Originally Posted By SingleParkPassholder Americans stopped NEEDING guns when citizens didn't NEED to worry anymore about being part of a well-regulated militia that defended the free state from the British. So, likely sometime after the War of 1812 I'd say they stopped NEEDING guns.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 I still love whoever said first about the 2nd amendment: "When are we going to get around to the 'well-regulated' part?"
Originally Posted By ecdc >>ecdc, did Americans ever NEED to own a gun? If so, at what point did that change?<< Well Americans never needed handguns or assault rifles. I've already allowed for rifles for hunting. But I'd say Americans really stopped needing any kind of firearm with the rise of the industrial revolution, the shift from rural to city dwelling, which also corresponded with significant developments in refrigeration and preservation of food. Hunting as a necessity for sustenance died away long ago. Indian attacks on western settlers were much less common that people seem to think; natives were much more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators of it. But whether the need for guns as a necessary way of life went away in 1880, 1920, or 1960, the point remains, no one needs a gun today and one very simple truth remains: Take away the guns, you take away a huge amount of violence. The best argument the pro-gun lobby seems to have is that guns are a necessary evil, since criminals will apparently always somehow get them. That's hardly a ringing endorsement.
Originally Posted By TomSawyer Gun crimes does not equal gun deaths. Gun deaths are on the rise and will soon surpass motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of non-medical deaths, and it's a public safety issue.
Originally Posted By Tikiduck The "no one needs a gun today" logic only applies if all guns are suddenly taken away. Since that is impossible, the point is mute. The reality is far more complex. There may not be many valid reasons for gun ownership at this time, but all it takes is one.
Originally Posted By skinnerbox << If a woman who's assaulted would like to carry one should we tell her no?>> Yes. Because the next time she's assaulted she will die by her own handgun being used against her, according to statistics. Typical women's fashions prevent ladies from having quick and easy access to the gun. Even if they were legally allowed to open carry, they're not going to do in dress and heels, ie, office and evening attire. The gun will be shoved into the bottom of their purses, where it will do them virtually zero good. And if for some reason they were able to get the gun out in time, the assailant will most likely, according to statistics, take it from them and use it against them. Women are the least likely candidates to carry concealed weapons. They simply do not enhance protection at all.
Originally Posted By DDMAN26 So guess what was on the agenda at work meeting? What do in the event of a workplace shooting. Anyone else have this meeting yet?
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan >>Typical women's fashions prevent ladies from having quick and easy access to the gun. Even if they were legally allowed to open carry, they're not going to do in dress and heels, ie, office and evening attire.<< Ironic. The one time you can't kill is when you're dressed to kill.
Originally Posted By DyGDisney I know someone who died from a gun suicide. I also know someone who owned a gun for years after being diagnosed with psychosis and dementia. Not only do we need to run background checks on those who purchase a gun, but I do believe a national database is in order. This would allow background checks on gun owners to be run on a regular basis -- like a driver's license renewal type thing. We are registered to drive a car and are required to re-register every few years. The DMV checks for any tickets, accidents or medical problems (including the need for prescriptive lenses) on a regular basis. Why not do something similar for guns? Just because someone passed a background check ONCE, doesn't mean they would again 5 years later.
Originally Posted By DyGDisney <<Whether gun owners want to hear this or not, the simple fact is: They don't need a gun. Period. End of story. They may want a gun. They may feel safer with a gun (they're wrong, but feelings are powerful). They may have a right to own a gun. But, they don't need a gun. And unlike their misplaced analogies to cars or swimming pools, guns are designed specifically to kill things. That's it. That's why they exist.>> This times infinity.
Originally Posted By EighthDwarf "Ironic. The one time you can't kill is when you're dressed to kill." LMFAO!!!!!
