Batdog - the purpose of my post was to point out that Les's post was mostly BS - full of errors, written by someone who has no clue about Europe. See what GScholz said later about owning weapons in Europe. We can if we want. I can own guns for use at a gun club, or own a shotgun etc. Plenty of people go hunting (mostly pheasants or grouse) in the countryside in my immediate vicinity. I don't know precisely what my firearms ownership rights are. I care as much (or as little) about that as you care about what I think of living in the US. BTW, I lived in CA - and could have stayed indefinitely. But... naaaah.
I think what pisses me off the most in these posts is the way some Americans crow about their 2nd amendment, and their "freedom" to own guns like it's some form of noodle extension. It's about as impressive as the "freedom" to own an electrically powered concrete mixer, or the "freedom" to own a microwave oven. Who gives a s**t? But some Americans seize on this because clearly they can buy more different types of weapon than most other parts of the world. But then they turn it into a pissing contest. "My country's better than yours because I can buy a machine gun" etc. And then the country bashing starts, and the dental "jokes" get trotted out... I don't hate America, but as time goes by and I read more and more idiotic posts like the above, it becomes more and more clear why so many people do.
The God thing is off topic, but the burden of proof would be on you. Not entering into a debate because I'm not interested in the motion, or the outcome of any such debate. Think FIRST amendment - any - or none at all.
Otto - the notion of an organised citizens' revolt by Americans armed with handguns or even assault weapons, against your own military, is as outmoded as the feudal system. And equally laughable. But dream on if it pleases you.