Brit3964

Probably. There's certainly an ambiguity about it. You could be a gun-toting NRA supporter extolling the virtues of the 2nd Amendment yet be a pro 14th Amendment change supporter too. Maybe that's how the Founding Fathers had intended it to be?

Bob

I don't think there's a problem with owning a gun, have fun shooting, whatever.

I just think that owning one for personal protection is a general false prophecy. It won't make you safer.

Bob

Most house hold robberies that result in home owner getting hurt has been because they picked up a weapon rather than the robber going in and causing harm in the off. Whether that be a knife, golf club or gun.

Octang Frye

Citation, please.

Leslie

I don't know. Truthfully, I think that the Founding Fathers were probably elitists and never imagined that the common man would debate Constitutional issues. It's a relatively new phenomena.

Octang Frye

Anyone following this Raoul Moat thing in the UK?
I don't understand it. As a convicted felon, it's illegal for him to have a firearm.
So, um, how does he have one?

Clearly, even stronger, more restrictive laws are needed.

chartreuse

While we're waiting for a citation, here's a recent counter example:

Man shot in back after he gives robber his money

Octang Frye

Still waiting, Bob.

Leslie

What are we proving now?

That people with guns in their homes are more likely to be involved in a gun related shooting in their home?

Sally Redux

Obviously you lot feel happier sitting with your guns cocked all day long and sleeping with one eye open. I prefer to get on with life without dwelling on the remote chance of a a drug-fuelled burglar breaking into my house, in which case I'll be legging it.

chartreuse

AKAIK, all the studies, that Bob and Steerpike refer to, prove is that if you live in a shitty area then shitty things are more likely to happen to you.

Leslie

It's hard for me to follow. People who drive cars are more likely to be in car accidents but I suppose but they're more likely to survive car accidents too.

Brit3964

A similar story happened to one of our pilots. 6 years ago in Charlotte, NC early morning he left his hotel to go to his car. A man walked over to him and demanded money. He had a gun. Our pilot said he had none and offered to drive to an ATM. They both went to a nearby ATM in his car. There was some problem drawing the money out and the robber started getting agitated saying he'd shoot him if it were a trick. As our pilot was trying to get the machine to work, he said half-jokingly "you might as well shoot me then". He said he was scared but pissed at the robber at the same time. Finally the machine worked and he handed over the money. Before the robber left, he fired one shot and hit our pilot in the knee. The gunman said "you thought I was joking didn't you?" then left by stealing his car.

Had our pilot had a gun on him maybe the robber wouldn't have shot him or attempted to rob him. On the other hand...it could have been much worse. We've speculated it's possible his retort of "you might as well shoot me then" may have had a reverse psychology effect being such an unexpected response. He still got shot but not terminally. He spent several weeks off work and recovered fully. The cops found his car abandoned but never recovered the money or caught the robber.

Bob

You do a google for any robbery story involving violence, you'll find just as many stories as you will back up your little world of safety, so there's no point.

Bob

No, just saying anyone at home getting burgled who decides to face the robber is more likely to get the worse end of the stick and if he happens to have a gun is more likely to get shot by his own gun than if he had just legged it.

Like I said, there's nothing wrong with gun ownership, but having a gun doesn't make one safer at home.

For a few, well trained people here, it probably would, but for most, it would be a hindrance.