Rolled Out On: 4/18/2007 1:13 PM

Robb,

I like your answer, but have one comment:

You have to be careful how you define whether a gun was "used" to commit a crime. Was it not fired, but used to threaten? I'm not sure I would have a problem with applying the same penalties when a gun is present in the commission of a crime, if it could be demonstrated that the person had made possession known.

GD

Rolled Out On: 4/18/2007 2:59 PM

you really are as sharp as a marble. Guns make killing people very easy. Take them away and people live longer. You can still defend yourself in other ways. Bats, knives, etc. won't kill people as easily. Guns make people Godlike. As humans, we don't have the right to play God. Think about that.

Rolled Out On: 4/18/2007 3:54 PM

Guns make killing people very easy. Take them away and people live longer.

Actually take away swimming pools and kids will live longer. Kids die 100 times more drowning deaths than gun deaths.

You can still defend yourself in other ways. Bats, knives, etc. won't kill people as easily

My 97 pound mother is no match for a 250lb. goblin intent on raping her, bats knives or mace be damned. Her .38 special though is much more effective. If the goblin dies, too bad. Not really a loss to society. Unless you want women to get raped, why would you think this?
Guns make people Godlike. As humans, we don't have the right to play God. Think about that.
"I'm not God, I only play him while carrying"

You might think you're God when you hold a firearm, but please do not project your inadequacies onto other people. I carry every single day. I've never shot anyone over parking spaces, cutting me off, yelling at me, etc. When I carry, I specifically avoid situations that could require me to use deadly force.

So, I want you to think of something for a while. I refuse to give up my guns. Even if the laws are changed, I will always have them. You CANNOT take them away from me.

Unless you use guns.

Then you're whole reason for banning them goes out the door. Or is it ok for the police to play God?

Rolled Out On: 4/19/2007 1:39 PM

One thing: Define "crime". Is it a real crime, sucha s robbery or murder, or do you include "We say so" crimes, such as possession of a banned gun?

Rolled Out On: 4/19/2007 1:48 PM

I mean an actual crime - Using a gun, even if simply flashing it, during a robbery / rape / mugging / etc. Having it on your possession is not a crime however if you're planning on robbing a store, it wouldn't be a good idea to have it with you as there will be very, very little you could do to imply you never meant to use it.

Rolled Out On: 4/21/2007 8:24 AM

I have a question for you Joe;

What is it that separates Humans from the rest of God's critters?

Many would say that it is our ability to make and use tools. In today's society where the violent criminal is allowed to remain free, where the justice system fails the citizenry, an effective means of self protection is necessary. Knives and baseball bats are great secondary means of defence, but for most a firearm is the most efficient and effective tool for the job.

Joe, I sincerely hope that you never end up in a situation where you are face to face with a goblin who's only goal is to kill you, your family and those around you. If you ever are in a situation like that, you will wish that you had been man enough to take on the responsibility of protecting yourself and your family. And Joe, it is YOUR responsibility. The fact that you have decided that your life, and the lives of your family are not worth defending does not mean that you can neuter those of us who understand the responsibilities of a free citizen. You may attempt to turn us into criminals by changing the laws, but you will not be successful in turning us into the castrati, making us more like you.

Excellent response to the challenge Robb, I'll have to work on my own.

Rolled Out On: 4/24/2007 5:09 PM

Well, Joe certainly hasn't thought out the situation beyond the superficial level. Typical leftist rant - totally on emotion with no reason or reality included.

I would also challenge the notion that brandishing a weapon should be a crime, though it is considered such now. My grandmother brandished a pistol many years ago when threatened by thugs. They drove off and left her alone. No assault occured, no crime attempted or committed. Hmmm... seems to make sense to me. I spent 26 years in the Army and am well acquainted with all types of firearms. My concealed carry license is being processed as we speak, so I know that unfortunately brandishing is illegal. However, as always, context is incredibly important. Is it brandished to frighten and terrorize, or is it brandished to prevent, as in my grandmother's case?

I would also tell you that Ted Kennedy has killed more people with his car than I have ever killed with my weapons. I don't see anyone calling for "car control".

Yes, JR, Joe also seems to be unaware that the Supreme Court ruled in 1856 that the police do not have the requirement to protect people. They are to enforce the laws generally. Every citizen has the legal authority to prevent crime. And since the citizen is AT the scene of the crime that is being perpetrated against him, he has the authority to prevent that crime however possible, usually with the use of a firearm. You can bet when Joe is staring down the barrel of the criminal's weapon, he will wish he had one.

Anyway, good stuff, Robb. Keep up the fire.... (9th Infantry Regiment motto, by the way)

Rolled Out On: 4/26/2007 8:26 PM

I take issue with the "Commit a crime with a gun and you forfeit your right to ever own one again." Certainly the need to protect oneself doesn't decrease. A man who has done his time and paid his fine, he should be square with the house.

That also puts too much faith in the police, DAs, and judges. Government is comprised of tiny pockets of good, hard-working people and vast tracts of lazy, selfish, careless people.