Guns and Gun Rights

[Bill]

After some very contrasting opinions came up over guns in the recent Conservatism thread, I thought the subject could stand its own discussion. So, what do you think of guns in society, and where do you stand on gun control?

I live in the United States, where the right to own a gun is protected by the constitution. I'm from New York, and here very few private citizens own or carry guns. However, I do support the 2nd amendment and consider it among our most important constitutional rights. What do you think?

[Latch33570]

Yes any non blacks. Storefronts would post signs saying black owned so that the rioters would bypass them.

[CD]

That sounds like racism to me, but, I still don't think you need a gun.  Riots are not every day occurrences. Well, at least not where I'm from.  As I understand it, riots are a bit like the lid on a pot blowing off, and all the steam and boiling water streaming everywhere.  There are reasons why this happen, that run deep, and take time to 'boil over'.  The racism is likely an excuse for something else.  Probably more racism, but perhaps in a less obvious form.  I'm not condoning it, but I am saying that if those other issues were dealt with then maybe the "excuse" wouldn't  be there.

[Latch33570]

It is not an everyday thing here. Every few years it happens. We are overdue. I hope that means it is slowing. In the mean time between riots it isn't so great for you if you live in a mixed neighborhood. You can say that We don't need guns but in my opinion we do.

[CD]

The only reason why "mixed" neighbourhood is an issue is because of racism, which clearly operates in multiple directions.  Sounds like to me people are scapegoating based on race, rather than dealing with the causes, which will not be resolved with guns.  Let me take a guess:  low employment options, not so good education options, high cost of living, and probably over-policing are common in your neck of the woods.

[Latch33570]

All those might be the root cause. You can't fix that with guns. But if you are there you are in need of a gun for protection.

[CD]

@Latch

Well.  What can I say.  It's a pretty crappy situation if it's easier to get a gun then work with your neighbours to better your community.

[Latch33570]

Don't misunderstand me. I am not in a bad neighborhood now thank god. I am just saying that there are bad neighborhoods and riots . If you are in the wrong place at the wrong time you need a gun. There are times that you can be targeted because you are not black if you are anywhere near.

[Vertigo_One [Ops Mod]]

Erm, Latch we had riots in England in 2011 and we had 5 deaths. Two were caused by being shot (an example of why people shouldn't have guns), three were killed by being rammed by a car, something a gun could not protect you from.

Can you imagine how many more deaths there would have been if there had been guns involved? What if the rioters had guns? Which, if the general population had access to weapons, would be the likely outcome.

[CD]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I would put odds on the copper doing the shooting in that instance Vertigo, given UK gun laws are almost as strict as Australia's.

[Latch33570]

Vertigo You only look at the murder rate. That is not a fair way of viewing it. It is true that guns are a more efficient way of killing people. 
A person can't adequately defend against multiple assailants or one with a sharp pointy thing if all you have is a sharp pointy thing. I am done with this look at your violent crime rate. It is a little higher than ours.
We are just better at killing. 

[Vertigo_One [Ops Mod]]

As I have said, violent crime doesn't work as an indicator, because different countries view what counts as a violent crime differently. Is it a violent crime if there is only the threat of violence? Is it violent if it's against property rather than a person? Etc...

[Latch33570]

Yes on threat maybe on property. If I feel my life is in danger. That is the test. If your life is in danger shoot them. Protect yourself.