So is the weakness of the argument that laws prevent crimes going to be addressed on its merits? All law is applicable to the degree to which it can be enforced (paraphrasing a Supreme Court justice). It is irrelevant what guns are allowed because law abiding citizens won't, by definition, use a gun to commit a crime. Banning the sales of guns does little to stop the violence, in part because of the prevalence of weapons already in circulation. So, if criminals are criminal because they don't follow laws, what will one more law serve? Nothing.
Today happens to be the 1 year anniversary of the death of a classmate and friend of mine from high school. She was shot and killed in her driveway by her longtime boyfriend, just 4 doors (a couple hundred feet) from my grandma's house. Still, I don't blame the gun. If he didn't have a gun, he would have found a different way to accomplish his goals. He was a twisted individual and was set on ending her life no matter what. He died by his own hand like many of the other cowards that choose that path. I think one of the worst parts about it is that her daughter lost both parents that night.
Last edited by Coolazice; 01-24-2013 at 02:23 AM.
Red herring there, buddy.
The whole gun debate is full of fallacious arguments as it's an overly complex issue that cannot be easily legislated or solved due to the multiple avenues of obtaining a gun.
Bottom line is that something needs to change as the current approach is obviously not working. Whether it be some form of restriction on firearms, more rigorous methods for legally obtaining one, extra firearm safety/awareness, etc., something needs to be done and the people sitting on their asses screaming, "2nd amendment!!" are holding shit back. There's a lot of parallels here between gun reform and healthcare reform in that people are bitching about potential changes being implemented yet the current system isn't working.
M. Ed. Ex Phys
Commercial break, guys...
I started all this by asking h2s' views. I stated some of my own. I don't agree with certain views and you won't all agree with mine. But PLEASE let's keep this civil. There is no need to call anyone ignorant or assholes here. Leave the personal attacks out of it.
If you disagree just state the reason, i.e. "the numbers I've seen disagree with this sentiment " vs. saying "You're an idiot".
Disagreement and dissenting is fine. But we have some great people here... let's not tear each other up over this.
So... this whole thing started with my question... my fault, I guess. I know this is a heated topic with strong beliefs on both sides.
Carry on.
All advice given is for entertainment value only. And it's free. Take it for what it's worth.
The article actually mentions that the guy used a knife, not a gun. I didn't mean to be misleading with what I originally typed...
I'm not for gun control, but that guy attacked a bunch of kids with a knife and didn't kill any. They would easily all be dead if a gun was used.