Poll: Little Change In Views On Handguns

After Virginia Tech Shooting Spree, Most Still Want Stricter Gun Laws But Oppose Banning All Handguns

(CBS)  There's been little change in Americans' views on gun control in the wake of last week's shooting rampage at Virginia Tech, according to a CBS News/New York Times poll.

A majority favors tighter handgun laws, but not in higher numbers than in the past. More than half said stricter laws could have helped prevent at least some of the violence at Virginia Tech, but Americans continue to oppose a ban on all handguns.

In all, 66 percent of those surveyed think there should be stricter laws covering the sale of handguns, while just 4 percent say the laws should be less strict. Twenty-eight percent think the laws should be kept as they are.

Those numbers are about the same as in August 1999, four months after the
shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado, when 67 percent said they favored stricter handgun laws.

SHOULD LAWS COVERING THE SALE OF HANDGUNS BE …?

Now
More strict
66%
Less strict
4%
Kept as they are
28%

8/1999
More strict
67%
Less strict
5%
Kept as they are
23%

Just 33 percent favor a ban on the sale of all handguns except those issued to police, while 64 percent oppose such a ban.

Support for a handgun ban has decreased somewhat in recent years. In April 1999, just days after the shootings at Columbine, 43 percent said they favored banning handguns.

---

Read the complete CBS News/New York Times poll results.

---

On the question of whether stricter laws could have helped limit the violence at Virginia Tech, 53 percent said tougher laws would have had some impact, although only 32 percent said stricter gun laws would have helped a lot.

Four in 10 said stricter gun laws would have had no impact.

A BAN ON THE SALE OF ALL HANDGUNS

Now
Favor
33%
Oppose
64%

April 1999
Favor
43%
Oppose
53%

One in four Americans thinks letting people carry concealed handguns would have reduced some of the violence at Virginia Tech. But the same number think it would have made things worse.

Not surprisingly there are sharp partisan differences on the gun control issue. Seventy-eight percent of Democrats support tougher handguns laws, compared with 51 percent of Republicans. Eighty-two percent of Republicans oppose a handgun ban, compared with 55 percent of Democrats.

For detailed information on how CBS News conducts public opinion surveys, click here.

This poll was conducted among a random sample of 644 adults nationwide, interviewed by telephone April 20-22, 2007. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample could be plus or minus four percentage points. The error for subgroups is higher.

[processor2]

You cannot stop crime by disarming potential victims...doesn't work


For example:

V.Tech was declared a "gun-free zone" and look what happened.

...

[sanfelz]

I will believe the gun-free zone propaganda when the Secret Service starts giving guns to all who are in contact with the president, when the TSA starts giving gun to all who board a plane and when US troops re-arm all Iraqis.

[plainjean]

The people who believe those stories in the "National Rifleman" about people saving themselves from intruders with gun play, are the same people who believe those "Penthouse" fantasies. Premeditated crimes like the one the lunatic Cho committed at Virginia Tech are impossible to stop no matter how fast of a quick draw you are. THAT INTERVIEW WITH THE BRADIES ON "FACE THE NATION" WAS A GREAT PIECE OF JOURNALISM. THANK YOU BOB SHAEFFER!

[erasmus6]

darkmeat4

How do we know it isn't YOU that is not telling the truth? You are a gun lover aren't you, so I would think it is you that isn't telling the truth. God forbid if they were to take your gun away!

[down-ndirty]

"The people who believe those stories in the "National Rifleman" about people saving themselves from intruders with gun play, are the same people who believe those "Penthouse" fantasies." Posted by plainjean at 08:09 PM : Apr 23, 2007

In 1981, nationwide, there were more justifiable homicides (1266) by civilians than there were felons (388) killed by police. In fact, guns were used over 6800 times/day for self defense and less than 2% resulted in killing or wounding.

In the U.S. a gun is used every 16 seconds in self defense against a criminal and women use handguns 416 times/day to defend against rapists. A gun kept in a home is 216 times more likely to be used in defensive action than against an innocent victim.

Source: Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, Volume 85, Issue 3, Winter 1995.
http://www.law.northwestern.edu/j
clc/backissues/85-3.html

This article dispels many of the "myths" about guns in the hands of civilians versus in the hands of criminals.

OBTW: I am NOT a member of the NRA, nor do they represent me or my guns.

[down-ndirty]

It is very unlikely that the United States government will be able to control the access to handguns; the reality is that even the law-abiding population resists gun control; the use of severe mandatory sentences for gun control violations is merely a reflection of the unwillingness of the citizenry to have their right to self-preservation taken away by the government. Studies reveal that only twenty-five percent of handgun owners complied with registration, and a that seventy-three percent would not comply with handgun prohibition. Other studies have noted that gun laws have created an entire class of new criminals--normally honest, law-abiding citizens who elect to keep a gun in full knowledge that they are in violation of certain local and state laws. The reality is that even the most Draconian measures could not hope to remove guns from the hands of people who were determined to get and keep them.

Criminals either steal their guns, or they buy them on the black market--either way, the guns are untraceable. The DoJ and the ATF have estimated that ninety percent of violent crimes are committed without handguns, but of those crimes which are committed with handguns, ninety-three percent of the guns used in those crimes are obtained through unlawful purchases.

Source: See my 8:48 PM post

[cbville72]

The more that is found out about this psychopath the more it comes to light that there were a TON of signs that something was wrong. He had a mental history and was forced to have a mental observation. He was charged with stalking from what I understand. Things like that should be included in his (OR ANYONES) record when it comes to the ability to purchase a firearm. There is absolutely no need for more firearms legislation. What is needed is stricter enforcement of the laws that are already on books. Mental health results should be included in background checks.

[plainjean]

Statistics from the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology or where ever you may dig them up does not change this simple fact: VIOLENT CRIMES CONTINUE TO BE COMMITTED WITH GUNS NO MATTER HOW MANY LAW ABIDDING PEOPLE HAVE THEM! Isn't it high time we changed the paranoid, warped "gun culture" in America? FBI statistics released in 1996 claimed there are more accidental Barney Fifes who will shoot themselves in the foot than there are people using a handgun to defend themselves or their property! How many small children have you known who accidentally shot themselves or another sibling because of insecure adults who cannot handle their guns?

[down-ndirty]

"Statistics from the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology or where ever you may dig them up does not change this simple fact: VIOLENT CRIMES CONTINUE TO BE COMMITTED WITH GUNS NO MATTER HOW MANY LAW ABIDDING PEOPLE HAVE THEM!" Posted by plainjean

You totally miss the point, plainjean. You can gather up every single gun in the U.S. and criminals will STILL be able to get them.

The only difference would be those 1300 or so criminals who were killed in self-defense will now be successful in their criminal endeavor. And those 416 attempted rapes EVERY DAY that were repelled by women with guns will now be successful rapes and possibly even murders.

It's been said before, and I'll say it again: "Guns don't kill people; people kill people."

In those countries that have strict gun laws, Mexico for example, criminals with guns rule and the general population is helpless when it comes to self-defense.

[down-ndirty]

You might think that arresting, convicting, and imprisoning criminals is the answer.

It's a proven fact that punishment does NOT deter crime. It only deters the criminals who are incarcerated--until they get out.

It is also a fact that common criminals do NOT like to mess with civilians who own guns. Criminals have a tendency to avoid occupied premises out of fear the occupants may have a weapon. Far more criminals are killed in self defense by civilians than in the line of duty by police.

Think what it would be like if the civilians were stripped of their guns; criminals would not have any fear of occupied premises and civilians would have no self-defense.

[dlpracer]

plainjean says:

...VIOLENT CRIMES CONTINUE TO BE COMMITTED WITH GUNS NO MATTER HOW MANY LAW ABIDDING PEOPLE HAVE THEM! Isn't it high time we changed the paranoid, warped "gun culture" in America?

-------------

The basis of this information is without merit. You are quoting 11 year ago information.

There are now 42 states that have "must issue" concealed carry laws. Along with those laws came mandates by the states to keep track of permit holders and any law infractions they may commit.

By far, CC permit holders have lower incidents that the general population. Gun violations are nearly nill. Why? Because they MUST be law abiding citizens and TRAINED to receive a state issued permit. How strict? You will have your permit revoked if you have a blood alcohol level above .02 while packing (one glass of wine) ...MUCH lower than the .08 level for driving a car impaired.

There are now millions of concealed carry citizens throughout the US and chances are you sat next to someone at a cafe without ever knowing. That's the way it is designed.

There are over 500,000 reported self defense incidents every year. Conservative estimates say there are as many as 1.5 million unreported, many without a shot being fired...just the display of a firearm.

I appreciate your hysteria, but as usual, is void of facts.

Try again.

[plainjean]

So we as a people have a government incapable of restricting the licensing of motor vehicles? We as a people have a government incapable of restricting underaged drinking? So we as a people have a government incapable of preventing the illegal immigration of 1,000 Hispanics? So we as a people have a government incapable of preventing the sale and distribution of illegal narcotics? NONSENSE! Somehow if Seung-Hui Cho had been armed with a screw driver, a can opener, or a cork-screw instead of a 9mm, 32 innocent Virginia Techers would be alive today. That NRA old song-and-dance routine GUNS DON'T KILL PEOPLE, PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE is as lame as it gets. Believe me the NRA propaganda machine is already into full-gear trying to white-wash this whole tragedy. Why doesn't the Justice Department do after the gun manufacturers and gun retailers like they persued the tobacco industry!

[rheola-2009]

Darkmeat4

Hullo mr. Darkmeat

Bit of dejavu here.

As we have discussed in the past.
There are STATISTICS, STATISTICS AND DAMNED STATISTICS.

We will always see that which we wish to see in a particular set of figures, if they agree with our point of view, then great !!
But if they do not, then we must kill the messenger.

I will myself, as it is your country, not mine, accept those figures published, and acknowledge that Americans are happy with approx 30,000 gun related deaths per year, and as such will remain out of this debate today.

Enjoy your evening/night.

[dlpracer]

plainjean says: (continued)

...VIOLENT CRIMES CONTINUE TO BE COMMITTED WITH GUNS NO MATTER HOW MANY LAW ABIDDING PEOPLE HAVE THEM! Isn't it high time we changed the paranoid, warped "gun culture" in America?

------------

Statistics show a very strong reduction in violent crime associated with the adoption by states of laws allowing the general adult population to freely carry concealed weapons...crime rates have declined....FACT.

Concealed carry is not for everyone. The media loves to throw out the cannard: do you want everyone on campus to be packing?

Of course not. Being armed is a tremendous responsibility. As most CCW instructors teach, "once the bullet leaves the gun, right or wrong, your life will change forever". It is not for the those that cannot handle that added responsibility. For those that can, they will be there when you need them.

Too bad VT thought a sign saying GUN FREE ZONE, would protect them.

Try again.

[dlpracer]

You want the government to ban all guns??

In the perfect world you have a good point. Unfortunately we don't live in a perfect world and guns in the USA will NEVER be banned...period. Disarming the populace has been the genesis of every government abuse in modern history.

If you think that a gun ban is the solution to all evil, than you forgot about Rwanda in 1994 when 800,000 defenseless people where slaughtered in 90 days, the MAJORITY hacked to death.

Your feelings are warranted, albeit misinformed.

[rheola-2009]

Dipracer

If you think that a gun ban is the solution to all evil, than you forgot about Rwanda in 1994 when 800,000 defenseless people where slaughtered in 90 days, the MAJORITY hacked to death.

Your feelings are warranted, albeit misinformed.

Posted by dlpracer at 10:46 PM : Apr 23, 2007

Had no intention of joining in today, however,

Does your statement mean as it implies, that the number slaughtered would have most likely nearer 1,800,000 if the aggressor had guns??????????

[mac2499-2009]

There are over 55000 register lincese to sell guns. There are probably enough guns in the U.S. to arm everyone. There is no way to control guns. People might as well get used to events like VT. They are few and far between and Americans have to adapt to these events since they are not willing to create tough new regulations. There would probably be a civil war if the goverment ever decided to create strict gun control

[christiansin]

Look out!

The U.S. government is trying to take over America! They think they are in charge! Better get your guns ready!

[kennergirl]

I think everyone should be allowed to carry guns.
That way when one of these idiots pull out a gun and starts acting stupid we can all pull out our guns and shoot him.LOL:0

Seriously, guns are just a part of the picture. When you have people who don't value life (others and their own) and add a gun you are looking at a disaster waiting to happen.

[acauble1]

People might as well get used to events like VT

Posted by mac2499 at 11:28 PM : Apr 23, 2007
..........

Creating stricter gun control to prevent tragedies like the one in Virginia Tech, would be like placing fences along the Golden Gate Bridge to prevent suicides.

Psychologically deranged individuals will find any way possible to act out what their mind has directed them to do. Sadly, if it wasn't a gun, it may have been a hardened sword or some other type of weapon. Similarly, placing barriers on a bridge to prevent people from killing themselves. would only temporarily prevent suicide. The suicidal people will just go somewhere else to kill themselves.

What we need is far better psychiatric treatment in this country... free for those who need it most. Quality psychiatric treatment is worth doing away with the Capital Gains Tax at least. I would imagine that the parents of those dead students at VT would highly agree with that.

[acauble1]

"Quality psychiatric treatment is worth doing away with the Capital Gains Tax at least."

.........

I meant to say:

Quality psychiatric treatment is worth doing away with the CUT in Capital Gains Tax... at least.

[kennergirl]

I wanted to add to my post...

If you think banning guns will change anything you must be on dope. Oh yes, dope which is illegal also. YET IS ALL AROUND HERE? Isn't that something. I bet those guns would be sold a street corner too (Oh WAIT, is that how the bad guys get them?) Isn't that something? DUH!

When you ban something doesn't mean it goes away. Bad guys will still have the guns but regular people won't have them to defend ourselves.

[rheola-2009]

Aintaken

Gooday mate

That one of Dipracer's was to good to resist.

Yes I would seriously like to visit your fine country one day, and may do just that.
Will not even bother with the body armour.

Now if people will just read before posting, then maybe I shall not stick my nose in.

Yes I accept those figures, do not agree though, however my perogative.
And a good evening/night to you.

[down-ndirty]

"I will myself, as it is your country, not mine, accept those figures published, and acknowledge that Americans are happy with approx 30,000 gun related deaths per year, and as such will remain out of this debate today." Posted by rheola at 10:26 PM : Apr 23, 2007

Probably a good thing you stay out of the debate, since you don't have a clue about gun deaths in the U.S.

Why don't you go to the FBI website at
http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/05cius/data/table_01.html
where you will learn that there were 16,692 murders and nonnegligent manslaughters in the U.S. in 2005. A lot, no doubt, but about half the number that you pulled out of your asss. LOL!! That number includes death by gun, knife, strangulation, asphixiation, starvation, etc. As soon as I find the "deaths by gun" numbers I will let you know. LOL!!!

I know you are "anti-gun" but at least try to be factual instead of just spewing BS and pulling numbers out of your anuss.

OBTW: There were 93,934 forcible rapes in the same year. I wonder how many of those would have been prevented if the woman would have had a gun.

[cfin5]

Telling americans they can't own a firearm is the same as telling them they are no longer americans . These anti-gun folks always have non historically proven "theories" for gun control. In fact, the social "sum" of their theories increases lawlessnes. For example: The shooting incident at Appalachian School of Law in 2002 resulted in 3 deaths. Murderer was stopped by 2 CCW permit students. Nobody stopped the murderer at Virginia Tech......32 law abiding citizens needlessly gone! 3 trumps 32 anyday. The BATFE should ad a "D" for the anti-depressant "drugs" that have been involved in these massacrers even at Columbine. Since we have to go through a background check to purchase a firearm, why not alchohol? It directly influences someones attitude. If someone gets a DUI and gets his/her drivers licence back, It should be with a big red circle slash martini glass imprinted on the card. Next make it mandatory to show the license at point of sale for alcohol purchases no matter what age or gender. Enforce a stiff penalty for alcohol "straw" purchases too. Will this stop a jerk from getting drunk and shooting somebody? NO! But it sure is a better bandaid than the one that we have now. Start doing the social policy mathematics in your ideas. Theories just are not going to get the job done anymore!

[rheola-2009]

Down-dirty

where you will learn that there were 16,692 murders and nonnegligent manslaughters in the U.S. in 2005. A lot, no doubt, but about half the number that you pulled out of your asss. LOL!! That number includes death by gun, knife, strangulation, asphixiation, starvation, etc. As soon as I find the "deaths by gun" numbers I will let you know. LOL!!!

I know you are "anti-gun" but at least try to be factual instead of just spewing BS and pulling numbers out of your anuss.


For gun related deaths, I am sure you will find that figure fairly near the mark.

I am not anti gun by the way, however I do believe some control is the sane way to go, as it proved in this country.

You appear to be one of those who get their kicks from abuse.
Everyone to his own.

As I said, I will stay out, for the reason I stated, and to avoid abuse by those who damage their argument by the use of it.


And you have a good night also.

[harp1963]

We can't even keep illegal drugs off the streets of America. Keeping guns out of the hands of criminals is a great idea, but hard to implement. More stringent gun laws are only going to create an illegal gun market that the bad guys will be more than happy to supply. If someone is a criminal in the first place, they're not going to care if they purchase a illegal or legal gun. They're criminals, they don't care about laws. They break laws. Gun laws effect law abiding gun owners

[erasmus6]

We in Canada have strict gun control and way less gun crime than the U.S. Are people still getting guns? Yes, but we still have less gun crime. Most of the guns are found to be from the U.S. So if guns were banned in your country, we would have even less.
Now I would like one of you fools to explain to me why we have sooooo much less death by guns if gun control doesn't work? And if I am not mistaken I believe we have less crime, period.
Now rheola might like to visit your country, but I think I will pass. I have been to your country many times, but now that I know that there are a bunch of pathetic, trigger happy fools with guns running around, I have lost any interest in visiting. My view of the U.S. has changed as I am sure has many others. Your country is out of control.

[cpaide]

Oh, Canada! Congratulations on allowing a 14-year old to shoot up W. R. Myers High School in Taber, Alberta. And let's not overlook the Dawson College student in Montreal last year who shot a couple of dozen people.

There would be more incidents if there were any people living in Canada. I think there are more people in the Los Angeles Metro area. Better to compare Canada to Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and North Dakota. Not many shootings going on in those states, and people there have plenty of guns.

[torocaca]

Well, erasmus6, I'm no fool but I'll give it a shot anyway. No pun intended, of course.

Perhaps it's because we live in a greedy, corrupt, capitalist country where some people are going to "get their share" any way they can.

Perhaps it's Clinton's fault because he modified the welfare system and some of the dirt-bags who were kicked off welfare are just too lazy to work and decide to get theirs the easy way. But then, crime decreased during Clinton's terms.

Perhaps it's Bush's fault because he has diverted most of the country's spare change to the war in Iraq. Crime has increased since he took office.

I guess you're lucky to live in a country that is slightly larger than the U.S. and with only about 1/9th the population and only a small fraction the crime rate. Having 80 people crammed into each square mile as we do here in the U.S. sort of causes a lot of stress. Having only seven other people share your square mile must be great; each person can have 80 acres to roam around in and not worry about bumping into another sole.

On the other hand, even if we took away all the guns the criminals would still get them from Mexico. Mexico has strict gun control laws yet their firearm homicide rate per 100,000 people is about the same as ours and their non-firearm homicide rate is almost triple ours. So I quess if someone wants you dead, you're dead.

[jdweymouth]

They declared the VT campus a "safer place now that guns were illegal there." Well, Mr. Cho Psycho told them otherwise. Assuming ALL guns could be spirited off the face of the earth, you know what would happen? They'd use knives, clubs, their bare hands. How do you think murder was commited before gunpowder was invented? This is all aside from the fact that the paramount issue that caused the battle of Lexington and Concord was that the British were marching out, not only to arrest the leaders of the Continental Congress, but also to capture the arm depots at Concord: the right for the citizenry to bear arms was paramount in the minds of our fathers. But before that, down in Virginia, the British attempted to disarm an armory, but were resisted. The point being, the day the take away our guns is the day they take away a portion of our souls. And it has nothing to do with whether or nor we're civilized: it has to do with our rights.(You have read the 2nd amendment, right?)

As for the Aussie in our midst acting all high and mighty because his country is a glorified socialist regime that disarmed the Australian citizenry: they disarmed 5 years ago, and the crime in Australia skyrocketed. Now, it wasn't as bad as it is in the U.S., but there are 20 million people in Australia, and 300 million in the United States: of course the average would be lower.

[rheola-2009]

Jdweymouth

"As for the Aussie in our midst acting all high and mighty because his country is a glorified socialist regime that disarmed the Australian citizenry: they disarmed 5 years ago, and the crime in Australia skyrocketed. Now, it wasn't as bad as it is in the U.S., but there are 20 million people in Australia, and 300 million in the United States: of course the average would be lower."


You are such a knowledgeble chap

"glorified socialist regime"

For the past 11 years, Australia has had a right wing government, similar to your own beloved Republican government, and has had such for 45 of the past 58 years. ie since 1949.

"they disarmed 5 years ago'

Not true, we never disarmed, however some laws were put in to control the number of guns in our societyu, but that was 10 years ago, not 5 as you state.

"and the crime in Australia skyrocketed."

Our crime rate is high, as is yours, and many countries around the world, being driven by that sickness of drugs, but it is certainly not as high as is the U.S. on a per capita basis.

"of course the average would be lower."

To say average, means exactly the same as per capita, that is a percentage of the population assessed by dividing the number of events into that population.

I see here you agree with me, on the average it is lower,all gun related deaths are much lower in this country, as in virtually all countries with gun control legislation, note I said control, not gun ban legislation.

[gslinger3]

I good sharp box cutter in the hands of an evil maniac can do much more damage than a handgun!

[gslinger3]

erasmus6,

There is no need in you coming over here anyway, there are plenty of others that will galdly take your place, and they do it illegally all the time, so you just stay over there in your happy little village and keep the peace since you obviously are an "expert".

Are the igloos starting to melt yet?

[gunownerdan]

"One man with a gun can control 100 without one. Make mass searches and hold executions for found arms."
- Lenin

"Ideas are more dangerous than guns. We wouldn%u2019t let our enemies have guns, why should we let them have ideas?"
- Joseph Stalin

"Every Communist must grasp the truth, Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.
Our Principle is that the Party commands the gun, and the gun must never be allowed to command the Party."
- Mao Zedong

"The measures adopted to restore public order are: First of all, the elimination of the so-called subversive elements. ... They were elements of disorder and subversion. On the morrow of each conflict I gave the categorical order to confiscate the largest possible number of weapons of every sort and kind. This confiscation, which continues with the utmost energy, has given satisfactory results."
- Benito Mussolini

"The most foolish mistake we could possibly make would be to allow the subject races to
possess arms. History shows that all conquerors who have allowed their subject races to carry
arms have prepared their own downfall by so doing."
- Adolf Hitler

"Germans who wish to use firearms should join the SS or the SA - ordinary citizens don't need
guns, as their having guns doesn't serve the State."
- Heinrich Himmler, Hitler's SS leader

a-human-right.com

[dlpracer]

erasmus6 says:

Now I would like one of you fools to explain to me why we have sooooo much less death by guns if gun control doesn't work? And if I am not mistaken I believe we have less crime, period.

----------

The Canadian gun registry is seen by many as a waste of taxpayers' money as they view it does nothing to prevent crimes. 86% of firearms used in homicides are unregistered and 80% of the murderers were unlicensed firearm owners. Only 7 million of the 16.5 million guns in Canada that are known by the government to exist have been registered; this does not include the number of illegal guns smuggled from the USA. If a criminal were planning to use a firearm in committing a crime, they could simply not register it, rendering the gun registry useless.

Clearly it isn't your gun laws causing your lower violent crime rates. What country do you border with that permits millions of illegals to poor into Canada....oops, didn't think so.

Glad to hear you won't be coming to the US any time soon.

Try again.

[cfin5]

Excellent gunownerdan! The good and accurate "historical" ammo that you just wrote is the best medicine against constitutional traitors. These dictators are heros to most of these politacally confused professors. I mean, these guys are batting 1000 in fifth column strategies against us. Am I supposed to keep my mouth shut about this and endanger my postarity more than it is already? NOT EVEN A LITTLE BIT!!!

[mike71067]

The reason there's been little change in our views on guns is because unlike Dumbocrat politicians, Americans do not respond to tragedy with political knee-jerk reactions. We know that criminals will get guns even if guns are banned. The only people who will not have access to them will be honest Americans.

[heresmy2cent]

Guns aren't the problem. In the VT case (and Columbine High School), crazy young males with guns were the problem.

Let's get with the root problem. If these young nuts didn't have access to guns they would have used something else to kill people.

[starleo146]

Is anyone out there that is for guns in the home are you for automatic rifles and guns? You do not hunt with those do you? How many children have been killed with guns because parents do not lock them up I feel if your responsible you will know what to do with a gun it these dope dealers, ak-47 etc etc and the NRA that just can't see anything wrong with any gun. C'mon you NRA folks give me h#*l I know you are one of the biggest lobby in Wash. d.c. all your propaganda you put out is disgraceful. You could have your members and your org. just do it honestly o.k.

[lawandorder6]

Guns are the problem, and guns will always be the problem, as long as we have people that don't think guns are the problem.

[mike71067]

"Is anyone out there that is for guns in the home are you for automatic rifles and guns? You do not hunt with those do you?"
Posted by starleo146 at 09:01 AM : Apr 24, 2007

First of all, I'm sorry you're ignorant. Gun ownership, as guaranteed by our Constitution, has nothing to do with hunting at all. It has to everything to do with the fact that an armed populace is a deterrent to an out-of-control central government. That's exactly the same condition that our founders experienced in their native countries, and it could happen here as well. That is the purpose of the Second Amendment - to ensure that the citizens are able to defend themselves against tyranny.

Since you displayed so much ignorance in your fitst sentence, it pretty much rendered the rest of your comment invalid.

[mike71067]

"Guns are the problem, and guns will always be the problem, as long as we have people that don't think guns are the problem."
Posted by lawandorder6 at 09:08 AM : Apr 24, 2007

Thank God you're not in charge. Have you ever heard of "root cause analysis"? Apparently not. Guns are not the problem - the deterioration of our moral foundation IS the problem. Killers will kill with whatever implement they can find. So would you be happy if the VT murders were accomplished with a hatchet instead? You're a fool.

[heresmy2cent]

mike71067 says..."an armed populace is a deterrent to an out-of-control central government."

Absolutely correct, sir. Anyone with any sense knows that the gov't is not your friend.

The crybabies who want give up their rights to bear arms because they have no control over their crazy offspring do not speak for law abiding gun owners.

[lawandorder6]

mike71067, dumb dumb I really don't think any one with a hatchet. People like ypou with you dumb account of how something could happen that is no more likely to happen, should shut up and go away.

[lawandorder6]

"root cause analysis"? He does have any idel what it means. Why would he would say it, to show how stupit he is.

[processor2]

You CANNOT stop criminals by disarming potential victims...doesn't work.


For example:

Va. Tech was declared a "gun-free zone", and look what happened.


Also, when my state passed the concealed-carry law, rapes dropped by over 50 percent within the first year. Kind of hard to rape a woman if there's a gun in her purse.


...

[processor2]

You CANNOT stop criminals by disarming potential victims...doesn't work.


For example:

Va. Tech was declared a "gun-free zone", and look what happened.


Also, when my state passed the concealed-carry law, rapes dropped by over 50 percent within the first year. Kind of hard to rape a woman if there's a gun in her purse.


...

[lurch198]

Would you feel better if the CRIMINALS gun that he used to rape/kill/rob was registered? What difference would that make?
Registration in one step closer to confiscation. Why is it the elitest facists want to take away the guns? Cause in the society they invision, they are in charge. And armed people dont have to do what the tyrant tells them.

[gunownerdan]

"Today we need a nation of minute men; citizens who are not only prepared to take up arms, but citizens who regard the preservation of freedom as a basic purpose of their daily life and who are willing to consciously work and sacrifice for that freedom. The cause of liberty, the cause of American, cannot succeed with any lesser effort."
-- President John F. Kennedy, January 29, 1961
a-human-right.com