Guns In Society

[Mousey]

I've just watched an interesting documentary on NatGeo about the militia movement in the United States. Several of these groups are heavily armed with a variety of weapons. Many states also allow civilians to own guns for private use - for example, 85% of all households in Alaska have at least one legally held firearm.

The pro-gun lobby have many reasons why they are in favour of civilians owning guns. Amongst these are:

i) Self-defence - in an increasingly lawless society with terrorism and spree killers striking several times a year, you cannot rely 100% on the authorities to protect you. You should train yourself to use a firearm in the event that you ever have to protect your own property and the lives of those you care about.

ii) The Constitution - Americans famously have the right to bear arms enshrined in their constitution. The philosophy of this is that Americans may once again have need to overthrow their government should it ever become oppressive, like their forefathers did in the American Revolution.

iii) Interestingly, they also decry the negative way they are portrayed in the media. The pro-gun lobby is often portrayed as socially conservative, with links to racist and far-right groups. The pro-gun lobby claims that they promote gun awareness and education, especially amongst groups like hunters.

So what do YOU think?

America is the most famous example, but think about it generally. Should only police and the military be allowed access to guns, or is it right that anyone who wants one should be able to buy one?

[Banjaxed]

The right to keep and bear arms should be a constitutional right in this country too.

[Westsidex]

Not everyone is suitable for guns. Its a hard one but I think people should be allowed have them but access should be restricted to suitable people. For instance a person before the courts for being drunk and disorderly should not be allowed access to a gun.

Westside.

[Doozer]

leave them have their guns but ban the sale or use of bullets and other,ammo

statisticaly speaking your more likely to hurt or kill a family member accidentally when you have a gun at home

also I saw a few years ago you can now legally carry a firearm on a licenced premise . what bright spark thought booze and guns were a bright idea?



America eh , frighting stuff
you would think after the batman and all the school shootings guns would be at least.more controled , nope sales went up dramaticly as fear took over ,. frightend person is usually a bit trigger happy and may shoot first and think later

[Fitzy]

The right to keep and bear arms should be a constitutional right in this country too.

I don't know about that know . I have a legally held firearm and it took me five months to get the licence . It's not as handy as America to get a licence .

[Banjaxed]

I don't know about that know . I have a legally held firearm and it took me five months to get the licence . It's not as handy as America to get a licence .

That's my point. Gunowners in this country need more rights. If you fire it in the air you're likely to have it seized, and don't even think about firing it at a knife wielding intruder. Ridiculous state of affairs.

[mer]

i dont see a problem for people that hunt who have guns

but people in america just buy them and have them lying around the house

there like...hey mother what did you buy today... ahh son i just bought an ak-47 and a magnum lol

[warmcome]

thankfully i've never been near a firearm, nasty things IMO.
it's a very interesting thread topic and i'd like to see others views.

[Fitzy]

That's my point. Gunowners in this country need more rights. If you fire it in the air you're likely to have it seized, and don't even think about firing it at a knife wielding intruder. Ridiculous state of affairs.

Well even if I wanted to shoot a burglar with a knife I couldn't because the gun is locked in a gun safe no chance of getting to it . Any ways I have a golf club under the bed for protection just in case a knife welding thug decides to try his luck.

[ber]

I think the type of firearrm allowed is very important, I really cant see the nessecity of having assault weapons or other
rapid fire weapons, but once properly vetted i dont see the problem with having hunting guns (rifles and shotguns).
There is a very stringent process involving application for a licence in this country, u either have to be a landowner or
have membership of a Gun Club also u must get two independent people to sign the form and vouch for u. There is also
a fairly strringent section regarding ure health etc. Even after all that its still at the discretion of the Superntendent
whether to grant the license or not, which really means the local gardai will vet u locally.
Still i wouldnt be without my guns for hunting ,shooting vermin and any intruders that may cross my path