[BigHairedAristocrat]

Originally Posted by RedskinRat

It's provocative, not stupid. If you live in a rural area calling cops isn't an option. But I got what I wanted, a gun debate. Yay!

I think its stupid. And i also think it would be stupid if i posted a thread taking the oppositite position. there are enough stories that could be told supporting either side of the issue, so using stories to support either position is stupid.

I could post far more 'Saved by the Gun' stories, I chose not to. All those stories you posted are essential undisciplined gun owners.

Well thats the thing. The laws dont say you have to be disciplined to buy a gun. A gun can be sold to any idiot. As a result innocent people (who didnt make the decision to purchase a gun without knowing how to use it) get hurt/killed.

The military and law enforcement agencies dont give their solders/officers guns without training them first. So why is it we think its acceptable to essentially let anyone buy a gun?

You should be required to have formal training, attend classes psych evaluations, etc. and get certification from some sort of independant agency before being allowed to purchase a gun. That would pretty much eliminate gun-related accidents.

I hope you're not suggesting that only Law Enforcement should be trusted with firearms?

As far as handguns go, I wouldnt have a problem with that. The only reason to own a handgun is to take another human life. Officers of the law are trained, not just in HOW to use their handguns, but WHEN to use them. They are trained, when possible, to shoot to injure, not kill. Unless civillian gun owners are given that same training, No, i dont think they should be allowed to have handguns.

If you go onto someones property uninvited who decides the intent? I don't want to wait to see why someone is there before I react.

This is related to my previous point. If someone breaks into your house and is just trying to steal something, warn them, but dont shoot them unless they express intent to cause you or your family bodily harm. Human life - even that of a non-violent thief - is worth more than property.

<Eric_Cartman_voice>"I *hate* scenarios......"

LOL... i was just trying to point out that, there's no "real" solution to gun-related violence. Pretty much any law that they could come up with would have flaws.

Now you're touching on one of my favorite topics: Eugenics. We can breed certain anti-social traits out.
Mmmmmmmmmm.

LOL, im not talking about Eugenics. I know certain traits can be passed on reproductively, but people still have choices in how they chose to act. For violent crime, i think there are two options - you either reform them or you execute them. Whats the point in allowing someone who deliberately and unlawfully took another persons life to be locked up for life? Youre going to think im joking but i dont think a Judge Dredd type system of justice would be entirely bad. If you catch someone in the act of committing a murder or rape, just shoot them right then and there and save society the time and effort of a trial, long prison term, appeals, etc.
that would be a pretty strong deterrent to committing violent crime too.