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FireTomStargazer
6,650 posts

Posted:

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[ed]I am going to update this OP as ppl who have not followed the discussion (in the past 2 years it is running now) cannot be bothered to go through all 50+ pages only to inform themselves about all the arguments brought forward. I hope it's allright with everybody.

Please patiently note that this is going to be a massive post that sum up all significant arguments that have been brought forward by both sides so far.

Thus: If you're bothered to read all the post, just scroll down to the bottom of it to get to the links and arguments - NEWEST information at the end of each section

Reading this post will keep you up-to-date with the current level of arguments brought forward - and you might not have to read all the 700+ posts.

If you have any new arguments that you find important to get included in this OP, please feel free to PM me at any time. Please note that I will only honor those arguments that you can back up with verifiable sources (quote your sources). I will *not* honor personal opinions as in 'I feel more comfy with a gun at my side' or in 'I feel horrified with guns present'. Feel free to post your opinions as you like *at the end of this thread*.

As this is a highly political issue, it will be almost impossible to keep this 'objective' and I will honor arguments of both sides, those who are pro and those who are against guns, regardless whether they directly come from the NRA or the Brady campaign.

The entire thread started like this:

Taken from: New York Times on August 7th

Originally Posted By: NYT
In the last year, 15 states have enacted laws that expand the right of self-defense, allowing crime victims to use deadly force in situations that might formerly have subjected them to prosecution for murder.

Jacqueline Galas, a Florida prostitute, shot and killed a 72-year-old client. She was not charged.
Supporters call them “stand your ground” laws.

Opponents call them “shoot first” laws.

The Florida law, which served as a model for the others, gives people the right to use deadly force against intruders entering their homes. They no longer need to prove that they feared for their safety, only that the person they killed had intruded unlawfully and forcefully. The law also extends this principle to vehicles.

In addition, the law does away with an earlier requirement that a person attacked in a public place must retreat if possible. Now, that same person, in the law’s words, “has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force.” The law also forbids the arrest, detention or prosecution of the people covered by the law, and it prohibits civil suits against them.

Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the N.R.A., said the Florida law had sent a needed message to law-abiding citizens. “If they make a decision to save their lives in the split second they are being attacked, the law is on their side,” Mr. LaPierre said. “Good people make good decisions. That’s why they’re good people. If you’re going to empower someone, empower the crime victim.”

The N.R.A. said it would lobby for versions of the law in eight more states in 2007.

In the case of the West Palm Beach cabdriver, Mr. Smiley, then 56, killed Jimmie Morningstar, 43. A sports bar had paid Mr. Smiley $10 to drive Mr. Morningstar home in the early morning of Nov. 6, 2004. Mr. Morningstar was apparently reluctant to leave the cab once it reached its destination, and Mr. Smiley used a stun gun to hasten his exit. Once outside the cab, Mr. Morningstar flashed a knife, Mr. Smiley testified at his first trial, though one was never found. Mr. Smiley, who had gotten out of his cab, reacted by shooting at his passenger’s feet and then into his body, killing him.

Cliff Morningstar, the dead man’s uncle, said he was baffled by the killing. “He had a radio,” Mr. Morningstar said of Mr. Smiley. “He could have gotten in his car and left. He could have shot him in his knee.”

Carey Haughwout, the public defender who represents Mr. Smiley, conceded that no knife was found. “However,” Ms. Haughwout said, “there is evidence to support that the victim came at Smiley after Smiley fired two warning shots, and that he did have something in his hand.”

“Prior to the legislative enactment, a person was required to ‘retreat to the wall’ before using his or her right of self-defense by exercising deadly force,” Judge Martha C. Warner wrote. The new law, Judge Warner said, abolished that duty.

Jason M. Rosenbloom, the man shot by his neighbor in Clearwater, said his case illustrated the flaws in the Florida law. “Had it been a year and a half ago, he could have been arrested for attempted murder,” Mr. Rosenbloom said of his neighbor, Kenneth Allen.

“I was in T-shirt and shorts,” Mr. Rosenbloom said, recalling the day he knocked on Mr. Allen’s door. Mr. Allen, a retired Virginia police officer, had lodged a complaint with the local authorities, taking Mr. Rosenbloom to task for putting out eight bags of garbage, though local ordinances allow only six.

“I was no threat,” Mr. Rosenbloom said. “I had no weapon.”

The men exchanged heated words. “He closed the door and then opened the door,” Mr. Rosenbloom said of Mr. Allen. “He had a gun. I turned around to put my hands up. He didn’t even say a word, and he fired once into my stomach. I bent over, and he shot me in the chest.”

Mr. Allen, whose phone number is out of service and who could not be reached for comment, told The St. Petersburg Times that Mr. Rosenbloom had had his foot in the door and had tried to rush into the house, an assertion Mr. Rosenbloom denied.

“I have a right,” Mr. Allen said, “to keep my house safe.”


Taken from sbcoalition

Originally Posted By: sbcoalition

In Colorado, another state where this law has already passed, when Gary Lee Hill stood on the porch with a loaded rifle, he was afraid the people outside his home would attack him. That was what the jury heard in his murder trial. The jury foreman said that left them no choice but to find Hill not guilty of murder under Colorado’s Make My Day Law. “Although Mr. Knott was in his vehicle, there was no credible evidence that Mr. Knott was leaving,” the foreman wrote, adding that testimony showed some of the people were still outside in a car yelling at Hill.

Gary Hill, 24, was found not guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death, in the back, of John David Knott, 19, while he was sitting in a car outside Hill’s home.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth Kirkman stated, “However, the way the Make My Day Law is worded, it allows for deadly force if the shooter reasonably believes the other person might use physical force against the home dweller.” She said her office supports the Make My Day Law and respects the jury’s decision. She also said, “At the time he was shot, there was no imminent danger to the home dweller.”

“Trust me,” wrote Bill Major of Colorado Springs, “this will open the door for assaults and murders by those who will now accept this as an interpretation of the Make My Day Law.”

I try this to become a comprehensive list, so please feel free to PM me.

Thanks for participating in this discussion, times and again posts get heated (as it is a highly sensitive AND political topic) please do not take criticism on your opinion personal. Usually it relaxes pretty soon.

You're entitled to your *opinion* - whatever it is - hence quote your sources please if you want your *arguments* get taken serious...

In the past 2 years we have collected data and facts from various sources. Please verify these arguments yourself and get informed at these websites:

Wiki on gun control
The second amendment of the US constitution, on "the right to bear arms"


Pro-guns

National Rifle Association USA
How to obtain a class III license
A 1995 DOJ's study on Guns used in Crimes
Microstamping opposition

(Please PM me your sources and the arguments they point at, I will include them here)

Anti gun

Brady Campaign
Informations on the NRA's board of directors
Website on comments of the NRA leaders
A UC study showing that microstamping is feasible but has flaws
Gun control network

(Please PM me your sources and the arguments they point at, I will include them here)

Scientific Studies on gun ownership and the resulting facts

Concealed handgun permit holders killed at least seven police officers and 44 private citizens in 31 incidents during the period May 2007 through April 2009 according to a new study

Harvard School of Public Health releases 2007 study that links guns with higher rate of homicide
Harvard School of Public Health releases 2007 study that links guns with higher rate of suicide
1999 Canadian study: "The rate of f...eightfold"
Utah medical library states that: "...uctivity."
Statistics on Teen homicide, suicide and... in 2004."

Articles in the news about guns, gun laws and accidents

USA Today on the expiry of the assault weapons ban
LA Times on bulletproof parks
CBS reports March 2008 that: "the U...in crimes"
A federal judge has stopped enforcement ...deadly weapons.
Violence Policy Center on CCW permit holders committing violent (armed) crimes
US weaponry spills into neighboring Mexico - across America

EDITED_BY: FireTom (1249974498)

the best smiles are the ones you lead to wink


StoneGOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia


Posted:
Quote:Everything I've heard you (although also primarily Stone) talk about is working towards an outright ban, not. Gun owners are already bending over backwards to appease you guys and do things right and legal, because they *want* to be legal.

Lurch, I have no problem with proper hunting and sporting rifles, and I have never suggested the out right ban on guns pre-se. I support the removal of assault weapons because there is no place for them in a civilized society, and I think carrying a concealed pistol is anti-social, to say the least. Bit of throwback to the cowboy days if you ask me.

As you know Clinton banned assault weapons, and the NRA lobbed Bush, and they were put back on the street. Since they were put back on the street they have caused carnage in the US, Canada and Mexico. I’d suggest that Clinton was correct in banning them because the public cannot be trusted with them. In many situations, laws are made because of the lowest common denominator in society. As a law enforcement officer you should know that.

It seem to me that in America laws are manipulate by powerful lobby groups like the NRA, and weapons that were banned for good reason are made legal again. Without any good reason.

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh


FireTomStargazer
6,650 posts

Posted:
not sure wich window the "age of consent" is flying through - if you're cross referencing over various threads, then maybe you don't rape my statement out of context... ermmm, rip that should read. You also want to tell me that you can't keep kids from bullying but you can trust them with guns? help

Lurch - you seem to have short memory. As Stone, I have no probs with hunting rifles - 1 or 2 per properly licensed hunter is enough IMHO. Also ammunition - 1 or 200 per hunter should be enough IMHO. Also people in highly exposed positions, such as bodyguards, certain social workers - such as Pounce, guards of valuables, rangers and private investigators amongst them. Training should be mandatory too.

Certain guns don't belong in civilians hands, such as M16, UZI, H&K semi automatic machine guns, etc. We've been over this. A hundred times. 46 pages and you're still going off on what I/ we already agreed with. It's a bit... tiring.

If all the legislation necessary is already in place, as you say, why are second hand sales and gun fair sales still legal? Why are there MORE guns on your streets every day... yaddayaddayad... CC is not the answer to school shootings either. If you can't protect your children, then hire armed guards that protect them on campus. Least needed are students with firearms in the classrooms....

the best smiles are the ones you lead to wink


zyonchaosjourneyman
77 posts
Location: Anglesey, Wales, UK soon to be Lincoln, England (s...


Posted:
Tom,
We seem to be going down the same lines. The only people that need Automatic weapons (stray away from calling them assault as all weapons can be used for assault) are properly trained individuals, police (response units such as SWAT) and the various branches of the military.
However security guards (mall cops) and the general public should be limited to a handgun with 6 rounds and that is it.
If everyone was armed like that and they were really scared for their life they would make sure that they were trained to the point that every single shot would count.
Or failing that confiscate all the amunition, dont bother licensing guns (joke), sell all firearms for £5 only and then make each round of ammunition very, very expensive.

As for your comment about the government and "IMO - in reality don't trust their fellow citizens" unfortunately our politicians stopped being our fellow citizens a long time ago. Any body who wants to be a politician or lawyer should be banned from both professions, IMO lol

From Within Chaos Comes Order


FireTomStargazer
6,650 posts

Posted:
Thanks Zyon, "assault" is a term coined as to describe a certain type of weapon, namely semi/ automatics. True that all weapons can be used for assault, you're more comfortable with "semi/automatics"? Well, they can be used for hunting too ... part of this discussion went on over a few pages where it's been agreed that even a Bazooka (or "missile launcher" - or "Class III" weapon or even a Abrams tank) could be used for hunting.... why is it "okay" to BAN those from public use, but NOT to BAN a M16 or UZI (or any other weapon in this category).

It's just tiring having to write en detail which weapons are being talked about - especially when "the other end" pretty much knows what is being talked about.

But I understand that we're generally talking the same language...

As to politicians, personally I would not agree. Thing is that there are people out there, who would already claim that cops and mall guards stopped to be "fellow citizens" as they try to "serve and protect". It always depends on the "standards" you're willing to apply, your level of "goodwill", "compassion", "trust" and finally - whether you want to live in duality or not.

Some people have ideals - others are willing to compromise on them.

wink

the best smiles are the ones you lead to wink


zyonchaosjourneyman
77 posts
Location: Anglesey, Wales, UK soon to be Lincoln, England (s...


Posted:
I didnt think you would agree about the politicians (noticed you didnt say anything about the lawyers though lol), I see your point it is a lot easier for people to identify with the word assault instead of semi/automatic because those are the lines that are used on a regular basis in the press to describe "these horrific weapons"

And ok the law of averages means that there has to be at least 1 decent politician some where, all we have to do is find that person and clone them. When I say politicians stop being fellow citizens it is because they have taken the next step up to being servants of citizens (I use the term loosely as a lot of politicians seem to be out to serve themselves IMHO), in my eyes the same applies to anybody that takes public service, police military, doctors, etc etc, we have stopped being fellow citizens, we are now protectors of citizens. It doesnt neccessarily make us better than everbody else it does however make us different, for example I mentioned earlier the training that the military undertake before using a rifle. For me it was a week in a classroom learning about how a weapon works, the individual parts of that weapon, how to strip it and clean it.

Then it was another 3 days in a classroom, with a live rifle, but no ammunition except for training rounds (cannot be fired in any shape form or way) learning stoppage drills, body position when firing, breathing techniques. By the time we got to the firing range, it was very difficult for us to make a mistake especially as we had 3 big blokes standing behind us screaming at us everytime we did something minutely wrong.

How many others that by law are allowed to walk around with weapons get even half that amount of training?

From Within Chaos Comes Order


StoneGOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia


Posted:
Ok, in most of this discussion, the definition of assault weapons refers to the weapons included in President Clinton’s weapons ban ie. “The Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB). Which was a subtitle of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, a federal law of the United States that included a prohibition on the sale to civilians of certain semi-automatic so called "assault weapons" including military-style semiautomatic rifles, derived from assault rifles but with lesser capabilities (see wiki for list).”

President Bush did not renew this law and that put assault weapons back on the street. One of the ironies of the Bush decision, was that many of the assault weapons used by Harris and Klebold in the Columbine High School massacre, that were illegal in 1999, are now legal.

Lurch suggests that people have to be over 18 years old in America to get a rifle or shotgun. Though, I’m not sure if that means own one or shoot one. Never mind, the point being while Americans have the erroneous view that “they have the God given right to bear arms” then there is no real commitment to restricting gun violence. How else could Harris and Klebold amassed such an arsenal of weapons.

Or to put it another way. Many of the gun laws in America seem to be there for appearance only, because no one seems too interested in enforcing them, not even LEO’s. As Lurch keep reminding us, his constitutional rights trump state and federal laws and that is the fact of the situation. So, until there is a real commitment to change, then gun violence will continue, if not increase given the current economic climate.



If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh


StoneGOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia


Posted:
Originally Posted By: LurchHow easy do you think it *is* to legally buy a gun?


Lurch, given you official title of “peace officer” and the fact that it is relatively easy too get an assault weapon either legally or illegally in America. My previous question still stands. Do you agree that under the circumstances, President Obama would be doing the right thing for the community if decides to restrict the sale of semi-automatic assault weapons in the future?

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh


XissixPLATINUM Member
stranger
1 post
Location: USA


Posted:
just my two(or more) cents
a) i don't care what europe wants to do in regards to guns, but if one makes gun ownership criminal, only criminals will have guns (also disarming your police officers is just plain dumb)
b) "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." Just from the text of the Constitution, restriction of civilian possession of weaponry at the national level is unconstitutional. So President Clinton's law was fundamentally flawed.
c) the term "assault weapons" is vague and useless, and has no real meaning
d) automatic weapons are weapons that fire repeatedly when the trigger is held down
e) semiautomatic weapons are weapons that fire upon each trigger press without another action, such as cocking the gun
f) restriction or banning of automatic weapons can make sense
g) restrictions upon clip size are always arbitrary
h) "assault weapons" that are semi-automatic are not fundamentally more dangerous than another semi-automatic weapon

the crux of the issue is that big brother is not all-powerful (thank goodness) or all-wise. weapons in the hands of citizens do three things.
1) allow citizens to prevent murder, rape, robbery, kidnapping, etc as it is taking place. big brother is notably poor at doing so
2) limit the ability of armed agents of the government to abuse the populace with or without the government's permission.
3) revolt. it's a simple fact that disarmed citizens can't revolt well. think about it; disarming the population is one of the first steps an oppressive government newly arrived in power takes. if the founding fathers had no weapons, we would have had a poor time in the Revolution. and the duty of citizens to rebel against oppression is fairly well laid down in the declaration of independence. (and don't tell me citizens with weapons would have no hope against the army. it might be true, but taking the weapons from citizens makes it even worse, and i fail to see how that is an argument for gun control and not one against it)


so i don't care whether gun control laws increase or decrease crime. everyone in switzerland has a gun, and they have low crime. no one in england does, and they have higher crime. i don't see a correlation, but it doesn't matter. if europe wants to make all weapons illegal, feel free (though i'd never want to live there). i'd much rather live in a country where i can walk down the street with a handgun and a concealed carry permit than one where i get a year in jail if i'm caught with a switchblade
EDITED_BY: Xissix (1243297727)

StoneGOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia


Posted:

Thanks Xissix, we have heard all that NRA propaganda many times before, but the fact remains that America still has the highest rate of gun violence in the civilised world.

You gun-guys are big on you so-called “individual” rights. And as Lurch keep reminding us, his constitutional rights trump state and federal laws, and that is the fact of the situation. But hey when push-comes-to-shove, like the American instigated Global Financial Crisis, you are the first guys to ask "big-brother"for trillions of dollar financial rescue packages. Which is rather hypocritical in my book.

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh


zyonchaosjourneyman
77 posts
Location: Anglesey, Wales, UK soon to be Lincoln, England (s...


Posted:
Originally Posted By: Xissix"A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." Just from the text of the Constitution

Everyone throws this line about when ever debating gun control in America and it makes me laugh, yes your constitution is a wonderful thing I wish we in the UK had something written down that we could turn to every five seconds and skew to fit our frame of mind. Reread the quote above paying particular attention to the bit in bold (if the bold dont work the first 4 words.)
A Well Regulated Militia.
Now dont get me wrong militias are great, but the only well regulated ones you have are the nutcases that hide themselves off in the wilderness. You have no regulated militia, no training and 1 in 3 of you think that you won WW2. My point is unless there is stricter gun control and regulation, the increase in violent crime will continue. And the fact that we cant carry guns in the UK has nothing to do with the high crime rate, its more to do with the fact the little scrotes will get let off with a soft punishment.

From Within Chaos Comes Order


FireTomStargazer
6,650 posts

Posted:
Hey Xissix, thanks for joining the thread - please don't take it hard when I tell you that many of the points you mention have been tackled before. If you refer to the Initial Post, you will find updated informations on the topic.

However, I feel you might not be open for a discussion - as you say "I don't care", still I'd like to comment your post.

Please don't get me wrong, I do respect you and your opinion.

Originally Posted By: Xissixjust my two(or more) cents
a) i don't care what europe wants to do in regards to guns, but if one makes gun ownership criminal, only criminals will have guns (also disarming your police officers is just plain dumb)

a) Nobody is really speaking of disarming police officers in here.
b) Nobody is saying that gun ownership "en large" should be criminal.

Of those who criticise the present gun legislation in the US, most (if not all) speak of further regulation - or outright enforcement of current laws - and more training/ education.

Originally Posted By: Xissixb) "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." Just from the text of the Constitution, restriction of civilian possession of weaponry at the national level is unconstitutional. So President Clinton's law was fundamentally flawed.

As been said before: a well regulated militia cannot be found anywhere inside the US - guns given, guns taken.

The constitution of the US has been written long time ago. I would boldly say that those who participated and signed it (in best intent) would rather see it changed in quite a few aspects today. As "we" from the old world see it (boldly speaking me, that is), the US - with one leg - is stuck in past centuries. Systems and constitutions need to be revised and adjusted to changing circumstances.

"The right to bear arms" (for the average US citizen) is already restricted - (and even you will agree that) class III weaponry and (for example) nuclear or chemical/ biological weaponry does not belong in the hand of civilians. In "our" opinion also "automatic weapons" (generally coined "assault") do not belong in the hand of civilians.

Originally Posted By: Xissixg) restrictions upon clip size are always arbitrary

can't side that. It's not about "clip size", as I see it, but about "the total amount of rounds in possession of a single individual". For "self defense" you just don't need 200 rounds. IMHO

Originally Posted By: Xissixthe crux of the issue is that big brother is not all-powerful (thank goodness) or all-wise. weapons in the hands of citizens do three things.
1) allow citizens to prevent murder, rape, robbery, kidnapping, etc as it is taking place. big brother is notably poor at doing so

That is true, which is why "only banning guns" won't do the deal. US crime rates are considerably high and a great deal of it because of the availability of guns. I dislike statistics, only these numbers also show that guns do not prevent crimes, they cause (many of) them.

Originally Posted By: Xissix2) limit the ability of armed agents of the government to abuse the populace with or without the government's permission.

This has been one of the main reasons why this is in the US constitution. Written at a time where your country was just popping into existence, facing possible threats from outside. Today is a different time. The world has moved on, maybe the US will catch up in recognizing that.

Now, we do understand why you don't trust your government. Europeans generally do have a lot of scepticism regarding their governments and you just surpassed 8 years of "Bushism".. but notably there has been no revolt against a government that dragged you into a number of international conflicts and that used outright lies to do so.

Originally Posted By: Xissix3) revolt. it's a simple fact that disarmed citizens can't revolt well. think about it; disarming the population is one of the first steps an oppressive government newly arrived in power takes. if the founding fathers had no weapons, we would have had a poor time in the Revolution. and the duty of citizens to rebel against oppression is fairly well laid down in the declaration of independence. (and don't tell me citizens with weapons would have no hope against the army. it might be true, but taking the weapons from citizens makes it even worse, and i fail to see how that is an argument for gun control and not one against it)

Please note that your forefathers didn't revolt against a democratically elected government, but against being a British colony (and some might say that you should again become one in order to come to terms wink ) At some stage in those past 8 years the US (as I recall it) had two cases of quite problematic elections... the general public was quite unhappy with Mr. Bush and his administration... but... no revolt.

You really believe that the US would at any stage in the future have to face an opressive government, which is ruling against the will of the majority of people and abandon democracy?

However... no, civilians wouldn't stand a chance against the military. So what's the point really?

Originally Posted By: Xissixso i don't care whether gun control laws increase or decrease crime. everyone in switzerland has a gun, and they have low crime. no one in england does, and they have higher crime. i don't see a correlation, but it doesn't matter. if europe wants to make all weapons illegal, feel free (though i'd never want to live there)

Please note that Switzerland (and most other EU countries with lax gun legislation) decided to firm their laws because of increasing gun violence. But the statement that "everybody in Switzerland has a gun", is as erroneous as to say that "no one in England does"... That's just not according to the facts.

Originally Posted By: Xissixi'd much rather live in a country where i can walk down the street with a handgun and a concealed carry permit than one where i get a year in jail if i'm caught with a switchblade

See, in case of a skilled switchblade vs. an unskilled gun - the switchblade looses (definitely <9ft distance that is) every time.

The american public seems to widely be conditioned by movies where
a) "the bad" never run out of ammunition and
b) "the good" hit their target with every single shot

wink

the best smiles are the ones you lead to wink


StoneGOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia


Posted:
3yo girl shoots 2yo brother dead, with a loaded handgun in their home in California, America

Originally Posted By: ABC NewsA three-year-old girl accidentally shot dead her two-year-old brother after the pair found a loaded handgun in their home in California, police said.
A police spokesman in Bakersfield, 177 kilometres north of Los Angeles, said the tragic incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon.
He said the girl found a .45 calibre semi-automatic handgun under her parents' bed. The boy was rushed to hospital following the shooting but died from a gunshot wound to the chest.
"I don't know that there's another word to describe it - it's just a tragedy," Sergeant Greg Terry of the Bakersfield Police Department said.
"It's so important that if you're going to have firearms in your possession you make sure they're stored safely."
Police say the children's mother was at home at the time of the shooting but in a different part of the apartment. The father of the children was at work.


"It's so important that if you're going to have firearms in your possession you make sure they're stored safely." Well so much for the Heller ruling, encouraging on unsafe gun storage and possession. The question the rest of the world, keeps asking, and asking, and asking, is when is America actually going to do something about their gun violence problem?

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh


LurchBRONZE Member
old hand
929 posts
Location: Oregon, USA


Posted:
Wow you guys are deeply confused by my posts apparently..

You've said you dont have a problem with 'hunting and sporting rifles' yet you agree with the Clinton "Assault" weapons ban, that just arbitrarily defines assault weapon, and blanket covers many weapons that could easily be considered a normal hunting or sport rifle. Where do you draw the line? because the Clinton AWB definition is terrible, as I've tried to explain multiple times, but you never seem to want to address that.

TRUE AW's, those capable of burst or full auto fire, are *heavily* regulated by the feds, and require a *lot* of hoop jumping to acquire.

FireTom, Sorry I guess I misunderstood, 'age of consent' usually refers to just that... what exactly were you trying to get at?

You seem to think I can walk into a store and buy an M16 or Uzi and walk out with a brand new fully automatic baby killing machine. That's not the case at all.

Quote:If all the legislation necessary is already in place, as you say, why are second hand sales and gun fair sales still legal?
Why does a private citizen need special permission to sell private property to another citizen? Don't give me that 'because they're scary and dangerous' line. For once stop thinking of them as guns, and think of them as property like they are.

Quote:CC is not the answer to school shootings either. If you can't protect your children, then hire armed guards that protect them on campus. Least needed are students with firearms in the classrooms....

I've *never* condoned youth carrying weapons for protection. They aren't mature enough. CCW on campus is refering to *adults* carrying for their person reasons. Or are you saying if Pounce goes to class somewhere she should have to disarm simply because she's on campus?

Quote:We seem to be going down the same lines. The only people that need Automatic weapons (stray away from calling them assault as all weapons can be used for assault) are properly trained individuals, police (response units such as SWAT) and the various branches of the military.

The people who legally have Class III weapons (fully automatic) aren't just wandering down the street with them. They are collectors and enthusiasts who've put thousands of dollars into it to get the proper licenses and permits, and acquire the weapon itself. You're violating pretty serious federal laws if you have one illegally

Quote:However security guards (mall cops) and the general public should be limited to a handgun with 6 rounds and that is it.

Huh?! A: most security guards don't carry, armed security is an entirely different breed from unarmed. And where do you come up with the number 6?

Quote:If everyone was armed like that and they were really scared for their life they would make sure that they were trained to the point that every single shot would count.

The people that take the time and money carry concealed legally by in large spend more time with their guns, practicing, and maintaining their skills than a lot of military or police. They are quite serious about it, and don't think it's a joke by any means

Quote:Lurch, given you official title of “peace officer” and the fact that it is relatively easy too get an assault weapon either legally or illegally in America. My previous question still stands. Do you agree that under the circumstances, President Obama would be doing the right thing for the community if decides to restrict the sale of semi-automatic assault weapons in the future?

By your definition, No. I've already said that Stone.

Quote:"The right to bear arms" (for the average US citizen) is already restricted - (and even you will agree that) class III weaponry and (for example) nuclear or chemical/ biological weaponry does not belong in the hand of civilians. In "our" opinion also "automatic weapons" (generally coined "assault") do not belong in the hand of civilians.

Maybe this is part of the problem FireTom.. If you look at any military definition of an assault rifle, it's capable of burst or automatic fire. Clintons definition includes (and primarily effects) semi-auto rifles and handguns. You're misusing/confusing terms, and thats part of whats so frustrating for me trying to decode what you're talking about. Clintons AW definition does NOT equal automatic weapons. Burst and Full Auto guns are already regulated by the feds as Class III firearms

Quote:can't side that. It's not about "clip size", as I see it, but about "the total amount of rounds in possession of a single individual". For "self defense" you just don't need 200 rounds. IMHO

With how much the price of metals fluctuates, and the 'runs' of ammo changing, It's not unreasonable at all for an avid shooter to "stockpile" ammunition. The same way some spinners buy their fuels by more than the pint tongue2

Quote:I think carrying a concealed pistol is anti-social, to say the least. Bit of throwback to the cowboy days if you ask me.

How is concealed carry antisocial? It's *hidden* by definition, the general public shouldn't know you have a weapon. I may buy that statement if you were talking about open carry.

#homeofpoi -- irc.newnet.net Come talk to us we're bored frown

Warning: Please Do Not Jump On The Seals


StoneGOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia


Posted:
So Lurch,

Have you got any comments on my previous post and a lack of gun safety in America?

3yo girl shoots 2yo brother dead

Originally Posted By: ABC News A three-year-old girl accidentally shot dead her two-year-old brother after the pair found a loaded handgun in their home in California, police said....

As it says in the article "It's so important that if you're going to have firearms in your possession you make sure they're stored safely."

Well so much for the Heller ruling, that encourages unsafe gun storage and possession. The question the rest of the world, keeps asking, and asking, and asking, is when is America actually going to do something about their gun violence problem?


Just because you don’t personally agree with President Clinton banning assault weapons, doesn’t make the law bad. You only have to look at the carnage that has occurred since assault weapons were put back on the street to know that it is a necessary restriction.

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh


FireTomStargazer
6,650 posts

Posted:
Got to hit the same nail, Lurch.

Is that what it boils down to?

Confusion about what is coined assault weapons vs. class III, that those with class III weapons already are "enthusiasts" (as yourself), spreading the baseless myth that they are having more training than military or police (sounds a little nutty to me however), that people can sell their guns to anyone without background checks (even though they are dangerous and by that bypassing laws, that are pointless as nobody is really keen on enforcing them), CC on campus' for teachers, rather than employing professional, armed guards (sad enough you seem to need them as in opposition to the EU where we don't) and that civilians should continue to stockpile ammo legally?

Pounce going on campus... great example. What possible threat would she have to face from a class of students? You reckon she's that paranoid that she needs to have it on her *all* the time? Or would she become a sheep when she takes it off? I hope for the sake of sanity that you find moments where you take off your gun...

As I see it, if you can't defend yourself with 6 or 10 rounds in a handgun, you'll have to reload - and subsequently loose anyway. It's been yourself who backed that a handgun vs. a switchblade will always be in disadvantage on short range.

What I get from your posts, is that you're not willing to recognize the issue. It's not black and white - and I'm far from painting gun owners as "bad" or "evil" per se. I'm not judging - only wondering... have nothing against "recreational" shooting practice, would most likely score a 144 out of 150 myself - only when people die for nothing but the second ammendment, then there should be some action taken.

I'm still happy not to live in the US - and not having to travel there. It's sad, though, as you got amazing nature well worth a visit - and now your government changed...

wink

the best smiles are the ones you lead to wink


LurchBRONZE Member
old hand
929 posts
Location: Oregon, USA


Posted:
You like to skew things and try and make me look bad don't you Stone. I've said over and over that education is the key, proper, secure, and safe storage is one of the primary elements that I fully endorse.

A child losing their life to an accident or negligence is definitely tragic, and a pointless death. But the solution is training/education not banning.

The Heller ruling didn't encourage unsafe gun storage at all. DC had said you can't have a pistol in the city unless it's registered, and they stopped registering handguns in 1976. Long arms had to be unloaded and dismantled. There are plenty of quick access gun safes that allow for secure storage and ready access, of both long arms and pistols, but you couldn't *have* a pistol, and the long arm had to be disassembled. Doesn't really allow for any sort of defense use now does it?

*Every* gun I've bought comes with a lock to secure it, and gun locks are freely distributed at multiple locations.

Quote:Just because you don’t personally agree with President Clinton banning assault weapons, doesn’t make the law bad.

The definitions in the law are *terrible*, and it was largely counterproductive, and expensive. If you're trying to enact regulation about the danger of one type of weapon over another, it should be about the *function* of the weapon, not the cosmetics. A pistol grip on my shotgun does not make the slugs any more deadly.

Quote:Pounce going on campus... great example. What possible threat would she have to face from a class of students? You reckon she's that paranoid that she needs to have it on her *all* the time? Or would she become a sheep when she takes it off? I hope for the sake of sanity that you find moments where you take off your gun...

Thats exactly the short sightedness that is frustrating. It's also the "sheep" mentality. Why would she expect being on campus to be any different than being anywhere else? For that matter, why should a parent have to disarm to pick their child up from school?

We have both quoted Grossman, and you may not buy into his Sheep/Sheepdog/Wolf analogy but I think there are still a few more points for him to make.. I will make them bold/italic instead of quotations to avoid confusion..

Some individuals would be horrified if they knew a police officer was carrying a weapon in church. They might call him paranoid and would probably scorn him. Yet these same individuals would be enraged and would call for "heads to roll" if they found out their airbags in their cars were defective, or that the fire extinguishers and fire sprinklers in their kids' school did not work. They can accept the fact that fires and traffic accidents can happen and that there must be safeguards against them. Their only response to the wolf, though, is denial, and all too often their response to the sheepdog is scorn and disdain. But the sheepdog quietly asks himself, "Do you have any idea how hard it would be to live with yourself if your loved ones were attacked and killed, and you had to stand there helplessly because you were unprepared for that day?"

Wishful thinking is not a defense

If you are legally authorized to carry a weapon and you step outside without that weapon, then you become a sheep, pretending the bad man will not come today. No one can be "on" 24/7 for a lifetime. Everyone needs down time. But if you are authorized to carry a weapon, and you walk outside without it, just take a deep breath, and say to yourself... "Baa."

For the record, by in large I do *not* carry my gun everywhere, every day, but if I'm doing anything associated with law enforcement you best believe I'm armed. In fact most of the time it lives safely in a quick-access safe by my bed.

Quote:As I see it, if you can't defend yourself with 6 or 10 rounds in a handgun, you'll have to reload - and subsequently loose anyway. It's been yourself who backed that a handgun vs. a switchblade will always be in disadvantage on short range.

I should clarify, a *holstered* handgun vs a knife will most likely lose at close range. If you are aware of your surroundings and the people around you you shouldn't be caught in that situation to begin with. Even a single stack 1911 carries 7+1 (that's 7 in the magazine and one chambered, total of 8).. A compact glock carries at least 12+1, and my duty weapon (a full size glock) is 15+1. Whenever I'm on duty I have 46 rounds *on* my person at all times. Reloading does not mean you lose by any means.

YES most shootings are over in less than six (I believe the average is 2.4? I may be wrong though). Most people don't carry a spare magazine if they're concealed carrying, although it *is* more common for low capacity weapons. But If you're seriously going to prepare yourself for a time you may have to use deadly force, do you really want to run out?

I also have to ask, when does this ammunition limitation that you're asking for about take effect? Are you not allowed to buy more than 10 rounds at a time? Can you not OWN more than 10 rounds at a time? Possess? I'm very confused.. If you want to enforce training, actually *shooting* the weapon is a very important part of that. I would be much more comfortable around someone I know has extensively shot their gun (meaning thousands of rounds) over someone who's never, or only shot a couple times. Doing training for law enforcement, 250 rounds in a single range session was normal. And that's about the same as a full day of shooting privately as well. If you limit ammunition, you limit training, which makes everyone less comfortable.

There is far more too this than just the principal of the matter, although that's an important part. And I agree, needless and accidental deaths are tragic, and I would be all for doing everything we can to quell them while maintaining my rights. The *right* to have a gun is not what causes these accidents, people abusing that right is.

I don't want to get into another numbers fight, but even pulling numbers from the brady campaign, number of households with guns vs accidental deaths comes out to ~.0028% of households with guns will have one. They are rare and tragic, and they are broadcast for everyone to hear so they make more of an impact than the defensive gun uses.

#homeofpoi -- irc.newnet.net Come talk to us we're bored frown

Warning: Please Do Not Jump On The Seals


FireTomStargazer
6,650 posts

Posted:
so you're getting down the same old roads, Lurch.

To begin with: limited possession of ammunition does not = less training. Go to a shooting range and stay there for a week if you wish. In a private home and for self defense not more than one magazine - at the most one spare - is needed.

So at times you're not carrying? Is that when you go "baaah"? wink What makes you think that the situation in which you're not carrying is any different?

IMHO there is a big difference between someone innocent dying because your "off" and someone innocent dying because your "on"... personally I prefer the former over the latter.

However fact of the matter is that people do die from accidental gun discharge. Listen, do you side or oppose the smoking ban in public places, bars and restaurants? Would you say that education on the hazards of smoking has been effective... ? It might not be such a good example and I'm not talking about an outright "ban" anyway... What to do with a population that is not listening, that is not following the existing rules?

"Bob, please stop playing out there - come inside it's getting dark"... "Okay mom".................. "Booob, I told you to come inside." "Okay mom".................. "BOB, come inside NOW!" "Okay mom".................... "BOB, if you don't come inside NOW, I'm going to....." "Okay mom".................... "BOB...." "Okay mom"..........................

What are laws or rules worth if they don't get enforced?

What do laws matter, when people can buy second hand?

IMHO the guy who left his gun under the bed for his daughter to shoot her kid brother, should receive a hefty penalty. Such as never having the right to own a gun anymore and on... but who is getting penalized? The guy, the mom or the little girl - who from that day on has to live with the consciousness "I shot my brother dead..."! It's not just a tragedy, Lurch. It's criminal.

Yes at some stage I would love to see a human race that does not need (hand)guns and still lives in peace - for the time being I would love to see people work into this direction (LESS guns - not MORE)...

shrug

the best smiles are the ones you lead to wink


zyonchaosjourneyman
77 posts
Location: Anglesey, Wales, UK soon to be Lincoln, England (s...


Posted:
Whenever this arguement comes up the US Constitution is cited constantly. And the excuse of people revolting against a government and needing to defend themselves against the military.

All of a sudden the military are mean and nasty and not part of the human race, trust me when I say if there was revolt planned a lot of the British forces would be in line to help out lol.

The reason I said 6 rounds is that most standard revolvers take 6 rounds. Why would anybody need anything else for self defence?
Now give me the answer to that question without citing anybody else, any constitution or any law.

What is your own personal reason for carrying more than that(personal not work based)?

From Within Chaos Comes Order


StoutBRONZE Member
Pooh-Bah
1,872 posts
Location: Canada


Posted:
Ja !!

We agreed on a definition of an "assault weapon" yonks ago. They're the scary looking semi automatics that are specifically designed to kill a lot of people ( or make sure one person is really, dead ) without dropping the weapon from your eye to chamber another round. They're the guns people buy to make the statement "don't mess with me" and they give you a raging hard on to flash and fire in front of your friends or strangers.

Sure, you can envision scenarios where you may need one of these things, like an unruly army of groundhogs bolting across no mans land with eyes on decimating your cornfield where you might need to put a large amount of rounds downrange in a hurry in order to preserve your livelihood.

Quote:Whenever this arguement comes up the US Constitution is cited constantly

Yes, this is pretty much the crux of it. It's not about dong what's "right", but more about doing what's allowed.

Quote: And the excuse of people revolting against a government and needing to defend themselves against the military

Not just the military, but those citizens who support whatever the government is doing that causes the revolters to revolt in the first place.

It's as funny a justification as the keeping a well regulated militia. Who's going to invade? Canada? Mexico? China? The Duchy of Grand Fenwick? Repelling invasions is what you pay your military for. it's their job. You don't after all, see citizens stockpiling concrete "just in case" they need to fix some potholes in the freeway.

StoneGOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia


Posted:
Originally Posted By: LurchYou like to skew things and try and make me look bad don't you Stone. I've said over and over that education is the key, proper, secure, and safe storage is one of the primary elements that I fully endorse.

A child losing their life to an accident or negligence is definitely tragic, and a pointless death. But the solution is training/education not banning.

Lurch, they are your words. I think you need to decide who is running your Country; the NRA or the “elected” government? As far as education goes, I’m sure you do a good job teaching people that guns are dangerous, and the appropriate safety procedures for handling dangerous weapons. But the safety message does not seem to be working. Perhaps you could give Dick Cheney a hunting safety lesson.

It’s interesting that when the Virginia Tech shooting happened all the gun types proclaimed “if I’d been there I would have save those kids”. What’s the difference this time? No glory!

Originally Posted By: LurchThe definitions in the law are *terrible*, and it was largely counterproductive, and expensive. If you're trying to enact regulation about the danger of one type of weapon over another, it should be about the *function* of the weapon, not the cosmetics. A pistol grip on my shotgun does not make the slugs any more deadly.

Lurch, you tend to say all laws you disagree with are terrible. It’s not the law that was bad, just some definitions. The law worked because it kept people from being killed. When it was reprieved, violence broke out in three countries. Though, I agree about the function. Military style weapons like AR15 should be banned. As they say “The second amendment ain’t about duck hunting or target shooting.”

Originally Posted By: LurchSome individuals would be horrified if they knew a police officer was carrying a weapon in church.

Seem to recall that it was a sheep dog carrying a gun to church. Sheep dogs/police officers hmm? However, it’s simple. If you carry a gun to church you should not be in there, it sacrilege. It distracts from the sacred space and trust, and it is just plain inappropriate. You wouldn’t wear you spurs to bed, would you? And you wonder why I keep asking why are you guys so paranoid?

Originally Posted By: LurchThe *right* to have a gun is not what causes these accidents, people abusing that right is.

As I’ve said before laws are made to the lowest common denominator. In a civilized society people, some people have to forgo some of their rights for the community.

Originally Posted By: LurchI don't want to get into another numbers fight, but even pulling numbers from the brady campaign, number of households with guns vs accidental deaths comes out to ~.0028% of households with guns will have one. They are rare and tragic, and they are broadcast for everyone to hear so they make more of an impact than the defensive gun uses.


*cough*cough* perhaps you should look at some Emergency room stats, becfore you start blaming the media again. Eight children are shot to death every day.


EDITED_BY: Stone (1243812126)

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh


FireTomStargazer
6,650 posts

Posted:
... and just now a Kansas abortion doc got shot dead in a church where he served as an Usher... would this have been prevented if anybody else would have 'carried' there?

I doubt it - strongly. I doubt that one 'carrying' would have jumped up and screamed "down, down!" pulled out his gun and shot the approaching killer.

These are just cows-poo scenarios... At best he would have shot him after.

shrug

PS: It's not that I don't like you, Lurch - it's just that I consider your arguments weak and without reason... I have nothing against you carrying when "on duty" - I stated that long time ago, with the exceptioned professions. But ideally this gun would be stored in the police station... all doomsday hollywood scenarios set aside.
EDITED_BY: FireTom (1243816100)

the best smiles are the ones you lead to wink


LurchBRONZE Member
old hand
929 posts
Location: Oregon, USA


Posted:
Quote:To begin with: limited possession of ammunition does not = less training. Go to a shooting range and stay there for a week if you wish. In a private home and for self defense not more than one magazine - at the most one spare - is needed.

So you want to limit the amount of ammunition that can be kept in a home? What about people with hundreds of acres of land where they have their own area to shoot? Yes that's perfectly legal. There are 'ranges' on state land that are not manned with a Range Officer, private citizens show up and shoot their own ammunition. What about people who reload their own ammunition?

Realistically, ammo that isn't already loaded into a magazine does you no good in a fight or defensive situation, so I don't know why you're so intent on limiting it, or what you think that will solve.

Quote:So at times you're not carrying? Is that when you go "baaah"? wink What makes you think that the situation in which you're not carrying is any different?

Yeah actually, I do. That said unless I'm going somewhere specific where I *can't* I will always have at least a knife on me. Mainly for utility purposes, but there is always a defensive element to it. And no I've never had to use it defensively, or even come close to having to use it. I tend to do my best to stay out of situations where I may have to use deadly force. If I'm acting in a law enforcement capacity I don't have the luxury of simply walking away. And there are people out there with severe grudges against police.

Quote:IMHO there is a big difference between someone innocent dying because your "off" and someone innocent dying because your "on"... personally I prefer the former over the latter.

I'm a little confused about what you're actually trying to get at there.. Someone innocent dying is *never* acceptable, and if my weapon is the cause than I am completely responsible, and I accept that. If the weapon under the bed was a regular CCW gun, and the owner decided they didn't want to carry that day, than the kid died because the owner took the day off, and didn't fulfill their responsibilities. The safest place for my gun is on my hip.

Quote:Listen, do you side or oppose the smoking ban in public places, bars and restaurants? Would you say that education on the hazards of smoking has been effective... ? It might not be such a good example and I'm not talking about an outright "ban" anyway... What to do with a population that is not listening, that is not following the existing rules?

You're right that's not the best example. I don't think the feds, or the state should be controlling and regulating smoking in terms of privately owned business on private property. That should be up to the owner. Public land, and public buildings are different.

You're right though, what do we do with the population that doesn't listen? Cause we already have the laws, we already have the regulations. The people *you* have a problem with are the the people who aren't following those regulations. What makes you think they'll follow the new ones?

---------

Sorry I had a long 3 day weekend of SAR training... on with the reply!

---------


Quote:Lurch, they are your words. I think you need to decide who is running your Country; the NRA or the “elected” government?

I'd like to think the *people* are running the country, and right now I would have to say the NRA is reflecting the mentality of more of the country than the "elected officials," but that's just an opinion.

Quote:It’s interesting that when the Virginia Tech shooting happened all the gun types proclaimed “if I’d been there I would have save those kids”. What’s the difference this time? No glory!

What are you trying to compare here? The intentional killing spree of a disturbed individual and an accidental/negligent death of a child? There's no glory in either

Quote:Lurch, you tend to say all laws you disagree with are terrible. It’s not the law that was bad, just some definitions. The law worked because it kept people from being killed. When it was reprieved, violence broke out in three countries.

The US AWB repeal caused violence in other countries now? Well I appologize I didn't realize our bullets fly that far tongue2 The law isn't terrible because of what it did. The law is terrible because of how they went about it. Shoddy law making is a bad precident to set, and the way the AWB was written should *never* have been passed. The hype and fear mongering that was passed on along with it made politicians buy into it to further their career.

Quote:
Seem to recall that it was a sheep dog carrying a gun to church. Sheep dogs/police officers hmm? However, it’s simple. If you carry a gun to church you should not be in there, it sacrilege. It distracts from the sacred space and trust, and it is just plain inappropriate. You wouldn’t wear you spurs to bed, would you? And you wonder why I keep asking why are you guys so paranoid?

Police officers are sheepdogs by their nature. I guess you didn't bother to read my post and realize that was a quote from a book? Or maybe you did you just wanted to bait me anyways. Either way, I guess I should have provided more context for it, so I guess I'll post the preceding paragraph.

I was training a group of police officers in Texas, and during the break, one officer asked his friend if he carried his weapon in church. The other cop replied, "I will never be caught without my gun in church." I asked why he felt so strongly about this, and he told me about a police officer he knew who was at a church massacre in Ft. Worth, Texas, in 1999. In that incident, a mentally deranged individual came into the church and opened fire, gunning down 14 people. He said that officer believed he could have saved every life that day if he had been carrying his gun. His own son was shot, and all he could do was throw himself on the boy's body and wait for him to die. That cop looked me in the eye and said, "Do you have any idea how hard it would be to live with yourself after that?"

Quote:As I’ve said before laws are made to the lowest common denominator. In a civilized society people, some people have to forgo some of their rights for the community.

This isn't about playing your music too loud late at night Stone. This is about personal safety and your responsibility to protect *yourself*. If the world were truly as civilized as you would like it to be there wouldn't be criminals, there wouldn't be police, there wouldn't be wars. But that's not the world we live in, even you guys across the ocean(s). In a 'civilized' society when people begin to lay down their arms, there are others that will begin picking them up to pray on those that are in denial.

Quote:It's not that I don't like you, Lurch - it's just that I consider your arguments weak and without reason... I have nothing against you carrying when "on duty" - I stated that long time ago, with the exceptioned professions. But ideally this gun would be stored in the police station... all doomsday hollywood scenarios set aside.

It's not that I don't like you either FT, but I think you're a wee bit misguided, and blind to the real world. I sincerely hope you never have to see the reality you've avoided thus far.

Just curious though.. Why are you okay with me carrying openly while I'm on duty, but squeamish about me carrying concealed when the badge comes off? Am I less responsible? If the weapon is properly concealed it doesn't effect anyone around me unless it's needed since they wont even know it's there.

#homeofpoi -- irc.newnet.net Come talk to us we're bored frown

Warning: Please Do Not Jump On The Seals


StoneGOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia


Posted:
Originally Posted By: LurchI'd like to think the *people* are running the country, and right now I would have to say the NRA is reflecting the mentality of more of the country than the "elected officials," but that's just an opinion.

That’s close to treason. What, you would prefer Ted “the motor town madman” Nugent and the NRA running the country?

Federal agency warns of radicals on right

“The Department of Homeland Security is warning law enforcement officials about a rise in "rightwing extremist activity," saying the economic recession, the election of America's first black president and the return of a few disgruntled war veterans could swell the ranks of white-power militias. “


Originally Posted By: LurchThe US AWB repeal caused violence in other countries now? Well I appologize I didn't realize our bullets fly that far The law isn't terrible because of what it did. The law is terrible because of how they went about it. Shoddy law making is a bad precident to set, and the way the AWB was written should *never* have been passed. The hype and fear mongering that was passed on along with it made politicians buy into it to further their career.

The assault weapon ban prevented much carnage, just as Class 111 still does. How about you give us your ideas on what should be in the semi-automatic assault weapon ban.

Originally Posted By: LurchWhat are you trying to compare here? The intentional killing spree of a disturbed individual and an accidental/negligent death of a child? There's no glory in either

What I’m saying is that when the Virginia Tech shooting happened all the gun types proclaimed “if I’d been there I would have save those kids”. But I don’t hear all these wannabe heroes coming forth and saying they could have perevented a death when there are no opportunites for herocis and glory, as in the California incident. No just another accident.


Originally Posted By: LurchPolice officers are sheepdogs by their nature. I guess you didn't bother to read my post and realize that was a quote from a book? Or maybe you did you just wanted to bait me anyways. Either way, I guess I should have provided more context for it, so I guess I'll post the preceding paragraph.

I thought the bit in the book was about sheep dogs not police officer. I don’t remember the bit where he said “Police officers are sheepdogs by their nature.” I could be wrong on that.

Originally Posted By: LurchI was training a group of police officers in Texas, and during the break, one officer asked his friend if he carried his weapon in church. The other cop replied, "I will never be caught without my gun in church." I asked why he felt so strongly about this, and he told me about a police officer he knew who was at a church massacre in Ft. Worth, Texas, in 1999. In that incident, a mentally deranged individual came into the church and opened fire, gunning down 14 people. He said that officer believed he could have saved every life that day if he had been carrying his gun. His own son was shot, and all he could do was throw himself on the boy's body and wait for him to die. That cop looked me in the eye and said, "Do you have any idea how hard it would be to live with yourself after that?"

A story about a story. After all the other stories, like the little qirl with the shotgun that proved to be proved to be false. I'd need more proof on that one. Anyhow, it could have resulted in more people being killed. And in you terms it's just another unfortunate accident. Though, I'd suggest that preventing that guy for getting his hands on an assault weapon would have been the best solution. But hey, that’s too sensible!

Originally Posted By: LurchThis isn't about playing your music too loud late at night Stone. This is about personal safety and your responsibility to protect *yourself*. If the world were truly as civilized as you would like it to be there wouldn't be criminals, there wouldn't be police, there wouldn't be wars. But that's not the world we live in, even you guys across the ocean(s). In a 'civilized' society when people begin to lay down their arms, there are others that will begin picking them up to pray on those that are in denial.

You guys like living in a violent society, so you create that society with you guns. It would be miraculous, but one day people will “wake-up” and see that all this violence is just stupid. Growing men chasing each other around with guns because they live in fear and have lost the ability to communicate.

EDITED_BY: Stone (1243826457)

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh


FireTomStargazer
6,650 posts

Posted:
You want to stockpile ammo? Store them in the shooting range.
Private ranges? Sorry, but no. Stockpile at home? Doesn't serve a defensive purpose, sorry but "no" also.

Why you think there are such harsh weapon procedures in a highly skilled/trained environment, like the military? Why not having the same, if not heavier regulations outside?

After duty you put your gun into the police station. Inside a safe... that's all you really need for duty.

What would you feel being appropriate for that CCW holder, who left his gun under the bed for his daughter to shoot her little brother? A pat on the shoulder along with "No worries, mate - tragedy - but you can still make another one..."

It happens too often, Lurch...

the best smiles are the ones you lead to wink


faith enfireBRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA


Posted:
oh you guys just like to use inflammatory words to make your point.

I would respond but I think it would just be redundant and fall on deaf ears. It's good to see new blood in here

Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed


StoneGOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia


Posted:




Originally Posted By: Thich Nhat Hanh There is a story about a woman running away from tigers. She runs and runs, and the tigers are getting closer and closer. When she comes to the edge of a cliff, she sees some vines there, so she climbs down and holds on to the vines. Looking down, she sees that there are tigers below her as well. She then notices that a mouse is gnawing away at the vine to which she is clinging. She also sees a beautiful little bunch of strawberries close to her, growing out of a clump of grass. She looks up and she looks down. She looks at the mouse. Then she just takes a strawberry, puts it in her mouth, and enjoys it thoroughly.









Lurch in case you are wondering, the Thich Nhat Hanh quote is for you and Lt Col David Grossmans WSG to think about shocked
EDITED_BY: Stone (1244010750)

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh


FelexSILVER Member
Destroyer of worlds and ooo shiny.
268 posts
Location: In my own head, United Kingdom


Posted:
In the states you all have a right to bear arms. Major spelling error that the proofreaders missed, It was meant to say
The right to bare arms. laugh3

FireTomStargazer
6,650 posts

Posted:
Stone that is only a slightly different scenario than the one Jainas use to describe the madness of man... wink

Faith... what was first, chicken or egg?
Am trying to keep it cool and find the deaf ears (to reason) at least on both ends of the table - if not in the audience as well wink

the best smiles are the ones you lead to wink


StoneGOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia


Posted:
Quote:Stone that is only a slightly different scenario than the one Jainas use to describe the madness of man... wink

Good point Fire Tom.

I think truths about the “madness of man” are eternal and universal.

I’d like to hear the Janism parable sometime.


cheers smile




EDITED_BY: Stone (1244086157)

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh


FireTomStargazer
6,650 posts

Posted:
wink they used it in a very different context and approach, Stone...

gookst doo

Point being is not (as TNH sees it) to look at the bright side of life, that being human and adorable... but more like Lurch's approach of "wake up to the REAL world" - though with completely different consequences wink wink wink

offtopic

Lurch - so many people out there trying to sell me their "real world"... cops and sadhus alike... But I'm not buying, especially not if that means I have to run with fear, wear a weapon or deliver my fate to some guy with a gun... By time you too will grow out of that condition(ing) and realize wink Maybe you check into the Jain philosophy... they are one of the oldest living religions of the planet... quite astonishing how they survived... must be "India" wink

the best smiles are the ones you lead to wink


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