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Against Gun Control
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The United States of America was created free, and will remain so only as long as its peoples have the means to defend themselves from enemies within and without. To believe that disarming the population will do anything but increase the ability of the criminal element to rob, rape, etc. is not only foolhardy, but downright stupid! We have as much to fear from the government, because when disarmed, citizens become subjects of the whims of government and its liberal steering committee.
Michael, USA
We have many thousands of "Gun Control" laws on the books already (federal and state); no doubt several of which were violated by the teenaged murderer in Oregon. Laws WILL NOT stop a person determined to do violence. This kid wasn't stopped by the "GUN FREE SCHOOL ZONE" law; but his teachers and other school staff were stopped from having the means to deter/stop acts of violence on the school property by that very same law. I am willing to bet that the kid NEVER would have even considered perpetrating his act if he knew that he might meet an equally armed, but LAW-ABIDING person. GUN CONTROL LAWS DON'T WORK! They never have and they never will.
Mary, USA
Firearm ownership is a God given right. The right to protect yourself is also God given. The responsibility of increased violence and crime lays between the decay of a moral society and the denial of the same.
David, USA
The situation in USA may be unique, but evidence suggests that guns save far more lives than they end. In Oregon, handguns are already prohibited to those under 21. I believe that statistics in the UK support the theory that violent crime is significantly less in those areas of UK with a high proportion of gun ownership. The people of the UK have been misled too. Making laws in the highly emotionally charged state following a shooting is hardly the time for calm and reasoned debate. Mass killings, no matter what the method, is a reflection on the state of society more than the availability of method.
Colin, Australia
If that same person had used a knife, or a bow and arrow or whatever instrument, would people be trying to ban them? No, I don't think so. My answer is no don't ban hand guns.
Bear, Australia
The effort to ban handguns would directly attack the 2nd Amendment to our constitution. That effort may split this country, and cause internal warfare. There are a lot of people who would definitely like to take part in the opposition to a measure such as this.
Serrd, USA
The media must accept its responsibility for a lot of what is happening around the world, all the violence they promote on TV and the movies is without excuse all they see is $$$$$ with no regard for the effect these shows are having on young immature minds, you don't have a gun problem you have a people problem, we have always had firearms in our society and you should be looking at the real issues instead of blaming every problem you have on guns
Brian, Australia
Banning handguns will not solve the problem. You need to look at what is causing this sudden surge of teenage violence. Something is dreadfully wrong in the way you bring up and educate your young. Maybe limit the media and movies need to be looked at, a constant diet of violence must do something to these young people. However I would bring in strong laws to ensure owners of any firearm keep it in secure storage and away from all except those that have firearms licences.
George, Australia
It is not the firearms that need control it is the potential perpetrator of the crimes. The unrestricted violence metered out over TV, Videos etc combined with a lack of interest and censorship of busy parents that needs monitoring and action.
Lyndsay, Australia
Strict gun laws do nothing but restrict the law abiding citizens. Look at the record in this country after the so called uniform strict gun laws, two policemen shot, three dangerous criminals shot their way out of a maximum security prison in Queensland. These criminals were on the run for over two months before they were caught. They were armed to the teeth. In its wisdom the Government has taken the right for people to defend themselves with a firearm. A death sentence in the above circumstances. The police cannot protect the people, every day we read of bashings of old people, home invasions and the like yet we are not allowed to use a firearm to defend ourselves. An off duty policeman was knifed to death a few weeks ago and knives are now becoming the in weapon. If they cant get a gun they will use whatever. Strict gun laws don't work.
Brenton, Australia
So many deaths are caused by automobiles, but no one blames the automobile itself. Should we ban automobiles, trains, planes, etc.? Why blame a firearm used illegally? The person using the gun should be held fully accountable for their actions no matter what age, sex, ethnic background, etc.
Gordon, Alaska, USA
The USA is a very large area, unlike your small island. Liberal philosophy and stacked courts with judges who hold same have ruined the USA judicial system. Murderers should be put to death swiftly, whether adult or child. No psychoanalysis should be needed. The person did the deed. Guns are extended swords, nothing more. They are tools, and when misused they can kill; so, too, can a shovel. Privately held guns give the citizenry a measure of self-defence from a rising police state. Europe has had a long history of such, if I recall correctly. What the USA desperately needs today is to enforce the laws that are "on the books." Death to all murderers will stop the same.
Wayne, USA
Your country has been totally disarmed recently. Very few "free" countries allow the private ownership of weapons. At some time you will succumb to occupation by a foreign power or your own government and the people will be powerless to defend themselves. We as United States citizens must maintain our constitutional freedoms to protect ourselves from China, Russia and the NWO. Giving up our guns is NOT an option; Nor are guns the problem. With our current leadership in the executive branch, it is no wonder society is becoming dysfunctional. No leadership and lies from Clinton et al. sends a terrible message to our youth.
Ron, USA
Thank God there is so much water between us. You decry the constitutions, you give up rights as if you were all sheep, and you submit to privacy invasions that are deplorable. Can we add more water?
Howard, USA
I am an emergency physician and am always armed. As in all countries that have no legal gun ownership, only the criminals, government, police and military have guns. I do not trust any entity and neither did our forefathers. Our Constitution is written to protect ourselves from tyranny and oppression. Many posters to this thread do not understand because as in Australia, your guns are gone as is your freedom.
Diana, M.D, Texas
Put the blame where it belongs, on the parents. We have had access to firearms as kids since this countries founding. The problem over here has only been within the last 10 or so years. So it is time to find out WHAT HAS CHANGED.
Mark, USA
Never in America's history have there been so many restrictive laws on gun ownership/purchase. A scant 31 years ago in New York city no less, one could frequently see people carry their target rifles with them on the NY City subway system. And you know what.....no one even considered SHOOTING a fellow human being in the process! The attitude adopted by society that there exists no personal responsibility for one's actions has a significant impact on the youth of today. Gun possession has been a cherished component of American life for more than 200 years, only in the past 30+ yrs has it manifested as a problem.
Mike, USA
