year !

    1. Ralph Deeds profile image65
      Ralph Deedsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Same to you!

  22. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    ASs I raise a good micro brew IPA  to each of you !

  23. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    Could be a long night Ralph !

  24. Living Well Now profile image60
    Living Well Nowposted 11 years ago
    1. profile image0
      SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      So...I went to the article you reference. From there, I went and checked out the data the blogger presumably used to compile this chart. It does not back up the claims of the chart.
      First, there is no data entered after 2010. Second, the data is not complete in any sense of the word. Many countries have no data entered at all, and there are only a handful with data entered with any consistency. Third, what I did find was interesting. The US had a 3.8% of 100,000 in 2003, which has since dropped to 3.2% of 100,000 with no gun bans at all.
      Practically all of South American countries as well as Mexico have been ignored by this blogger to compile his chart.
      The other interesting tidbit I discovered is that Australia had a rate of 0.2 per 100,000 in 2003 (prior to their strict gun ban) which had dropped to 0.1 by 2009 (last reporting year, after gun ban). Basically, we experienced the same percentage drop in firearm related deaths as Australia without implementing a gun ban. Odd.
      At any rate, you cannot cherry pick data as this blogger does, to make a point. Further, the data used within this chart, and actually the raw data itself, is incomplete and I found completely inaccurate when compared to independent reports coming from within the countries covered.

      1. profile image0
        Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_co … death_rate

        United States = 10.2
        Canada = 4.78
        United Kingdom = 0.25

        1. profile image0
          SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Again, cherry picking data. That 10.2 is firearm related deaths of which 6.2 are suicides. So you think those in a frame of mind to commit suicide will not find another way to do so? As well, Canada's numbers (interestingly) are from 1992 and our numbers are from 2012.

          1. Mark Knowles profile image57
            Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            So - the UK rate is not much, much, much lower then? lol

            Here are some more recent figures for Canada:

            http://guncontrol.ca/wp.../2012/08/more … hs2012.pdf

            1. wilderness profile image95
              wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Your link doesn't work, but the suicide rate for the UK is 6.9.  Although 1/2 that of the US or Canada, it is still far, far above the rate of .17 for gun suicide deaths in England.  Once more, if guns can't be found then suicides will find another method. 

              http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_co … icide_rate

              1. Castlepaloma profile image76
                Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Wiki
                31,593 Americans were killed by handguns , in two years that more death for American than Vietnam.

                USA rate of 10.2 firearm death per 100,000, of the largest countries in Europe with highest rate was France 3.00 Germany 1,2  Spain 0.63 UK O.25

                I was mugged by 3 Columbian, fought them for passport and plane tickets and won. It would have been worst being beat-up by the police and thrown into jail for not having my passport. If one the mugger had a gun I would have taken my chance with the police rather than getting killed. If had a gun the muggers would have more likely kill me for it, than not having a gun, same experience in traveling other 6 war zone countries.

                In Ten States, people were killed more by Guns than car. It goes on and on

                The greater reason I think so many America want guns is they are afraid of their police and military with bigger Guns, Trade less guns for less guns instead to start with

                1. profile image0
                  Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Castle, I'm not in the least bit afraid of the police or the military. Maybe it's that way in Canada, but not here.

                  I legally carry a gun not because I have a fear of our police or military. I have nothing but respect for both. I legally carry for many reasons but the main one is because it's my right and responsibility to protect my family.

                  Lastly, while I don't fear the police or the military, I have nothing but contempt and distrust for our inept government, particularly the present administration. As far as I'm concerned, George W. Bush was the last American president and, no, I'm not a birther. I couldn't give less than a tinker's damn where Obama's mom was when she plopped him out.

                  My opinion of Barack Hussein Obama is he's not an American in his heart or his beliefs and he hates what he swore to uphold and protect, the Constitution of the United States of America.

                  Canadians may not like nor understand us. Neither do I give a damn about. As far as I'm concerned, what we do south of your border is our business, just as what you do is yours.

                  Frankly, I'm not sure why the rest of the world gives a damn except that they see it as an opportunity to take a jab at us. Give it your best shot. We can easily take it and more. The rest of the country is not the paper tiger that is our president, particularly the South.

                  Happy New Year, Castle.

                  1. Castlepaloma profile image76
                    Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    The up side is
                    Most of the World’s population which is third World is in the process of doubling and tripling the USA economic growth. China will not allow America to go bankrupt, because they need your population to buy their products.



                    Down side
                    Obama got the Noble Peace Prize for nothing, he only increase the American militarily budget to the highest level ever. He is another puppet president bought and sold by the greedy rich along with GW Bush policies that run down much of the States. Much of my family lives in the States and at one time most of my Money was made in the States, until one day, I refused to do a War Sculpture for GW Bush, then all my work permits were refuse by the USA, there after.

                    So much for free thought and honest peace, still think the constitution is done very well, if enough Americans lead American's to followed it. In the future, the only financial budget USA will lead in, is the War budgets and guns, which China will overtake in 2025. As in Rome as to America Empire

                    HAPPY DAYS, upside again, money has the least to do with happiness.

          2. profile image0
            Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            That's cherry picking? Gun/firearm related deaths in the United States is more than 40 times greater than that of the United Kingdom. Canada's would be much lower as well, but there is no way of stopping all those guns from coming over the boarder.

            From Mark's link (thanks Mark)
            "The global consequences of weak regulations in the US have been well documented. All illegal guns begin as legal guns, with firearms purchased easily and legally in one area diverted illegally to those with more controls. According to a Globe and Mail report in February 2010, of crime handguns recovered by Toronto Police, approximately 70% originated in the US and were trafficked illegally to Canada.  In 2011, Canada sent 1184 tracing request to the US for guns manufactured or imported in the country. About 38% of the guns Canadians police have sought trace data for were long guns (non-restricted). Mexico has also seen the devastating consequences of weak American gun laws. More than 68,000 people have died from guns in Mexico since 2006. Of the guns recovered and submitted for tracing, 70% were smuggled from the US, according to American government statistics. Mexican authorities sought tracing data for over 14,000 guns in 2011, nearly half of the requests being for rifles or shotguns."

          3. Don W profile image83
            Don Wposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            "So you think those in a frame of mind to commit suicide will not find another way to do so?"

            The Harvard School of Public Health studies suggest not:

            ". . . in states where guns were prevalent—as in Wyoming, where 63 percent of households reported owning guns—rates of suicide were higher. The inverse was also true: where gun ownership was less common, suicide rates were also lower."

            “Studies show that most attempters act on impulse, in moments of panic or despair. Once the acute feelings ease, 90 percent do not go on to die by suicide.” But few can survive a gun blast."

            Source:
            http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/magazi … d-suicide/

            Are they cherry picking data too?

        2. wilderness profile image95
          wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          The US has a suicide rate of 12, Canada has one of 11.3
          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_co … icide_rate
          Given differences in population density, percentage in inner cities, etc. these are nearly identical.

          Deducting the figures for gun suicide from each country, from your link, gives the US as 1.8 and Canada as 6.52, each from sources other than guns.

          It would seem that if guns aren't there, another method will be found just as it is with gun homicides vs homicides.

          1. Don W profile image83
            Don Wposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            "It would seem that if guns aren't there, another method will be found just as it is with gun homicides vs homicides."

            The Harvard School of Public Health begs to differ:

            ". . . in states where guns were prevalent—as in Wyoming, where 63 percent of households reported owning guns—rates of suicide were higher. The inverse was also true: where gun ownership was less common, suicide rates were also lower."

            “Studies show that most attempters act on impulse, in moments of panic or despair. Once the acute feelings ease, 90 percent do not go on to die by suicide.” But few can survive a gun blast."

            Source:
            http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/magazi … d-suicide/

            Are they cherry picking data too?

            1. wilderness profile image95
              wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              What is the general suicide rate, and what is the gun suicide rate in Wyoming?  If the rate is up, is it due to guns or to something else?  Long winter nights, maybe.

              I give you hard numbers and you don't want them.  Fine, find some others rather than a simple statement, but please make sure they are relevant.

              Most failed suiciders act on impulse; I could believe that (I assume successful suiciders were not interviewed to see if it was an impulse).  What are the figures for failed suicides that live out their life without suiciding at a later time?  And what does that have to do with suicides in general?

              I don't know if they're cherry picking or not (can't open the link); does the article give a good list of data or just final numbers?

          2. MelissaBarrett profile image58
            MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Bah just to throw my two cents in...

            Once again it stands to reason that without instant access to guns at least some suicides would be prevented.

            Not nearly as many as the gun control crowd would lead you to believe but far more than the "They'd just find another way" group thinks.

            In the 2nd Amendment Zealot's defense... Those who attempt suicide often do so on more than one occasion.  These die-harders (pardon the bad pun) have already committed to offing themselves and will indeed use whatever they can find.

            On the Gun-Control nuts side.  1.  Gun suicides are a bit more fatal than a lot of other methods.  There aren't a lot of survivors to a self-inflicted gunshot to the head but I personally know two people who have attempted suicide with pills that wound up with stomach pumps and nasty hangovers  2. Knee-jerk suicides where someone suicides shortly after a traumatic incident COULD indeed be prevented by the time it took to find an alternative to a gun.

            1. wilderness profile image95
              wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Overall, I have to agree with you, except I'm not so sure about the "far fewer" part.  Actual suicide rates other than by gun are pretty high in countries without guns, too high to accept the "far fewer" part?  Some, yes, but a great number?

              I don't suppose we'll ever know about all the failed attempts - jerk a gun to the side, find that you can't actually plow into a tree or jump from the bridge and no one need ever know.

              I will concede, though, that gun suicides are probably more fatal than others.  Again, I can't tell for sure, but that would be my suspicion.

              1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
                MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                In all fairness I'm just going to add that pulling the gun away isn't technically a failed suicide attempt.  It is almost attempting to commit suicide and changing your mind.

                The most frequent ways of attempting suicide with a gun are against the temple under the chin or through the mouth.  Assuming a functioning firearm very very few (10 percent or so)survive this.  If the do the effects are usually profound.

                Granted Jumping off a ten story building is also pretty final too.. as is stepping in front of a train.

                Other methods- including pills poisons and wrist slicing are infinitely more survivable. Mainly because they are more unreliable in general and because they give a person time to think after initiating the suicide.

                A bullet through the head gives no time for reconsideration.

                Now most suicide ATTEMPTS are buy taking pills.  75 percent in fact.  Yet most successful suicides are by guns. (over 50 percent) The difference in the numbers are that 97 percent of attempted suicides by pill fail whereas only 10 percent of attempts by guns do.

          3. profile image0
            Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Sure move the goal posts!!! We are looking a gun related deaths.

            1. wilderness profile image95
              wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Yes, you are looking at gun deaths.  The question is why are you doing that?  Just to make the claim that taking guns away will prevent those deaths? 

              It doesn't work; the claim/conclusion that deaths will decrease isn't supported by the facts.  Taking away guns (if we could) will indeed prevent gun deaths but dead is dead - the deceased won't care whether their death was by gun, knife, bomb, poison or anything else and neither will the survivors.

              The goal post has always (or should have) been consideration to decreasing homicides, not just homicides accomplished by a single tool.  The thread has taken up suicides now in another apparent effort to "prove" that gun controls will save lives but that subject is but a tiny portion of death tolls in the US from violence.

  25. Living Well Now profile image60
    Living Well Nowposted 11 years ago

    From the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence

       
    DID YOU KNOW? In one year on average, more than 100,000 people in America are shot or killed with a gun. Click here to see a fact sheet summarizing gun deaths and injuries over an average year.

    Over a million people have been killed with guns in the United States since 1968, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated (Childrens’ Defense Fund, p. 20).

    U.S. homicide rates are 6.9 times higher than rates in 22 other populous high-income countries combined, despite similar non-lethal crime and violence rates. The firearm homicide rate in the U.S. is 19.5 times higher (Richardson, p.1).

    Among 23 populous, high-income countries, 80% of all firearm deaths occurred in the United States (Richardson, p. 1).

    Gun violence impacts society in countless ways: medical costs, costs of the criminal justice system, security precautions such as metal detectors, and reductions in quality of life because of fear of gun violence. These impacts are estimated to cost U.S. citizens $100 billion annually (Cook, 2000).

    DID YOU KNOW? Where there are more guns, there are more gun deaths.

    An estimated 41% of gun-related homicides and 94% of gun-related suicides would not occur under the same circumstances had no guns been present (Wiebe, p. 780).

    Higher household gun ownership correlates with higher rates of homicides, suicides, and unintentional shootings (Harvard Injury Control Center).

    Keeping a firearm in the home increases the risk of suicide by a factor of 3 to 5 and increases the risk of suicide with a firearm by a factor of 17 (Kellermann, 1992, p. 467; Wiebe, p. 771).

    Keeping a firearm in the home increases the risk of homicide by a factor of 3 (Kellermann, 1993, p. 1084).

    DID YOU KNOW? On the whole, guns are more likely to raise the risk of injury than to confer protection.

    A gun in the home is 22 times more likely to be used in a completed or attempted suicide (11x), criminal assault or homicide (7x), or unintentional shooting death or injury (4x) than to be used in a self-defense shooting. (Kellermann, 1998, p. 263).

    Guns are used to intimidate and threaten 4 to 6 times more often than they are used to thwart crime (Hemenway, p. 269).

    Every year there are only about 200 legally justified self-defense homicides by private citizens (FBI, Expanded Homicide Data, Table 15) compared with over 30,000 gun deaths (NCIPC).

    A 2009 study found that people in possession of a gun are 4.5 times more likely to be shot in an assault (Branas).

    DID YOU KNOW? Assaults and suicide attempts with firearms are much more likely to be fatal than those perpetrated with less lethal weapons or means. Removing guns saves lives.

    There are five times as many deaths from gun assaults as from knife assaults, where the rates of assault with knives and with guns are similar (Zimring, p. 199).

    More than 90 percent of suicide attempts with a gun are fatal (Miller, 2004, p. 626). In comparison, only 3 percent of attempts with drugs or cutting are fatal (Miller, 2004, p. 626).

    DID YOU KNOW? Guns can be sold in the United States without a background check to screen out criminals or the mentally ill.

    It is estimated that over forty percent of gun acquisitions occur in the secondary market. That means that they happen without a Brady background check at a federally licensed dealer (Cook, p. 26).
    Sales from federal firearm licensees (FFLs) require a background check. Sales between individuals, under federal law, do not require a background check. This means that felons can “lie and buy” at gun shows and other places where guns are readily available.

    SOLUTION: We need to make it harder for convicted felons, the dangerously mentally ill, and other prohibited persons to obtain guns by implementing strong gun laws and policies that will protect our families and communities from gun violence.

    Sources

    Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Rates of Homicide, Suicide, and Firearm-Related Death Among Children -- 26 Industrialized Countries," Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 1997, 46(5): 101-105; United Nations Tenth Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems, 2005-2006; Australian Institute of Criminology. National Homicide Monitoring Program Annual Report 2006-2007; Home Office Statistical Bulletin, “England / Wales: Homicides, Firearm Offences and Intimate Violence 2006/07”; Population References (except England and Wales): Population Reference Bureau, 2006 World Population Data Sheet; Population estimates for England and Wales

    Branas et al, “Investigating the Link Between Gun Possession and Gun Assault,” American Journal of Public Health, 99(11)(2009), published online ahead of print, Sep 17, 2009

    Children's Defense Fund, Protect Children Not Guns 2009, September 2009

    Cook, Philip J, and Jens Ludwig, Gun Violence: The Real Costs, New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2000

    Cook, PJ and J Ludwig, Guns in America: Results of a Comprehensive National Survey on Firearms Ownership and Use, (Washington, DC: Police Foundation, 1996).

    Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Reports, Crime in the United States, 2008, Expanded Homicide Data Table 15 and Table 15

    1. A Driveby Quipper profile image58
      A Driveby Quipperposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Not in Florida, info bot. DID YOU KNOW? Some punks tried to rob a man at an ATM in Orlando with a knife. These dudes had been doing oxies, coke and meth for days (drinking, too). He successfully defended himself with a 380 pistol. One DOA, no charges filed.

      Don't mess with anyone on the street in Florida . . . we stand our ground. I ain't talking Zimmerman. He'll have his day, and it won't go Casey Anthony this time.

    2. Castlepaloma profile image76
      Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Wow, living well

      How many hit on the head lessons do gun happy people need

      1. profile image54
        whoisitposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        How many times will you use the phrase gun happy?

        1. Castlepaloma profile image76
          Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Is sad better? Any fool can pull a trigger, it takes a lot more skill and very useful products to control a car, knife, a doctor and so on. What is a hand gun used for? to kill people, what other design can be more sinful or useless,maybe  nuclear Guns?

    3. wilderness profile image95
      wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      "Keeping a firearm in the home increases the risk of homicide by a factor of 3 (Kellermann, 1993, p. 1084)."

      Wrong.  Current homicide rates are about 4 out of 100,000 people in the US.  If that statement were true it would be 12 out of 100,000 for gun owners; a statistic that is not supported by facts.  While the general statement may be true (minus the specified figure) for particular segments of gun owners (police and military, gang or mob members, etc.) it is hardly true for the run of the mill gun owner.

      Other stats are more honest; having a gun in the home greatly increases the odds of being killed by a well known visitor to the home such as a family member or good friend.  As that figure is very, very low the increase is also very, very low.

  26. Scottie Futch profile image67
    Scottie Futchposted 11 years ago

    The thing that annoys me the most is the whole reliance on 'statistical analysis' that both sides use in this argument. People are not numbers. No two people are going to react exactly the same in any given situation and all of these supposedly unbiased studies do nothing more than take what a small selection of people chose to do and combine it.

    Gun control is not the answer. Gun bans are a lethal and idiotic idea in a country where there are are 270 million or more firearms in existence. Guns are imported illegally into this country every day. That would not stop, it would only increase if guns were banned.

    Those of you who see a gun and immediately turn into hysterical spineless jelly mode would do better to pick one up and learn about it for yourself. A large number of people have never even held one yet make remarks about controlling them based on misinformation.

    I was in the Army. I know the difference between a 'machine gun' and a so-called 'assault rifle' used by civilians. There are no legal automatic weapons on American streets. We need those weapons that we do have to remain in our possession due to the necessity of both self and state defense.

    I personally do not care what any other country thinks of American citizens owning firearms. They have their own laws, they deal with their own problems. I do not want to hear CHINA of all places condemning America when they have people chopping up little kids with knives and run over protestors with tanks.

    Firearms are a tool. You take them away and you change nothing more than the tool that is used to kill you. If you truly want a safer environment to live in then you'll learn to defend yourself effectively, teach your children right from wrong, and stop thinking that every single person in the world needs to believe exactly what you believe.

    If you don't like guns then don't own one. I personally don't like misuse of guns. There are many options for self-defense that do not require a firearm. However, I do not trust any serious government legislative measure that would remove my right to own a firearm. I already detest the socialist nature of what is happening to our Republic, but if you take away our truly effective means of defending ourselves then we won't be able to fight back when the republic inevitably falls. The 2nd amendment guarantees our right to defend ourselves by owning firearms. The supreme court ruled that this directly relates to personal gun ownership of the citizenry. This amendment was created in order to allow us to overthrow the government if it should become tyrannical and too overbearing.

    If you want to know the secret of reducing gun violence then look inward at determine what you hate. Stop the hate and violence will begin to lift from our lives and deaths from violent crime will be lessened.

    Do not let people confuse you into believing that an inanimate object is the root cause of the problems in this country. You get rid of the guns and you do nothing more than make yourself and everyone else victim to violent criminals and political agenda alike.

    1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
      MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Just a minor point...  I am pro-gun control and I am very knowledgeable about guns.  I'm actually a pretty good shot.  My concerns are not based on any sort of hysterical reaction nor are they based on misinformation. 

      The biggest problem that both sides have in these kinds of issues is they make the assumption that the other side must be stupid or misinformed because they don't believe the same way.

      I've went rounds with one of the biggest pro-guns person on these boards... It's gotten nasty quite a few times.  Still I think he's very intelligent and I don't doubt he is knowledgeable ... we just have different opinions.

      1. profile image54
        whoisitposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        We have gun control why not enforce laws we already have?

        1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
          MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          That would be nice... Hmm... aren't a high percentage of law enforcement officers members of the NRA?

          Leans over to her hubbie who worked for the NRA for several years for confirmation. Yes... he says something like 40 percent.

          I'd also like to see a few more laws put on the book on a federal level...

          1. profile image54
            whoisitposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Not sure what your point is? It sounds like you are saying 40% of officers sworn to uphold all laws are not doing their job because the NRA told them not to.

            1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
              MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Yes... that's pretty much what I'm saying.

              Do you seriously believe that police officers enforce every law on the book every time they see it being violated?

              *edit... not because the NRA told them to but because they personally share the same mentality as NRA... obviously or they wouldn't be paying the fees for membership.

              1. profile image54
                whoisitposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard, the NRA controls 40% of law enforcement in this country. Cops see gun laws violated and just turn away allowing the criminal to possibly kill them or other cops because the NRA told them to. Your proof is what?

                1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
                  MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  My proof is watching it happen...repeatedly...by dozens of police officers. They can't be bothered with laws they consider "bullshit" laws.

                  Seriously you think a cop who doesn't believe in the law anyway is going to take a gun he happens to see in a home and charge somebody for it?  When it wasn't why he was called there in the first place?

                  1. profile image54
                    whoisitposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Why would he take a gun away? Are you talking about somebody who by law isn't supposed to have a gun in the home? I'm sure regardless of the police officers feeling about a particular law he would enforce it. Especially because he wouldn't be the only officer in that home.

  27. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    Of course you people are talking about a state where they have to be registered . There is a national registry yet all states do not have any local codes ! Here in Vermont I can conceal carry a handgun without a written  permit ! Unless there is a crime commited , or you have a record , or are in a volitile situation . the cop can't do much but check your records !  Domestic violence is about the only point at which they can pick up a gun from your table . Without a warrant !

  28. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    While you two argue about this , consider .  You register a gun once when you legally buy it !  Maybe in the state you reside , or city .  Here .....its only on the origional purchase !  If a cop comes into your home and sees a gun in a  dangerous position , he can remedy that situation immediately . Domestic violence call..........They can take all you weapons for a year !  This happened to my brother  when he raised his voice to his wife who had annouced she was leaving home with her boyfriend !{ Later he was cleared }.of all risks and charges .

    1. Scottie Futch profile image67
      Scottie Futchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Your point about the codes and regulations being different in different locations is a good one. Honestly, I don't want to see the Federal government involved in telling any citizen what to do directly. It should be up to the state and local level government to regulate firearms, as well as most other legal issues. Let the Federal government deal with the states and foreign diplomacy. The citizens are supposed to be dealt with via the sovereign state they call home. Lifestyles are different in various areas.

      I live in a rural area. It's considered both common and necessary to have a firearm of some type for personal defense. We deal with coyotes, occasional rabid animals, and other issues as well as drugged out wackos and copper thieves. In the city it is a lot easier to hit someone with a stray shot. I can see regulation on firearms based on region and area, but I don't see banning the weapons themselves. Let the cities, counties, and states determine what is legal and right. The federal government should tend to its proper business and focus on federal issues and foreign diplomacy.

      1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
        MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        For the sake of interstate commerce and federal crimes there has to be some continuancy in gun laws between the states and/or a stated federal law.

        1. Scottie Futch profile image67
          Scottie Futchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          You can skip to the bottom if you want to avoid my ramble...

          Interstate commerce I agree with. Federal crimes are far too numerous in my opinion, considering the original nature of what the Federal government was supposed to be utilized as. If a gun crime occurs cross state or national borders I can see it being a Federal level issue. I honestly do not think there should be a single instance of any occurrence being considered something that warrants Federal attention within a single state's borders unless it is determined that the instance in question was preparatory for an assault on the nation itself. The Federal government has taken too much power upon itself and strip-mined a great deal of the State's powers.

          I have no real issue with logical regulation of firearms but I do have issue with believing that most of our current office-holders have the common sense to come up with any logical solution based solely on what would work, and not on what will line their pockets. It doesn't matter which side of the political coin they fall on.

          I'd rather see a new constitutional convention occur so that proper attention can be given to "Interstate commerce and what warrants Federal Crimes and Federal gun laws." compared to the current concept of "Let's make weak ineffective laws then blame each other when nothing happens for the better."

          The constant political dickery in Washington has to be set aside and serious work needs to be done. I doubt that will happen because it means ultimately that the truth will be revealed. "It isn't about the guns, it's about the difficulty of running an empire the size of a continent when it's people are culturally, religiously, and morally diverse or ambiguous. Oh and a lot of us hate each other just because." 

          Look at Switzerland. They are a great deal more homogeneous culturally, but they also require all homes to have at least one assault weapon available. They do not have a standing army, all able bodied males between the ages of 20 -30 are conscripted into and trained to be citizen militia and fast response forces in case of national emergency and foreign invasion. Each and every man in that country is responsible for defending that country and it is a law that they must have an automatic weapon. The number of deaths related to violent crime via fire arm are very low per capita.

          Comparing America to Switzerland is like comparing an apple to an orange though. I'd like to see people in America begin to develop a culture of proper responsibility and gun control through the best possible means, "Proper Self-control."

          Skip to here to avoid the ramble:

          I am not against  sensible gun regulation. I don't think the Federal Government is capable of understanding what is sensible since it is a beehive of backstabbing stupidity. Switzerland rocks. "Focus on self-control as the best means of controlling gun-violence."

          1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
            MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I read the whole rant smile

            The problem with amending interstate laws to not include guns is federal interstate commerce laws include EVERYTHING that is transported across state lines.

            Then comes the inherent problem of the g'ment either excluding guns from interstate commerce or allowing the sale and taxation of goods that are illegal in areas within it's borders...

            It's the same nightmare that's eventually going to hit Colorado.

            In addition you get the whole "I made these guns in Texas shipped them from there to Vermont where they are illegal. Now they are seeking to extradite me."  Those kinda cases inevitably end up in the Supreme Court. 

            I would love if we could eventually as a population get to a point where we could exhibit "Proper Self-control."  However we wont... not for guns anyway.  The honest truth is for every responsible gun owner there is at least one idiot in a tree-stand with a beer in his crotch or an idiot with 40 guns each capable of firing 40 rounds and no comprehension of how to keep them out of their children's hands.

            I'm perfectly fine with letting everyone keep their guns if there was a law that if your gun is used to kill someone and it's NOT in self-defense then it's negligent homicide.  If they injure someone and it's not self defense then it's malicious wounding (or the equivalent) If your kid accidentally shoots himself... you go to jail.  If you sell a gun to an idiot who shoots 28 people then you are facing 28 counts of negligent homicide.  Shoot your buddy in the face on a hunting trip... negligent homicide.

            Basically if you are the last person to be in the LEGAL possession of a firearm that hurts someone NOT in self defense then you are screwed.

            Note: That also means that if you are the owner of a factory that makes the gun and it somehow ends up in someones hands with NO legal owner in-between..you are truly f***ed.  Not civilly... criminally.

            Within a generation that one law would lead to manufaturers and distributors demanding all the things from gun buyers before sales that I would like the laws to address otherwise (background checks mandatory training psych workups etc)

            1. profile image0
              SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              So basically you want everyone else to be responsible for the shooter but the shooter?

              First off, parents are held accountable if their child has access to a gun and a child hurts himself or someone else with that gun. That is a minor child, naturally.
              What you propose is the same idiotic mentality that awarded the moron who picked up his lawnmower to cut his hedges and injured himself millions of dollars from the manufacturer.
              As for selling a gun, background checks should be mandatory for any sale of a gun, I agree there. Private, online or otherwise.
              "basically if you are the last person to be in the legal possession of a firearm that hurst someone you are then screwed"
              Ah so if a criminal steals your gun and commits a crime, you pay for it?
              It is of course my opinion, but that is part of the entire problem with the law in this country right now. Everyone else is responsible instead of the person committing the crime. "oh poor little criminal his daddy left when he was three, we shouldn't punish him" Never mind that millions of other people had their daddy's leave them and don't go out and shoot people.  A woman stabs her husband 70 times. "oh but she was on her period" A mother drowns her five children. "oh but she was depressed". Adam Lanza murders 26 people and all the talk is about his murdered mother and why did she have guns? Disgusting.

              1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
                MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Nope I want everybody who was responsible for the shooting including the shooter to be responsible for what the shooter did. 

                Parents are very rarely prosecuted when one of their children kill themselves or their other children.  Everyone feels sorry for them... which is really weird considering it's their fault their kid is dead.

                If your gun has been stolen report it.  If you don't realize your gun is missing for a couple days then yep you are a dumbass that needs to go to jail to consider not being a dumbass for the rest of your life.

                Mass shoots almost always off themselves anyway... so they get off the hook.

                1. profile image0
                  SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  "Nope I want everybody who was responsible for the shooting including the shooter to be responsible for what the shooter did. "

                  I guess then everyone is responsible for everything then. If your 20 year old son stabs your neighbors, you should be responsible. Especially if he uses your kitchen knife to do so. After all, you raised him so it must be your fault right? Let's also make the manufacturer of the knife responsible as well. They are the ones who made the knife so stupid sharp anyway! Then there are his teachers. How couldn't they know he had a propensity towards violence? Why didn't they report it and get him help? His family doctor, who say him every year. He's really on the hook. He couldn't look at this young man and just KNOW what he was going to do? His friends. C'mon, they HAD to know what he was really like.
                  Why would someone necessarily (except in a case of obvious break-in) know their gun was gone? If they have it for protection, they keep it secure (as they are told to do) and it is quietly taken by either someone in their household or someone brought in by someone in their household. Do you expect them to not only secure the gun (as they are instructed) but to check on that gun every single day, several times a day? Which is it? Should they have the gun in plain sight so they are aware it is safe and not gone, at all times? Or should they secure it safely.

                  You are prescribed Oxycotin. Your 20 yr old  finds it in your medicine cabinet and accidentally overdoses on it.  Are you now responsible for his death?

                  smh....dangerous ground you want to tread.

      2. Ralph Deeds profile image65
        Ralph Deedsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Self defense against a coyote?? You gotta be kidding!

        1. profile image0
          SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          http://www.varmintal.com/attac.htm

          The source also includes information in Canada. Why kidding? They are a predator and are increasingly less afraid of humans.

        2. profile image0
          Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this
          1. Castlepaloma profile image76
            Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Makes uncommon sense to me

            Why not break natures order where cougar eats the coyote and the coyote eats the rabbit

            If justice can not be served in nature , why should it be with humans

            1. Castlepaloma profile image76
              Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Give guns to kids under 3 and half feet tall, coyotes do not attack if you are taller

          2. Ralph Deeds profile image65
            Ralph Deedsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            That's rare, and hardly likely enough to warrant carrying a gun. Where I come from, coyotes attack small pets, rabbits and babies or small children. They won't come near an adult.

            1. profile image0
              Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              You obviously don't get out of the city much, Ralph. roll

              Not everything happens in this country as it does in your little world of Detroit. Of course, if I lived in Detroit and given it's reputation in the rest of the country, I'd be packing ALL the time.

            2. profile image0
              SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              It's easy to say "that's rare and doesn't warrant carrying a gun" until it's your child isn't it?

              1. Castlepaloma profile image76
                Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                I was joking Jonesy
                About kids, coyotes and guns mixed

                1. profile image0
                  Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  ?

                  Wasn't me, Castle. I was talking to Ralph.

                2. profile image0
                  SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Hiya Castle,
                  Sorry, the reply was to Ralph's response, not yours. I really don't much like the forum set-up here.

                  1. profile image0
                    Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Check how the forum is threaded in the top right.

  29. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    While I agree with that Melissa ,  I believe thier are plenty of laws and so continuity ,  Prosecution , plea bargaining , reduced charges, expunged records  and freakin  defense attorney antics ......on and on , thats another story ! And I am a reasonable multi -gun owner that understands the need for magazine or clip limits and  restrictions .  Guns themselves though ......will lay there all day and never hurt a flea . The problem is people !  Mental health , legal minefields , and  drug induced  crime is the bigger issue !

  30. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    I disagree , We need federal oversight and balance ,  the states are far too different in levels of partisan politics . Vermont , where  I live,  is and eighty percent left leaning  political force . Like Kaliforia is !  Another place like say  Wyoming would look at politics , laws and liberties far differently .Yes , we need federal oversight .....as it is now !

  31. Wizard Of Whimsy profile image59
    Wizard Of Whimsyposted 11 years ago

    http://s4.hubimg.com/u/7530707_f520.jpg

    1. Castlepaloma profile image76
      Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      One world Religion first, lo

  32. LucidDreams profile image64
    LucidDreamsposted 11 years ago

    We need guns for defense against coyotes, if a criminal steals our guns, why should we be at fault if something bad happens. Nothing good happens with guns, don't you get it? Geez this is really fricken stupid! Collect baseball cards, beat CRAZY COYOTES with a stick and if you dont have guns in your home, criminals cant steal them and your children and neighbors won't accidentally or purposely shoot themselves or others with them.

    When was the last time you used them to defend your home from a muderous intruder? (not to say it does not happen but will you really succeed before being shot anyway)

    Do you really need them for hunting or is there a local grocery store near you?

    I know, here comes all the rhetoric.................

    1. profile image0
      Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Lucid, you're too closed-minded to listen to reason so there's no need responding except to say obviously you've never been in a situation where you've felt the need to never be the victim again. I have and I sincerely hope you don't. Some people aren't capable of handling the experience and come out okay on the other side.

      1. profile image0
        Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Fear, what you've described is fear. Home of the brave? What ever happened to that?

        1. profile image0
          Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Call it what you want, Rad. There's no arguing with some people but I don't intend on staring down the barrel of a gun again.

          1. profile image0
            Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            And where do you think criminals get the guns they use?

            1. ATexanagain profile image58
              ATexanagainposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Its been my experience that they steal them, buy them illegally, sometimes legally. What is your point?

              1. profile image0
                Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                My point (if I have to spell it out to you) is that they are using the very guns you purchase to keep yourself safe against you. This boy took his moms guns and shot her and and a bunch of innocent children and teachers.

                1. profile image0
                  SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Wait, so you really think that if law abiding citizens don't own guns we disarm criminals who could care less about the law? Really? You believe that?

                  1. profile image0
                    Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Liberals believe talking to the gunman, reasoning with him, giving him a big, ole hug to make him feel better about his non-existent father not being there for him, will somehow make him put his gun down, and not kill them. roll

                  2. profile image0
                    Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    It works in other countries perfectly well. Unfortunately, we can't just take all the guns away a once. I'm not stupid, but countries who limit guns have far fewer gun related deaths.

                2. profile image0
                  Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Children that the left is now using the deaths of to further their political agenda against guns. Does that really make you proud, Rad?

                3. ATexanagain profile image58
                  ATexanagainposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Would you feel better if they bought their own guns? Nobody but me is using my guns and the chances of anyone ever getting my guns from me is nonexistent. Taking my weapons from me will not make you safer, taking  weapons from anybody who owns them legally will not make you safer. If you are that afraid of guns then I suggest you never call the police, join the military or call anybody who has a gun for help.

                  http://www.theblaze.com/stories/man-att … ne-bullet/

              2. profile image0
                Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                I think his point is if I don't have a gun, the criminal won't be able to get it when he breaks in my house to rob me at gun point. If I don't have a gun, I get robbed or worse but they don't care because I'm then just one more statistic they can use against guns.

                I have a better scenario where the criminal comes in my house vertical, I shoot him, and he leaves horizontal with a sheet over his face.

                1. LucidDreams profile image64
                  LucidDreamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  If hes going to rob you at gun point, you think he is going to wait until you have picked up your gun and are waiting for him? That's funny!

                  1. profile image0
                    Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    The idea is to not put myself into bad situations liberals seem to blindly blunder into, Lucid. Part on my training is to look for and recognize threats then avoid them.

                    My first choice is to never draw my gun and simply remove myself from the area. If the threat pursues me, I have the right to protect myself.

                    If it's my house, I have plenty of security precautions in place that if they do get in, they will regret it, at least for a few seconds.

              3. Scottie Futch profile image67
                Scottie Futchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                I'd like to see this country return to a time where personal responsibility was important and people didn't make excuses for criminal activity "If we didn't make guns so easy to get criminals wouldn't have them."

                That's just sad. Criminals in countries were guns were banned find ways to get guns and then a heavily armed police task force has to come out and stop them because no one else can. Here's a lovely bit of news from China regarding the assault, serious injury, and murder of school children by deranged men armed with knives. Thank whatever god you believe that these men didn't have guns or someone might have gotten hurt! pfft.

                http://www.nydailynews.com/news/nationa … -1.1220230

                Lessee at least 20 dead children more than 50 badly injured in 2010 alone. yeah.. gun control let's focus on the inanimate object and excuse the criminals some more.

                Not enough.. let's get creative and use an axe... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/2 … 03032.html   killed 3, badly wounded 13 ... but hey let's control our guns! Without guns no one would ever hurt anyone ever.

                Here's another lovely tale from the heart of Fresno.. strange.. guns seemed entirely useful here.. they're slipping.. surely the magical evil guns are covering their tracks and making a smokescreen of good PR to hide their pure evil maliciousness as a force of evilness.

                http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=96055 … OSwRW9ZUTY

                1. Scottie Futch profile image67
                  Scottie Futchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Coincidentally, do you know where most criminals would probably get their guns in the future if every single gun was removed from America ,except for military and law enforcement? Would they kill cops? Kill cops and take theirs it's certainly never happened before...right?

                  http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1615 … -raid.html

                  1. LucidDreams profile image64
                    LucidDreamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    I really do not think that is how most would get their guns, however, if this was the case, as sad as that would be, that means far less guns and certainly a chance of more dead criminals.

      2. MelissaBarrett profile image58
        MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        So you're saying-basically- is if someone is traumatized we should arm them?

        That sounds like fun. 

        God help the poor kid that sets off a couple bottle rockets on July 4th.

    2. Castlepaloma profile image76
      Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Haw

      Allow these gun people, their guns

      Suicide kill more people than all the murders, wars and terror combined

      Who needs more idiots?

    3. profile image0
      SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Really? Because 80% of the population here hunts for FOOD. That's right. To supplement their food supply because in case you haven't noticed, it's kind of expensive. Our local unemployment rate sits at 14% way higher than the national average.
      Hit coyotes with a stick? You haven't been around many wild animals have you? In fact, I'd bet you haven't actually been anywhere that is any more remote than a suburb. Here's a newsflash: there are actually wide open spaces around the country. Where there are bears, cougars, coyotes, wolves, ...just to name a few.

      1. LucidDreams profile image64
        LucidDreamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        I have coyotes right behind my house howling every night at sirens from around town. Yes, a stick, when I walk my dog I bring a stick and even though every once in a great while coyotes attack, it isnt the norm. You would have me bring a gun while I walk my dog, what a joke!

        I have lived in Washington state and camped in the national forests where plenty of animals roam. NEWSFLASH FOR YOU, im still here and I wasn't shooting evrything or packing to pull this little miracle off either.
        And as far as hunting for food, I know of no section of the United Sates where 80% of people hunt to suppliment their food. You need to imrpove your research on that one. What back woods town do you possibly live in? Besides, hunting is not free when you consider the cost, maybe you and your woodsy's should try calculating cost then go to a Walmart or something.

        1. ATexanagain profile image58
          ATexanagainposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Never heard of Alaska I guess, there are so many remote towns in that State where 100% of the people hunt to supplement there food as well as their incomes.

          1. profile image0
            Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Hey, Texan, do you ever get the feeling you might as well be talking to a wall?

          2. LucidDreams profile image64
            LucidDreamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Yeah, that would potentially be about the only area that would make any sense. I would certainly be willing to concede that fact. Of course Texas actually has grocery stores and plenty of paved interstates, not too mention, no real weather problems. Lots of hunters and guns too.

            1. profile image0
              SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              States with less than 10 people per square mile.
              Alaska, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, N. Dakoa.
              20-50 (I only counted those less than 60, which is still pretty sparse. California has over 200 per square mile)
              Arizona, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Colorado, Maine, Oregon, Kansas,Utah, Nevada, Nebraska, Idaho, NM.

              Now, naturally, all have cities within their state, suburbs etc. However, I think you underestimate how open many of these States actually are.

        2. profile image0
          SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Dude, I don't have to research anything. I LIVE here. I live, work, know these people. You think you KNOW everything about EVERYONE in the US? You think there is some survey where they measure who hunts for food? Really? These people supplement their food supplies with deer, elk, bear, squirrel, turkey. Just to name a few. You would be hard pressed to find a household here that does not do so. 80% is actually a conservative estimate. I am not from here originally and it amazed me as well at first. There is the cost of the rifle and ammunition. The rifle is a one time cost (over a period of time) at around $400 for a good one. Many here use bows or muzzleloaders as well. The hunting licenses are modest, around $20. Ammunition, roughly $7.50 for 20 rounds or so. The only initial big output would be the rifle itself, which is not an output that is required every season.

          Edit: I did forget about the coyotes. If you think you are stopping a truly hungry coyote with a stick, good luck with that. No one says that you are going to get attacked either. However, I've opened up my basement door to a very smelly and angry bear a few times in the spring. I certainly wouldn't think you would chase him off with a stick. In the end I guess what you are saying is that no one ever gets attacked by any wild animals anywhere within the US? Just because you haven't been? Really? The world revolves around your experience?

          1. LucidDreams profile image64
            LucidDreamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            What about gas and so on? Do you walk to where you hunt? I know I may sound like a jerk but you were definately a little chirpy with me when you commented.
            I'm not a SUBURB type of guy. One thing that should be really obvious though, this is not a third world country (yet), if where you live you have to hunt to survive, there are no jobs and so on, maybe you should MOVE!
            Not rocket science is it?
            You know what, if you like guns and hunting for food that much, I don't really want to stop you.

            1. profile image0
              SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Actually, I personally do not hunt. Nor do I own guns. I don't like shooting animals and I don't like shooting off guns. That doesn't mean I can't recognize the other side of things.
              Some do walk. Some take trucks. Some take ATVs.  Again, that cost is minimal though when compared to a $150 a week food bill. We are talking about families. Especially when one deer can provide enough meat for at least 2 months. Not saying they won't eat at all if they don't hunt, but it is a viable means of supplementing a depleted income. Either by the loss of a job, cut in hours, or the rise in the basic cost of necessities. Can't say you're a jerk, don't know you. You are acting like one though. Especially when you decide that because someone supplements their food, by extension their income, by hunting that means they are the equivalent of some third world country. Once again, I suppose if you have the means of traveling here and there, and think it is so easy (and cost free) to pick up and move, yeah, I guess you'd be pretty out of touch with anyone struggling.

      2. Castlepaloma profile image76
        Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Sassy
        Maybe you should read my profile, you'll find bears, cougars, coyotes, wolves, pass by my backyard. Mosquito and dear would kill us thousand time more  than those animals combined.
        Love your teddy bear more often

        Maybe we should take your guns shoot the walmarts and supermarkets
        1. Heart Disease
        2. Cancer
        3. Stroke
        4. Chronic Lung Disease
        5. Accidents
        6. Alzheimer's
        7. Diabetes
        8. Influenza and Pneumonia
        9. Nephritis/Kidney Disease
        10. Blood Poisoning
        11. Suicide
        12. Liver Disease
        13. Hypertension/Renal
        14. Parkinson's Disease
        15. Homicide

        Your small child is millions of times more likely to get hurt by the family pet than by a coyote.

        1. profile image0
          SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Did I try to claim that wild animals were in some way a top killer of people? I don't believe I ever tried to make that claim in the least!
          See though, that is what the "take all the guns" people do. Take an entirely irrelevant statistic and try to give it some relevance.
          I mean, in that instance, what is all this noise about guns then? Clearly, they are not even in the Top 10 for the cause of death. smile

          1. Castlepaloma profile image76
            Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Relate guns to homicide, suicides, terror, police raids and war and will finds Guns will be well into the top ten ways to die.

            Killing dear makes good sense to hunt for food, there is always an over population of dear.

      3. MelissaBarrett profile image58
        MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Mace will work on a coyote just fine.  Just saying.

        Or here's one... don't go outside at night time and wander around in the woods.

        But most people aren't talking about a shot gun or a standard rifle... but you knew that.

        If you need 40 bullets in a clip to kill a damn coyote then just throw the damn gun at him... You shouldn't have ever picked it up anyway.

        And you can hunt with a bow... hell where I live you could just walk up to the deer and hit it over the head.

  33. Wizard Of Whimsy profile image59
    Wizard Of Whimsyposted 11 years ago

    What needs to be addressed is the fact that guns are a highly profitable and irrational palliative for all of the fear and anxiety in our hyper-culture—with its countless neurotics. 

    Guns are romanticized panaceas for the powerless in America's heritage. Changing that mindset is yet another battle in the global war on ignorance and the hope for growth in human awareness. Of course to the reactionary right, this all sounds like arrogance, superiority and self-righteous liberalism—instead of the truth about our gun culture.

  34. Wizard Of Whimsy profile image59
    Wizard Of Whimsyposted 11 years ago

    http://s3.hubimg.com/u/7531366_f520.jpg

    1. Castlepaloma profile image76
      Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Budget for food, health and Education   10%
      Budget for defense                                     58%

      No wonder people want more guns to protect themselves from the defense team

      1. profile image0
        SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Hmmm...that's hardly possible when this President hasn't passed a budget since he was elected in 2008!

      2. Wizard Of Whimsy profile image59
        Wizard Of Whimsyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Irony serves you well! smile

      3. wilderness profile image95
        wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Actually, that makes perfect sense to me.

        You are expected to supply your own food and, through state taxes rather than federal, your own education.

        Your govt. is expected to supply your defense (in the US); it obviously costs more to supply that defense than it does to supply the food or education you supply yourself.

  35. LucidDreams profile image64
    LucidDreamsposted 11 years ago

    I'm not close minded, a little opinionated, yes! Most people have had adversity or something bad happen to them, I have had a gun held to my head, did'nt make me rush out to buy one! I have also noticed you dusgusting and rediculous shots at Ralph. Obviously you're not serious about much except owning a gun for whatever reason.

    THERE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE!

  36. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    Sometimes I think as I read these threads " oh man , in ten years you guys may  wish you had one gun, just to defend yourself from the roving bands of hungry , angry  political mobs of revolutionaries  that are being born of our culture today ..........do you have any imagination at all ? Or am I alone in thinking  how much do you love your family........ !. Think about it ...what if ?

  37. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    Ahh , No never mind !.......... I'd rather those like yourself became victims of your own immaturity ! Your own lack of respect for reality and complete lack of respect for the constitution that allowed for your shallow grasp on the "other " peoples rights !

    1. LucidDreams profile image64
      LucidDreamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      We "all have rights" It's not immaturity to be passionate about ones beliefs especially if they hold some merit. Being that the United States has what 50% of all the guns in the world, yeah that's a problem to me. Seeing people killed every day by mass shootings, accidental shootings and more makes me care about my family and others. I rather think that being totaslly selfish and not considering any type of gun control is selfish. When this so called" government take over happens," your little guns are not going to save you. Your lack of reality keeps you from understanding this basic priniciple.

      1. profile image0
        ahorsebackposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        When will you require  seat belts on school busses then , or out law illicit drug use  and  maybe even bath soaps ! get real man , you are looking to easy answers .

  38. Wizard Of Whimsy profile image59
    Wizard Of Whimsyposted 11 years ago

    http://truth-out.org/media/k2/items/src/b008cfd7267630f8e1706ab4918643a0.jpg

    1. Living Well Now profile image60
      Living Well Nowposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      +1

  39. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    I dissagree , It does matter , perhaps because we have guns alone is why we  are but the only real superpower left , one that where a government fears and respects its people for real !  listen there is a mass histeria in our culture today . We live in a time where instant gratification is  what everyone seeks , where a  mass culture of  entitled people want  something , everything ,"right now " we suffer from a plague in america of anxieties , we make demands like a bunch of spoiled brats .  Don't like the weather , pay someone to tell you it's really better than it is ,don't like the news  , turn the channel to a game show or a documentary on penguins ,  you get mad at your mommy , get a gun and kill her and everyone she loves !  your biggest problem today isn't guns , its the media that depicts each and every shooting as a  soap opera , yet they can't even begin to look into the hunger in Appalacia , or solve the  problem  to drugs abuse in twelve year olds  ,  a culture thats more concerned with slurping down its own and everyone elses perverbial piece of the pie , ......You want" More Gun control".......no , you don't even want that ,what you want is a quick and easy fix it now  patch on a slow leak , so that you can absolve yourself of  your share of a  social guilt trip , and why ? ,So you can turn your head away from the painfully tragic  incident in Connecticut , go ahead , turn the channel .....get your mind off it ! After all ,You don't know how to hunt or have a need for one  Take away all  the other guys guns ! 
    Please .  The Idiots son that will do this kind of evil next time ,will use a propane tank and a  match  ,  what will you do then ? Outlaw outdoor gas grills ? Or maybe just the tanks ? come on get real !

    1. Scottie Futch profile image67
      Scottie Futchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Why don't forum posts have a like button? I would like this so hard!

  40. Ralph Deeds profile image65
    Ralph Deedsposted 11 years ago

    It occurs to me that there are at least three things wrong with LaPierre's NRA proposal to put armed guards in schools:

    1. Cost. The typical NRA supporters are among the most reluctant to vote for taxes to support public schools and other public services and infrastructure.

    2. Police involvement in schools is not a good concept because there could easily be a tendency for policemen to become involved in student disciplinary matters which are normally handled by teachers and administrators. The police would likely tend to stick their noses into situations best handled by teachers. Alternatively, teachers might tend to call on police or guards to handle situations that they should handle themselves.

    3. School shootings get publicity, but they are a small part of the gun problem. Putting police or armed guards in schools or arming teachers would do nothing to reduce urban shootings, accidental shootings, armed robberies, suicides, etc.

    1. Wizard Of Whimsy profile image59
      Wizard Of Whimsyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      "It'll be a sad day for this country if children can safely attend classes only under the protection of armed guards." -Dwight David Eisenhower

      1. profile image0
        Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        I doubt Eisenhower would advocate the taking of citizens guns, Wizard.

        1. Wizard Of Whimsy profile image59
          Wizard Of Whimsyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          That's not the point of his comment; originally it had to do with segregation in the south, but now the quote ironically takes on a different meaning.  It is indeed a sad state of affairs that kids now have to be protected from crazy and paranoid people who can easily obtain weapons intended for military warfare.

          on edit:  And I assume you are trying to be facetiously sassy, Sassy? Nevertheless you have been evading the salient points throughout this debate.  The fact is this culture is awash in fools with guns and you want even more fools to have them!

          1. profile image0
            Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            No, Wizard, the last thing we want is liberals having more guns.

            We want law-abiding citizens to have them so when the criminals commit a crime against them, they don't have to wait for the police to protect themselves or their family.

            The liberals can wait for the police. Good luck with that.

            1. Wizard Of Whimsy profile image59
              Wizard Of Whimsyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Jonesy, instead of your knee-jerk ideological insults and evasions, why don't you try to comprehend the illogical of the statement you just made. "Law-abiding citizens" will never commit heinous acts like we saw in Newtown, so stop conflating "crime'"and criminals with your compulsions and fears that require more weaponry to permeate this country under the canard of  protection.

              "No, Wizard, the last thing we want is liberals having more guns."

              Stating that  (as mentioned) "the crazy and paranoid people" (like Lanza)  are "liberals" is more ridiculous than your first premise.  You go on to suggest that liberals (who mostly don't own weapons) have to wait for the police to protect them.  That sounds a lot more paranoid than any liberal I know.

              1. profile image0
                Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                I've not equated liberals to Lanza. It's first time I've typed his name. However, I do believe there are some liberals who are "not letting a crisis go to waste" by using the deaths of 20 children to further their political agenda. I don't respect that.

          2. profile image0
            SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Really Whimsy? Because I've been over there --------- discussing everything and all points while you've been posting pretty propaganda pictures. I deal in facts, not rhetoric and propaganda. Just because I'm the only one here who will admit that there aren't any (for either side) reliable statistics because they are all skewed to their own purpose (both sides of this particular issue) is not "avoiding" the point. It sort of is the point. I'm curious how you decide I want more people to have anything. I haven't advocated that anyone go out and purchase a gun who doesn't already own one nor given one reason they should do so. In fact, over there --------------- where YOU have been notably absent, I even said that few would have an issue with a ban on military grade weapons. Provided the definition was specific and not left open to additions on the whim of the AG. That any addition should require Congressional action. To date, not a single "give me all your guns" liberal has responded why we can't do that.

            1. Wizard Of Whimsy profile image59
              Wizard Of Whimsyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              http://s4.hubimg.com/u/7474235_f520.jpg

      2. profile image0
        SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Impressive. A quote from another era, from an extremely turbulent time, completely irrelevant to the current climate, used to support your argument. Very impressive reach Whimsy!

  41. profile image0
    Jonesy50posted 11 years ago

    Rad Man wrote: "An assault rifle is a selective fire (either fully automatic or burst-capable) rifle that uses an intermediate cartridge and a detachable magazine. An assault rifle is a selective fire (either fully automatic or burst-capable) rifle that uses an intermediate cartridge and a detachable magazine and is a standard military rifle."

    Looks like Rad must have gotten a dictionary for Christmas.

    1. profile image0
      Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Next time don't ask for a definition from someone sitting at a computer. Duh.

      1. profile image0
        Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        I believe Wilderness's point was do YOU know what an assault weapon was. Obviously, you didn't. Fair enough. I can accept that.

        Most anti-gunners don't know the breech from a muzzle. They just know they don't understand it so they must fear it. It's the liberal way.

        1. Castlepaloma profile image76
          Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Jonesy50.
          Are you suggesting the liberal way is fearful and only conservative should be allowed their guns?

          Could that be  a Christian Political stacking the deck play?

          I’m fearless and thank God ,not Bigoted

          1. profile image0
            Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I'm not suggesting anything, Castle. What I am stating is Liberals dislike guns. IMHO, that dislike is based mostly in fear, be that because some of them haven't taken the time to learn about guns or they're too lazy to do so. Some dislike them out of ignorance or they've never had the occasion to go to a shooting range.

            There are any number of reasons, Castle, just like there are any number of reasons law-abiding citizens choose to go armed. I have have a permit to carry and do so for my reasons.

            That opinion has nothing to do with my faith, yours, or the lack of it on either of our parts.

            I'm also not a bigot, choosing to not judge a person except by how they treat me or those I care about.

        2. wilderness profile image95
          wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Actually, no it wasn't.  The definition Rad gave was one I could accept and could even agree to a ban on, but it most definitely is not what most of those screaming to ban assault rifles are talking about. 

          Most of those refer to any semi-automatic weapon, including the .22 handgun I had at one time.  And the .22 rifle my grandson has as well as thousands of deer rifles around the country.  As you point out those people haven't a clue what they're talking about, just repeating nonsense that others have spouted.

          It may not make sense to ban the "assault weapon" rad man refers to (and it actually doesn't) but at least it's a reasonable definition that could be worked with.

          1. profile image0
            Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Fair enough. His was a textbook, copy and paste answer. I went with it and should have left your name out of my response. My apologies.

            1. Castlepaloma profile image76
              Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              wilderness

              Deer rifles

              Deer killed one million.2 people a year, where is our defense?

              1. wilderness profile image95
                wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Sorry, Castle, but that one is going right over my head.  Somehow I'm not picking up what you're trying to say.

                1. Castlepaloma profile image76
                  Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Do you get a load of the ammo they used to kill a deer.

                  In reality, the founders put the second amendment in the bill of rights not to ensure Americans could enjoy hunting or target practice, but as a protection against government tyranny.

                  1. profile image0
                    Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    "...as a protection against government tyranny."

                    EXACTLY, Castle. One of the main reasons we won't give up our guns easily. We have them for self-protection and "as a protection against government tyranny."

                    Take your dislike and lack of respect for GWB. Multiply that by 1,000. Now you know how Conservatives and people who believe in the United States Constitution feel about Barack Obama. We don't trust him or anyone else from his administration.

  42. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    I believe the real irony here is that the mass hysteria of these immature threads only goe's to prove the need for  anti- gun people to at least ! Go to school to get educated in weaponry .  There is more mis-information on guns , assault weapons , and  firearms here than ever before !

    1. Castlepaloma profile image76
      Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I would go to school for firearm education, if the defense budget didn't  stacked the deck so high on their information. When your defense budget is 10 times your education budget, guess who gets crushed. Then People want guns to protect themselves from the defense team.

      Gun addiction get like oil addiction, too bad their so many other ways to produce energy, higher education and to be civilized like many other countries

      1. wilderness profile image95
        wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        I doubt very much that the defense budget is 10 times the education budget.  Did you forget to add in the amounts states supply to education?  That's the large bulk of it, after all.

      2. profile image0
        SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Castle,
        You keep on trying to instill some budgetary argument when we are currently working without one. If you insist on joining a conversation regarding the politics of a country of which you do not have first hand knowledge, at least attempt to educate yourself a bit.

        1. Castlepaloma profile image76
          Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          I have met three of your presidents, is that first hand enough?

  43. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    Castlepaloma , what country are u from if I might ask ?  And what printing press are you getting your "facts" from  , trash it man , it aint workin!

    1. Castlepaloma profile image76
      Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Only Believe Half of what you Hear after you have done at least 3 check or more
      Don't believe everything you hear, don't believe everything you read, and only believe half of what you see.

      I base my life on good sense, no matter how you spin your guns, it only make sense to kill an animal for food.

      It's much more intelligent and brave to not kill than to kill.
      If you run of ideas to protect yourself from harm, then you can kill. I can't imagine running out of idea to harm and have a perfect record to prove it.

      Your only allowing more death from a tool that has only one purpose.
      To Kill

      1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
        MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        And here is when I saunter on over the the gun nuts' side for a minute.  Hunting for sport is important in rural areas where when left unchecked an animals population would expand to dangerous proportions.  In WV- where I live- deer season helps keep the white tails in check.  They have few natural preditors in the area and they breed like rabbits.  Even with hunting there are several strips of road where you literally can not drive more than a quarter of a mile without having to hit the breaks to avoid them.  I have hit 3 of them in my life (And narrowly avoided dozens). It totaled one of my cars and did several thousands of dollars combined to two others.  People die from deer/car collisions on a pretty regular basis.  They destroy farms and gardens as well.

        And that is in a state with so many hunters that they used to close school the first week of hunting season in some counties because over 50 percent of the students were going to be gone anyway.  So yes hunting actually serves a purpose.

        Now... on the flip side that means that in November it isn't safe to be anywhere near the woods as a quarter of a million ignorant beer-drinking pickup driving rebel-flag waving idiots who shouldn't own a butter knife carry enough guns and ammo to successfully attack a small country into the trees.

        Some of them have enough skill to bow hunt as well but most of them are too inept to hit the broad side of a barn without taking 6 shots.

        1. wilderness profile image95
          wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          You too, Melissa?  I grew up hunting in Oregon, but when I moved to Virginia I found that it became a drunken ordeal with 10 armed men and 50 dogs chasing some other dog sized creature with antlers while expending as much ammunition as humanely possible - I haven't hunted since. 

          It isn't limited to the east coast, though.

          The elk hunting camp next to ours one year in Oregon had a woman squatting on her heels with her Alaskan Husky between her knees; some intrepid city "hunter" shot her dog and both her knees, protecting her from the wolf attacking her.  I had another city hunter come into the gas station I worked at, looking for a butcher for his bull elk - the mule tied to the top of his rig.

          1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
            MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I hunted until I managed to convince my cousins (19 all male on one side) uncles and father that I did-contrary to their opinion-have a uterus. (Around 12 or so) I continued in marksman ship competitions (both bow and gun) until I convinced them I had breasts as well (no need to list an age on that one) and at least with the bow it messed up my aim.

            I realized that the normally intelligent males in my family lost 40-50 I.Q. points the second that deer season came around.

            1. wilderness profile image95
              wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              lol  That's what I found in Va., too.  Those "hunters" had no brains and they weren't there to feed themselves or even to simply kill something.  They were there to get drunk and have a good time.

              1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
                MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Yep... and we are ARMING them hon smile  Tell me you at least think there should be laws against drinking while armed... please...

                We have laws about driving while drinking...

                1. wilderness profile image95
                  wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Any hunter found within 100 yards of a beer needs locked up for a while and lose their guns for life.

                  I have zero use for drunk drivers and even less for drunken hunters.

                  1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
                    MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    ~Hugs~  Compromise!  Let's go have a beer!

  44. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    Sassy < he's right , The states get there education money first .......Property taxes here !......

    1. profile image0
      SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I know the States provide a bulk of Education monies.. The question was, does he? I was betting no, but now someone has informed him.

      1. Castlepaloma profile image76
        Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Canada is raked number I on education where I am from and was raked 4th best country to live in and the USA 31ST

        The US has real property rights, religious freedom, constitutionally protected gun rights, low taxes, stable government, we do not have over-population, we have great national parks and large diverse geography to move around in.

        Personally I prefer doing business in the USA, but was booted out, for not doing a war sculpture for GW Bush

        1. profile image0
          Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          I have a feeling the present administration would welcome you with open arms, Castle.

        2. wilderness profile image95
          wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Interestingly enough the ratings like that, that rate countries as good to live in, seem to primarily use values that Americans don't appreciate much.  Like socialistic governments although that is changing as our citizens demand more and more entitlements, more and more government to take care of them and support their wants at the cost of someone else.

  45. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    I'll tell you one thing about America , if youre from pakistan, I dont want your opine about ourr country ........same for Canada!.......when you do what America has done in two hundred years ..........Call me !

    1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
      MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Umm... Canada HAS done what we've done in the same amount of time.  Actually they've done it just a bit better.

      1. Ralph Deeds profile image65
        Ralph Deedsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Canadians tend to be more rational on several topics. Two come immediately to mind health care policy and gun regulations.

  46. profile image0
    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    Melissa  , Please!...... its easy for Canada to just sit by the strongest nation since Rome and say .......Look at me Im strong too !.......but to then tear apart America  for egotistic pleasure ? .........sometimes ,,politically  Canada sounds like a grouper fish  swimming withh whales !  And Melissa , I love ya girll!............:-}

  47. RoboView profile image60
    RoboViewposted 11 years ago

    Firearms where here before i took my first breath and will be here after my last.
    People who kill other people are mentally ill that's where the work needs to start

    1. wilderness profile image95
      wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      +1   That's my opinion, too.  The problem isn't guns, it's our society somehow.

      I did some research on homicide rates for countries with varying amounts of gun ownership (wrote a hub on it the other day) and found that there is no correlation.  Without guns, killers apparently just use something else.

    2. BloodRedPen profile image63
      BloodRedPenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      smile And may I add - You can't legislate crazy with a crazy legislature. Washington is in need of a good overhaul.

      1. Ralph Deeds profile image65
        Ralph Deedsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        We all can agree on that. Too much polarization. Too many Tea Partiers.

        1. profile image0
          Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          And the Tea Partiers could say there's FAR, FAR TOO MANY liberals.

          1. wilderness profile image95
            wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            They're both right, too.  We also have too many conservatives; what we need are some real people, people that care for something besides their own pocket book.  Not politicians.

  48. profile image0
    Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years ago

    You can't kill people with a pea shooter or a snow ball.Yet in America they combat
    guns by producing and selling more and more guns.
    In most parts of the world ONLY the police and army possess a gun.
    What would you use a gun otherwise?
    Killing comes to mind.
    No need to be crazy to be a killer but just to have available the weapons.
    Wake up America!!
    Such a violent society yet they think they can keep the peace by
    "protecting" themselves with more and more firearms.

    1. BloodRedPen profile image63
      BloodRedPenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Tell that to the people of Syria. When only the police and military have guns. 60,000 DIE

      1. profile image0
        Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Syria is at war.
        Is USA at war?
        Or  are you armed "just in case" and "some" just
        missuse their privilege??
        The percentage with U.S. in mortality by gun violence
        in Syria  according to the UN and UNESCO is almost the same.
        In Syria you have just a few million people,in the USA over 300 million.
        Something doesn't add up...

        1. Scottie Futch profile image67
          Scottie Futchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Most of the so-called gun violence is between gang members in areas were gun control and regulation is the tightest. Consider that for  moment. The places in this country where it is the most difficult to legally obtain a firearm locally have a tendency to be the locations where most people are being harmed or killed.

          Attempting to compare one country to another when it comes to firearms is a fallacy. Japan has the lowest firearm deaths per capita out of any country due to their mostly homogeneous racial background and culture of submission to authority. They have no guns for citizens. Switzerland also has a mostly homogeneous culture but they demand that every able bodied male in the age of majority become trained and own a full-automatic weapon. Their firearms deaths are also among the lowest in the world per capita, comparing ANY country to America in terms of what would work is a fallacy. There are too many diverse cultures, too much repressed racial hatred that people just can't seem to let go of, and too much constant internal warfare for a ban on guns to work. A few sensical registration requirements make sense. Disarmament and subsequent domination of some of our towns by drug cartels and gangs, among other possibilities, is NOT sensical. This isn't an alarmist reaction, this is a fact. It has come close to happening in many American border towns and it HAS happened in many Mexican border towns.

          Drugs and crime are too popular once you go south of the border in the US, and continues downward for several other countries in that direction. Lots of those drugs and a good deal of crime comes upward to America because our war on drugs makes it ever so profitable.

          People have this idea that the US Military is just 'too big to fail'. Sorry to burst your bubble but there is too much land for law enforcement and the military to completely defend it. If you combine the numbers of law enforcement both state and federal with military personnel the number is less than 4,000,000 total. That seems like a lot but it is only roughly the population of Los Angeles. There are nearly 3.8 million square miles of United States land and sea to cover. We have trouble mobilizing national guard troops for massive natural disasters at times and people want to believe that we can stop a massive upsurge in violent crime when we are unarmed? Newsflash, there are hundreds of millions of firearms in this country that have NEVER KILLED ANYONE. There are somewhere around 80-90X more firearms in this country than law enforcement and Military in this country.

          Take a look at what strict gun laws get you when you're fighting for your homeland against drug cartels. http://www.theblaze.com/contributions/m … massacres/

          Citizens have to defend themselves, but slowly over the course of the last century people have become indoctrinated into a society of "I deserve this,give me that." Instead of learning personal responsibility and taking up the mantle of self-protection in a world that is far more dangerous than they want to believe, many people seem to think it is only proper to let someone ELSE protect them. It's your life. Give up your ability to directly defend it at your own discretion. I have no intention of doing so and even if it did come down to one of those 'black helicopter' scenarios and I die horribly, I don't care. I was never under the mistaken belief that I was going to live forever. My life is precious. The lives of my friends and family are precious. I will not surrender them and have them live in fear of some random scumbag with a knife, bat, or gun just because some people can't get their heads out of their butts long enough to realize this country is at war with itself in its inner-cities and many of our politicians are NOT interested in the American dream unless it's THEIR dream.

          Anyone who thinks they can count on the Police entirely to defend them is living in a fantasy land. It's not because the police aren't competent, it's because there is too much land and opportunity for a crime to occur. How often does the police arrive in time to stop a violent crime compared to how often they show up in time to just take a statement and look for the perpetrator? Think about that when you consider disarming a populace because 'it makes sense'.

      2. profile image0
        Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        That's a WAR not everyday in America where it's ALAWAYS war!!!

  49. profile image0
    Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years ago

    You wouldn't need to "protect" your family if NO ONE had guns!
    Killers seem to be isolated to American soil only....
    More and more guns only creates more deaths!

    1. Scottie Futch profile image67
      Scottie Futchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Strange.. last I heard people were chopping up little kids with knives and axes all over the world. Drug cartels in mexico kill tens out thousands of citizens of that country every year but hey.. at least the citizens there don't have mean old nasty guns to hurt themselves with. Someone might get hurt if they had the capacity to defend themselves right? pfft.

  50. profile image0
    Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years ago

    Tsk..tsk...tsk....Thank God most civilized countries don't have a
    second amendment .
    That's the source of violence in America.
    The right to own a firearm???
    Still in the Middle Ages I'm afraid...

    1. LucidDreams profile image64
      LucidDreamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, why do we really need firearms? Because we have been talked into the fact they are neccessary, Oh well, living in America!

      1. profile image54
        whoisitposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Because the bad guys have firearms. Are you going to protect me?

        1. profile image0
          Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          NO ONE including bad guys should have fire arms!!
          That's the key to the whole thing.
          You have already decided that the "bad guys" would always have guns.
          If no one has guns you don't need protection.
          If you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem dear WHOISIT!!

          1. Scottie Futch profile image67
            Scottie Futchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            How exactly do you intend to keep them from getting firearms? America is one of the physically largest countries on the planet with thousands of miles of land based borders and tens of thousands of sea based borders. There are not enough military and law enforcement officers in the country to keep guns from getting into the country, not including the people who would simply make them in their basements. Zipguns are deadly, and what next.. a ban on gas-powered nail guns? No more bows? We going to ban sharp objects? I think England should ban those pesky sharp objects since so many people get stabbed to death each year.

            If we were a physically much smaller country, something like the size of Japan or smaller, and surrounded by water on all sides then we might be able to completely stop gun smuggling via a totalitarian police state. It won't work unless we sell off large chunks of real-estate and find the tax money to hire a lot more law enforcement personnel.

            1. Castlepaloma profile image76
              Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Scottie Futch

              It sounds like everything could kill you, are you you don't work for an insurance company?

          2. profile image0
            Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Zerlina,

            If that picture is of you, you're a pretty girl that I'm sure gets her fair share of attention from afar. If a criminal is coming at you with a knife with only the worst of intentions (remember, now, he does have a knife), would you rather:

            A. Scream as he kills you?

            or 

            B. Draw a gun and shoot him?

            Criminals are going to do what they want by any means necessary and I prefer to be the one bring the gun to the knife fight.

            Of course, there is another idea. I could just always have a slow-running liberal with me. That way I just have to out run the liberal. I like that idea!!!

            1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
              MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              A third alternative is beating his everloving ass. 

              I assume you are playing the rape card and you do women a disservice.  You are being especially insulting to this particular female liberal...

              He would have to put the knife down or at least to the side to unbutton his pants... in that time THIS liberal woman would have put his gonads somewhere around his bellybutton.

              Not all second amenders say stupid crap like "but what if someone tries to rape you" but those who do generally just reinforce the idea that they shouldn't be trusted with a gun anyway.

              1. You assume a women is helpless without a big bad gun to protect her. 
              2. You assume that women are frightened by big bad rapists and use that to your advantage.
              3.  You assume that shooting someone would be less psychologically damaging to a women then being raped.

              And before you have the audacity to ask the really stupid question that usually comes next when I have this conversation...

              Yes as a matter of fact I have been... No I don't wish I had a gun when it happened it wouldn't have improved the outcome not one bit.  No I'm not in the least bit scared it will happen again.

              1. profile image0
                Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                First, no, actually rape didn't even enter my mind and being insulting to you wasn't either. I was making a point with Zerlina. I must say I do like your idea on how to handle a rapist and am sincerely sorry you experienced that.

                I know a woman who was raped and she now carries a pistol legally. She's said it won't happen to her again either. It effected her differently in how she decided to deal with it.

                Second, there is a special place in hell for a guy who would do such a thing. I would never ask such questions of anyone, Melissa. I regret that you think I would.

                1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
                  MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Thank you for that very respectful post.

                  I understand that there are women that have come out the other side wanting a gun for protection.  It's one of the reasons that I DON'T oppose handguns for self defense... It is also one of the reasons that I also would like psych testing before allowing someone to carry one.  PTSD can make people hyper-vigilant.  Hyper-vigilance and hand-guns don't mix.

                  I also see the need for hunting.

                  I don't see the need for constitutional protection for collectors.

                  I don't want to ban guns... I don't want my kids to see them everyday.

                  I want to make sure that those who scream so loudly about their rights also know that they are going to be severely punished if they don't use those rights responsibly.  I also want to make sure that idiots and crazy people were never legally armed in the first place...  This DOES happen...(again the Fort Hood shooting was done with a legally obtain handgun)

                  The constitution doesn't say "Here are your rights with no limitations".  Almost every amendment has exceptions and requirements. The second amendment shouldn't be special.

                  1. profile image0
                    Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Perhaps you would like for all states to have to go through what I had to to get my permit to carry legally. In Tennessee, a person who wishes to legally carry must:

                    1. Take a course on the state laws, safe operation and carry of a handgun.

                    2. Qualify on a shooting range.

                    3. Pass a written test.

                    4. Take the certificate given to the Tennessee Department of Safety and apply for a Handgun Carry Permit (HCP).

                    5. Pay the $115 fee.

                    6. Get fingerprinted so they can be submitted with their application.

                    7. The application and fingerprints are sent to the FBI and TBI where background checks are run with federal, state, and local authorities.

                    8. This process usually takes less than 90 days. Mine took 107.

                    9. IF the applicant is approved, they are issued a HCP and can legally carry a handgun.

                    10. The permit must be renewed every four years.

                    What do you think?

                2. profile image0
                  Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  I also know a woman that was raped at knife point.
                  She didn't go out and bought a gun.
                  She learned krag maga the Israeli  deadly self
                  defense method and VOILA' !!!!
                  Twice she used it and twice she didn't use a gun.
                  Now she is well known and respected all over town.
                  No one would even think to attack her unless they are willing
                  to loose their manhood without anesthesia... ;-))
                  That woman is my 45 years old gorgeous mother.

                  1. profile image0
                    Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    She sounds like a great role model. People handle tragedy in different ways, Zerlina. My friend decided the best way for her was to become very proficient with a handgun. With her way, she doesn't have to get within striking distance.

              2. profile image0
                Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                WOW!!
                Excellent answer Melissa!!!
                Need for hunting??
                Supermarkets are well stocked and rather inexpensive.
                Men patronizing and misjudging  women are a symptom of a
                much bigger problem prevalent in America.
                We can't have a brain or an intelligent thought.
                We are just "pretty things" to be seen but not heard.
                Brava for your answer!!!
                BTW,I love your postings.

                1. Scottie Futch profile image67
                  Scottie Futchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  The 1950s ended a while ago Zerlina. We don't just pat a lady on the head and tell her "now, now" dear anymore. Though many other countries could learn to evolve beyond that mindset and stop doing that themselves.

                  What does a well stocked supermarket have to do with subsistence hunting? Why should I or anyone else have to go out and eat something someone else provides for us when we can survive by our own means? Should I feel it better to pay someone to murder a cow or a head of lettuce for me rather than take the responsibility of my own survival into my own two hands?

                  The biggest problem in America in my humble opinion is not gun control, patronizing male chuvanism, or even rape. The biggest problem is that so many people are coming to believe that their survivial and day to day lives are someone else's problem to safe guard.

                  Zerlina your friend went out and learned Krav Meaga. Many people in this country won't even do that much to defend themselves in the future. They'll sit and whine about how the police didn't come rescue them in time and then complain about how violent people are and how guns should be banned. Some of these same people will complain about sport violence and there are even those who want to ban martial arts instruction as it 'promotes violence and makes kids think it's ok to hurt people.'

                  1. profile image0
                    Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    A very educated and understandable posting.
                    I agree,we must be the guardians of our own safety
                    and future.
                    I just never understood the hunting mentality,that's all.
                    Your "humble opinions" is very smart and well justified  one!

            2. profile image0
              Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              The imaginary situation is not just highly improbable but very
              difficult.
              I live in loving and very safe countries where weapons are outlawed.
              Yes,I'm told I'm pretty but I also possess 2 PHDs and 3 doctorates
              which makes me just gorgeous!.  ;-))
              Mensa considers me a highly intelligent individual with a 183
              I.Q.
              I finished high school at the ripe age of 11 and university at 15
              with the youngest doctorate  ever given.
              You present me with a very personal and highly difficult  moral decision to make:
              Kill or be killed.
              Neither one for  would a viable solution for the conundrum.
              A)  A knife is not a mass killing weapon.
              B)  Because I'm "so pretty" whom would be heartless enough
              to want to kill me and why ??? ;-p
              C)  According to statistics in the US most of the mass killings
              are done with firearms ( not knives,base ball sticks,stones or
              arrows..)
              D)  The percentage of gun increases while the educational level and
              life expectancy  decreases in all countries including under developed
              ones or " third world countries ".
              E)  By me owning an imaginary  gun doesn't  give a solution to the overwhelming situation in the USA,it just magnifies the problem.
              F)  When in doubt take the high road 80% of the times or face sure  failure 100% of the times.
              Warm wishes!

              1. GA Anderson profile image88
                GA Andersonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Impressive credentials. I'm sure I'm not alone in anxiously waiting to see the caliber of your writing.
                As soon as you publish something besides forum posts that is.

                But, with those credentials - you must be very very busy with all that intellectual stuff. So why are you in the Hubpage's forums?

                Wait... Sophia A. sent you didn't she.
                geesh... smells like a sock puppet to me...

                GA

                1. profile image0
                  Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  I do not get your humor.
                  I came here because one of my colleagues
                  said this was an intellectual fun place to be.
                  A lot of people here seem to be very smart, worldly  and well
                  educated people.
                  Yes,I'm very busy with "all that intellectual stuff" but I also
                  need to relax and change pace so I visit many sites like this.
                  Writing?
                  I don't do writing I'm afraid,but I do discuss prevalent and up to
                  date issues with friends and colleagues which obviously isn't
                  proper to do here,unless you agree with everything said...

                  1. A Driveby Quipper profile image58
                    A Driveby Quipperposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Right. You remind me of a guy I met in a bar. He didn't play pool.

      2. profile image54
        whoisitposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Again, liberals don't want armed guards at schools because it cost too much, it might frighten the children. What are you willing to do to keep children safe? Apparently nothing, but don't stop those food stamps because the children got to eat! You're not willing to do anything except give up your rights. You are sheep in a world full of wolves.

        1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
          MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Well... this liberal doesn't want armed guards in school because this is America... not Palestine.  I also don't want children exposed to a firearm daily... it teaches them that they are OK.  I don't want my children raised thinking that. It teaches that the solution to violence is MORE violence... that all you need to beat a bully is a bigger bully. 

          This isn't the Wild West... Schools aren't supposed to be compounds. 

          No child should have to go to school thinking that the only way they are safe during learning is because some high-school drop out with a gun is keeping them that way.  They are kids; they aren't stupid.

          In addition there is absolutely no indication that it would work.  If one gunman can shoot 45 people in the middle of Fort Hood (yeah no guns there) and still manage to live through it... what exactly is one Barney Fife with a Glock going to do?

          1. profile image0
            Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Melissa, I agree schools aren't suppose to be compounds. But the world isn't filled with people who think that way. A mentally-unstable person doesn't see it that way and, if they want to do harm, a locked door isn't going to stop them. Case in point - the Sandy Hook shooting.

            Just think what may have happened if that courageous principle had had a permit to carry and took that nutcase down with a double tap to the head rather than having to try to tackle him.

            No one is advocating some high school drop out guard our kids, I don't know where you live but the police in my town have to have at least an associates degree along with their police training. Most are former military. We're wanting police officers and trained teachers to have that ability to stop something like Sandy Hook, not the TSA screener from the airport.

            One poster said something about the police officer getting involved in disciplinary actions with kids. He have School Resource Officers (SRO) in our schools. They're deputies on the sheriff department. The SRO only gets involved if a crime has taken place. I know the SRO who was at my son's high school and I could not have been happier he was there.

            Unlike some of the posters on this forum, you seem like a reasonable person. Perhaps you should rethink this and study it some more. Your school board nor mine is going to put someone in charge security who isn't qualified.

            1. Ralph Deeds profile image65
              Ralph Deedsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              +++ (Melissa)

            2. MelissaBarrett profile image58
              MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              1. I live in West Virginia where anyone with over an associates degree is going to be doing work other than standing around holding a gun while teenagers verbally harass him/her.  We aren't talking about police officers here... we are talking about security guards... The level of training is quite different. 

              2. Training teachers to be combat ready is also impossible.  The level of man-hours it would take for training far exceeds practical.  In addition the majority of teachers ARE liberal.  You would have mass walk-outs if you tried to force them to carry guns.

              3. Well... in Fort Hood what happened was several highly trained military personnel were gunned down trying to stop him.  One lay bleeding while the shooter kicked her gun away from her hand. 




              *Smiles* Are you implying that as a reasonable person all I have to do is rethink this and I'll agree with you? That's kind of... er.... egotistical isn't it? I think I am a reasonable person... I have thought this through and I still disagree with you. 

              My school board... like many across the nation... is financially strapped.  It is going to hire out security guards to the lowest bidder.  Most other school boards will do the same.  Government contracts generally work like that.  Do you really want your kids in a building with a guard- a person who gets tormented on a daily basis by 500-1000 kids- carrying a loaded gun and supplied by an agency who offered the lowest bid on a government contract?

              1. profile image0
                SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Hi Melissa,

                Firstly, I am not so sure putting armed guards in every school is a good choice or a bad one. However, are you aware that there are already armed guards in 1/3 of our public schools? Are you aware that the school where the President's children attend employs no less than 11 armed guards? And reports indicate they are attempting to hire another? What seems a crazy off the wall statement, is really what has already been employed in some areas.

                1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
                  MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  I WAS aware of that.  I was also aware that Columbine also had an armed guard. 

                  What the President does doesn't concern me. It's irrelevant to my opinions on putting guards at schools.

                  Even if I weren't already homeschooling my children an armed guard would be enough to pull them out of school.  In a related note many parents are already doing such after Sandy Hook.  There has been a spike in homeschool curriculum sales since the shooting.

                  That perhaps points at another solution for parents.  (steps off of home-school soapbox)

              2. profile image0
                Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Nothing egotistical about it, Melissa.

                I just think the liberal, knee-jerk reaction on Sandy Hook is nothing more than using the death of 20 kids to further their political agenda.

                "Do you really want your kids in a building with a guard- a person who gets tormented on a daily basis by 500-1000 kids- carrying a loaded gun and supplied by an agency who offered the lowest bid on a government contract?"

                We already have armed deputies in our schools and they've been nothing but a good thing. These men and women are law enforcement officers and I've never seen any of them treated with anything but respect. If the kids in your school district are tormenting someone, perhaps there's a lack of discipline in the schools and at home that needs to be addressed.

                1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
                  MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Why do you assume it's knee-jerk? 

                  I've been pro gun control for years.  I do know about guns.  I've used them and grew up around them. I know the laws.  I know the statistics-on both sides.  Why do you assume that someone who disagrees with you must not understand the situation?  I understand it perfectly well.  I still disagree with you.

                  In addition while you see it as an attempt by the liberals to further a cause  I likewise see it as an attempt of the 2nd amenders to spread their agenda.  Both sides are using fear tactics to do it.  Neither side is exactly taking the moral high-road here.

                  You seemed to ignore my statement of fact that at both Columbine and Fort Hood there WERE armed and trained personnel... It didn't seem to lessen the carnage.  I'll add in Virginia Tech too.

                  Could you explain to me exactly in what scenario you think an armed guard would do anything other than provide the first target for the shooter?  Please remember that your average spree shooter has an IQ that will likely far exceed that of the guard and ample time to plan the shooting while the guard will be taken by surprise.

                  1. profile image0
                    Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    You can disagree all you want. Just no one should think they're going to get my guns without one hell of a fight.

                    The "2nd Amenders" just want the government to leave us alone, Melissa.

                    Columbine were two punk high school kids. Fort Hood was a whacked out terrorist. The guy at VA Tech was mentally ill.

                    As for the armed guard as you keep calling them, I'm talking about trained police officers, as we have here where I live.

          2. profile image54
            whoisitposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Police carry guns, children are exposed to them daily. Guns are ok, as a matter of fact the only thing wrong with guns is the idiots who sometimes get a hold of them! President Obama's children attend school where there are armed guards so why shouldn't all children receive the same protection? The liberal agenda now is to attempt to take our firearms loosing one more of our Constitutional freedoms and the right to protect ourselves from an overbearing tyrannical government.

            We have a large military and each school in this Nation deserves to be guarded, who said schools would have to be a compound? Place an active duty soldier,Marine,Airman,Seaman at all schools in uniform or not. Conceal the weapon they carry and publicize it and I bet these shootings will stop. The United States spent 6 Billion dollars yesterday, they will spend 6 Billion today,tomorrow and the next day. Protecting our children is more important than spending money on PBS.

            1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
              MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Oh... guards at a school wouldn't serve as determent at all.  They might conceivably reduce or eliminate body count but they wouldn't stop a shooter from trying.

              These people either commit suicide or are prepared to commit suicide by cop.  They are planning on getting killed either way.  Saying "someone will kill you" is kinda a "duh" thing.

              And my daughter has seen one gun in her entire life...  She's around police/ex police all the time.  Guns don't come in my home and I don't go into someone's home who owns a gun.  My mother-in-law (my daughter saw the gun at her house) was told to either get rid of the gun or don't expect visitations at her house.

              My daughter doesn't run into police officers on the job and armed...  I'm not sure how daily happens but she's managed once in 4 years... which is the same amount of times I've been exposed to a firearm.

              1. profile image54
                whoisitposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Armed guards would not serve as a deterrent because you say so? Do you have proof of that or are we just supposed to take your word for it based on the fact you are an expert?

                Please don't bother to respond if this is all you bring.

                1. Ralph Deeds profile image65
                  Ralph Deedsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Armed guards would tend to become involved in student disciplinary matters traditionally and best handled by teachers and school administrators. They would tend to stick their noses into these matters and/or teachers might invite them to deal with student disciplinary matters that they should be dealing with. Moreover, where would the money come from. Typical NRA supporters are hardly the ones who elect public officials who support taxes for public education. LaPierre's recommendation is not a serious or workable proposal.

                  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLjNJI54GMM

                2. MelissaBarrett profile image58
                  MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  *pats head*  Yes dear...

                  Feel like being belligerent much?

                  Lets see your links proving that suicidal people will be deterred by people who want to shoot them.

        2. Castlepaloma profile image76
          Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          More guns, more trouble

          1. profile image0
            Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            More guns in the hands of law-abiding citizens, less crime.

            NEXT!!!

            1. profile image0
              Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              How about if guns were illegal to own??
              We haven't seen a decrease in crime in the USA even
              when streets are flooded with firearms and it's legal to possess one
              .The opposite is true.
              More guns,more violence and crime.
              America is a paradise for violence,crimes and horrible living
              conditions due to the fear of been another statistic in the gun wars...
              NEXT PATIENT PLEASE!!!

              1. profile image0
                Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                "How about if guns were illegal to own??"

                God, you're naive. How many criminals do you know that care about whether or not the gun they carry is legal or not?

                "America is a paradise for violence,crimes and horrible living
                conditions due to the fear of been another statistic in the gun wars."


                Then why are you here? If it's so bad here, Delta is ready when you are. You're certainly capable of and invited to leave here on the next flight out.

                I would rather eat in a restaurant with 50 handgun carry permit holders than just one thug carrying illegally. Of course, I would much rather eat alone than anywhere near a liberal.

                1. profile image0
                  Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  See?
                  I'm NOT here but I often work HERE so I can see the
                  socio-economical problems from the OUTSIDE which it's
                  the only way to assess a violence related issue,not
                  from inside.
                  Your problem is that you don't see the forest because of the trees...
                  You mean to tell me the great majority of countries around the world
                  without guns don't know they live in a fantasy world ??
                  Hush hush...they might hear you!
                  ROFLMAO!!  Typical reaction: live with my mistakes or get out
                  of  the country!!!!! ( Sadly, great minds did so...)
                  I don't live HERE and only travel Emirates Airways because as
                  a member of the UN I travel for free with them...
                  I hope you enjoy your dinner...and are able to digest it.
                  I much rather be in a place where ONLY the police carry guns.
                  Can you imagine the mayhem in that imaginary restaurant if a light
                  bulb explodes or a firecracker is lit??
                  I doubt it you'll enjoy your dessert....LOLOL.

                  1. profile image0
                    Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    I'm beginning to believe GA is right.

                    Bless your little heart. You have a good evening, "Zerlina."

                    I'm going back to reality.

          2. profile image0
            Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            DITTO Castlepaloma!!!
            You don't throw more gasoline to a fire to extinguish it...
            Guns have ONLY one purpose:
            TO KILL.

            1. profile image0
              SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Alright, so here's the thing. You are welcome to your opinion. However, please don't abuse the hospitality. You want to debate? Fine. You want to insult and act all holier than thou? Take your green card, VISA, passport, and yourself, hop the next plane and go live in one of those countries you find so much better than the USA. No one is holding you hostage here.
              As you stated, you don't understand our position. You don't have a 2nd Amendment. Nor a Bill of Rights. We do. There is a history there, there is a reason there.
              You can have your opinion and state it. But take your arrogance back to Europe where it belongs.

              1. profile image0
                Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Here is another thing:
                I'm NOT here !!!.
                I never insult,I just vehemently disagree without been personal.
                You are NOT qualified to give or take your country's hospitality
                in the same way I'm not qualified to tell you to shut up and go to
                learn from other countries much older than yours and without the gun violence problem.
                If I disagree with you I must leave your country right away ??.
                LOLOL.
                I'm not "HERE"!!
                Most of the world isn't here!
                I'm knowledgeable  NOT arrogant or holier than thou!!
                I don't put down your amazing country either!.
                I just point out  problems that people like you make even bigger.
                Besides other places in Earth have Bills of Rights too.
                Your idea that yours is an exclusive and perfect position
                only proves that you are wrong.
                If you were right no guns problems would be so prevalent "HERE".
                I have never said other countries are better or worse than the USA,
                I just pointed out what guns are doing to your society which it's
                not a secret.
                That said,YOUR arrogance as an American isn't becoming at all
                because most of your countrymen aren't.!

                Kiss, kiss, Sassy Sue!!

                1. profile image0
                  SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  America is a paradise for violence,crimes and horrible living
                  conditions due to the fear of been another statistic in the gun wars..

                  That's the source of violence in America.
                  The right to own a firearm???
                  Still in the Middle Ages I'm afraid...

                  Killing squirrels for fun?
                  Such an ad nausea details about a gun?
                  What kind of child were you?
                  That's the way serial killers are made.

                  Traveling would make a huge difference for most Americans, as well
                  as studying a new language or doing something culturally positive
                  instead of going out shooting at something,


                  Hmmm..fairly insulting stuff. Even worse that you don't consider it such. You are arrogant and believe everyone who disagrees with your point is some backward fool living in the Middle Ages. It was YOUR comment about the 2nd Amendment, how we are the only country to have such a thing.
                  Your profile says you live (sometimes) in NY.  Here is a newsflash sweetie pie. The majority of us (not all ) have no interest in being the UK, Italy, Germany, etc. Here's another: they have plenty of violence there as well. I could fill the page with it. You rely on biased media about America and think you have enough knowledge to comment on it. You don't. There is a difference, and it is pretty discernible, between stating your opinion and looking down your nose.
                  Did not tell you to leave because you disagreed. Told you to leave because of that high bred attitude of yours. It oozes out of every post.

                  Oh but the best for last:
                  "I just point out  problems that people like you make even bigger."

                  You aren't here. You don't know squat about our problems. You only have an opinion formed from what others have told you in the media, formed from pieces of our news on some particular day, and your own experiences half a world a way. Not OUR experiences.
                  And you don't know me from Adam. As difficult as I can see it is for you, thinking so highly of yourself and all, don't presume to pass a judgement on me with your limited knowledge.

              2. profile image0
                Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Easy, Sassy. She's not worth it. Just another "foreigner."

                1. profile image0
                  Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  ROFLMAO!!
                  Never mind...
                  Enough said...

                  1. tammybarnette profile image61
                    tammybarnetteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Nice to meet you Zerlina, welcome to the hub pages, your opinions are appreciated, and I would love to travel, would love to try in living Italy, I have always wanted to experience different cultures, especially beautiful Italy. Don't let Sassy scare you away, lol, her bark is worse than her bite...she is really quite cool, and intelligent, even though we usually disagree on everything politically, she has always been respectful, and a class act smile Welcome, hope you love it here as much as we do smile

              3. Quilligrapher profile image73
                Quilligrapherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Hello, Ms. Sue.

                Not one member of Congress, to my knowledge, has demanded an inquiry into the social causes for the slaughter of 20 innocent children in our own country but there were three (3) conservative driven Congressional hearings into the deaths of four armed Americans in war torn Bengazi, Lybia.

                Care to tell us once again, Ms. Sue, why foreigners have no business questioning your American superiority? 
                http://s2.hubimg.com/u/6919429.jpg

                1. profile image0
                  SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Four "armed" Americans Quill? I think you are mistaken. 

                  Further, if you had actually read the posts, Quill, you would realize I did not have an issue with a stated opinion, rather the  omnipotent and empirical attitude which accompanied it.

                  You can blame the "take all their guns" people for the complete lack of any attention to social causes. It's all the fault of the guns you know  People have nothing to do with it. smile

                  1. MelissaBarrett profile image58
                    MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Most of us that support gun control have no desire to "take all your guns". 

                    We acknowledge that guns are only part of the problem... but they are the easiest to fix quickly...  Other solutions would take a generation or two to enact.

                    We also stand agape at the fact that many (not all) of the 2nd amendment gang don't acknowledge that people don't shoot other people with toasters.  They also don't pick up bullets and throw them real fast.

                    To us it is blatantly obvious that guns are part of the problem...  So why ignore what is obviously part of the problem? 

                    If a problem exists and you know some of the causes then fix them.  That seems completely logical to me.  Will it fix the whole problem?  Nope.  But it WILL fix some of it.

                  2. Quilligrapher profile image73
                    Quilligrapherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Hi Sue.

                    Read the US Senate Special Report on Benghazi. It says that the two former Navy Seals killed were American Diplomatic Security Agents. {1} I think it is reasonable, due to the anemic security conditions, to expect Ambassador Stevens and Foreign Service Officer Sean Smith would have been armed during the attack but I have not found a report to support that notion.

                    Also related but not relevant, the doctor who treated Mr. Stevens later at a nearly hospital told the BBC that he spent an hour trying to revive the Ambassador and that he died from smoke inhalation. {2}
                    http://s2.hubimg.com/u/6919429.jpg
                    {1} http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2012/image … nghazi.pdf
                    {2}  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19587068

      3. profile image0
        Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Dreamer,

        The simply answer would be because the criminals have guns and our judicial system doesn't keep the animals of our society where they belong - in a cage.

        How hard is that for you to understand?

        Just because liberals would rather be a victim doesn't mean the rest of us would. If you don't like guns, cringe at the site of one, that's okay. You can cringe and hide behind those of us who do carry when something bad happens.

        Just remember, if you keep your nose clean and don't try to hurt a law-abiding citizen, they won't shoot you. I know you can't say the same thing about the animal who wants your wallet or worse.

      4. profile image0
        Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        The more guns available the more the toll
        on innocent lives.
        Only in America....

        1. profile image0
          Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          "Only in America...." do we have the right constitutionally to keep and bear arms. That's a good thing.

      5. profile image0
        Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        You seem to be a man very intelligent and with lots of common sense.
        If you could only make understand the rest of the firearms addicted
        crowds the USA would be a much happier place to live in!

    2. profile image0
      Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Zerlina,

      You don't get out much, do you?

      Turn on your TV. Perhaps watch the news. Take a peek at the Middle East stories. I think you'll find they're not the warm, fuzzy, special-interest pieces. You did know we have a couple of wars going on, right?

      1. profile image0
        Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Obviously YOU don't get out of your country very often Jonesy!!
        I travel all over the world in a monthly basis because of my job,
        and needless to say I see the great majority of civilized countries
        with societies WITHOUT easily available guns and firearms.
        Wars are of political and socio-economic character NOT fighting
        with raw power hand guns in schools,churches,malls and highways.
        Your misconception of the purpose of fire arms is very common
        in America.
        As long as it makes money they'll keep churning them out!!
        Just like tobacco,hard drugs,bows and arrows,huge knives and
        other "right to have" weapons.
        They all kill you VERY DEAD but yet you embrace a society
        of violence,decay and sheer terror.
        Your TV is another source of gaudy bloodshed.
        Believe me: NO other country in the worlds is in such a
        social upheaval as the USA.....in fact we all wait for the next
        massacre caused  by firearms.
        We never see so prevalent that problem in England,France,Italy,
        Switzerland,Portugal,Germany,Scandinavian Countries,Arab countries,Japan,China,Australia,Indonesia,Austria,Czech Republic,Russia and so on...and so on...
        You fail to see that America is always in the news with
        calamities due to GUNS AND FIREARMS!!! which are prohibited
        in the civilized world.
        Just my impression as a world traveler...

        1. Castlepaloma profile image76
          Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Zerlina
          A world  traveler too
          Only 7 per cent of Americans own passports, imagine if most Americans had passportS and traveled just parts of the world.
          I'm sure most of them would change their perspetive about guns

          1. profile image0
            Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Castlepaloma:
            A man after my own heart.!!
            Only 18% have been outside the country except Mexico or Canada.
            The horrible misinformation and strange believes in America
            are due mostly to the lack of knowledge and exposure
            to other countries,cultures and ideas.
            I agree with you.
            Traveling would make a huge difference for most Americans, as well
            as studying a new language or doing something culturally positive
            instead of going out shooting at something,

            would open up new worlds the great majority never thought of.
            Time to get out of America and see the real world folks !!
            "It is hard to keep them down at the farm after they saw Paree" like my
            English teacher used to say.LOLOL.
            Oh!!! the wonders of other civilizations!!
            Warm wishes.

        2. profile image0
          Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          As usual, you're wrong, AGAIN. I've been to Great Britain, France, and Switzerland numerous times as well as Russia, China, and parts of the Great Litter Box know as the Middle East. I've been all over the U.S. as well. Yes, I like it here better.

          I take it you're not a U.S. Citizen. Is that correct?

          Living in New York, I can understand why you might think this country is violent. Nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there. Maybe you should travel the U.S. some. The people of the South are very nice. Yes, some of us carry guns, approximately 380,000 in my state alone, but you should be perfectly safe. You see, we only shoot the bad guys.

          1. wilderness profile image95
            wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Are you claiming you don't walk to work every day in sheer terror for your life?

            Me neither...

            1. profile image0
              Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              The part of town I work in isn't the greatest, but I'll survive. The dead bodies are usually left closer to the main road to the interstate, stacked up like cord wood. This time of year, it's not too bad, as cold as it is, but the summer time, with the heat and humidity, man, it stinks. lol

          2. Castlepaloma profile image76
            Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Had one report said 7 per cent of Americans own passports. Another report said “just 22% of Americans own a passport” Not clear if 7% is not including children and border cards

            1. profile image0
              Jonesy50posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Add in all the illegals and 22% will quickly drop to 7%. They don't have documentation either.

            2. Scottie Futch profile image67
              Scottie Futchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              That 7% is just how many are issues more or less in a given year. They're good for 10 years here and there are over 117,000,000 active valid American passports. More than 1/3 of the populace has one.

              Outside of monetary issues a lot of Americans don't travel abroad due to uncertainty about their safety in foreign countries where they don't have as much right to defend themselves. Others worry about local laws and whether or not they can eat the food and drink the water without getting sick.

              Mostly a lot of people don't leave America because it's freaking huge and has a lot to offer. The same way a guy from Germany goes to France on Holiday we go to another State because you know.. most of our states are larger than many countries.

              1. profile image0
                ahorsebackposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                ++++

          3. profile image0
            Zerlina Baumgarteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Been wrong 100% of the times is as preposterous as believing
            YOU are right 100% of the times.
            I have citizenship in 4 countries and a UN passport.
            What else would I need??
            380.000 guns?
            I'm glad you like it there.
            Please stay there with all your guns!
            Yes I did live in the south,including Florida, Mississippi, Georgia,
            New Mexico and Alabama.
            Now tell me the rather uncivilized phrase: "If you don't like it get out!!"
            Not the best way to solve such a overwhelming problem YOU have
            I must say.
            Every coin has 2 faces and you refuse to see the other side.
            But what do I know??
            I'm ALWAYS  wrong and YOU are ALWAYS  right!!!
            ;-p

          4. Castlepaloma profile image76
            Castlepalomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Zerlina

            I hope you come back with a few more new fresh ways of thinking and Ideas. My baby  boomer generation experience (sorry we dropped the ball) still with back your high energy up. The winds of kindness will change  the mid-evil Guns and Gods way of thinking, it will shrink a great deal in a decade or two. Don't let gun bullies get you down or this so called military intelligence, freedom fighters, business.

            Jonesy
            You stateted to me,  "as usual, you're wrong, AGAIN."
            Sometimes I don't get the exact stats correct on the first time out because of the many polictical varibles. Yet always adjust my stats to the best sourses that can be found.

            If you think Bush was a great President George. Yes  W. Bush  was in the  Guinness World Record holder? Sort of.
            1.  Bush was among baseball fans who donned sunglasses at a night's Texas Rangers game.
            2.  Most war protests took place in various cities across the world. ..
            3  Bush as  Texus Governor had most death penilties in prisons

            Not on the World Records yet
            President George Bush's occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq, and his so-called war on terror,  Total cost to America beats World War I, the Korean War, or Vietnam, and second only to the $2 trillion cost of World War II (in current dollars).

            If oil man GW Bush fame is finding weapons of mass destruction, being in the guninness world record for most death penlities, breaking many of trade realationships with Canada and brecking our traditional peace of not going to war and worst, killing the poor people.

            On a personal bases, Bush stopped my USA work visas for not supporting his imperlistist war.

            Did a survey on Bush, he was by far voted as the worst president in America history. You find GW Bush to be a great President and put down Obama and liberals in general often. I agree with many things Obama says, although lost respect when he dose not follow them through. Ron Paul is too intelligent to be president, who wants to be a puppet-ed president anyways.

            Employment in the USA has half of what Canada was before Bush arrived, today USA unemployment is almost double of what we have today, a silver lining at the least.

            Bush policy have kept America the leaders in prisons, guns, nuclear weapons, and wars, Did not know there were that many  hillbilles, cowboys and rednecks in the US. Did a survey on Bush, he was, by far voted as the worst President in American history.

            If you think Bush was a great President, and he is consistence. Yes I agree, he is consistently wrong

    3. profile image0
      SassySue1963posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142 … 55466.html

      "According to their study, the use of handguns rather than long guns (rifles and shotguns) went up sharply, but only one out of 117 gun homicides in the two years following the 1996 National Firearms Agreement used a registered gun. Suicides with firearms went down but suicides by other means went up. They reported "a modest reduction in the severity" of massacres (four or more indiscriminate homicides) in the five years since the government weapons buyback. These involved knives, gas and arson rather than firearms.

      In 2008, the Australian Institute of Criminology reported a decrease of 9% in homicides and a one-third decrease in armed robbery since the 1990s, but an increase of over 40% in assaults and 20% in sexual assaults.

      What to conclude? Strict gun laws in Great Britain and Australia haven't made their people noticeably safer, nor have they prevented massacres. The two major countries held up as models for the U.S. don't provide much evidence that strict gun laws will solve our problems."

      1. wilderness profile image95
        wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Both countries, I believe, show a decrease in gun related crimes, particularly homicides. 

        Unfortunately, it is accompanied by an increase in non-gun related crimes, particularly homicides.  Net change in total homicides is zero.

        If a gun can't be found something else will be used, just as you say.  The insistence by control advocates that reducing the number of guns will reduce gun homicides is a red herring, serving only to give a false sense of security.

 
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