Face it, the U.S. was a whole lot safer when everyone had guns - Page 4

Ramo · September 28, 2003, 21:08

Yeah, if only I could get a clear shot at Ashcroft. Damn gun laws.

Ben Kenobi · September 28, 2003, 21:20

Another reason for the drop would be an aging population. The older people are the less likely they are to commit violent crimes.

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What on earth would you be using the ammo for?

As a criminal? Why do the criminals need the guns in the first place?

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Aren't gunfights usually decided by who shoots first?

Then what use would it be to carry a concealed weapon if the robber shoots first?

GePap · September 28, 2003, 21:22

The south as a region has the highest crime rate in the US. New England the lowest. The MId Altantic, Mid-west and West are in between.

Dr Strangelove · September 28, 2003, 23:12

Quote:

Originally posted by GePap
The south as a region has the highest crime rate in the US. New England the lowest. The MId Altantic, Mid-west and West are in between.

I don't think that is true, it's highest in the Mid-Atlantic because that is the most urbanized part of the country.

MrFun · September 28, 2003, 23:23

Quote:

Originally posted by GePap
The south as a region has the highest crime rate in the US. New England the lowest. The MId Altantic, Mid-west and West are in between.

In Iowa, we clobber each other over the head with corn cobs.

Dr Strangelove · September 28, 2003, 23:45

In response to Timexwatch's question asked in the thread that was closed: No, it was child's play. That's yet another really good reason why kids shouldn't be allowed to have guns.

Timexwatch · September 28, 2003, 23:47

What stopped you guys from winning a Darwin Award?

MrFun · September 28, 2003, 23:53

Quote:

Originally posted by Timexwatch
What stopped you guys from winning a Darwin Award?

Whom was this meant for?

Dr Strangelove · September 28, 2003, 23:55

Hey! Didn't I say that I wasn't a volunteer? The guy was 9 years older than me. I watched as he loaded the gun, then he put it to my head and pulled the trigger 5 times. I was certain that he had rigged the whole thing, probably by palming the bullet instead of slipping it into the gun. So he laughed, pointed it at the sky and fired.

Guns, alcohol and teenagers.....not a good mixture, and a really lousy combo for babysitting.

Dr Strangelove · September 28, 2003, 23:58

Quote:

Originally posted by MrFun

Whom was this meant for?

Don't gay people win the Darwin award by default?

MrFun · September 29, 2003, 00:24

Quote:

Originally posted by Dr Strangelove

Don't gay people win the Darwin award by default?

No -- I just wasn't sure if that was in response to my joke about Iowa.

I'm sure Iowans can win the Darwin Award for clobbering each other with corn cobs.

survival of the fittest

Q Classic · September 29, 2003, 07:16

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The low crime rate in East Asia is due to the nature of society, not the lack of guns.

see:

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...i think the us would have been a lot safer if they'd become followers of k'ung fu-tzu.

Atahualpa · September 29, 2003, 08:19

Well guns couldnt save the live of the 5 year old sister that was recently shot by her own 4 year old brother.

I mean IF you own a gun, why the **** dont you teach your children to be SENSIBLE ABOUT THEM!!!! Its no freakin toy. These things makes me mad all the time. If people are not educated enough to own and handle guns they shouldnt

Anyway in a dicussion like this it comes in always handy to remember one thing: The US aint Europe.
When it works in Europe there is absolutely no chance it will work in the US.
For example here in Austria you'd been seen as a weirdo, a crazy guy if you'd be running around with a gun. And to say the truth I would not feel safe at all if there is a guy in the metro who is carrying a gun.
And if more people would carry more guns then I'd probably have to get one for myself. But I'd hate that so I think its best not to get started at all.
For the US this is to late however. I am interested if they figure out a solution.

Personally I dont think arms belong into the hands of non-military or non-security-related persons.

ata

Urban Ranger · September 29, 2003, 09:54

Quote:

Originally posted by Azazel
They already do so whenever they can afford it and/or put their hands on them.

However, right now, there's no pressing need for it. Think of it as an arms race.

Urban Ranger · September 29, 2003, 09:56

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Originally posted by Azazel

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As for the escalation theory, yes some criminals already have assault rifles, but why would you need one if most people did not have a gun? I would think you would have more criminals aquiring assault rifles than before.

Why? because police have guns. And assault rifles, as well.

Because most criminals do not intend to have firefights. They only need enough firepower to overcome citizens.

Cruddy · September 29, 2003, 09:58

If you're that worried about crime, why not just kill everyone? Then there's no crime.

Judge Death - what a guy.

Az · September 29, 2003, 10:39

Quote:

Originally posted by Urban Ranger

However, right now, there's no pressing need for it. Think of it as an arms race.

Just as I said, the analogy doesn't hold. Criminals already get the best weapons possible. The range of the best weapons possible won't change.

Agathon · September 29, 2003, 10:46

This is a joke, right?

The US high crime rate and high rate of violence can be put down in part to a lack of gun control. There are far more guns in Canada, per capita; but that country does not have the problems with violence the US does.

You Americans make me laugh - you deliberately choose a societal model that leads to less overall security and then complain about the crime. Unfortunately your solution just seems to be to hope that the criminals start behaving.

Sprayber · September 29, 2003, 11:49

Quote:

Originally posted by Rufus T. Firefly

A few years before he died, Daniel Moynahan (moderate Senator from NY) confronted this very question, and came to pretty much those conclusions. Plus, he noted, even if we did ban guns right now, there are already enough floating around in our society to make the ban meaningless.

His solution: ban bullets. Seriously. Ban the sale of handgun bullets to everyone but licensed law officers, and have law officers get them through tightly-regulated government distribution.

I tend to agree with Sloww that the genie is already out of the bottle. But you have to admit, it's an interesting idea.

While it is inconvenient, a person can reload shell casings. It just takes some simple equipment. My grandpa always insisted that I pick up my shell casings after shooting no matter where I was.

Sprayber · September 29, 2003, 11:51

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Originally posted by MrFun

In Iowa, we clobber each other over the head with corn cobs.

Is that all you do with them?

MrFun · September 29, 2003, 11:52

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Originally posted by Sprayber

Is that all you do with them?

Why would you want to know?

Sprayber · September 29, 2003, 12:13

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Originally posted by MrFun

Why would you want to know?

No thanks, I've picked my side and plan to stay.

Az · September 29, 2003, 12:14

how are you doing, Sprayber?

Saint Marcus · September 29, 2003, 12:42

if you live in a place where you need guns to feel safe, you're living in the wrong place.

Homicide rates in the US are 3 to 9 times higher than in EU nations. Even with your precious guns. They don't seem to be helping you much, do they? Unless you plan on shooting up your school or former employer, that is.

Jack_www · September 29, 2003, 13:00

Why not just buy a tank and have a body guards armed with high powered sub machine guns?

Dis · September 29, 2003, 21:59

Quote:

Originally posted by Saint Marcus
if you live in a place where you need guns to feel safe, you're living in the wrong place.

Homicide rates in the US are 3 to 9 times higher than in EU nations. Even with your precious guns. They don't seem to be helping you much, do they? Unless you plan on shooting up your school or former employer, that is.

this is because most people don't have guns.

you haven't been listening.

All you Euros think americans go around the town toting guns. Very, very few people own guns. And even a much smaller number carry guns outside their homes.

You people complain about hollywood movies not depicting history accurately, yet you base your knowledge of the U.S. from hollywood movies. You can walk around my city for hours and not see a gun. They don't even let many casino security guards carry them anymore because of the liability risk.

Saint Marcus · September 30, 2003, 06:56

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Very, very few people own guns.

1 in 5, no?

and you have more guns than people.

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And even a much smaller number carry guns outside their homes.

cause it's illegal in most states, I believe.

Dis · October 5, 2003, 02:20

actually no.

It is legal in most states to carry guns openly. Many states restrict concealed weapons though.

But I could go walking around my city with a loaded shotgun if I wanted to.

...that gives me an idea

DanielXY · October 5, 2003, 04:27

Hm, how does this ruling makes sense?
"Yeah, you are allowed to carry your weapon in your hand, ready to shoot. But please dont put it in your pocket!"

Urban Ranger · October 5, 2003, 04:42

Quote:

Originally posted by Azazel
Just as I said, the analogy doesn't hold. Criminals already get the best weapons possible. The range of the best weapons possible won't change.

How do you figure? A race would only be needed if existing hardware is inadequate.