Do We Really Need Guns?

[hjmick]

...Better to have a gun, and not need it, than to need a gun, and don't have it!

Agreed.

I don't own one myself.

Hell, I haven't even been out to a firing range since my Army days.

I decided a long time ago that I didn't want firearms in a house with children.

One thing led to another, and I never purchased one, even though I was tempted from time to time, in either hobbyist or home-defense mode.

But I fully support the Right to Bear Arms.

If I ever change my mind - or if anyone in my family ever wished to purchase one - I want no (and I do mean zero) Constitutional impediment to making such a purchase.

When my first daughter was born, all firearms were removed from my home. Sold them. Kids are kids, they are curious, crafty, and resourceful. While I knew that I could secure them and teach my kids to respect guns and how to handle them, I decided the risk wasn't worth whatever reward may come from owning firearms with kids around. It wasn't until my youngest was 13 that I bought a shotgun. That was in 2005, I was living in California. After my wife watched the fallout from Katrina, she decided she wanted something with which she could defend herself and our home should the shit hit the fan after an earthquake or some such thing, so I obliged. That was 20 years without a gun in my home. I feel no more or less secure with guns, truth is I rarely even think about them until I get the urge to go to the range...

As I mentioned in a previous post..let an attempted home invasion happen to you just once.
I promise you wont let a day go by without a weapon at hand.

I didn't say they weren't "at hand," I just don't think about them...

 

[HereWeGoAgain]

...Better to have a gun, and not need it, than to need a gun, and don't have it!

Agreed.

I don't own one myself.

Hell, I haven't even been out to a firing range since my Army days.

I decided a long time ago that I didn't want firearms in a house with children.

One thing led to another, and I never purchased one, even though I was tempted from time to time, in either hobbyist or home-defense mode.

But I fully support the Right to Bear Arms.

If I ever change my mind - or if anyone in my family ever wished to purchase one - I want no (and I do mean zero) Constitutional impediment to making such a purchase.

When my first daughter was born, all firearms were removed from my home. Sold them. Kids are kids, they are curious, crafty, and resourceful. While I knew that I could secure them and teach my kids to respect guns and how to handle them, I decided the risk wasn't worth whatever reward may come from owning firearms with kids around. It wasn't until my youngest was 13 that I bought a shotgun. That was in 2005, I was living in California. After my wife watched the fallout from Katrina, she decided she wanted something with which she could defend herself and our home should the shit hit the fan after an earthquake or some such thing, so I obliged. That was 20 years without a gun in my home. I feel no more or less secure with guns, truth is I rarely even think about them until I get the urge to go to the range...

As I mentioned in a previous post..let an attempted home invasion happen to you just once.
I promise you wont let a day go by without a weapon at hand.

I didn't say they weren't "at hand," I just don't think about them...

Just going by your statement...
"When my first daughter was born, all firearms were removed from my home. Sold them."

 

[Roadrunner]

It's my first thread here, and I want to start with the issue, that worries me a lot.

Gun owners always claim that they own guns for self protection, even though the guns in their homes impose a much greater risk to their lives than an intruder. They also state they need guns to protect themselves from the government and from tthr police. Oh, seriously? Other argument for guns is hunting. Food production in the US is quite complex and capable of providing all types of foods to all parts of the country. And, if someone is too poor to buy food to eat, they are too poor to buy weapons. So what for?! Explain me, please.

I truly believe, that guns only do harm There is no use for guns in our society. The 2nd amendment was made in a time where guns were necessary because of the British.

Guns placate fearful people obsessing on a hypothetical. "What if someone tries to do me or mine harm?" Even with unusually fast response times, police wont reach you in time to prevent an intruder from killing you. You're going to be defending yourself with whatever's at hand. Baseball bat under the bed for example, or a blade. A firearm's best of course if trained in its' use. If not trained, you're better off with the bat.

While statistically you're unlikely to ever need such defensive solutions, that's like saying you don't need to wear a seatbelt because the chance of getting into an accident are so small. Sure it's small, but if you DO get into the accident you want the belt (and airbag.) You want the very best chance for survival you can get. In personal security the very best is a firearm and some practical real-world combat training.

Yes, guns in the home represent a greater statistical risk to the owner than an intruder. But for those times an intruder is the threat you'll want the weapon. And as long as bad guys have guns, it's reasonable to want one as well.

A gun free country would be swell certainly. But we don't have that society, and we're never going to have it. The impulse to do others harm is too prevalent in the human animal right now. We're being conditioned to do so from childhood onwards. Pay close attention to what children have in the way of tv entertainment, the language and stories. It's all conflict and conflict resolution. So long as that's the way "entertainment" is being packaged, some of those kids will grow up into bad guys. And the need for personal protection will remain.

What they teach in aikido is it's better to avoid a hostile situation that stick around and trust your methodology is superior to your opponent's. If crime and violence worries you so much you're considering buying a firearm, move instead. Find some idyllic Courier and Ives/Normal Rockwell paradise and live there instead.

Yeah until that hypothetical bursts through your front door. Or rips open your car door. Or assaults you or a loved one.
Tell me about it.
Oh, even in so called "gun free" countries, there is gun crime.
The point is moot. The right to keep and bear arms is not going anywhere.
Deal with it.

Japan has a population roughly equal to our's and is the polar opposite re: gun laws. Their gun crimes is statistically insignificant. Be like walking around in a Farrady Cage because you might be struck by lightning.

Japanese cut their own guts out when they have urges that you openly brag of.

 

[hjmick]

...Better to have a gun, and not need it, than to need a gun, and don't have it!

Agreed.

I don't own one myself.

Hell, I haven't even been out to a firing range since my Army days.

I decided a long time ago that I didn't want firearms in a house with children.

One thing led to another, and I never purchased one, even though I was tempted from time to time, in either hobbyist or home-defense mode.

But I fully support the Right to Bear Arms.

If I ever change my mind - or if anyone in my family ever wished to purchase one - I want no (and I do mean zero) Constitutional impediment to making such a purchase.

When my first daughter was born, all firearms were removed from my home. Sold them. Kids are kids, they are curious, crafty, and resourceful. While I knew that I could secure them and teach my kids to respect guns and how to handle them, I decided the risk wasn't worth whatever reward may come from owning firearms with kids around. It wasn't until my youngest was 13 that I bought a shotgun. That was in 2005, I was living in California. After my wife watched the fallout from Katrina, she decided she wanted something with which she could defend herself and our home should the shit hit the fan after an earthquake or some such thing, so I obliged. That was 20 years without a gun in my home. I feel no more or less secure with guns, truth is I rarely even think about them until I get the urge to go to the range...

As I mentioned in a previous post..let an attempted home invasion happen to you just once.
I promise you wont let a day go by without a weapon at hand.

I didn't say they weren't "at hand," I just don't think about them...

Just going by your statement...
"When my first daughter was born, all firearms were removed from my home. Sold them."

You missed the part where I mentioned buying a shotgun for the Mrs. in '05? I didn't stop with that one...

 

[HereWeGoAgain]

Agreed.

I don't own one myself.

Hell, I haven't even been out to a firing range since my Army days.

I decided a long time ago that I didn't want firearms in a house with children.

One thing led to another, and I never purchased one, even though I was tempted from time to time, in either hobbyist or home-defense mode.

But I fully support the Right to Bear Arms.

If I ever change my mind - or if anyone in my family ever wished to purchase one - I want no (and I do mean zero) Constitutional impediment to making such a purchase.

When my first daughter was born, all firearms were removed from my home. Sold them. Kids are kids, they are curious, crafty, and resourceful. While I knew that I could secure them and teach my kids to respect guns and how to handle them, I decided the risk wasn't worth whatever reward may come from owning firearms with kids around. It wasn't until my youngest was 13 that I bought a shotgun. That was in 2005, I was living in California. After my wife watched the fallout from Katrina, she decided she wanted something with which she could defend herself and our home should the shit hit the fan after an earthquake or some such thing, so I obliged. That was 20 years without a gun in my home. I feel no more or less secure with guns, truth is I rarely even think about them until I get the urge to go to the range...

As I mentioned in a previous post..let an attempted home invasion happen to you just once.
I promise you wont let a day go by without a weapon at hand.

I didn't say they weren't "at hand," I just don't think about them...

Just going by your statement...
"When my first daughter was born, all firearms were removed from my home. Sold them."

You missed the part where I mentioned buying a shotgun for the Mrs. in '05? I didn't stop with that one...

Not trying to be an ass or anything but it sounds like you went 13 years without.

 

[BlackSand]

Guns placate fearful people obsessing on a hypothetical. "What if someone tries to do me or mine harm?" Even with unusually fast response times, police wont reach you in time to prevent an intruder from killing you. You're going to be defending yourself with whatever's at hand. Baseball bat under the bed for example, or a blade. A firearm's best of course if trained in its' use. If not trained, you're better off with the bat.

While statistically you're unlikely to ever need such defensive solutions, that's like saying you don't need to wear a seatbelt because the chance of getting into an accident are so small. Sure it's small, but if you DO get into the accident you want the belt (and airbag.) You want the very best chance for survival you can get. In personal security the very best is a firearm and some practical real-world combat training.

Yes, guns in the home represent a greater statistical risk to the owner than an intruder. But for those times an intruder is the threat you'll want the weapon. And as long as bad guys have guns, it's reasonable to want one as well.

A gun free country would be swell certainly. But we don't have that society, and we're never going to have it. The impulse to do others harm is too prevalent in the human animal right now. We're being conditioned to do so from childhood onwards. Pay close attention to what children have in the way of tv entertainment, the language and stories. It's all conflict and conflict resolution. So long as that's the way "entertainment" is being packaged, some of those kids will grow up into bad guys. And the need for personal protection will remain.

What they teach in aikido is it's better to avoid a hostile situation that stick around and trust your methodology is superior to your opponent's. If crime and violence worries you so much you're considering buying a firearm, move instead. Find some idyllic Courier and Ives/Normal Rockwell paradise and live there instead.

Guns put meat on the table and protect me from predators (not really dependent on how many legs they walk on ... And I shoot the kind that slithers as well).

The rest of the arguments you offer are more about the culture you would desire with no respect for the common sense approach towards proper gun safety and use. We don't expect you to approve of how we do things ... Just understand it is a Constitutionally protect right ... And reasoning doesn't work well with a wild boar.

.

 

[hjmick]

When my first daughter was born, all firearms were removed from my home. Sold them. Kids are kids, they are curious, crafty, and resourceful. While I knew that I could secure them and teach my kids to respect guns and how to handle them, I decided the risk wasn't worth whatever reward may come from owning firearms with kids around. It wasn't until my youngest was 13 that I bought a shotgun. That was in 2005, I was living in California. After my wife watched the fallout from Katrina, she decided she wanted something with which she could defend herself and our home should the shit hit the fan after an earthquake or some such thing, so I obliged. That was 20 years without a gun in my home. I feel no more or less secure with guns, truth is I rarely even think about them until I get the urge to go to the range...

As I mentioned in a previous post..let an attempted home invasion happen to you just once.
I promise you wont let a day go by without a weapon at hand.

I didn't say they weren't "at hand," I just don't think about them...

Just going by your statement...
"When my first daughter was born, all firearms were removed from my home. Sold them."

You missed the part where I mentioned buying a shotgun for the Mrs. in '05? I didn't stop with that one...

Not trying to be an ass or anything but it sounds like you went 13 years without.

You're not being an ass, I was thinking I might be sounding like a jerk...

It was more like 18, had two kids. It was a personal choice, obviously, and I would not condemn anyone who chose differently. Like I said, Katrina brought an early end to my gun free home. My intention had always been to go back to owning when my youngest turned 15, I started two years earlier than planned...

 

[Cecilie1200]

It's my first thread here, and I want to start with the issue, that worries me a lot.

Gun owners always claim that they own guns for self protection, even though the guns in their homes impose a much greater risk to their lives than an intruder. They also state they need guns to protect themselves from the government and from tthr police. Oh, seriously? Other argument for guns is hunting. Food production in the US is quite complex and capable of providing all types of foods to all parts of the country. And, if someone is too poor to buy food to eat, they are too poor to buy weapons. So what for?! Explain me, please.

I truly believe, that guns only do harm There is no use for guns in our society. The 2nd amendment was made in a time where guns were necessary because of the British.

I am in my 60s and have never needed a gun, and none of my friends have either. When I lived in New York City I was out on the streets all night long, including going to after hours clubs in Harlem and the South Bronx. Never did I feel the need to be armed.

I am in my 50s and also have never "needed" a gun. It's not about need it's about want. It's really that simple

My whole family are good shots at target shooting, and it is fun. I do not think that people should be carrying guns for protection.

See, I didn't feel the need to be armed when walking around the city at night either . . . until the night that a multiple murderer assaulted me on a dark side street. After that, I stopped feeling and started thinking. Fortunately, my wake-up call took place when I was 19, so I didn't have to go around being a gormless dumbass for decades, like some people. Even more fortunately, my naivete didn't get me killed that night.

 

[NoNukes]

It's my first thread here, and I want to start with the issue, that worries me a lot.

Gun owners always claim that they own guns for self protection, even though the guns in their homes impose a much greater risk to their lives than an intruder. They also state they need guns to protect themselves from the government and from tthr police. Oh, seriously? Other argument for guns is hunting. Food production in the US is quite complex and capable of providing all types of foods to all parts of the country. And, if someone is too poor to buy food to eat, they are too poor to buy weapons. So what for?! Explain me, please.

I truly believe, that guns only do harm There is no use for guns in our society. The 2nd amendment was made in a time where guns were necessary because of the British.

I am in my 60s and have never needed a gun, and none of my friends have either. When I lived in New York City I was out on the streets all night long, including going to after hours clubs in Harlem and the South Bronx. Never did I feel the need to be armed.

I am in my 50s and also have never "needed" a gun. It's not about need it's about want. It's really that simple

My whole family are good shots at target shooting, and it is fun. I do not think that people should be carrying guns for protection.

See, I didn't feel the need to be armed when walking around the city at night either . . . until the night that a multiple murderer assaulted me on a dark side street. After that, I stopped feeling and started thinking. Fortunately, my wake-up call took place when I was 19, so I didn't have to go around being a gormless dumbass for decades, like some people. Even more fortunately, my naivete didn't get me killed that night.

The factt hat you are telling the story proves my point.

 

[NoNukes]

I am in my 60s and have never needed a gun, and none of my friends have either. When I lived in New York City I was out on the streets all night long, including going to after hours clubs in Harlem and the South Bronx. Never did I feel the need to be armed.

I am in my 50s and also have never "needed" a gun. It's not about need it's about want. It's really that simple

My whole family are good shots at target shooting, and it is fun. I do not think that people should be carrying guns for protection.

What would you have them carry instead? Tazers? Knives? Baseball Bats? Or should they just stay out of the bad neighborhoods where you might need protection? I know maybe they should hire bodyguards, then they would solve two problems at once, they have protection and it would cut down on the unemployment problem.

One does not need to carry any protection. Harlem and the South Bronx were considered bad neighborhoods.

Yes unfortunately one does need to carry protection. It's not only "bad" neighborhoods that innocent victims are robbed and/or killed.

There are countless examples of how guns have saved lives and if you had your way those same lives that were saved would be six feet under today.

Guns Save Lives - Stories of Self Defense

This from the guy who argues that alcohol and guns are a good mixture.

 

[bigrebnc1775]

It's my first thread here, and I want to start with the issue, that worries me a lot.

Gun owners always claim that they own guns for self protection, even though the guns in their homes impose a much greater risk to their lives than an intruder. They also state they need guns to protect themselves from the government and from tthr police. Oh, seriously? Other argument for guns is hunting. Food production in the US is quite complex and capable of providing all types of foods to all parts of the country. And, if someone is too poor to buy food to eat, they are too poor to buy weapons. So what for?! Explain me, please.

I truly believe, that guns only do harm There is no use for guns in our society. The 2nd amendment was made in a time where guns were necessary because of the British.

So you don't think a government can become tyrannical?
Did you know the second amendment protects your right to free speech?
One other thing no one is forcing you to have a gun.

 

[Cecilie1200]

I have some interesting facts for you. In the U.S., there are nine guns for every 10 people. Someone is killed with a firearm every 16 minutes. I think these numbers are not adequate. I mean, there shouldn't be such numbers in the country like America.

In the slim chance you are serious, many deaths by firearms include suicide. And I have my 9 guns! ...or was that 10? Have to get back to ya....

9 guns for every 10 people?
I have 16 -- someone is slacking!

Well, there ARE a lot of liberals, unfortunately.

 

[Rozman]

Against these peaceful protestors we sure do...

Protesters in Ferguson have been threatening to rape the wives of front line police and kill their children during the latest clashes, the wife of one officer has claimed.

The unnamed woman said that her husband has been ‘screamed at’ as he faced off with the angry crowds amid heightened tensions in the suburb of St Louis, Missouri.

She told Fox 2 News that they threatened a home invasion in an apparent attempt to provoke the officers.

The wife claimed the protesters said: ‘We’re going to go to your house. ‘We`re going to rape your wives then we`re going to kill them and we`re going to kill your children’.

The allegations comes after many police officers’ families in Ferguson, Missouri, were reported to be in hiding or running from town amid death and assault threats.

One police wife told KTVI that she’s received threats over the phone and she’s been paranoid for her and her young daughter’s safety ever since.

‘Did they follow me here?’ she told the station. ‘Did I do a good enough job after work today of taking different routes, on my way home?’

I'm sure the NY times will get around to publishing the addresses of all officers involved....

 

[Darkwind]

Desperado -

What about the rights of the victims of gun violence?

Or don't those people have rights?

They have all the rights I do, and they still do. Simply being a victim does not cause them to lose their rights.

How does removing the rights of the majority in anyway prevent what happened to the victims? Criminals do not obey laws.

You people simply cannot get around that fact.

 

[Darkwind]

Guns provide people with a false sense of safety. And, actually, Nothing good comes from them. Its true that guns do not kill people, but rather people do, however, place that gun in a person's hand that is not fully mentally there, and we have trouble.

Here is a hint for you.

When you start reaching for extraordinary circumstances to carry your argument, it is time for you to reevaluate your position. You should recognize that you have lost the argument.

As for NoNukes belief that no one should carry, I don't think I care what he thinks. I have the right, and will exercise it if needed.

 

[Lonestar_logic]

I am in my 50s and also have never "needed" a gun. It's not about need it's about want. It's really that simple

My whole family are good shots at target shooting, and it is fun. I do not think that people should be carrying guns for protection.

What would you have them carry instead? Tazers? Knives? Baseball Bats? Or should they just stay out of the bad neighborhoods where you might need protection? I know maybe they should hire bodyguards, then they would solve two problems at once, they have protection and it would cut down on the unemployment problem.

One does not need to carry any protection. Harlem and the South Bronx were considered bad neighborhoods.

Yes unfortunately one does need to carry protection. It's not only "bad" neighborhoods that innocent victims are robbed and/or killed.

There are countless examples of how guns have saved lives and if you had your way those same lives that were saved would be six feet under today.

Guns Save Lives - Stories of Self Defense

This from the guy who argues that alcohol and guns are a good mixture.

Liar!

 

[NoNukes]

My whole family are good shots at target shooting, and it is fun. I do not think that people should be carrying guns for protection.

What would you have them carry instead? Tazers? Knives? Baseball Bats? Or should they just stay out of the bad neighborhoods where you might need protection? I know maybe they should hire bodyguards, then they would solve two problems at once, they have protection and it would cut down on the unemployment problem.

One does not need to carry any protection. Harlem and the South Bronx were considered bad neighborhoods.

Yes unfortunately one does need to carry protection. It's not only "bad" neighborhoods that innocent victims are robbed and/or killed.

There are countless examples of how guns have saved lives and if you had your way those same lives that were saved would be six feet under today.

Guns Save Lives - Stories of Self Defense

This from the guy who argues that alcohol and guns are a good mixture.

Liar!

We had that argument, and now you prove me right in denying it.

 

[PGreen]

At the current rate, 339,000 Americans will die by guns over the next 10 years. That is roughly equivalent to the current population of Tampa, Florida. Please, don't say, that it's not a problem.

 

[Lonestar_logic]

What would you have them carry instead? Tazers? Knives? Baseball Bats? Or should they just stay out of the bad neighborhoods where you might need protection? I know maybe they should hire bodyguards, then they would solve two problems at once, they have protection and it would cut down on the unemployment problem.

One does not need to carry any protection. Harlem and the South Bronx were considered bad neighborhoods.

Yes unfortunately one does need to carry protection. It's not only "bad" neighborhoods that innocent victims are robbed and/or killed.

There are countless examples of how guns have saved lives and if you had your way those same lives that were saved would be six feet under today.

Guns Save Lives - Stories of Self Defense

This from the guy who argues that alcohol and guns are a good mixture.

Liar!

We had that argument, and now you prove me right in denying it.

You are a liar.

 

[MXdad]

At the current rate, 339,000 Americans will die by guns over the next 10 years. That is roughly equivalent to the current population of Tampa, Florida. Please, don't say, that it's not a problem.

How many of you estimated number are due to criminal activity? There is criminal issue I have yet to have one of my guns jump up and kill anyone. I have many firearms and have yet to have any issues