jackthehat

Remind me not to visit the Uther Side of Accrington! - They can't live without guns!

Beaverstate

A Puritan viewpoint. Violence not acceptable? Does that include any form. I assume you mean yes. Few advocate violence. More than 99.9% of guns purchased in the US never kill anyone. Or if you prefer less than .01% purchased do kill. I am certain that more guns are bought for hunting deer, cougar, bear, boar, duck, goose,elk, moose, wolves, coyotes, turkeys, pheasant, chukar, bobcats, rabbits, bighorn sheep,antelope, fox, squirrel, and gators etc... And I will repeat one more time... Violent crime rates (all types) have been falling for 35 years in the US. Unbelievable I Know if you only look at headlines. And yes there are more guns now than 35 years ago. If you want to limit this type of bullsh#t, have the media stop making them infamous. Which brings up the first amendment.Sigh.

jackthehat

So, I suppose the same arguments pervade when we begin to discuss the 'Death Penalty' with Americans? - Suddenly, it all goes very quiet!

Meow

Not often I get called a puritan...

No argument that gun crime is falling, but it is still far higher than in countries where guns are not so freely available. QED.

weasel decentral

Big leap of logic there, buying a gun means I am willing to kill another human being?
As a gun owner in Ireland I can assure you that's certainly not true, I am definitely not willing to kill another human being.
In the US I might accept being willing to defend yourself as a cause for gun ownership.

If I wanted to kill someone I doubt availability of guns was going to really impair me in doing so.

Beaverstate

The anti nuclear proliferation movement runs far deeper than just the US. I believe it includes most all of Europe and a good portion of the developed world.

Beaverstate

Part 2 of your post. Yes the right to bear arms does run much deeper in the American psyche. That will not be changed easily.

the_red_sheep

You mean legally bought guns here though I presume, and not the tens or hundreds of thousands that are bought and sold on street corners and tucked into the waist bands of 15 year olds? What good do those do? And where did they come from? If there weren't so many in circulation to begin with then fewer would be lost or stolen and end up on the streets doing damage on a daily basis.

weasel decentral

If its the method or weapon of the crime that's important of course this is correct, however the next question you have to ask is if all guns were removed would murders, robberies etc drop or just be carried out with knives or other weapons?

Beaverstate

The death penalty here is supported by a majority, and not a silent one. However most supporters are only for heinous crimes.

jackthehat

So, I suppose the same arguments pervade when we begin to discuss the 'Death Penalty' with Americans? - Suddenly, it all goes very quiet!

And your last post was . . . .

The anti nuclear proliferation movement runs far deeper than just the US. I believe it includes most all of Europe and a good portion of the developed world.

You have failed to answer the question! - This is like a Paxman Interview!

the_red_sheep

It does indeed, but in my opinion it is much more widely supported, and indeed forced, by public opinion in Europe than it is in the US.

jackthehat

Apologies, our posts were coincidental. You argument appears perverse; can you discuss further?

the_red_sheep

Again, I agree. Worryingly though there seems to be little or no acceptance that there is problem, never mind any will to change, from a frighteningly large and powerful percentage of the population.

Beaverstate

I appreciate your concern, but why do you care so much about US law and gun ownership? Are you planning a move? I must warn you I own a pistol and a shotgun Have for 30 plus years and have NEVER pointed one at anyone. Yes I have training.