Gun Restrictions and Your Rights

I have a pistol, and I support gun ownership in America. I realize that many people die from guns, and we could reduce the number of deaths from guns if they were outlawed. However, I do not support a reduction in liberties for the sake of security. I'd rather be free and insecure, than to be secure but not free. Freedom has costs.

I definately think that's a valid argument. What I find interesting, however, is that the people who advance such an argument support things like the Patriot Act and similar legislation and the anti-gun lobby generally opposes the Patriot Act etc. Seems like both "sides" hold contradictory beliefs.

Why is it we do not lobby for the outlawing of alcohol? Can it not be held responsible for more deaths each year as a result of those under it's influence? Is the alcohol the problem, or the user?

Why is it we do not lobby for the outlawing of alcohol? Can it not be held responsible for more deaths each year as a result of those under it's influence? Is the alcohol the problem, or the user?

Not really. Moderation is the key. Alcohol in and of itself can't be blamed for anything....except tasting good.

I definately think that's a valid argument. What I find interesting, however, is that the people who advance such an argument support things like the Patriot Act and similar legislation and the anti-gun lobby generally opposes the Patriot Act etc. Seems like both "sides" hold contradictory beliefs.

Yep, you're right. From my experience, most gun supporters are also supporters of freedom-reducing terrorism laws, like the Patriot Act. Usually, they are the same people who advocate profiling, and the "kill 'em all" attitude. It is ironic.

Not really. Moderation is the key. Alcohol in and of itself can't be blamed for anything....except tasting good.

YOU are CORRECT!!!!!!! Alcohol cannot be blamed for anything..........and what else cannot be blamed?

First off, good move LadyBrave. Kudos.

I'm not too up to snuff on the current legislation and the ins and outs of current laws. But I will say this, if we think that this incident is going to radically change existing gun laws, we'd better think again.

Also, you have to figure the vast majority of existing gun owners really are responsible and are law abiding citizens.
I don't think this incident will cause any changes in the law, nor do I feel it should. If it does, the changes will be very minor. I think the current laws are fine for the most part, with the exception of allowing non US citizens to purchase and lack of mental health record access. I do think the states will look more closely at how criminal history and mental health information is disseminated to NICS though. Which is long overdue IMO.

I'm sorry if a person wants a gun and they do not obey our laws to start with they can find a way to get one. Now if we make them illegal for everyone then only the people who break the laws will have a weapon. If I'm correct I believe that over 2 million times a year a law abiding citizen protects themself with a gun. These are the only stats I could find but they do support what I have heard.
Ohio CCW Law - Statistic & Facts About Carrying Concealed Weapons (http://www.sacsconsulting.com/ccw_Statistics.htm)

This is the argument that most anti-gun lobbyists seem to forget. Cocaine, Pot, Heroine, etc. are all illegal, yet 30% of the country uses or has used them at some point in their life. Making guns illegal will do next to nothing to prevent nut jobs from getting guns. All it will do is keep law abiding citizens from owning them. Case in point; Washington DC has some of the most strict gun laws in the nation, yet it's still in the top ten in gun related crime. What makes anyone think that this kid wouldn't have been able to get his hands on a gun, even if guns were completely outlawed?

I'm 100% in favor of repealing the 2nd amendment. Owning a gun makes no sense in today's world.
we hardly agree on anything. with that out of the way, i agree with this statement 100%.

This is the argument that most anti-gun lobbyists seem to forget. Cocaine, Pot, Heroine, etc. are all illegal, yet 30% of the country uses or has used them at some point in their life. Making guns illegal will do next to nothing to prevent nut jobs from getting guns. All it will do is keep law abiding citizens from owning them. Case in point; Washington DC has some of the most strict gun laws in the nation, yet it's still in the top ten in gun related crime. What makes anyone think that this kid wouldn't have been able to get his hands on a gun, even if guns were completely outlawed?

Sure, that's true, but wouldn't that change if they were made totally illegal? Sure, they're "tough" laws, but the fact you can get one period makes it accessible to almost anyone. While I don't want to see the law repealed, I want to see some MAJOR changes.

What makes anyone think that this kid wouldn't have been able to get his hands on a gun, even if guns were completely outlawed?

Agreed. A total ban on guns isn't a cure-all. However, tougher gun laws would certainly make it more difficult for would-be murderers to get their hands on guns in the first place. I don't think you need to subscribe to the belief that we achieve perfection to support tougher gun laws.