Population demographics has a lot to do with it. IMO.
iowa grandmothers own guns. fact. the elderly lady across the way owns a 20 gauge that hangs (unloaded) above the back door & upstairs where they sleep there is a handgun. (a wild fact - her single shot 20 gauge shotgun is the identical twin of the one i received for a birthday present... unfricking real)
rock the fuck on, grandma!
she is one heck of a baker of cakes, breads, brownies, pies & cookies & cans vegetables from many of the local gardens. she sings in choirs as does all of her four children & grandchildren. wonderful people, a warm & lovely grandmother. a spectacular senior citizen that i am blessed to be friends with.
"now don't be comin up those stairs at 2am, we have a loaded pistol" - grandma bonnie
to me, this is america & i only wish good things upon grandma
Actually depending on how the crimes are classified #2 has been proven false and therefore would make the other point moot.
I've found studies that when broken down per capita the US is more in the middle.
And if your stats are true then explain how the Swiss, who per capita own more guns, have less crime than almost anyone.
The Swiss, per capita, do not own more guns, unsung. The US has more guns per capita than anyone. I believe that stat, off the top of my head, is 89 per 100. It's not even close.
If I am mistaken, can you please provide your source?
And if your stats are true then explain how the Swiss, who per capita own more guns, have less crime than almost anyone.
Because of the militia in Switzerland, a lot of households have guns, but that's about where the similarities with the U.S. stop. There's a high level of gun control there, as well as limits on the ammunition. Ammo also has a registration process and based on what I've read, few households even have ammo for the gun(s).
My theory as to the higher violent crime in the U.S. is because there's a higher level of desperation here, combined with how fear is woven into our culture. Put those together and the end result isn't very good.
Sorry, but I did not read all 9 pages of this thread.
My opinion is that there is a major problem with how some people handle their guns in their homes. I remembering reading quite a few stories the last few years where little kids shoot others with a gun while they were playing.
Responsible people would know how to properly handle a gun in the home. I wish there was a test to take before one gets a gun, similar to getting a drivers license.
And to make it clear, I am not a gun hater. I wish to own a gun someday soon. But gun culture in America needs to change. We need to do all we can, within reason, to lower the amount of violence and accidental deaths caused by irresponsible and dangerous people with guns. Current gun laws are not enough, and more laws is not the solution. We need to educate people on how to be responsible, we need to educate better on mental health as well as treating and being more aware of those with mental health problems. There is so much more we could do, but lobbyists will make sure no talks take place to ensure our gun culture stays the same...
~Carter~
You can spend your time alone, redigesting past regrets, oh
or you can come to terms and realize
you're the only one who can't forgive yourself, oh
makes much more sense to live in the present tense - Present Tense
I've been a fan of PJ for 20+ years. I love the music so I separate the band's political stances from it. Fact is most musicians are liberal and most small business owners like me are conservative. I don't agree with some of my best friends on a number of issues. It leads to some intense debate, but once we're done cooking, grilling or smoking and its time to eat, it's all forgotten and we all have a good laugh. Free speech is great thing.
With that in mind, I think Eddie needs to think a little bit more before he opens his mouth. Wishing bad things on people (even when premised with an "almost") is not smart. Ed -- PJ's strongest music demographic is males 35-55. A lot of us own guns, we went through all the hoops to own them legally, and we are responsible with them.
We are a big part of your fan base. I don't think you really "almost" want bag things to happen to us. Think about what you're saying and be careful how you say it. I don't have an issue with your position on gun control, but your choice of words made me cringe.
Just a little advice from one of your elders -- yes I was listening to The Stones, Led Zeppelin & The Who when you were in kindergarten . PJ is the closest contemporary band that measures up to the greats of the hey-day of real hard rock. I'm looking forward to purchasing 'Lightning Bolt" and playing it in to ground.
Responsible people would know how to properly handle a gun in the home. I wish there was a test to take before one gets a gun, similar to getting a drivers license.
I wish too (maybe extend those parameters to parents as well - and dammit for thinking of the similar line from Keanu's character in Parenthood).
The thing is, we all talk about responsibility, but many a time have I read/heard a variation of responsible gun owners are responsible only until they're irresponsible.
So what does that mean? No one is or can be consistently responsible? And if so, get rid of guns altogether? What else will fall into that realm?
Is there not a point where with guns, as with other responsibilities we take on that have the potential to harm, it's all or none?
I grant Mr. V the same leeway I do anyone else - myself included - here, there and most everywhere.
Heat of the moment mixed with sincere thoughts.
Speak out, shout out. Stand by it, and then play your chips as they fall.
I think Eddie's right to be frustrated by the situation regarding accidental gun deaths, but I really don't think lawmakers are the ones to turn to to better that situation.
Parents, teachers, local shooting clubs and municipal law enforcement agencies need to educate, warn, train and prepare people what and what not to do regarding firearms. It's not some senators responsibility to ensure that my kids know the dangers of the world, it's mine.
The sentiment is correct, but bemoaning the fact that we aren't seeing enough action from legislators is misguided, IMO.
We need to see more action from parents, or responsible adults in general.
If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV
I think Eddie's right to be frustrated by the situation regarding accidental gun deaths, but I really don't think lawmakers are the ones to turn to to better that situation.
Parents, teachers, local shooting clubs and municipal law enforcement agencies need to educate, warn, train and prepare people what and what not to do regarding firearms. It's not some senators responsibility to ensure that my kids know the dangers of the world, it's mine.
The sentiment is correct, but bemoaning the fact that we aren't seeing enough action from legislators is misguided, IMO.
We need to see more action from parents, or responsible adults in general.
Responsible adults is the key. I'm only as anti gun as I seem to be because there are too many irresponsible gun owners, too many extreme guns made for mass killing, too many guns in the US and the fact that guns are too easy (IMHO) to purchase.
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
I will also admit that I did not read the previous 9 pages, in their entirety. However, I understand the context of Eddie's words in this interview and I support him 100%.
Here's the problem that, I believe, Eddie is frustrated with.....I share his frustration. Whenever there is a debate on gun legislation in the US, it seems that most of those speaking FOR the legislation have either themselves been the victim of gun violence or someone they love has been the victim.
For the most part, those waving the American Flag, demanding their rights to own guns, have never been personally touched by gun violence.....too many of the anti gun legislation supporters are very quick to lob insults at their "opponents," many of whom have been directly affected by the LACK of gun control in the US.
I'm sorry, but I do NOT consider the NRA or any group that they pay to author studies to be legitimate resources. The NRA and their cronies have one concern and one concern only: to make billions of dollars and control the government so that they may continue raking in the cash.
For those who believe they need hunting rifles and handguns to keep our government from depriving us of rights....you are clueless. Besides...how is your rifle going to defend you against a Stealth Bomber? That argument died long ago so please allow it to rest in peace. We are not going to overthrow the US military and government with rifles and pistols.
For all of those who want to start lobbing insults at me, allow me to explain how I have formed the opinions I hold. I grew up in a family that did not own weapons of any type. However, I married into a family that were gun enthusiasts. My daughter's grandpa was a prominent engineer and loved to hunt on his 60 acres of property. As far as responsible gun owners go, he is about as responsible as anyone could get. He kept his guns locked away and unloaded. Since she was about 4 years old, grandpa started teaching my daughter (with my blessing) about gun safety, and how to safely and properly use a gun. They began a tradition of hunting a wild turkey every year for Thanksgiving.....for years and years, grandfather and granddaughter bonded over dressing up in hunting clothes and finding a big fat turkey that I would then roast and baste for Thanksgiving dinner.
When my daughter was 22, she became very depressed. On July 10 of this year, she felt that she had no hope. She drove to her grandpa's house and hunted around to find the key to his gun cabinet. She did find it. She grabbed one of his hunting rifles, loaded it, and shot herself in the head; thus ending her young life.
Her dad and grandpa had been lifelong gun enthusiasts and ardent supporters of gun rights. Her dad had to clean his daughter's brains off of his father's walls. Guess how much they are now speaking out for the right to bear arms? None....because they can barely live with the nightmares they both must live the rest of their lives with. They have fallen silent.
Once people are DIRECTLY AFFECTED by gun violence, they become much less likely to continue supporting America's lax gun laws. A simple comparison of the rates of gun violence in the US compared to other countries with very strict gun laws speaks volumes in and of itself. So I urge each and every one of you, before condemning the beliefs of others who have based their opinions on solid academic research and support gun control legislation, to review non-NRA propaganda. Bottom line....if you own a gun, it is MUCH more likely that either YOU or someone in your household will be killed by that gun than by an intruder. These statistics are undeniable.
These studies largely cover the links between suicide and gun availability. But keep in mind, there are 3 times more suicides in the US than there are homicides. Most of those suicides are by a firearm, and most of those firearms are either owned by the victim or a close family member. Is this really what we want to be about, as a country?
I will also admit that I did not read the previous 9 pages, in their entirety. However, I understand the context of Eddie's words in this interview and I support him 100%.
Here's the problem that, I believe, Eddie is frustrated with.....I share his frustration. Whenever there is a debate on gun legislation in the US, it seems that most of those speaking FOR the legislation have either themselves been the victim of gun violence or someone they love has been the victim.
For the most part, those waving the American Flag, demanding their rights to own guns, have never been personally touched by gun violence.....too many of the anti gun legislation supporters are very quick to lob insults at their "opponents," many of whom have been directly affected by the LACK of gun control in the US.
I'm sorry, but I do NOT consider the NRA or any group that they pay to author studies to be legitimate resources. The NRA and their cronies have one concern and one concern only: to make billions of dollars and control the government so that they may continue raking in the cash.
For those who believe they need hunting rifles and handguns to keep our government from depriving us of rights....you are clueless. Besides...how is your rifle going to defend you against a Stealth Bomber? That argument died long ago so please allow it to rest in peace. We are not going to overthrow the US military and government with rifles and pistols.
For all of those who want to start lobbing insults at me, allow me to explain how I have formed the opinions I hold. I grew up in a family that did not own weapons of any type. However, I married into a family that were gun enthusiasts. My daughter's grandpa was a prominent engineer and loved to hunt on his 60 acres of property. As far as responsible gun owners go, he is about as responsible as anyone could get. He kept his guns locked away and unloaded. Since she was about 4 years old, grandpa started teaching my daughter (with my blessing) about gun safety, and how to safely and properly use a gun. They began a tradition of hunting a wild turkey every year for Thanksgiving.....for years and years, grandfather and granddaughter bonded over dressing up in hunting clothes and finding a big fat turkey that I would then roast and baste for Thanksgiving dinner.
When my daughter was 22, she became very depressed. On July 10 of this year, she felt that she had no hope. She drove to her grandpa's house and hunted around to find the key to his gun cabinet. She did find it. She grabbed one of his hunting rifles, loaded it, and shot herself in the head; thus ending her young life.
Her dad and grandpa had been lifelong gun enthusiasts and ardent supporters of gun rights. Her dad had to clean his daughter's brains off of his father's walls. Guess how much they are now speaking out for the right to bear arms? None....because they can barely live with the nightmares they both must live the rest of their lives with. They have fallen silent.
Once people are DIRECTLY AFFECTED by gun violence, they become much less likely to continue supporting America's lax gun laws. A simple comparison of the rates of gun violence in the US compared to other countries with very strict gun laws speaks volumes in and of itself. So I urge each and every one of you, before condemning the beliefs of others who have based their opinions on solid academic research and support gun control legislation, to review non-NRA propaganda. Bottom line....if you own a gun, it is MUCH more likely that either YOU or someone in your household will be killed by that gun than by an intruder. These statistics are undeniable.
These studies largely cover the links between suicide and gun availability. But keep in mind, there are 3 times more suicides in the US than there are homicides. Most of those suicides are by a firearm, and most of those firearms are either owned by the victim or a close family member. Is this really what we want to be about, as a country?
Sad. I'm truly sorry, man. I can only imagine you spend much of your day thinking of your daughter- I have one too and I couldn't imagine.
The rest of your post speaks to the reality of the situation that most care not to hear or choose to ignore. In particular: Bottom line....if you own a gun, it is MUCH more likely that either YOU or someone in your household will be killed by that gun than by an intruder.
Yes...and a heartbreaking, articulate one at that.
To kristijrn, I'm very sorry. The daughter of a coworker/friend took her life this week, though not with a weapon. She had five children.
No matter the method, I can't imagine such loss.
I'm all for increased safeguards when it comes to guns and don't understand the opposition against these common-sense efforts. But even when all teachings and precautions are put into place, tragedies and horrific acts still happen.
Yes...and a heartbreaking, articulate one at that.
To kristijrn, I'm very sorry. The daughter of a coworker/friend took her life this week, though not with a weapon. She had five children.
No matter the method, I can't imagine such loss.
I'm all for increased safeguards when it comes to guns and don't understand the opposition against these common-sense efforts. But even when all teachings and precautions are put into place, tragedies and horrific acts still happen.
So what is the answer? NO guns?
It's obvious there is an inherent risk with owning a gun. My household used to have rifles, shotguns and a handgun when I grew up as a child. Dad hunted and so did I. Those guns are gone now for reasons I won't get into.
I don't think 'no guns' is an answer. It's unrealistic. But I think limiting the type of gun the average citizen might own is a prudent measure for limiting the amount of risk a gun carries. I have consistently advocated for no automatic or semi-automatic rifles as well as extremely limited availability for handguns (ie. squeaky clean background and proof of need such as a rancher or deep woods hunter).
One's desires should not trump measures taken for public safety. People always say, "What about cars? We should ban cars too?" No. No we shouldn't. But we should build safe highways with dividers and limit the speeds to which one might drive. These are safeguards in place that, in my mind, parallel proposed gun measures.
One's desires should not trump measures taken for public safety. People always say, "What about cars? We should ban cars too?" No. No we shouldn't. But we should build safe highways with dividers and limit the speeds to which one might drive. These are safeguards in place that, in my mind, parallel proposed gun measures.
I don't disagree with you, especially on your last point.
One's desires should not trump measures taken for public safety. People always say, "What about cars? We should ban cars too?" No. No we shouldn't. But we should build safe highways with dividers and limit the speeds to which one might drive. These are safeguards in place that, in my mind, parallel proposed gun measures.
I don't disagree with you, especially on your last point.
This is good, Hedo... because, man, I am not in the mood for a disagreement this morning!
One's desires should not trump measures taken for public safety. People always say, "What about cars? We should ban cars too?" No. No we shouldn't. But we should build safe highways with dividers and limit the speeds to which one might drive. These are safeguards in place that, in my mind, parallel proposed gun measures.
It isn't a desire, it's a RIGHT. People's feelings shouldn't trump RIGHTS.
Once you realize that gun control isn't about guns then maybe you'll understand why some people believe the way we do. I've never met anyone that doesn't want murder to end, but even in the most controlled environment (prison) murder still happens. Gun control is not about guns.
One's desires should not trump measures taken for public safety. People always say, "What about cars? We should ban cars too?" No. No we shouldn't. But we should build safe highways with dividers and limit the speeds to which one might drive. These are safeguards in place that, in my mind, parallel proposed gun measures.
It isn't a desire, it's a RIGHT. People's feelings shouldn't trump RIGHTS.
Once you realize that gun control isn't about guns then maybe you'll understand why some people believe the way we do. I've never met anyone that doesn't want murder to end, but even in the most controlled environment (prison) murder still happens. Gun control is not about guns.
Care to explain further?
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
One's desires should not trump measures taken for public safety. People always say, "What about cars? We should ban cars too?" No. No we shouldn't. But we should build safe highways with dividers and limit the speeds to which one might drive. These are safeguards in place that, in my mind, parallel proposed gun measures.
It isn't a desire, it's a RIGHT. People's feelings shouldn't trump RIGHTS.
Once you realize that gun control isn't about guns then maybe you'll understand why some people believe the way we do. I've never met anyone that doesn't want murder to end, but even in the most controlled environment (prison) murder still happens. Gun control is not about guns.
I have a really good understanding about what gun control is about. I'm afraid you don't.
Rights have limits. If I wanted to raise an infant cougar that I stumbled across in the wild and claimed it was my right to do so as a free man of the United States... would this be okay with you? Would it be okay with you if I lived in an urban setting and wanted to raise the cougar there?
The rights you trumpet were afforded to you when guns amounted to cumbersome tools that paralleled today's slingshots. Times have changed, Unsung and so has the need to revise and maintain the integrity and intent of a document that has lost some of its purpose given the different landscape.
By the way... sorry to hear about your personal life.
It isn't a desire, it's a RIGHT. People's feelings shouldn't trump RIGHTS.
it was a desire to make it a right by men 300 years ago. that document has been ammended 27 times since its inception. some of those "rights" have been given and taken away in those years.
the second ammendment is not above reproach. you talk about it like it was etched in marble and sent from the heavens to a bearded man on a mountain.
Gimli 1993
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
Don't you think it is second on the list for a reason? It is a necessary part of the checks and balances system; a last resort measure for the people of this nation to defend themselves from a tyrannical or over-reaching government.
If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV
I haven't read the whole thread, sorry. But after reading the article, Ed seemed to be referring not to gun owners but to the gun lobby. Big difference. The whole thing has been blown out of proportion.
I have guns, well more accurately my husband does. We occasionally target shoot, don't shoot living things.
I agree with Ed about the gun lobby. Restrictions on assualt weapons and universal background checks are sensible precautions that they have successfully lobbied against, against the will of the majority of the public, including gun owners. Countries with serious gun control for sure have much less gun violence, but we are way beyond that in the US. No one is going to ban guns in the US as it would require a constitutional amendment. But the lobby gets their way by making people afraid that the government is coming for all their guns. Ludicrous!
Now here's a thought (and I hope Alex is reading this): Some people who think EV is being hypocritical because he has body guards with guns. I don't know if that is, in fact true, but let's assume it is. I don't think he's being hypocritical (If I were as well known as EV, I would have armed body guards) but lets pretend he is and we'll make a deal. Everybody gets a gun. Everybody, according to their fame. Pick your 15 seconds of gun ownership carefully, people.
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
Comments
rock the fuck on, grandma!
she is one heck of a baker of cakes, breads, brownies, pies & cookies & cans vegetables from many of the local gardens. she sings in choirs as does all of her four children & grandchildren. wonderful people, a warm & lovely grandmother. a spectacular senior citizen that i am blessed to be friends with.
"now don't be comin up those stairs at 2am, we have a loaded pistol" - grandma bonnie
to me, this is america & i only wish good things upon grandma
"Hear me, my chiefs!
I am tired; my heart is
sick and sad. From where
the sun stands I will fight
no more forever."
Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
The Swiss, per capita, do not own more guns, unsung. The US has more guns per capita than anyone. I believe that stat, off the top of my head, is 89 per 100. It's not even close.
If I am mistaken, can you please provide your source?
Because of the militia in Switzerland, a lot of households have guns, but that's about where the similarities with the U.S. stop. There's a high level of gun control there, as well as limits on the ammunition. Ammo also has a registration process and based on what I've read, few households even have ammo for the gun(s).
My theory as to the higher violent crime in the U.S. is because there's a higher level of desperation here, combined with how fear is woven into our culture. Put those together and the end result isn't very good.
My opinion is that there is a major problem with how some people handle their guns in their homes. I remembering reading quite a few stories the last few years where little kids shoot others with a gun while they were playing.
Responsible people would know how to properly handle a gun in the home. I wish there was a test to take before one gets a gun, similar to getting a drivers license.
And to make it clear, I am not a gun hater. I wish to own a gun someday soon. But gun culture in America needs to change. We need to do all we can, within reason, to lower the amount of violence and accidental deaths caused by irresponsible and dangerous people with guns. Current gun laws are not enough, and more laws is not the solution. We need to educate people on how to be responsible, we need to educate better on mental health as well as treating and being more aware of those with mental health problems. There is so much more we could do, but lobbyists will make sure no talks take place to ensure our gun culture stays the same...
You can spend your time alone, redigesting past regrets, oh
or you can come to terms and realize
you're the only one who can't forgive yourself, oh
makes much more sense to live in the present tense - Present Tense
With that in mind, I think Eddie needs to think a little bit more before he opens his mouth. Wishing bad things on people (even when premised with an "almost") is not smart. Ed -- PJ's strongest music demographic is males 35-55. A lot of us own guns, we went through all the hoops to own them legally, and we are responsible with them.
We are a big part of your fan base. I don't think you really "almost" want bag things to happen to us. Think about what you're saying and be careful how you say it. I don't have an issue with your position on gun control, but your choice of words made me cringe.
Just a little advice from one of your elders -- yes I was listening to The Stones, Led Zeppelin & The Who when you were in kindergarten . PJ is the closest contemporary band that measures up to the greats of the hey-day of real hard rock. I'm looking forward to purchasing 'Lightning Bolt" and playing it in to ground.
The thing is, we all talk about responsibility, but many a time have I read/heard a variation of responsible gun owners are responsible only until they're irresponsible.
So what does that mean? No one is or can be consistently responsible? And if so, get rid of guns altogether? What else will fall into that realm?
Is there not a point where with guns, as with other responsibilities we take on that have the potential to harm, it's all or none?
I grant Mr. V the same leeway I do anyone else - myself included - here, there and most everywhere.
Heat of the moment mixed with sincere thoughts.
Speak out, shout out. Stand by it, and then play your chips as they fall.
Parents, teachers, local shooting clubs and municipal law enforcement agencies need to educate, warn, train and prepare people what and what not to do regarding firearms. It's not some senators responsibility to ensure that my kids know the dangers of the world, it's mine.
The sentiment is correct, but bemoaning the fact that we aren't seeing enough action from legislators is misguided, IMO.
We need to see more action from parents, or responsible adults in general.
Responsible adults is the key. I'm only as anti gun as I seem to be because there are too many irresponsible gun owners, too many extreme guns made for mass killing, too many guns in the US and the fact that guns are too easy (IMHO) to purchase.
Here's the problem that, I believe, Eddie is frustrated with.....I share his frustration. Whenever there is a debate on gun legislation in the US, it seems that most of those speaking FOR the legislation have either themselves been the victim of gun violence or someone they love has been the victim.
For the most part, those waving the American Flag, demanding their rights to own guns, have never been personally touched by gun violence.....too many of the anti gun legislation supporters are very quick to lob insults at their "opponents," many of whom have been directly affected by the LACK of gun control in the US.
I'm sorry, but I do NOT consider the NRA or any group that they pay to author studies to be legitimate resources. The NRA and their cronies have one concern and one concern only: to make billions of dollars and control the government so that they may continue raking in the cash.
For those who believe they need hunting rifles and handguns to keep our government from depriving us of rights....you are clueless. Besides...how is your rifle going to defend you against a Stealth Bomber? That argument died long ago so please allow it to rest in peace. We are not going to overthrow the US military and government with rifles and pistols.
For all of those who want to start lobbing insults at me, allow me to explain how I have formed the opinions I hold. I grew up in a family that did not own weapons of any type. However, I married into a family that were gun enthusiasts. My daughter's grandpa was a prominent engineer and loved to hunt on his 60 acres of property. As far as responsible gun owners go, he is about as responsible as anyone could get. He kept his guns locked away and unloaded. Since she was about 4 years old, grandpa started teaching my daughter (with my blessing) about gun safety, and how to safely and properly use a gun. They began a tradition of hunting a wild turkey every year for Thanksgiving.....for years and years, grandfather and granddaughter bonded over dressing up in hunting clothes and finding a big fat turkey that I would then roast and baste for Thanksgiving dinner.
When my daughter was 22, she became very depressed. On July 10 of this year, she felt that she had no hope. She drove to her grandpa's house and hunted around to find the key to his gun cabinet. She did find it. She grabbed one of his hunting rifles, loaded it, and shot herself in the head; thus ending her young life.
Her dad and grandpa had been lifelong gun enthusiasts and ardent supporters of gun rights. Her dad had to clean his daughter's brains off of his father's walls. Guess how much they are now speaking out for the right to bear arms? None....because they can barely live with the nightmares they both must live the rest of their lives with. They have fallen silent.
Once people are DIRECTLY AFFECTED by gun violence, they become much less likely to continue supporting America's lax gun laws. A simple comparison of the rates of gun violence in the US compared to other countries with very strict gun laws speaks volumes in and of itself. So I urge each and every one of you, before condemning the beliefs of others who have based their opinions on solid academic research and support gun control legislation, to review non-NRA propaganda. Bottom line....if you own a gun, it is MUCH more likely that either YOU or someone in your household will be killed by that gun than by an intruder. These statistics are undeniable.
These studies largely cover the links between suicide and gun availability. But keep in mind, there are 3 times more suicides in the US than there are homicides. Most of those suicides are by a firearm, and most of those firearms are either owned by the victim or a close family member. Is this really what we want to be about, as a country?
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/magazi ... d-suicide/
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/means-matter/
Sad. I'm truly sorry, man. I can only imagine you spend much of your day thinking of your daughter- I have one too and I couldn't imagine.
The rest of your post speaks to the reality of the situation that most care not to hear or choose to ignore. In particular: Bottom line....if you own a gun, it is MUCH more likely that either YOU or someone in your household will be killed by that gun than by an intruder.
To kristijrn, I'm very sorry. The daughter of a coworker/friend took her life this week, though not with a weapon. She had five children.
No matter the method, I can't imagine such loss.
I'm all for increased safeguards when it comes to guns and don't understand the opposition against these common-sense efforts. But even when all teachings and precautions are put into place, tragedies and horrific acts still happen.
So what is the answer? NO guns?
It's obvious there is an inherent risk with owning a gun. My household used to have rifles, shotguns and a handgun when I grew up as a child. Dad hunted and so did I. Those guns are gone now for reasons I won't get into.
I don't think 'no guns' is an answer. It's unrealistic. But I think limiting the type of gun the average citizen might own is a prudent measure for limiting the amount of risk a gun carries. I have consistently advocated for no automatic or semi-automatic rifles as well as extremely limited availability for handguns (ie. squeaky clean background and proof of need such as a rancher or deep woods hunter).
One's desires should not trump measures taken for public safety. People always say, "What about cars? We should ban cars too?" No. No we shouldn't. But we should build safe highways with dividers and limit the speeds to which one might drive. These are safeguards in place that, in my mind, parallel proposed gun measures.
This is good, Hedo... because, man, I am not in the mood for a disagreement this morning!
It isn't a desire, it's a RIGHT. People's feelings shouldn't trump RIGHTS.
Once you realize that gun control isn't about guns then maybe you'll understand why some people believe the way we do. I've never met anyone that doesn't want murder to end, but even in the most controlled environment (prison) murder still happens. Gun control is not about guns.
Care to explain further?
I have a really good understanding about what gun control is about. I'm afraid you don't.
Rights have limits. If I wanted to raise an infant cougar that I stumbled across in the wild and claimed it was my right to do so as a free man of the United States... would this be okay with you? Would it be okay with you if I lived in an urban setting and wanted to raise the cougar there?
The rights you trumpet were afforded to you when guns amounted to cumbersome tools that paralleled today's slingshots. Times have changed, Unsung and so has the need to revise and maintain the integrity and intent of a document that has lost some of its purpose given the different landscape.
By the way... sorry to hear about your personal life.
it was a desire to make it a right by men 300 years ago. that document has been ammended 27 times since its inception. some of those "rights" have been given and taken away in those years.
the second ammendment is not above reproach. you talk about it like it was etched in marble and sent from the heavens to a bearded man on a mountain.
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
infowars/alex jones on what ed has said
watched 8 times now & almost can't stop watching it more
"Hear me, my chiefs!
I am tired; my heart is
sick and sad. From where
the sun stands I will fight
no more forever."
Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
I can't believe he actually has people that work for him. Hilarious.
I have guns, well more accurately my husband does. We occasionally target shoot, don't shoot living things.
I agree with Ed about the gun lobby. Restrictions on assualt weapons and universal background checks are sensible precautions that they have successfully lobbied against, against the will of the majority of the public, including gun owners. Countries with serious gun control for sure have much less gun violence, but we are way beyond that in the US. No one is going to ban guns in the US as it would require a constitutional amendment. But the lobby gets their way by making people afraid that the government is coming for all their guns. Ludicrous!
Alex Jones: "ARGH YADAYADA YOU PUNK ERG RRHHRR AHHH BOYCOTT YAAAA ERRRGHH LITTLE SHI.. AHGRH RRRAHHHH!!!