GUNS GUNS GUNS!

[Incognito D]

One other thing is if ANYBODY tried to do a land invasion of America, I really think the opposing army would be surprised at how many people have guns, and of almost every kind.

Someday we're going to have another American Revolution. The People will need guns to fight for their freedom. Gun crime is insignificant compared to tyranny.

I respect your opinions, but at the same time I couldn't resist using that image.
But really? No country is going to invade America, and why would there be need for another revolution? You know more than me obviously so I still respect that view. I just wonder why.

If there was a regression to melee weapons that is a huge upside IMO.

You can run away from those. Confrontation is in general a bad idea against any weapon - but running away would be possible in a large number of "melee" crimes compared to when facing a gun

Ivo.

I agree with this. I'd rather be attacked by a knife, because at least I could run away. You can't run from a gun so easily.

It's kind of similar to the nuclear weapons debate. You have to have them because everyone else does. If only all the countries could agree for no one to have nuclear weapons.

[MrPopo]

It's kind of similar to the nuclear weapons debate. You have to have them because everyone else does. If only all the countries could agree for no one to have nuclear weapons.

Which is fine until one country breaks the agreement.

However, the idea that any average Joe can go into a shop and buy a gun terrifies me.
Does it not worry you guys that even the most unintelligent members of society can be walking about with loaded weapons?
Are there not far too many people that can't be trusted to own such a dangerous weapon?
That's the case where I live anyway. Far too many idiots around and the concept of them owning guns doesn't bear thinking about.

You know what's a fun exercise? Take this paragraph and replace references to guns with references to cars:

However, the idea that any average Joe can go into a dealership and buy a car terrifies me.
Does it not worry you guys that even the most unintelligent members of society can be driving around with a car?
Are there not far too many people that can't be trusted to drive around such a dangerous vehicle?
That's the case where I live anyway. Far too many idiots around and the concept of them driving cars doesn't bear thinking about.

Wow... that's eerily accurate.

[Funk, E]

There's not going to be another revolution. The government has jets and missiles.

[Jrecee]

I agree with most opinions here. One opinion I don't agree with is the redneck idea that we need guns to protect ourselves from the government.

The argument goes something like: Hussein Obama wants to take our guns! Once he does that we'll have no way to defend ourself from those socialists taking over our country!

Whatever your opinion of the president or his agenda, this isn't the 1800s. Your shotgun is not going to stand in the way of any sort of massive government takeover. Take a look at Iraq. What are the insurgents accomplishing other than prolonging the inevitable? Civilians end up paying the price for the most part.

[Luke]

I agree with most opinions here. One opinion I don't agree with is the redneck idea that we need guns to protect ourselves from the government.

No way in hell will I get into a political debate, but so many people do.

Not trying to be an asshole (usually I don't have to try though) but so many people mouth off about politics when they've had no experience in politics, or formal education. A bachelor in poli-sci doesn't even count in my vote, it's one of the easiest majors. Not that I don't respect peoples opinions in politics, I just keep my nose out of it. Too many people have too much to say without being able to back it up.

That said, I lived a few years in rural NC, and the redneck mentality is rampant. And, every holiday the front page on the newspaper would read something close to : TWO DEAD AFTER ARGUMENT ABOUT WRESTLING BEING FAKE DURING THANKSGIVING DINNER. It is pretty easy to purchase a gun legally, really easy to get one illegally. I own a concealed weapons permit, which I hope I never have to use. I also own a .45 sidearm, and an AR-15 for competition shooting. Getting the concealed weapons permit was a breeze, but it differs by county and state.
I guess my only valid point is that it's too easy to get a gun compared to other countries.

[Hatta]

Securing the right to revolution is the entire reason for the existence of the 2nd amendment. Remember, the founders had just overthrown a government. They were very aware of the need to secure that right should it need to be used in the future. From my point of view, Iraq and Afghanistan stand as great examples that a minimally armed and determined populace can stand up to the most powerful army in the world. Make no mistake, they will out last us, and the US will lose (though the media may spin it as a win). Especially in Afghanistan (see the Soviet Invasion for instance). This is no redneck idea, I am a university educated city liberal. Real rednecks argue that the 2nd amendment protects their right to hunt. Now that's an assertion for which there is no historical support that I am aware of.

[Jrecee]

Well everyone has a right to vote so whether you've got a background in politics or not, you've got every right to argue about it. If everyone was required to spend their life learning about politics or society wouldn't accomplish anything.

I didn't go to college and the last political class I took was government in highschool that I got a D in. Anything I know or claim to know can only be picked up from what I read. I don't get into politics much but I can't go through life without formulating an opinion on certain things. I don't know if guns should be illegal or not. The fact that owning a gun is a constitutional right doesn't really sway me a whole lot, I don't believe what worked in the 1700s necessarily applies now. Saying "its my right" isn't a convincing argument. There's obviously no black and white answer. But from what I can see, gun laws are too loose. I don't know how anyone could support removing restrictions on gun ownership. And as for the car analogy, I feel the same way there. It's way too easy to get a drivers license.

I believe our rights are only rights until they start to hurt other people. I have every right to get drunk. I have every right to drive a car. I don't have the right to endanger other people by doing both. If someone has at any point made poor judgements that led to a crime, they should not be allowed to have a gun.

What about the nuts who go off on shooting sprees? The guy who shot up the church, the virginia tech shooting, the gym shooting. Did all those people buy those guns legally?

[MrPopo]

What about the nuts who go off on shooting sprees? The guy who shot up the church, the virginia tech shooting, the gym shooting. Did all those people buy those guns legally?

I wouldn't be shocked to find that was the case.

From my point of view, Iraq and Afghanistan stand as great examples that a minimally armed and determined populace can stand up to the most powerful army in the world. Make no mistake, they will out last us, and the US will lose (though the media may spin it as a win).

Standing up to an invading army as an insurgency and defeating the standing government as an insurgency are two very different things. As proven in Vietnam if the public opinion in the foreign country sways against the conflict the army will be removed. If you were to try and defeat the United Stats Army in the US through an insurgency you are against a much more difficult task. The army has nowhere else to go, and a successful revolution would depend far more on convincing the public and a good portion of the armed forces that the government has no right to rule the country anymore.

[Jrecee]

Agree

[Luke]

Well everyone has a right to vote so whether you've got a background in politics or not, you've got every right to argue about it. If everyone was required to spend their life learning about politics or society wouldn't accomplish anything.

You have every right to argue about politics, or anything you want too, I completely believe in that.

My point is that my Sister could argue that the best steak cut is a ribeye, and she's a vegetarian. She has no frame of reference. I stay out of political debates not because I don't have an opinion, I just don't want to sound like a complete idiot. I follow political debates, and I took a few poli-sci courses as electives, but I got my masters in business, not politics. I find 95% of political debates to be fodder. People say what they want, but seldom to do anything about it. I'll argue about a point of view, but not in political terms, it's an empty argument unless I'm part of the political process. I'm not trying to sound arrogant, it's just that I wouldn't come to a retro video game forum to learn on how to pick up the ladies, or two debate politics.

That said, if people knew more about the inner workings of politics, I believe society would truly move forward, so I respectfully disagree with you there.