That's funny. I think it would be helpful to look at some statistics. Like, for instance, the fact that almost 0 crimes are prevented by gun owners, almost 0 people annually use their firearms to protect their family.
Where what's on the table is not taking away people's right to own guns. It's banning assault rifles (not generically, they would be specifically listed) and large magazines, and also requiring thorough background checks for anyone wishing to purchase a firearm (as a federal mandate). I am fairly sure that everyone who wishes to own a gun could live with that.
No serious movement is taking place now to ban handguns or simple civilian weapons (such as double-barreled shotguns and hunting rifles).
In fact, a shooting took place at the beginning of this year in a school in baltimore in which the shooter was stopped only because the only weapon he could secure was a double-barreled shotgun. After shooting 2 people, he had to reload, at which point an unarmed teacher tackled and disarmed him. Had the shooter had access to an assault rifle, such as the ones used in both colorado and connecticut (AR-15), the shooting would have undoubtedly been much more horrific.
Now, does banning assault weapons mean that no one will ever be able to get them? No. There are already more than 300 Million guns in the USA (documented). That is almost 1 gun for every single person in the US. However, will banning assault weapons SERIOUSLY cut down on the ability of people to get such weapons in the USA (even on the black market)? Absolutely. If these weapons are banned, manufacturers will certainly make less and certainly ship less to the USA. They will also be easier to locate and regulate.
Now where do these children get most of the weapons used in suicides, homocides, and the like? From people who have registered guns that are not secured properly (at this point this includes assault rifles, as those are legal).
Does regulating guns have an effect on gun related violence? Yes. Period. Look at Australia's history with gun violence and how they have managed it. For 17 years leading up tho their drastic reform on gun control, the homocide and gun violence rate grew higher and higher. During the 10 years following their reform, almost no homicides were committed with guns in Australia, and gun violence, in general, has continued to drop rapidly.
It is estimated that gun violence can cause in excess of one billion dollars for states every year.
I see absolutely no reason not to seriously give thought to serious gun control reform in America.
I agree whole-heartedly with the central idea of your post, Steel, and I am very grateful that you took the time to write it. And I agree with HiBred, too. Take time in life to realize that all things will come to an end. So practice compassion, and savor every moment, as best you can.
Where what's on the table is not taking away people's right to own guns. It's banning assault rifles (not generically, they would be specifically listed) and large magazines, and also requiring thorough background checks for anyone wishing to purchase a firearm (as a federal mandate). I am fairly sure that everyone who wishes to own a gun could live with that.
No serious movement is taking place now to ban handguns or simple civilian weapons (such as double-barreled shotguns and hunting rifles).
In fact, a shooting took place at the beginning of this year in a school in baltimore in which the shooter was stopped only because the only weapon he could secure was a double-barreled shotgun. After shooting 2 people, he had to reload, at which point an unarmed teacher tackled and disarmed him. Had the shooter had access to an assault rifle, such as the ones used in both colorado and connecticut (AR-15), the shooting would have undoubtedly been much more horrific.
Now, does banning assault weapons mean that no one will ever be able to get them? No. There are already more than 300 Million guns in the USA (documented). That is almost 1 gun for every single person in the US. However, will banning assault weapons SERIOUSLY cut down on the ability of people to get such weapons in the USA (even on the black market)? Absolutely. If these weapons are banned, manufacturers will certainly make less and certainly ship less to the USA. They will also be easier to locate and regulate.
Now where do these children get most of the weapons used in suicides, homocides, and the like? From people who have registered guns that are not secured properly (at this point this includes assault rifles, as those are legal).
Does regulating guns have an effect on gun related violence? Yes. Period. Look at Australia's history with gun violence and how they have managed it. For 17 years leading up tho their drastic reform on gun control, the homocide and gun violence rate grew higher and higher. During the 10 years following their reform, almost no homicides were committed with guns in Australia, and gun violence, in general, has continued to drop rapidly.
It is estimated that gun violence can cause in excess of one billion dollars for states every year.
I see absolutely no reason not to seriously give thought to serious gun control reform in America.
I agree whole-heartedly with the central idea of your post, Steel, and I am very grateful that you took the time to write it. And I agree with HiBred, too. Take time in life to realize that all things will come to an end. So practice compassion, and savor every moment, as best you can.
