Gun Control

[Ivo]

Thanks for the answers Luke.

I think some Europeans definitely don't take into consideration cultural issues - I think cultural differences should be respected and if people, for cultural reasons or otherwise, like to shoot guns, as long as there is a safe way they should be able to. Your dad is perhaps a good example of a case where it may even be therapeutic for him to do so and if so it would be particularly unjust to restrict his freedom when he isn't really going to be harming anyone.

"Even in Europe" shall we say, you can go to a shooting range and shoot some rounds off and I think that is fine. I know people who did that, and I enjoyed firing lead pellets with airguns and paint-ball (although I did not like getting hit in paint-ball, it welts). It may be harder in most countries to actually own a real rifle or something like that but there are ways for people to legally do target practice even with high-powered rifles.

I think marksmen (whether with bow and arrow or firearms) have a perfectly decent hobby and I relate as I wouldn't like if someone restricted my ability to get videogames (which are also often the target of unreasonable restrictions)... But I think it should be understood that firearms really do represent very real, proven risks (unlike even violent games). And owning 500 bullets and a weapon to fire them is a real risk, it can fall into the wrong hands etc.

Incidentally I just thought of some other adverse effect that is likely to occur with a high-number of people carrying guns in public areas. This is in addition to the big concern I have of the "I shot him/her because I thought he/she had a gun" (this happens to police as you may know).
Imagine someone carrying does get robbed (at gun or knife point, whatever). Then as the thief is escaping with the loot, the gun owner pulls his weapon and shoots. 1st: even if he does hit the thief, that is NOT self-defence if the thief is running away; a thief is a criminal, but depending on the circumstances getting shot (and possibly killed) seems very harsh for robbery, and it is not up to regular citizens to administer that kind of justice. 2nd: there is a very real possibility that the gun owner hits something or someone else. I don't like the idea of relying on the better judgement of a gun owner that has just been robbed to not shoot in that kind of circumstance. Like JT mentioned much earlier in the thread (he said this with respect to suicide) many people have some ideas at wrong times, and having the gun available at those times does make a difference.

Ivo.

[Forlorn Drifter]

Or the great combination of drunk, suspended license, and idiot in a lifted truck.

I really like pick up and monster trucks but it's just pathethic when white guys who live in a big city feel the need to drive around in a ridicolously big lifted up pick up truck and it some how makes them feel manly. Mean while people who actually live in rural areas manage just fine with normal offroad vehicles and (small) normal cars with out 4 wheel drive. If you go to a third world country, you'll see people driving shitty old cars like Lada 1200 and 1970s/80s Toyota Hilux trucks and doing fine despite the abysmal driving conditions. And I've read many cases about guys with big trucks who are also really bad drivers (cant handle ice/snow at all, cant drive stick shift, failing miserably in parking etc).

1.Why call out white people? I know just as many hispanics, blacks, and asians with giant jacked up smoke blowing trucks as I do white people.
2. Living where I do, I see a ton of these giant monster trucks... and it makes me sick. There is no legitimate reason to need to lift any kind of truck, nor to make it blow smoke like hell. Personally, I don't see any point besides ego boosting. Factor is all you need in height factor.

[Menegrothx]

1.Why call out white people? I know just as many hispanics, blacks, and asians with giant jacked up smoke blowing trucks as I do white people.

Whether it's real life or videos/pictures I've seen on the internet, I've only seen young (20-30 year old) obnoxious white guys driving those things. I'm sure if I lived in the US where gas is cheaper and trucks like that more common, I might see a person who does not fit the stereotype who drives one. I've seen pictures and videos of black and hispanic guys driving low riders, el caminos and other old American cars, Hummers, Escalades, Navigators, Cayennes, G55s and Range Rovers with big rims but I have never seen them driving pick up trucks like that. I haven't seen that many gangsta rap music videos though.

I actually like some of the gangsta rap low riders I've seen, but in general I dislike the idea of modifying classic cars. They are beautiful they way they are, dont ruin them. There are plenty of ugly modern cars that could use a facelift, modify those.

[Forlorn Drifter]

1.Why call out white people? I know just as many hispanics, blacks, and asians with giant jacked up smoke blowing trucks as I do white people.

Whether it's real life or videos/pictures I've seen on the internet, I've only seen young (20-30 year old) obnoxious white guys driving those things. I'm sure if I lived in the US where gas is cheaper and trucks like that more common, I might see a person who does not fit the stereotype who drives one. I've seen pictures and videos of black and hispanic guys driving low riders, el caminos and other old American cars, Hummers, Escalades, Navigators, Cayennes, G55s and Range Rovers with big rims but I have never seen them driving pick up trucks like that. I haven't seen that many gangsta rap music videos though.

I actually like some of the gangsta rap low riders I've seen, but in general I dislike the idea of modifying classic cars. They are beautiful they way they are, dont ruin them. There are plenty of ugly modern cars that could use a facelift, modify those.

Where are you located? I'm just wondering.

When it comes to modifying cars, I don't mind if they drop them, as that isn't hard to fix. I just don't like if they chop them in any way. Its just ruining a good thing. I am partial to rat rods, but only if you actually make it from pieces rather than butchering a complete body.

On big trucks not being in rap videos, thats usually true. I've seen a couple of videos from Houston rappers with them though. The ones I know with the big trucks like them for having room for stereos and such. One guy even runs a table off of his truckbed.

[Menegrothx]

Where are you located? I'm just wondering.

Northern Europe. I've actually seen some modified Dodge trucks being used by hunters (mostly moose, but also bears and reindeer), though mostly near/above the arctic circle. Having a too large truck can actually get you stuck while offroading. Really far up north the landscape tends to be more open (less trees because of the cold climate). The most legit reason for owning a truck seems to be towing. Silverados, Ram trucks and Fx50s (and Excursions, Suburbans etc) are mostly used here for towing boats, trailers etc. Even in winter weather (icy roads and over 3 feet layer of snow) the average citizen doesn't really need a truck like that, most people get on fine with their normal cars, station wagons and mid-size SUVs. Arent Ford trucks fairly common "every day vehicles" there, even for people who dont really need the extra space or offroad capabilities? They are a lot more rare here. I've seen a F650 once though Ever seen a International XT by the way? Those are assembled in Texas if I recall correctly

When it comes to modifying cars, I don't mind if they drop them, as that isn't hard to fix. I just don't like if they chop them in any way. Its just ruining a good thing. I am partial to rat rods, but only if you actually make it from pieces rather than butchering a complete body.

I once saw a picture of pink DeSoto Adventurer that was "pimped" beyond recognition Very tragic, especially as Sam and Max drive one. I dont get it; why cant they make modern fuel efficient cars that look like 1950s-1970s American cars?

deville dev.JPG (63.81 KiB) Viewed 709 times

I think that Dodge, Ford and Chevy trucks looked way cooler back in the 1980s when they werent as round and aerodynamic as they are today. It's like comparing a Hummer H1 to a Hummer H2/H3 or a Land Rover Defender 110 to a Ranger Rover Sport. Just like the new 2000s versions of Mustangs and Camaros dont look nearly as cool as the originals.
I sense a

Split this topic off.

incoming

[MrPopo]

Split this topic off.

incoming

lol, normally I let topics drift around as they go, as it frequently leads to entertaining discussions. I split this off because I felt that a tragic event like the movie shooting didn't need the gun control debate in it, as at the end of the day even if guns were banned (as in the UK) a lunatic could still get his hands on one and do the deed.

[ZeroAX]

Northern Europe.

That's strange. Which country? Your opinions on this topic made me think you were American.

[Forlorn Drifter]

Menegrothx-

In Texas, trucks are common. Honestly, most people don't need them. Our family keeps them for hauling feed and trailers, although we drve them everywhere. Chevy, Dodge, and Ford are all common. I personally prefer Ford, but thats an argument that could go to eternity where I live. Though, past special events I hardly ever see something bigger than an F350, seeing the price of gas. (Its a good thing we don't pay Euro prices... yeesh.) I've seen a couple of Internationals but not all that many.

I'd love to get the old American style look with gas mileage, but you've give some. I've been in a 50's style Cadillac made competely from ordered parts. He got the engie, frame, transmission, etc. The body was built of reproduction parts made from fiberglass, to lighten it, and it had a diesel engine. It got about 35 miles to the gallon... I'm not sure how many Km/liter that is.

Looks wise, I prefer trucks from the 30's up until about 95 or so. I don't like the overly rounded bodies they use now.

I'm classic American I guess. I want my car bigger, heavier, louder, and as brightly colored as I can get it.

[Jrecee]

I dont get it; why cant they make modern fuel efficient cars that look like 1950s-1970s American cars?

<<<<<<<<<<




As for why they don't make more. . . Because most people are boring and want a beige sedan that doesn't attract attention. Most people won't even make the extra effort to get the color they want, just settling for whatever silver/grey thing is sitting on the lot when they happen to be there. In summary, the american's love affair with cars that existed in the 50s and 70s has faded and been replaced by iphones.

[Luke]

Please take a second to read:

http://www.wcti12.com/Parmalee-Band-Mem ... index.html


Barry, the bassist and I have been close friends since my freshman year in college, as we were close neighbors. I quickly became friends with all the band members, and even tagged along on a tour or two. Wild and great times. Hell, Barry planned the strip club portion and after party for my bachelor party.

So after a show in Rock Hill, two low lifes forced their way into the band's tour bus and demanded everything. The bus, their wallets, the music equipment, their jewelry, everything, and at gun point. When one of the thugs pointed a gun at Scott's brother Matt, Scott shot and killed the first asshole, then was shot three times; one through his shoulder and two in each thigh, severing two major arteries. Scott returned fire and nailed the other asshole in the back (who survived and is now in prison).

Scott still feels awful about what he had to do, but he says that without a doubt they all would have been dead if he didn't act. Scott went through physical therapy hell, but is doing fine, and I consider him a hero.

Just wanted to share a story where a gun saved lives. Yes one was taken, but not much of a loss.