Apr 22, 2013 11:38 AM EDT
Hi, Richard. To Democrats, RINOs, socialists, and communists, there is no such thing as too much gun control. There will never be a sufficient body of law to satisfy the extreme left-wing fire-breathers in their quest to end the presence of firearms in this country. Be honest, Richard. The only way to satisfy the gun controllers is the outright ban of any firearm of ANY description. But if you stand up to urge the immediate banning and confiscation of all firearms, there are a few who would likely disagree with you. So, gun banning by incremental gun control, one small step at a time must continue to be the order of the day. First, ban the rifle's magazines, then ban the rifle, since you can't fire it without its illegal magazine. Next, ban the shotgun's ammunition, then ban the shotgun. Since .22 rimfire rifles are dangerous in residential neighborhoods, ban their use in homes. Then, ban them all together. See? Extrapolate that out over time, and you'll have your nationwide gun ban----that is, if the non-socialists among the people allow it. Just my thoughts, of course.
- Cliff Ackerson
Apr 22, 2013 2:05 PM EDT
Years ago I had a logic and debate professor point out the faulty logic in presenting an argument in its most extreme position, attacking the extreme position. This is the strategy of the "gun lobby" who's position is that any regulation regarding guns will ultimately result in the revocation of gun ownership rights. Licensing protocols are part of our every day life, providing a reasonable assurance of responsible behavior. Let's make this a licensing issue, not a gun ownership issue. "They will take our guns" is the emotion generating call. It works. Our love of easy to consume sound bites continue to handicap our ability to generate personal thought. Sound bites encourage position taking without much thought. That's become our national preference. Sure beats taking the time to think about sometimes complex issues. Let's just go with the gut feel. It's easier and I can get back to the hockey game before investing any brain cells in thought.
- Lynn R. Sutter
Apr 22, 2013 2:25 PM EDT
Let's Vote to enforce all the existing gun laws. We don't need more laws that won't be enforced. Most gun laws are designed for political gain (to get votes). The Constitution was a very simple, comprehensive, common sense document. I love those political terms that have no universal meaning.
- Erik Woods
Apr 22, 2013 2:51 PM EDT
Cliff-the extreme depiction of those who are trying to implement some rational and reasonable improvements in how we regulate firearms in society, as described in your comments, doesn't help us reach any consensus or agreement. It's dishonest and simply serves to create more division than necessary. It's time to put those arguments, as well as its sister arguments about how the proposed new laws wouldn't have prevented Newtown or how criminals won't follow the law (no kidding!), aside and accept that we need compromise and progress to remain a civilized society. We should not be tolerating the level of violence, whether in mass shootings or daily gun violence, that our weak laws are allowing to occur. There is no single or perfect solution. As a society, we need to overcome fear and paranoia, and act reasonably to slow the tide of violence. Background checks for all gun sales should not be this controversial. That does not mean it will lead to gun confiscation.
- Adam S
Apr 22, 2013 5:43 PM EDT
Thought provoking posts. In the case of the Newtown shootings, it may have already been pointed out, that the current gun control laws did work. Adam Lanza had tried and failed to obtain firearms. I chalk that tragic event up to poor parenting choices. I myself am a gun owner but I am beholden to no party and am not a member of any gun lobby. I am a paradox of sorts. A Christian Libertarian. I have been critical of the Bush Administration and ardently oppose the Patriot Act and the recent NDDA. I find it hard to receive lectures on gun control from an administration and justice department whose fast and furious debacle has left border agents and who knows who else dead. I also feel that tyranny is greater threat then guns. I think it was Ben Franklin who said, "Anyone who would sacrifice liberty for safety deserves neither and will lose both." I try to keep that in mind after tragic events when people seem to be okay with major cities in lockdown and the 4th Amendment is out the window. The talking heads clamor that we need the Government to do whatever they have to do to, "save the homeland" that's scary and all too familiar rhetoric. Next thing you know, American citizens are being dragged from their homes (without warrants) at GUN point and detained without Miranda.
The root problem in America today and it is no respecter of party, is the ever increasing moral decay. That is my thought on this issue. A wiser man then myself once said, if you don't stand for something you will fall for anything. Because we lack a clear moral compass, I fear we are in for a rocky road ahead. However, there is always a hope. I look forward with much anticipation for more of Richard's writing. We may not agree on everything but a well thought out, elequently written point that gets us discussing topics is never a bad thing.
- Christopher M. Muti