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"That quote was evidence to my claim that there are other reasons for the 2nd amendment." - Jebus
As I have stated before, I realize this. But a big part of why this was included was for militia's. I agree that caution should be exercised before any real action taken. Sort of like the scientist who brings a foreign animal into an environment to combat a rampant other species decimating the ecosystem, but the species they bring in ends up causing more problems than the initial one.
"It is an emotional issue that you can't win by logic. Gun violence is a drop in the death bucket, but they trigger a huge emotional response." - hoosegow
Well, perhaps emotions play a significant role here for a reason. Tobacco smoke is a slow killer (in most cases) and a person is able to lead a somewhat normal life to a point with it, and perhaps even to a ripe old age. Gun violence is often senseless and cuts lives down often in their prime or even far beforehand. Although violence will never be eliminated from society, what should we do? Nothing? Should we not try to do something? If people argue against lowering the amount of guns, what is the alternative? Generally the only argument I hear is more guns. Isn't that sort of regressing as a society? Should we prepare everyday for that eventuality? I'd like to walk out my door without living in fear everyday... Although I think the issue is much more complicated than reducing guns, I think to what happens when someone is suicidal and we keep weapons to kill themselves away from them or at least try to.
"Heavy weapons aren't neccissary or practical outside of war, and they attract WAY too much unwanted attention" - Matt Z
Point taken. However, I am sure these mentally unstable people who are committing crimes (not necessarily even mass shootings) would love to make a statement with a heavy weapon rather than a normal gun, as that would really drive people bonkers (and perhaps rightfully so). Think of rocket launchers in every video game. Even normal people love to blow sh!t up.
"Most of the illegal drugs consumed in the US are smuggled in from outside the country, not made here (Meth is an obvious exception). Is it unrealistic to expect that firearms could also be smuggled into the country?" - Matt Z
Well I didn't necessarily mean homemade even in the US. A lot of foreign drugs are just grown or made rather easily as well before they are smuggled in. I don't think that negates the argument that the ban or sheer difficulty of obtaining a legally heavy weapon has made them a lot more inaccessible simply because of the price and limited availability. They could be smuggled in if the demand was great enough, yes, but still think it would be harder than drugs to do. Would an assault ban have this effect as it as for heavy weapons? I'll admit, probably not, simply because there are too many of them already.
"If a person fired a grenade launcher indoors, he would most likely kill himself with the resulting explosion." -Matt Z
Well, I meant outside when they see it :P.
"The Columbine kids used pump shotguns and pistols, while the Virginia Tech shooter used two pistols. Banning semi-auto rifles won't stop mass shootings from happening." - Matt Z
I would place anything on the level of plenty of shots before needing to reload (not six or two) on a similar level as rifles as well. Although your other statement you made about kids stopping them while reloading is somewhat valid, but at least people might have a chance in that scenario. But perhaps the answer would just to be carrying 5 loaded revolvers instead.
"The firearms used at Sandy Hook were stollen." - Matt Z
Well they were legally obtained by his mother. And then easily stolen from her. Which brings me to another point. How many people do you really trust to secure guns that own them? Judging by what I have dealt with society, and at my job, plenty of people get their cars broken into and stuff like laptops, gps's, etc stolen. The ones who unsecure their stuff (which are A LOT) are generally the only ones who have problems (I am sure this is a problem everywhere in America as well). When homes get broken into, one of the main prizes criminals look for are guns. Should we ban guns based on this premise? No, but perhaps much more severe punishments should be in order for people who allow their guns to be taken and have shown no steps or almost negligence in doing so.
"I find it tricky and interesting the conflicts between legislating goodness and sense, at the expense of Freedom" - Oscar_Actuary
What a profound statement. Seriously.
"I'm much more concerned about the gradual loss of gun rights. If the government can ban an entire class of firearms on the premiss that no one really needs them, then what's next? Is it unreasonable to expect more gun bans? Ammo bans? Licencing? Registration?" - Matt Z
Another valid point. Perhaps it would be better for once, not to let a few bad apples ruin it for the rest of us. Although I will point out- after 9/11 for instance, the conservative "gun side" (which I mean in a more general sense, there are always exceptions) was perfectly willing to let acts like the patriot act into existence and other measures to combat terrorism which reduced their rights and scoffed at those arguing against it as "you must have something to hide". I have no problems with the argument against reducing our liberties, so long as they are applied equally and without bias, which they often aren't.
"Mental health is a very complicated issue. I agree it's a bad idea to allow a dangerous, mentally unstable young man access to any firearm, but how do you realistically expect to prevent someone like that from aquiring weapons while allowing him to walk around free in society.
I understand it's not possible (practically or ethically) to lock up people on mere suspicion. That would be no different than imprisoning someone without a trial. However, those who've proven themselves to be a threat to others need to be treated accordingly.
Also, where do you draw the line? For example, I don't think the government can deny the rights of everyone who's ever seen a therapist for depression. If anything, this would just discourage people from seeking help.
Finally, people have a right to privacy." - Matt Z
Very true. Can't argue against much here.
Talking to reasonable people about this (the people on this board) has given me cause to think about gun control. I think the main point I can take away from this is too not let politicians act too rashly about it. I will be trying to purchase a gun for the household in the near future (not just because of this conversation, but rather the direction things seem to be going as a society, and of course for the zombie apocolypse).
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