Joss said:Brighteyed:
"so the pro gun people are against having more restrictions? even though you sensible gun owners would not likely be affected? why not wait a month or even more if that means we can put some better controls in place so the lunies can't get them? why not make it mandatory to pass a test that you know how to use the darn thing like a car?"
As you ask, Brighteyed, why not require a "reasonable" test? OK, fine. But who writes the test? Who grades it?
Have you ever heard of tests being misused to deny rights? Some states used to have tests that had to be passed before you could vote. Ultimately that was decided to be illegal. So were the tests of owning property or being a male. There's a lesson there for all of us.
Government is power and it ultimately boils down to force. Given that power corupts we must be very careful where we draw the lines that permit it to protect us.
rw86347 said:Heck, even england (the land of no guns) has faital shootings, and stabings. Maybe they should outlaw knives and stones too.
bright eyed said:There is a huge benefit to society to ensure proper use and sales of guns. Your reply does sound paranoid - you wouldn't have to be afraid of losing your right to own/use a gun if you follow the laws - take tests etc.
these polarized debates don't get us far. there is usually a mile of possible solutions in between but if we refuse to discuss or consider the options - for the "greater good" than what can we agree on as a society? do you want to get rid of traffic signals because they restrict your right to go wherever whenever?
There are reasonable restrictions put on all sorts of things, motorcycles, heavy equipment- etc. guns, given their high level of potential hazard should fall in that line.
ok, so how does requiring someone to pass a test showing they know how to use one safely restrict your right to defend yourself?saluki9 said:Bright Eyed - Whats wrong with "sensible" laws? How about that it isn't up to the feds to ALLOW me to defend myself. It really saddens me to see how willing people are to give up their rights.
rw86347 said:What we really need is fathers that stay with their families.
We need communities which know each other.
We need sitting on the porch not in front of the TV.
We need friends, not watching friends.
We need churches that involve children and the real issues they face.
We need less violence in entertainment.
We need less porn.
bright eyed said:ok, so how does requiring someone to pass a test showing they know how to use one safely restrict your right to defend yourself?