Permitting civilians to carry firearms is a highly controversial issue, especially in Russia. In July, the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia submitted a bill to the State Duma to allow citizens to carry firearms. I believe this is little more than cheap populism. The partys leaders understand that the Russian authorities were frightened by the protests that followed the murder of soccer fan Yegor Sviridov in December 2010, who was shot and killed with a so-called non-lethal gun, which shot rubber bullets. This prompted President Dmitry Medvedev to propose stricter laws on the possession, sale, purchase and use of these non-lethal guns. In light of this, there is little chance that civilians will be permitted to carry actual firearms. The LDPR understands its bill has no chance of passing. It is only trying to score points ahead of the upcoming elections.
The debate over gun ownership is like believing in God. Some believe, while others dont. You can make any number of arguments supporting the view that civilian gun ownership will stabilize the situation in the country and make people feel safe. You can also argue that it will have a destabilizing effect. There is a case to be made on both sides of the issue.
Full version of the commentary was originally published on valdaiclub.com
The debate over gun ownership is like believing in God. Some believe, while others dont. You can make any number of arguments supporting the view that civilian gun ownership will stabilize the situation in the country and make people feel safe. You can also argue that it will have a destabilizing effect. There is a case to be made on both sides of the issue.
Full version of the commentary was originally published on valdaiclub.com
