My next door neighbor got shot!

[Lamplighter]

The debate over guns is like religion... it can divide the best of friends.

I suspect the general public and both sides believe the recent SC decision will change (increase) gun ownership throughout the US.
But people differ on whether that's a good thing or not.

I think it's a simple extrapolation that the higher the prevalence of guns, the higher the number incidents of gun violence will occur.
A link to Harvard's research center on prevalence and incidents is here

[xoxoxoBruce]

The US has always promoted efficiency.

[BigV]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

The US has always promoted efficiency.

lol

[classicman]

Originally Posted by Lamplighter

I think it's a simple extrapolation that the higher the prevalence of guns, the higher the number incidents of gun violence will occur.
A link to Harvard's research center on prevalence and incidents is here

That is the logical assumption I would make as well. I recall reading something that concluded just the opposite. Damned if I can find it now though.

[SamIam]

Originally Posted by Lamplighter

A link to Harvard's research center on prevalence and incidents is here

Interesting overview. Thank you. I have always felt that if someone is compelled to violence then s/he would simply resort to whatever is handy - be it a knife, a rock, or a gun. Your link makes me feel that I may have to rethink this stance.

However, I remain a firm believer in the right to bear arms. And there are countries where the link between weapons ownership and violence are not especially related. Switzerland, for one. And I'm sure there are others.

[tw]

Originally Posted by SamIam

And there are countries where the link between weapons ownership and violence are not especially related. Switzerland, for one.

Because in countries where that relationship exists, the 'gun control' that politics so fear is required in places such as Switzerland. In Switzerland gun ownership is heavily regulated that includes constant military training, guns that are always traceable, and consequences for using a gun without that training.

[classicman]

Originally Posted by tw

Because in countries where that relationship exists, the 'gun control' that politics so fears is required in places such as Switzerland. In Switzerland your gun ownership is heavily regulated that includes constant military training and consequences for using a gun without that training.

Originally Posted by tw

Because in countries where that relationship exists, the 'gun control' that politics so fear is required in places such as Switzerland. In Switzerland gun ownership is heavily regulated that includes constant military training, guns that are always traceable, and consequences for using a gun without that training.

Good point(s)?

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by classicman

Good point(s)?

Don't be a dick.

[SamIam]

Originally Posted by tw

Because in countries where that relationship exists, the 'gun control' that politics so fear is required in places such as Switzerland. In Switzerland gun ownership is heavily regulated that includes constant military training, guns that are always traceable, and consequences for using a gun without that training.

Originally Posted by Classicman

Good point(s)?

I for one don't feel these are good points. It is relatively easy to purchase a rifle in Switzerland and shooting clubs abound.

From Wikipedia on Swiss gun laws:

After turning 18, any individual can buy singleshot or semiautomatic long arms (breech-loading or muzzle-loading) without a permit (so-called "free arms"). Likewise, members of a recognized rifle association do not need a buying permit for purchasing antique repeaters, and hunters do not need one for buying typical hunting rifles.

Most types of ammunition are available for commercial sale, including full metal jacket bullet calibres for military-issue weapons; hollow point rounds are only permitted for hunters. Ammunition sales are registered only at the point of sale by recording the buyer's name in a bound book.

[classicman]

Originally Posted by SamIam

I for one don't feel these are good points.

I was referring to the two posts which are virtually identical.
I'll have to go look for the article that I read earlier this week countering the "less guns less violent crime" theory.


Sam, I am so sorry for you. At least the son is in custody and will hopefully never see the light of day again, if not worse.

[piercehawkeye45]

Originally Posted by classicman

I'll have to go look for the article that I read earlier this week countering the "less guns less violent crime" theory.

More guns will not universally raise or lower violent crime. It greatly depends on the gun culture of the society.

If very responsible people with common sense carry more guns the number of violent crimes will most likely go down. You do not want to rob someone with a .45. You do not rob a house when they own a shotgun.

On the other hand, if irresponsible people, gang members for example, get hold of guns, the number of violent crimes will most likely rise. They see gun as a power they can abuse and will do just that.


Sorry to hear this happened Sam. Hope she gets better.

[classicman]

Originally Posted by piercehawkeye45

More guns will not universally raise or lower violent crime.
If very responsible people ...

On the other hand, if irresponsible people, ...

Agreed. I think that pretty much goes without saying. However, Lets focus on this

Sorry to hear this happened Sam. Hope she gets better.

and not hijack Sam's thread for a gun debate. Sorry Sam.

Any update?