Originally posted by Gunslinger
Look at Canada, england, and especially austrailia...when they banned guns crime involving guns went up 300%
Interesting debate and free of some of the rhetoric you usually get. But I must object to that statement although it is often trotted out in these debates. Yes gun crime did go up in these countries and here too. It seems a gangster is shot dead eveyr week these days. But that's not because guns were banned. It's a drug issue not a gun issue. Gun crime has gone up everywhere these days. Here in Ireland all handguns and large calibre rifles were banned in the 70's when the troubles started in Northern Ireland although ironically, not in Northern Ireland itself. It was a knee jerk reaction to stop weapons falling into the hands of terrorists. The same knee jerk reaction applied in the UK and Australia because of gun massacres there and it must be said those like Columbine in America too. But it certainly did not CAUSE an increase in gun crime. It is also popular policy in these countries. It's worth mentioning again that normal uniformed police officers here and in the UK are still unarmed despite the supposed increase in gun crime.
It is also worth pointing out that gun crime is lower in all these countries than in America. The higher rate of gun crime in the US in general however is related to greater availability of guns even though paradoxically in areas with the greatest gun ownership, gun crime is low. That I believe is more to do with the area and the people living there than guns. I think it's fair to say that outside big cities crime in general is low, even lower than in similar areas in the UK.
None of that means I'm anti gun. I don't own a gun because of the ridiculously restirictive gun laws in this country. But I do shoot, trap shooting and .22 rifle occasionally. I am all in favour of responsible gun ownership, the likes of Lazs and Muckmaw being a good example. It's a hobby, an interest. I do think the the home defense notion is overplayed. The tragic truth is that a handgun in the house is often more dangeous to the owner and his/her family than any intruder. There is also the agrument that the intruder is in fact looking to steal the gun hence the need for a gun cabinet.
But as someone said it's often about perception, Lazs' Garand may in fact be more dangerous and effective than any non auto assault rifle. But assault rifles look more dangerous, that fact scares the unitiated and excites the crazies. Hence the ban. The SKS looks more dangerous than it is.
The fact is because of the second amendment more guns are in the hands of people who shouldn't have them. Remember the right to bear arms equally applies to citizens who are criminals too. That I think was not it's intention. My attitude is that gun control is needed to restrict the availability of guns to criminals and the mentally unstable. Unfortunately that means hassle for ordinary citizens who want to own guns. It's a no win situation. But for gun enthusiasts to hide behind the second amemdment is a mistake. Rights can be revoked if enough people wish it. Democracy is a doube edged sword.
