We are Martians

http://vimeo.com/64432171

Stupid American.

Though, I usually hold up Howard's gun control scheme as being a prime example of a knee jerk over-reaction to something by legislators.

While it did limit and control the proliferation of semi and fully automatic weapons in Australia, by rushing and failing to consider the full ramifications of the legislation, we now live in a country where many toys are banned, illegal or modified, ownership of replica weapons is prohibited, plinking air rifles require a full blown firearms licence, clay pigeon shooting on your own land is illegal and other things - such as nerf guns - are technically prohibited, but remain on sale because Hasbro remits large tax payments. Yet, we still have just as much gun related crime as we did before.

Though 'Howard's Way' is often lauded as a benchmark for successful gun control, in reality it was also a massive step towards the nanny state that Australia seems proud to be


S

There is much more gun violence in Australia than Britain. With both countries having bans the cause must be in other factors.

Going tropo?

Could be.

That's because when coppers run after crims in the UK - (not too fast - the helmet will fall off) they only have to blow their whistle, and shout 'Stop in the name of the law!' and the crims stop in their tracks and say:

'It's a fair cop! I'll come quietly!'

Cut to scene of crim being escorted to the car, perhaps even a Rover with a V8 engine (my word!) being led by an arm, not a pair of handcuffs in sight.

PS
I am led to believe by American 1970s Tv shows that even a shoplifter gets put in handcuffs. Fancy that!

Whoopdi doo.

If being a nanny state is what it takes to reduce or stop massacres I'd prefer to live in one.

That's not the argument - The argument is that with a little more thought the same result could have been achieved while avoiding making children's toys etc illegal.

It's the result of knee-jerk reactions without full consideration that leaves us with nanny state legislation that could be avoided.


S

The childrens toys were banned before the gun reform came into place. Those types of childrens toys have been illegal since the 1970's when cheap imports started flooding in from China and kids were losing eyes and fingers.

It was the Firearms Acts of 1996 that placed a ban on anything that was able to launch a projectile (the broadest possible interpretation available). This included anything from air rifles, airsoft and paintball to catapaults, toy tanks, nerf guns etc.

Only South Australia saw any sense and incorporated a muzzle velocity test for toys, which is why some of these things remain available.

Paintball and air rifles remain legal, however must comply with strict registration requirements. Many children's toys can only be sold with modification to prevent the launch of a projectile.


S

Weapon availability is nothing to do with massacres, its a state of mind.
Australia is marching full ahead into a state of Metropolis!
Keep dribbling Paddyo, keep dribbling!

Well I remember bebe guns, certain sling shots etc being banned well before 1996.

People cause massacres. Guns are the tool. Banning guns has massively reduced deaths that would have otherwise been caused. Better a nutter with a knife that one with a semi.

Frankly the bans have made no difference to my life and the shooters I know would rather their sport was safe than completely banned.

I remember the debate on toy guns back in the early 70's

Pissed me off because I couldnt play cowboys and indians with my imitation Colt.