Face it, the U.S. was a whole lot safer when everyone had guns

[Ramo]

Yeah, if only I could get a clear shot at Ashcroft. Damn gun laws.

[Ben Kenobi]

Another reason for the drop would be an aging population. The older people are the less likely they are to commit violent crimes.

What on earth would you be using the ammo for?

As a criminal? Why do the criminals need the guns in the first place?

Aren't gunfights usually decided by who shoots first?

Then what use would it be to carry a concealed weapon if the robber shoots first?

[GePap]

The south as a region has the highest crime rate in the US. New England the lowest. The MId Altantic, Mid-west and West are in between.

[Dr Strangelove]

Originally posted by GePap
The south as a region has the highest crime rate in the US. New England the lowest. The MId Altantic, Mid-west and West are in between.

I don't think that is true, it's highest in the Mid-Atlantic because that is the most urbanized part of the country.

[MrFun]

Originally posted by GePap
The south as a region has the highest crime rate in the US. New England the lowest. The MId Altantic, Mid-west and West are in between.

In Iowa, we clobber each other over the head with corn cobs.

[Dr Strangelove]

In response to Timexwatch's question asked in the thread that was closed: No, it was child's play. That's yet another really good reason why kids shouldn't be allowed to have guns.

[Timexwatch]

What stopped you guys from winning a Darwin Award?

[MrFun]

Originally posted by Timexwatch
What stopped you guys from winning a Darwin Award?

Whom was this meant for?

[Dr Strangelove]

Hey! Didn't I say that I wasn't a volunteer? The guy was 9 years older than me. I watched as he loaded the gun, then he put it to my head and pulled the trigger 5 times. I was certain that he had rigged the whole thing, probably by palming the bullet instead of slipping it into the gun. So he laughed, pointed it at the sky and fired.

Guns, alcohol and teenagers.....not a good mixture, and a really lousy combo for babysitting.

[Dr Strangelove]

Originally posted by MrFun


Whom was this meant for?

Don't gay people win the Darwin award by default?

[MrFun]

Originally posted by Dr Strangelove

Don't gay people win the Darwin award by default?

No -- I just wasn't sure if that was in response to my joke about Iowa.

I'm sure Iowans can win the Darwin Award for clobbering each other with corn cobs.

survival of the fittest

[Q Classic]

The low crime rate in East Asia is due to the nature of society, not the lack of guns.

see:

...i think the us would have been a lot safer if they'd become followers of k'ung fu-tzu.

[Atahualpa]

Well guns couldnt save the live of the 5 year old sister that was recently shot by her own 4 year old brother.

I mean IF you own a gun, why the **** dont you teach your children to be SENSIBLE ABOUT THEM!!!! Its no freakin toy. These things makes me mad all the time. If people are not educated enough to own and handle guns they shouldnt

Anyway in a dicussion like this it comes in always handy to remember one thing: The US aint Europe.
When it works in Europe there is absolutely no chance it will work in the US.
For example here in Austria you'd been seen as a weirdo, a crazy guy if you'd be running around with a gun. And to say the truth I would not feel safe at all if there is a guy in the metro who is carrying a gun.
And if more people would carry more guns then I'd probably have to get one for myself. But I'd hate that so I think its best not to get started at all.
For the US this is to late however. I am interested if they figure out a solution.

Personally I dont think arms belong into the hands of non-military or non-security-related persons.

ata

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by Azazel
They already do so whenever they can afford it and/or put their hands on them.

However, right now, there's no pressing need for it. Think of it as an arms race.

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by Azazel

As for the escalation theory, yes some criminals already have assault rifles, but why would you need one if most people did not have a gun? I would think you would have more criminals aquiring assault rifles than before.

Why? because police have guns. And assault rifles, as well.

Because most criminals do not intend to have firefights. They only need enough firepower to overcome citizens.