The "Guns Are Evil" vs. "Guns Are Good" Thread

[Oberon]

There are a couple of threads now in which discussion of the issue of gun control has been toned down or discouraged so as to not derail the thread.

By way of assisting in that process, I am creating this poll thread to act as an alternative venue in which those of us who are passionate on one side or the other of the Gun Control issue may freely speak.

But try to play nice, folks. We're all friends here.

[JocktheMotie]

I'm of the opinion that gun laws should be strict, however they should be legal. Also, urban gun laws are a tough situation, but the problem is, by making the laws very strict, you hurt the citizen who follows the rules while the gang member is completely unaffected.

Criminals will acquire weapons regardless of the laws restricting them, at the detriment of law abiding citizens. Instead, incredibly harsh penalties should be enforced when an infraction is made.

[Oberon]

I am personally a proponent of Vermont carry... in other words, people may own handguns and may carry them concealed if they wish. The permitting process for gun ownership may be fairly rigourous, but there is no license requirement for a gun owner to carry concealed.

[Xander]

I agree with Jack, except I'd add that it should be ensured that a gun license is a whole hell of a lot harder to get than a driving license with some element of skill needing to be displayed not just proficiency. I don't mind a guy with a pistol trying to rescue me from a dodgy situation but if he's boss eyed and twitchy I'd rather he didn't bother most of the time.

[Trinity]

The first option is more extreme than my beliefs but short of needing them to defend against wild animals if you live in the middle of nowhere and to serve in armed forces it's the closest, I don't believe civilians need them. I think the environment you grow up in has a huge impact here on your beliefs, I'm yet to hear an American speak strongly against the right to own guns.

I like guns but I like them heavily restricted for civilian use.

[Xander]

Originally Posted by Oberon

I am personally a proponent of Vermont carry... in other words, people may own handguns and may carry them concealed if they wish. The permitting process for gun ownership may be fairly rigourous, but there is no license requirement for a gun owner to carry concealed.

Perhaps if all bullets were barcoded to the purchaser that'd be a good idea.

Esp if all guns sold under such licenses were of identical calibre... something light.. That'd help eliminate licensed weapons faster.

[Trinity]

Originally Posted by Oberon

I am personally a proponent of Vermont carry... in other words, people may own handguns and may carry them concealed if they wish. The permitting process for gun ownership may be fairly rigourous, but there is no license requirement for a gun owner to carry concealed.

Why would you need to carry a concealed weapon?

Is it not because someone else may have one?

Is this not a self perpetuating thing?

[Oberon]

Originally Posted by Trinity

Why would you need to carry a concealed weapon?

Is it not because someone else may have one?

Well, no. It's because someone else will have one, law or no law.

The law only has effect on people who obey the law, and whom are precisely the people whom you don't need to worry about carrying guns.

The people who don't obey the law 1) will carry, and 2) are the ones you need to be concerned about.

[Xander]

Originally Posted by Trinity

Why would you need to carry a concealed weapon?

Is it not because someone else may have one?

Is this not a self perpetuating thing?

It stops the poorer kids being teased about having a CZ when the cool kids all have brownings this year.

[Trinity]

Originally Posted by Oberon

Well, no. It's because someone else will have one, law or no law.

The law only has effect on people who obey the law, and whom are precisely the people whom you don't need to worry about carrying guns.

The people who don't obey the law 1) will carry, and 2) are the ones you need to be concerned about.

So the solution is to produce more weapons and arm more people which will result in more weapons ending up in the hands of criminals and the 'good guys' needing more firepower. I understand the need to defend yourself but it’s not a solution, it’s part of the problem.

Originally Posted by Xander

It stops the poorer kids being teased about having a CZ when the cool kids all have brownings this year.

This it true. Sucks to be the poor kids