Should guns get banned?

[brerrabbit]

I don't agree with the issues the NRA pushes that is the face of the NRA so to speak. However they advocate what they do because with an issue like guns there is no middle ground. It's all or nothing. No guns or everybody should own one. As I said in my post before you responded if people get an inch they want a mile. That is why the NRA leadership is so anti anything when it comes to controlling guns. Regardless of how safe it would make them. The anit gun crew says (wringing their hands) first the handguns, then the rifles, then the shotguns, then the air rifles, then the bows, then the knives and before you know it we'll be able to go after pointed scissors. The NRA says since we got the assault weapon bill lifted (wringing their hands) now we'll get an Uzi (fully auto of course) in every house followed by air to ground missles after that. Then the anti gun group will have to spend so much money and political capital to get back to where they are today the wo'nt get back to handguns for a couple of hundred years.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

Responsible gun owners have their guns secure. To answer how can you keep one locked up and yet still available for home protection? Ready box.
A heavy steel safe, bolted to the floor with a push button combination that allows quick access to you only loaded weapon in the house. It sits next to my side of the bed by the nightstand. Now I have that at home but I do not carry a handgun. By law I could since I have a concelled handgun liscense. I got it mainly to avoid problems transporting my handguns to and from the range.

This debate goes on and on, but I would like to point out that I as a responsible gun owner, who has many responsible gun owning friends agree with a lot of whats been said here. I would and do support the banning of assault weapons and fully automatic weapons. I don't support a ban on handguns but freely admit that if a law was passed which I would not fight that banned handguns, I would give mine up. The idocy of the two sides are this: the NRA and its die hard big money sponsors think it should be every citizens right to own a .50 caliber tripod mounted air cooled Browning Machine gun with the capacity to fire 600 rounds a minute. On the other hand the Ban the Gun bunch wants to ban my Remington pump shotgun that can hold 4 shells in the magazine and one in the chamber, which it never does because to legally hunt migratory birds as I do a plug has to be inserted to limit the magazine to two shells with one in the chamber for a total of three. According to their definition because it holds more than one shell at a time, its and assault weapon. I stongly disagree with both these views. The answer is somewhere in the middle.

ITA with everything you said. We also have a ready box for a handgun, but it's high on a shelf in a closet. The others (another handgun and a couple of rifles) are in a locked steel gun safe. We also have kids. There is absolutely NO way that my kids, or anyone for that matter, can access our guns. I take offense to an earlier post where the poster stated that she wouldn't allow her kids to play at another house that had guns, but if it was a police officers home she'd have no problem because of the diligence they would have in securing their gun. Most gunowners secure their guns as safely as any officer would. I don't mind if a parent asks if I have guns in the home, and I'm happy to show the mom/dad where they are and how they're stored. I've only had to do this once, but mom was satisfied her daughter would be safe and allowed her to stay and play. We have a high crime rate here in So Cal. We also live an 1.5 hours from the border. As long as there is crime where I live, we'll own handguns. The rifles my dh uses for sport.

Although it's for protection, most gunowners won't ever have to use their weapon. But sometimes they come in handy. Short story: We were camping in the Glamis sand dunes (which is near the Mexico border), when a woman ran into our camp for help because her husband had left to go on a ride with the others in their camp, and she was there alone with a few other women and their kids. Some guys (illegals from Mexico, sometimes they come through the camping areas when crossing the border) walked into their camp and started going through their food and belongings, sat down by their campfire and wouldn't leave. The women and kids were terrifed of these guys because they were menacing and refused to leave. Four guys from our camp ran over there, and my dh and his friend took their handguns with them. They got there, and told the illegals to leave. The illegals refused, and two of them whipped out their knives. Dh and his friend brandished their guns, and told them to leave the camp NOW. The illegals ran off. Police got their 30 minutes later, and all was well. Who knows what would have happened, but I'm glad my dh had a gun to protect himself vs. getting into a physical battle with those guys.

 

[eeyore25]

QUOTE=septbride2002]Because as someone already stated there are more ways then just guns to murder someone. Let me ask you - you are in a convience store and a guy comes up behind you and presses a knife to your throat and you are now his hostage. Wouldn't you want the police to be able to shoot this guy from afar in the head? Thereby saving your life? Police officers need guns to do what they are there for - Serve and Protect.

~Amanda[/QUOTE]


Very good example...but here is my opinion on this.
I own several handguns and rifles as does my husband. Colorado passed the law that says that I can carry a concealed handgun if I pass all the tests and such. Which we both did. In my opinion, if I am in a convience store and a guy comes up behind me and presses a knife to my throat/back I would want to protect my self....I don't want to wait on the police, or if I feel that my life or the lives of my loved ones are in danger, I want to protect the people around me. And legally I can, and I will. That is one reason why we bought our guns and have the concealed carry permit.....for protection.

I don't think that guns should be banned. Someone else said it, guns don't kill people, people kill people. We are very responsible with our guns and we have never ever had a problem.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

All the people that said they keep guns in case someone breaks into their houses, why dont you just invest in better security systems to stop people breaking in in the first place? Burglars dont try and rob the houses with top security, they move on to next door where they have left a window open!
The person who said about his friend pulling a gun on the car jacker, sorry but that just high lights why guns should be banned! Property is just stuff and not worth a human life, not even the robbers life! Its what insurance is for!

Pollyanna? Security systems do not work. There are often glitches with the system. DH has NEVER recommended a security system. He says they give you a false sense of security. He says your best bet is a big dog or a gun.

What if your baby was in that car? Do you think the very nice carjacker will give you the time to remove your child?

 

[septbride2002]

ITA with everything you said. We also have a ready box for a handgun, but it's high on a shelf in a closet. The others (another handgun and a couple of rifles) are in a locked steel gun safe. We also have kids. There is absolutely NO way that my kids, or anyone for that matter, can access our guns. I take offense to an earlier post where the poster stated that she wouldn't allow her kids to play at another house that had guns, but if it was a police officers home she'd have no problem because of the diligence they would have in securing their gun. Most gunowners secure their guns as safely as any officer would. I don't mind if a parent asks if I have guns in the home, and I'm happy to show the mom/dad where they are and how they're stored. I've only had to do this once, but mom was satisfied her daughter would be safe and allowed her to stay and play. We have a high crime rate here in So Cal. We also live an 1.5 hours from the border. As long as there is crime where I live, we'll own handguns. The rifles my dh uses for sport.

Although it's for protection, most gunowners won't ever have to use their weapon. But sometimes they come in handy. Short story: We were camping in the Glamis sand dunes (which is near the Mexico border), when a woman ran into our camp for help because her husband had left to go on a ride with the others in their camp, and she was there alone with a few other women and their kids. Some guys (illegals from Mexico, sometimes they come through the camping areas when crossing the border) walked into their camp and started going through their food and belongings, sat down by their campfire and wouldn't leave. The women and kids were terrifed of these guys because they were menacing and refused to leave. Four guys from our camp ran over there, and my dh and his friend took their handguns with them. They got there, and told the illegals to leave. The illegals refused, and two of them whipped out their knives. Dh and his friend brandished their guns, and told them to leave the camp NOW. The illegals ran off. Police got their 30 minutes later, and all was well. Who knows what would have happened, but I'm glad my dh had a gun to protect himself vs. getting into a physical battle with those guys.

That was me - take offense all you want - I still wouldn't let my kids play at your house. Nothing against you, I just don't want my children in a home that has guns. That's my right as a US citizen as much as it is your right to own one.

Yes I would let my kids go to the home of a police officer because I do believe they would be more responsible with a firearm then just an everyday citizen. You may be the exception to the rule and I applaud you on that. Doesn't change my mind on my beliefs.

My Dad kept Porn up in the closet on a very high shelf - I was 10 when I found them. I also found the .22 - thanks!

~Amanda

 

[jen_uk]

Pollyanna? Security systems do not work. There are often glitches with the system. DH has NEVER recommended a security system. He says they give you a false sense of security. He says your best bet is a big dog or a gun.

Er I wasnt talking about your big high tech systems that you have over there (we dont really have them here much) I was talking about those things callled big bolts and locks which dont have glitches and are hard to break. At the end of the day nothing is impossible to break but if Mr burglar sees a house which is well secured and one which is not what one do you think he will choose???

 

[Ted and Holly]

My Dad kept Porn up in the closet on a very high shelf - I was 10 when I found them. I also found the .22 - thanks!

But did he teach you what it was? How to handle it properly? How to respect it? (EDIT: I mean the gun.) Most people I know that have firearms started out as a young child. You grow up without the fascination. You learn how to handle them and how to respect them.

Ted

 

[septbride2002]

But did he teach you what it was? How to handle it properly? How to respect it? (EDIT: I mean the gun.) Most people I know that have firearms started out as a young child. You grow up without the fascination. You learn how to handle them and how to respect them.

Ted

Yes after I found the gun I was taught to respect what it was, and was also severly punished for being in my Dad's closet in the first place. I think I was looking for Birthday presents. My brother and I were allowed to target practice with the .22 and with a 9mm semi-automatic that my neighbor owned. Yes I respect guns, thats why I don't think everyday people need them. I encounter a lot of stupid people everyday - and I worry if they are all gun owners. Which agains falls under my not wanting children to play in a home of a gun owner. My Dad was careful - and I still found his gun.

~Amanda

 

[ChrisnSteph]

That was me - take offense all you want - I still wouldn't let my kids play at your house. Nothing against you, I just don't want my children in a home that has guns. That's my right as a US citizen as much as it is your right to own one.

Yes I would let my kids go to the home of a police officer because I do believe they would be more responsible with a firearm then just an everyday citizen. You may be the exception to the rule and I applaud you on that. Doesn't change my mind on my beliefs.

My Dad kept Porn up in the closet on a very high shelf - I was 10 when I found them. I also found the .22 - thanks!

~Amanda

So even if I would be willing to show you the safety precautions I take, you'd still assume my home would be a risk? Unbelievable! My home is no less safe than yours, and that's a fact whether you want to belive it or not. As for our gun on our high shelf, it's in a quick-access gun lock box with a very distinctive lock. There is absolutely no way possible that a child could access that gun, even if they were to find the box. My dd knows where it is, but she also has a respect for guns (beause she's raised that way). We have an officer (well technically he's highway patrol but he carries a gun) who is a friend of ours and his son plays with our boys quite often at our home. HE doesn't see any reason to worry, because he knows how responsible we are, in fact HE was the one who recommended the safe we use and how we store them the way that we do. You call me an exception to the rule, yet you still feel my home wouldn't be safe. Sorry, while I do agree with you on some of the points you've made, this one is just silly and irrational!

 

[Ted and Holly]

Yes after I found the gun I was taught to respect what it was, and was also severly punished for being in my Dad's closet in the first place. I think I was looking for Birthday presents. My brother and I were allowed to target practice with the .22 and with a 9mm semi-automatic that my neighbor owned. Yes I respect guns, thats why I don't think everyday people need them. I encounter a lot of stupid people everyday - and I worry if they are all gun owners. Which agains falls under my not wanting children to play in a home of a gun owner. My Dad was careful - and I still found his gun.

~Amanda

Putting a gun in a closet on a shelf is not careful. Sorry.

How secure are your cleaning chemicals? As secure as ChrisnSteph's gun?

Ted

 

[septbride2002]

So even if I would be willing to show you the safety precautions I take, you'd still assume my home would be a risk? Unbelievable! My home is no less safe than yours, and that's a fact whether you want to belive it or not. As for our gun on our high shelf, it's in a quick-access gun lock box with a very distinctive lock. There is absolutely no way possible that a child could access that gun, even if they were to find the box. My dd knows where it is, but she also has a respect for guns (beause she's raised that way). We have an officer (well technically he's highway patrol but he carries a gun) who is a friend of ours and his son plays with our boys quite often at our home. HE doesn't see any reason to worry, because he knows how responsible we are, in fact HE was the one who recommended the safe we use and how we store them the way that we do. You call me an exception to the rule, yet you still feel my home wouldn't be safe. Sorry, while I do agree with you on some of the points you've made, this one is just silly and irrational!

I don't believe it is irrational to be concerned about the welfare of my child. Perhaps yes, after knowing the procautions you have then I would more then likely let my child play at your house if I felt I knew you. But no, if I didn't know you or how you kept your guns then I would not let my child play at you house.

And if you ever lose someone to a gun shot wound maybe you would feel differently. I've lost more then enough people to guns and irresponsible behaviour, I won't put my children at that risk, no more then I would let them get in the car with someone that has been drinking.

Thanks,
Amanda

 

[wvrevy]

Personally, I don't see how a civilized person would want to take away others'' enjoyment. Many people find enjoyment in hunting, target shooting, and collecting firearms of all kinds.

Ted

Many people get enjoyment out of watching male chickens fighting (I'm sure the word filter would have caught it if I gave it it's actual name). Does that mean it should be legal as well ? Many people enjoy driving fast...many people enjoy having a couple drinks and then driving home, insisting they're "fine"...many people enjoy a lot of sick and twisted things...should they all be legal and easily available ?

Since when does being "civilized" mean going out and shooting something ? I've heard a lot of pointless arguments, but that one pretty much tops the list...lol

 

[Ted and Holly]

All of those things are alreadt illegal. Guns and hunting are not. Sorry.

I know this is your style. Trying to dismiss something as pointless so you don't have to actually think about it anymore. Go for it. I see through it.

You are that much closer to name calling. Good for you.

Ted

 

[ChrisnSteph]

I don't believe it is irrational to be concerned about the welfare of my child. Perhaps yes, after knowing the procautions you have then I would more then likely let my child play at your house if I felt I knew you. But no, if I didn't know you or how you kept your guns then I would not let my child play at you house.

I never said that being concerned about your childs welfare is irrational. It's fair to ask if there are guns in the home, and if proper safety measures are in place. I explained to you the safety measures we took, and that if I knew you I would show you, yet knowing all of that you still said you wouldn't let your child play at my home. THAT, to me, is being irrational.

 

[brerrabbit]

All those things are illeagal, gun ownership is not.

 

[wvrevy]

All of those things are alreadt illegal. Guns and hunting are not. Sorry.

I know this is your style. Trying to dismiss something as pointless so you don't have to actually think about it anymore. Go for it. I see through it.

You are that much closer to name calling. Good for you.

Ted

Thanks for completely missing the point, as is becoming the norm. I was making the point that gun ownership should be illegal in a civilized society, you countered with the brilliantly conceived "I don't see how a civilized person would want to take away others'' enjoyment" argument, to which I pointed out other things some people get enjoyment out of that ARE illegal....

Are you getting it yet ? Let me know if you want me to spell it out further (and this doesn't have to get nasty...I treat people as they treat me, so don't act like you're so holier than thou).

 

[septbride2002]

I never said that being concerned about your childs welfare is irrational. It's fair to ask if there are guns in the home, and if proper safety measures are in place. I explained to you the safety measures we took, and that if I knew you I would show you, yet knowing all of that you still said you wouldn't let your child play at my home. THAT, to me, is being irrational.

Sorry you feel that way. What more do you want me to say? You obviously feel strongly about your beliefs, and I feel strongly about mine.

~Amanda

 

[wvrevy]

But did he teach you what it was? How to handle it properly? How to respect it? (EDIT: I mean the gun.) Most people I know that have firearms started out as a young child. You grow up without the fascination. You learn how to handle them and how to respect them.

Ted

Sorry, but this is a flat out lie. There have been studies that show that kids (especially boys) will play with a gun if they get the opportunity, and that includes pointing it at another child and pulling the trigger. Dateline even did one a couple years back. Brought in a bunch of kids from families that owned guns (and whose parents swore that they knew better than to pick up a gun). They put the kids into a room with some toys, and hid a real gun (obviously unloaded) in the room. EVERY SINGLE ONE of those kids that found the gun played with it, and not one of them ever said a word about finding it. This was not to be mistaken for a toy, either. It was very obvious that this gun was not for play.

So, where was the "respect" ? If they were "growing up without the fascination of guns", why were they all so eager to play with one when they found it ?

 

[Ted and Holly]

Thanks for completely missing the point, as is becoming the norm. I was making the point that gun ownership should be illegal in a civilized society, you countered with the brilliantly conceived "I don't see how a civilized person would want to take away others'' enjoyment" argument, to which I pointed out other things some people get enjoyment out of that ARE illegal....

Are you getting it yet ? Let me know if you want me to spell it out further (and this doesn't have to get nasty...I treat people as they treat me, so don't act like you're so holier than thou).

I've only just become the norm. I've seen it in you since you started. Holier than whom? The UNcivilized beef poutry and pork farmers?

If you eat any of that, you can not claim killing something is uncivilized.

Ted

 

[Ted and Holly]

Sorry, but this is a flat out lie. There have been studies that show that kids (especially boys) will play with a gun if they get the opportunity, and that includes pointing it at another child and pulling the trigger. Dateline even did one a couple years back. Brought in a bunch of kids from families that owned guns (and whose parents swore that they knew better than to pick up a gun). They put the kids into a room with some toys, and hid a real gun (obviously unloaded) in the room. EVERY SINGLE ONE of those kids that found the gun played with it, and not one of them ever said a word about finding it. This was not to be mistaken for a toy, either. It was very obvious that this gun was not for play.

So, where was the "respect" ? If they were "growing up without the fascination of guns", why were they all so eager to play with one when they found it ?

I am so glad you are here to tell me about me and my friends and family. If not for you, I would not have known that how we grew up was a lie. I don't care about a Dateline study. I am speaking from my own experience.

Ted