on guns

Mo250

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Human beings only have two ways to deal with one another: reason and force. If you want me to do something for you, you have a choice of either convincing me via argument, or force me to do your bidding under threat of force. Every human interaction falls into one of those two categories, without exception. Reason or force, that's it.

In a truly moral and civilized society, people exclusively interact through persuasion. Force has no place as a vali d method of social interaction, and the only thing that removes force from the menu is the personal firearm, as paradoxical as it may sound to some.

When I carry a gun, you cannot deal with me by force. You have to use reason and try to persuade me, because I have a way to negate your threat or employment of force.

The gun is the only personal weapon that puts a 100-pound woman on equal footing with a 220-pound mugger, a 75-year old retiree on equal footing with a 19-year old gang banger, and a single guy on equal footing with a carload of drunk guys with baseball bats. The gun removes the disparity in physical strength, size, or numbers between a potential attacker and a defender.

There are plenty of people who consider the gun as the source of bad force equations. These are the people who think that we'd be more civilized if all guns were removed from society, because a firearm makes it easier for a [armed] mugger to do his job. That, of course, is only true if the mugger's potential victims are mostly disarmed either by choice or by legislative fiat--it has no validity when most of a mugger's potential marks are armed.

People who argue for the banning of arms ask for automatic rule by the young, the strong, and the many, and that's the exact opposite of a civilized society. A mugger, even an armed one, can only make a successful living in a society where the state has granted him a force monopoly.

Then there's the argument that the gun makes confrontations lethal that otherwise would only result in injury. This argument is fallacious in several ways. Without guns involved, confrontations are won by the physically superior party inflicting overwhelming injury on the loser.

People who think that fists, bats, sticks, or stones don't constitute lethal force watch too much TV, where people take beatings and come out of it with a bloody lip at worst. The fact that the gun makes lethal force easier works solely in favor of the weaker defender, not the stronger attacker. If both are armed, the field is level.

The gun is the only weapon that's as lethal in the hands of an octogenarian as it is in the hands of a weight lifter. It simply wouldn't work as well as a force equalizer if it wasn't both lethal and easily employable.

When I carry a gun, I don't do so because I am looking for a fight, but because I'm looking to be left alone.The gun at my side means that I cannot be forced, only persuaded. I don't carry it because I'm afraid, but because it enables me to be unafraid. It doesn't limit the actions of those who would interact with me through reason, only the actions of those who would do so by force. It removes force from the equation...and that's why carrying a gun is a civilized act.

- Maj. L. Caudill USMC (Ret)
"
 
SilentBob187

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Every word of that rings true. He's makes an amazing arguement.
 

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Nightwanderer

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Then there's the argument that the gun makes confrontations lethal that otherwise would only result in injury. This argument is fallacious in several ways. Without guns involved, confrontations are won by the physically superior party inflicting overwhelming injury on the loser.
That argument might be flawed, true, but it's not completely invalid. The people who watch too many movies and think unarmed strikes to the head or internal organs only result in minor injury are also seeing in those same movies action heroes walking around and capable of fighting with 'superficial' gunshot wounds to places that in real life would have you immobilized and bleeding to death. Usually it's the leg or arm. there are major arteries in both that would be deadly to be shot through.

The fact that the gun makes lethal force easier works solely in favor of the weaker defender, not the stronger attacker. If both are armed, the field is level.
Only part I care to seriously object to, mainly because of the huge if in the second sentence. Also, the 'weaker' defender is often the older, more frail defender, as might be the case in a mugging. The field might be more balanced, but it certainly isn't always level, even with two gun users. Age and illness tend to affect reflexes, timing, vision, and hand eye coordination. So, when a mugger attacks an elderly person, there's a good chance (note emphasis on chance)the mugger would be faster at the draw, more sure of their aim, and more physically capable of handling things like recoil in the case of higher caliber hand guns.

The writer offers a passable argument, nothing worth clapping over IMO though. They state this 'leveled playing field' as too much of a fact without considering all the human variables that would cause it to simply be scaled up to a more potentially lethal outcome. The thing about guns vs melee is that pulling a trigger can be done in an instant and from a greater distance, with less fear of retribution from your victim because they'll most likely be incapacitated if not dead; whereas in melee the same variables such as strength/weight that a gun supposedly equalizes are the things that gives an attacker a reason to think and assess before harming you. A gun might help the meek defender negate physical prowess, but it also encourages the impetuous offender not to worry about those stronger than him.
 
SilentBob187

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My concern has always resided in the fear of passing legislation in the United States similar to that in the United Kingdom, which ultimately states that "Under Home Office guidelines, gun licenses are only issued if a person has legitimate sporting or work-related reasons for owning a gun. Since 1946, self-defence has not been considered a valid reason to own a gun."

This can create an environment where only the lawless possess firearms. This removes any chance of a 'level playing field.' I really don't want to argue this. It's just my opinion and as such, it stinks. :)
 
Nightwanderer

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My concern has always resided in the fear of passing legislation in the United States similar to that in the United Kingdom, which ultimately states that "Under Home Office guidelines, gun licenses are only issued if a person has legitimate sporting or work-related reasons for owning a gun. Since 1946, self-defence has not been considered a valid reason to own a gun."

This can create an environment where only the lawless possess firearms. This removes any chance of a 'level playing field.' I really don't want to argue this. It's just my opinion and as such, it stinks. :)
Completely understandable, I share the same apprehension. The problem with passing laws to where only the police/military have guns, is that chances are if someone is willing to shoot you in the first place, chances are they'd also be willing to illegally obtain guns. So, it'd make it harder and less likely for criminals to get a gun, but the ones that did have guns would be a lot more confident in the fact that most people wouldn't even be allowed to own a gun, much less maybe be packing. Gun control unfortunately is just one of those issues where people are irresponsible or outright malicious to the point where the gov't has to step in and trample everyone's personal freedom, and as usual they go about it ineffectively.
 
SilentBob187

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Gun control unfortunately is just one of those issues where people are irresponsible or outright malicious to the point where the gov't has to step in and trample everyone's personal freedom, and as usual they go about it ineffectively.
Exactly! Do nothing, people complain. Do something, people complain.
 

Mo250

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That argument might be flawed, true, but it's not completely invalid. The people who watch too many movies and think unarmed strikes to the head or internal organs only result in minor injury are also seeing in those same movies action heroes walking around and capable of fighting with 'superficial' gunshot wounds to places that in real life would have you immobilized and bleeding to death. Usually it's the leg or arm. there are major arteries in both that would be deadly to be shot through.

That point was the ARGUMENT is only made by those who think that way. Those people in real life are crying for their mommies when a gun is pulled or someone strikes them. Or they're drunk and well...that might be your argument cause drunks are stupid.



The writer offers a passable argument, nothing worth clapping over IMO though. They state this 'leveled playing field' as too much of a fact without considering all the human variables that would cause it to simply be scaled up to a more potentially lethal outcome. The thing about guns vs melee is that pulling a trigger can be done in an instant and from a greater distance, with less fear of retribution from your victim because they'll most likely be incapacitated if not dead; whereas in melee the same variables such as strength/weight that a gun supposedly equalizes are the things that gives an attacker a reason to think and assess before harming you. A gun might help the meek defender negate physical prowess, but it also encourages the impetuous offender not to worry about those stronger than him.

OK, lets try and take the article and THINK it to the next level. You shouldn't read something and only read the words. You have to analyze it.

OK lets create a world where most people have a gun on them. You understand the idea of risk reward right? You'll only take a risk if the reward is great enough. If everyone has a gun you have to worry about being shot by the person you're attack AND anyone else going by. Even if only 30% of people are armed at all times the feeling has to be "well odds are someone's got a gun." Thus one attacking another person would face the very real threat of someone else outside of the problem taking actions into their own hands. They have to worry about the person they are trying to exert force on and they have to worry now about greater legal risks for shooting/using a gun in the act of violence.

Thus in this world the only time someone would take on the risk of using the gun would be for a greater reward. People already use guns when the reward is great enough to justify their use now, but crimes where guns make the risk reward too low aren't committed and would be reduced if not completely gone.

The argument that a group of 3 with guns would scare an individual with a gun is true, but it still doesn't take into account the risk reward factors that are needed here.
 
Nightwanderer

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That point was the ARGUMENT is only made by those who think that way. Those people in real life are crying for their mommies when a gun is pulled or someone strikes them. Or they're drunk and well...that might be your argument cause drunks are stupid.
The point to me only seemed to be an expression of a dismissive attitude towards the point of view because it's misleading or not always correct.
''the gun makes confrontations lethal that otherwise would only result in injury. This argument is fallacious in several ways.''

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fallacious

I was stating my general agreement with the fact that it can be misleading, just that it can't be completely dismissed because let's face it, there have been confrontations where people only died because both sides had guns.







OK, lets try and take the article and THINK it to the next level. You shouldn't read something and only read the words. You have to analyze it.
I'm very tired right now so I can't go into detail, but telling me I need to analyze things beyond what was written seems a bit silly when I couldn't have come up with the somewhat lengthy response that I did, without having done so in the first place. Regarding risk vs. reward, if everyone had a gun, which is what the author is advocating, they think it would establish a confrontational equilibrium. after having analyzed things rather thoroughly in my opinion, I don't think this would be the case, because the gun is merely a tool and the author failed to mention any consideration of human variables, like the ones I had mentioned. To use an analogy, handing everyone in the world a computer would not suddenly make everyone equally skilled in using one because people all have natural flaws and limitations, and different strengths in their abilities to learn, as well as in abilities to operate said machinery. Also, just because everyone on the street would have a gun doesn't mean everyone would put it to use. I've seen plenty of 'true crime' type videos on TV where someone was getting beaten in the streets and other people merely kept their head down and kept walking for fear of their own safety. Then obviously, you have the moron with the camera that just sits there dumbfounded watching it all. Now, let's add guns to the equation.vRemember, the author is setting the scenario of everyone being armed. Do you think suddenly every time there was a crime being commited in the general view of others that everyone is going to feel secure and courageous enough to step in just because they have a gun? I don't, you know why? because no one wants to get shot, and the second you pull your gun, your involved, and the hostilities might just be turned away from the victim and towards you. It's sad yes, that someone could be in need of help and not get it because other people are afraid to step in. I just don't think handing everyone a gun is automatically going to change that. Sometimes the best way to avoid violence is simply not to partake in it. That said, not everyone is going to be willing to play the hero just because they have a gun. Again I'm very tired, so if some of what i'm saying doesn't seem to make sense, I apologize
 

Mo250

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The point to me only seemed to be an expression of a dismissive attitude towards the point of view because it's misleading or not always correct.
''the gun makes confrontations lethal that otherwise would only result in injury. This argument is fallacious in several ways.''

fallacious - Definition from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

I was stating my general agreement with the fact that it can be misleading, just that it can't be completely dismissed because let's face it, there have been confrontations where people only died because both sides had guns.
You're implying absolutes vs generalities. An argument of this nature should be looked at from a generalities view point. If the addition of an element causes a statistically significant change in outcomes then it is relevant and can be stated as such. Essentially if you're hypothetical guy then you're going to miss the big picture. I'm not saying that argument can't be argued against as it can. That said the idea isn't to show that there are exceptions but to show that confrontations with guns lead to a higher mortality rate. That would be an argument though it would be short sighted as currently gun confrontations with both sides having guns are going to be screwed towards individuals with intent to harm vs exert power/protection against others.


I don't think this would be the case, because the gun is merely a tool and the author failed to mention any consideration of human variables, like the ones I had mentioned. To use an analogy, handing everyone in the world a computer would not suddenly make everyone equally skilled in using one because people all have natural flaws and limitations, and different strengths in their abilities to learn, as well as in abilities to operate said machinery.
Duh? The thing is one doesn't know if the 70 year old 160 pound man was an ex seal or not. Granny might also be a gun range pro. Again risk reward. The 80 year old granny has zero chance of preventing a 220 pound guy from mugging her. With a gun the chance of protecting herself goes up. So while not in a state of equilibrium things have been leveled relatively speaking. Same applies to the group scenario.



Also, just because everyone on the street would have a gun doesn't mean everyone would put it to use. I've seen plenty of 'true crime' type videos on TV where someone was getting beaten in the streets and other people merely kept their head down and kept walking for fear of their own safety. Then obviously, you have the moron with the camera that just sits there dumbfounded watching it all. Now, let's add guns to the equation.vRemember, the author is setting the scenario of everyone being armed. Do you think suddenly every time there was a crime being commited in the general view of others that everyone is going to feel secure and courageous enough to step in just because they have a gun? I don't, you know why? because no one wants to get shot, and the second you pull your gun, your involved, and the hostilities might just be turned away from the victim and towards you.
See this is an example of not thinking big picture. Would the RISK alter the attacker's thought process? Would the guns change this dynamic? If we assume that attackers are stronger doesn't the gun dynamic also increase ABILITY of others to intervene? We all know there is no absolute in life, end of story. Stop looking for exceptions and start looking at the general results.We KNOW what happens when guns are taken away from the citizenry.
 

FcuktheFDA

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Our Four Fathers gave us this write. It shall remain protected. It's our right as American citizens and not even the government should be able to take that right away from us. The government seems to be getting worse and worse as time goes on, and we may eventually need to revolt. The NRA is the only thing standing between our right to bear arms and the government taking that right away.
 
Usf97j4x4

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Our Four Fathers gave us this write. It shall remain protected. It's our right as American citizens and not even the government should be able to take that right away from us. The government seems to be getting worse and worse as time goes on, and we may eventually need to revolt. The NRA is the only thing standing between our right to bear arms and the government taking that right away.
I agree... and don't give me the "colonial times / militias" argument.

I have a concealed carry permit and do carry about 50% of the time. I also have a large collection of firearms that no one will ever take from me.

Without guns who would protect us? The goverment? lol
 
CDB

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I prefer the arguments put forward in A Nation of Cowards.
 
Nightwanderer

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See this is an example of not thinking big picture. Would the RISK alter the attacker's thought process? Would the guns change this dynamic? If we assume that attackers are stronger doesn't the gun dynamic also increase ABILITY of others to intervene? We all know there is no absolute in life, end of story. Stop looking for exceptions and start looking at the general results.We KNOW what happens when guns are taken away from the citizenry.
But see, as per my example with violence caught on tape, I am thinking of the bigger picture, which is why I don't
think arming the entire public would change the dynamic as you say. Yes, the thought of a bystander stepping in with potentially lethal force would deter some people, but in reality, very few people can hold their own in a 2 on one melee fight either, yet people are still attacked in public. I'm not against anyone owning a gun at all, I just think it's ridiculous for the author to present their views in a way that makes it seem like if you just hand everyone in the world a gun, suddenly the world will be so much safer because supposedly people will usually be too scared to initiate violence. It seems to me that for every criminal it might discourage, it would simply cause 2 more to change their tactics to adapt to the new conditions. That, and I think if fire arms were more commonplace among the people that small arms technology would develop faster, but as that's purely a scientific advancement there's really nothing 'wrong' with that, it's just a spontaneous speculation.
 

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I do, however, think it should be made much harder for crazy people to get their hands on any firearms.
 

Mo250

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But see, as per my example with violence caught on tape, I am thinking of the bigger picture, which is why I don't
think arming the entire public would change the dynamic as you say. Yes, the thought of a bystander stepping in with potentially lethal force would deter some people, but in reality, very few people can hold their own in a 2 on one melee fight either, yet people are still attacked in public. I'm not against anyone owning a gun at all, I just think it's ridiculous for the author to present their views in a way that makes it seem like if you just hand everyone in the world a gun, suddenly the world will be so much safer because supposedly people will usually be too scared to initiate violence. It seems to me that for every criminal it might discourage, it would simply cause 2 more to change their tactics to adapt to the new conditions. That, and I think if fire arms were more commonplace among the people that small arms technology would develop faster, but as that's purely a scientific advancement there's really nothing 'wrong' with that, it's just a spontaneous speculation.
You can speculate all you want Nightwanderer. The statistics are clear on what works and what doesn't. There is a reason 44 out of 50 states now allow concealed carry--yes, that many!

Try to change your mindset for a moment and imagine you are a predator. Do you want to prey on something that has fangs and claws and will fight back, or something that is easy prey?
 

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But see, as per my example with violence caught on tape, I am thinking of the bigger picture, which is why I don't
think arming the entire public would change the dynamic as you say. Yes, the thought of a bystander stepping in with potentially lethal force would deter some people, but in reality, very few people can hold their own in a 2 on one melee fight either, yet people are still attacked in public. I'm not against anyone owning a gun at all, I just think it's ridiculous for the author to present their views in a way that makes it seem like if you just hand everyone in the world a gun, suddenly the world will be so much safer because supposedly people will usually be too scared to initiate violence. It seems to me that for every criminal it might discourage, it would simply cause 2 more to change their tactics to adapt to the new conditions. That, and I think if fire arms were more commonplace among the people that small arms technology would develop faster, but as that's purely a scientific advancement there's really nothing 'wrong' with that, it's just a spontaneous speculation.
It seems everyone in this thread is agreeing with the right to have and/or carry guns, which is the BIGEST ISSUE, remember that when you vote for our next president.

That being said, Nightwanderer makes some good points about adaptation from criminals, if everyone carried weapons criminals would just change their method of operations - it is Darwinian theory and also very true. I would imagine the instances of being killed in bed by home invasions would go up while the muggings on the streets would go down.

Also, technology HAS advanced in the realm of personal protection/small arms with the widespread availablity and marketing of the taser gun. The taser is being touted as the best thing since sliced bread and they are even having "stun gun parties" like tupperware parties to sell them to women.
 
CDB

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It seems everyone in this thread is agreeing with the right to have and/or carry guns, which is the BIGEST ISSUE, remember that when you vote for our next president.

That being said, Nightwanderer makes some good points about adaptation from criminals, if everyone carried weapons criminals would just change their method of operations - it is Darwinian theory and also very true. I would imagine the instances of being killed in bed by home invasions would go up while the muggings on the streets would go down.
Of course criminals will adapt. The issue isn't what criminals will do, it's what are an individual's rights? Do they or do they not have the right to defend themselves with the most effective means available or not? A true self defense advocate would still defend the right to bear arms even if it lead to an increase in crime overall. Thankfully it doesn't, but for a person who believes in individual rights it would be at most a secondary consideration.
 

joecski

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Of course criminals will adapt. The issue isn't what criminals will do, it's what are an individual's rights? Do they or do they not have the right to defend themselves with the most effective means available or not? A true self defense advocate would still defend the right to bear arms even if it lead to an increase in crime overall. Thankfully it doesn't, but for a person who believes in individual rights it would be at most a secondary consideration.
I totally agree, the individuals right to self defense is undeniable. If in this case someone were to try to hit my premises with a home invasion, they would have to get past my home alarm system, then my big dog, and finally my personal methods of self defense. They should probably run when the alarm goes off or the dog starts barking and they have a chance.

I had a friend that was mugged, had a .22 shoved in his face, for a six pack of beer and a few dollars. He started carrying a gun (legally) and was never mugged again, although he always lived in the same awful neighborhood for many years while he went to Temple College in Philly. He thinks it was because of the confident way he presented himself while carrying, he didn't look like a potential victim anymore.
 

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not looking to start an argument at all, but at the end of the day I dont see the need for a gun, never have, most likely never will. I am not saying that you shouldnt have the right, but at the end of the day try to truly analyze what your desire to carry one is really about.

Not trying to be Freudian at all, but truly look back at your life and see why the need to feel what the gun gives is truly present.
 
CDB

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not looking to start an argument at all, but at the end of the day I dont see the need for a gun, never have, most likely never will. I am not saying that you shouldnt have the right, but at the end of the day try to truly analyze what your desire to carry one is really about.

Not trying to be Freudian at all, but truly look back at your life and see why the need to feel what the gun gives is truly present.
At the end of the day, try to truly analyze what your desire to be completely defenseless is really about. And here's hoping you never need to defend yourself or someone you love with a firearm so you can keep living in la la land.
 

joecski

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not looking to start an argument at all, but at the end of the day I dont see the need for a gun, never have, most likely never will. I am not saying that you shouldnt have the right, but at the end of the day try to truly analyze what your desire to carry one is really about.

Not trying to be Freudian at all, but truly look back at your life and see why the need to feel what the gun gives is truly present.
I think the need to have a gun is the same as the need to have a hurricane kit in my house with a weeks worth of supplies - I'll probably never use it, most year's I end up giving my stuff away during the food drives. However, for that one time it saves my life - that is why I need to have a gun. Tell me what Freud would have said when a two men break into your house and force you to watch them rape your wife at gunpoint - it happened not too long ago in this area. I think anyone would say that YOU should have defended her or died trying, and a gun would have put you in a much better position to accomplish this task.
 
Nightwanderer

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You can speculate all you want Nightwanderer. The statistics are clear on what works and what doesn't. There is a reason 44 out of 50 states now allow concealed carry--yes, that many!

Try to change your mindset for a moment and imagine you are a predator. Do you want to prey on something that has fangs and claws and will fight back, or something that is easy prey?
Well,
as the AUTHOR didn't list any stats, much less their sources, I don'tfeel the need to do more than speculate, because it'sall they're doing. Just what 'mindset' do you think I'm coming from? I already advocated the right to carry firearms, my only objection is the weakly put together piece you posted. You seem to be taking that a bit personally btw, did you write it and copy/paste to multiple places, or are you a personal admirer of the writer or something?
 

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At the end of the day, try to truly analyze what your desire to be completely defenseless is really about. And here's hoping you never need to defend yourself or someone you love with a firearm so you can keep living in la la land.
I dont consider myself defenseless at all. I think he we have different definitions on how to defend ourselves
 

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I dont consider myself defenseless at all. I think he we have different definitions on how to defend ourselves
I think joecski said it best. You seem to associate carrying guns with some sort of stigma. If we carry them somehow there is something wrong with us. For me it gives an advantage in those life-death situations. If you don't want to carry a gun I have no problem with that but please don't paint us like we're some sort of freaks.
 

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I think joecski said it best. You seem to associate carrying guns with some sort of stigma. If we carry them somehow there is something wrong with us. For me it gives an advantage in those life-death situations. If you don't want to carry a gun I have no problem with that but please don't paint us like we're some sort of freaks.
:clap2::clap2::clap2:
 
CDB

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I dont consider myself defenseless at all. I think he we have different definitions on how to defend ourselves
Then I present you with a scenario: two or three guys break into your house, and as is the trend these days, don't just rob you at gunpoint but force your woman to blow them while you watch. What's your definition of defense under those circumstances?
 
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At the end of the day, try to truly analyze what your desire to be completely defenseless is really about. And here's hoping you never need to defend yourself or someone you love with a firearm so you can keep living in la la land.
Considering that a gun you own is far more likely to injure or kill you, or someone you love, rather than defend against a would-be intruder, I'm not sure your point is well made (statistically speaking here - both % are not large). Especially in respects to children, non-fatal injuries outnumber deaths 5-1, and the majority of injury cases are domestically-based, unintentional deaths stemming from guns kept for 'self-defense purposes'.

If a gun is being kept for self-defense, it is most likely loaded, unlocked, and unless your state specifically demands it, without locking mechanisms.

In all honesty, the likelihood that harm will come to those you seek to defend, rather than those you seek to defend against, is substantial enough to make personal gun use a luxury. It is about primary individual rights, as opposed to an argument based on necessity.

It is one of the fundamental 'individualities' of American society, and I personally accept that. I suppose I just can't reconcile with the argument that they are needed; simply because of the ridiculously low possibility that you will EVER need a gun for the purpose you bought it for (and then the incidentally and comparably high chance someone you love may be injured from it).
 
CDB

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Considering that a gun you own is far more likely to injure or kill you, or someone you love, rather than defend against a would-be intruder, I'm not sure your point is well made (statistically speaking here - both % are not large).
Considering actually that this stat was taken from a study that with crap methodology that concentrated on criminals with rap sheets that read like War and Peace and which found no significant difference between the gun owning group and unarmed control groups, the actual take home from it is that being a criminal ups your chances of being shot regardless of whether you own a gun or not. However misinformed and misinforming liberals do like to trot this bullshit claim out every now and then, proving only that they are too lazy to read the source material and to understand the massive problems with it, or that they don't care and are so gullible that they'll believe anything Hillary Clinton says or say anything to advance an agenda, true or false.

"A homeowner is 43 times as likely to be killed or kill a family member as an intruder"

To suggest that science has proven that defending oneself or one's family with a gun is dangerous, gun prohibitionists repeat Dr. Kellermann's long discredited claim: "a gun owner is 43 times more likely to kill a family member than an intruder." [17] This fallacy , fabricated using tax dollars, is one of the most misused slogans of the anti-self-defense lobby.

The honest measure of the protective benefits of guns are the lives saved, the injuries prevented, the medical costs saved, and the property protected not Kellermann's burglar or rapist body count. Only 0.1% (1 in a thousand) of the defensive uses of guns results in the death of the predator. [3] Any study, such as Kellermann' "43 times" fallacy, that only counts bodies will expectedly underestimate the benefits of gun a thousand fold. Think for a minute. Would anyone suggest that the only measure of the benefit of law enforcement is the number of people killed by police? Of course not. The honest measure of the benefits of guns are the lives saved, the injuries prevented, the medical costs saved by deaths and injuries averted, and the property protected. 65 lives protected by guns for every life lost to a gun. [2]

Kellermann recently downgraded his estimate to "2.7 times," [18] but he persisted in discredited methodology. He used a method that cannot distinguish between "cause" and "effect." His method would be like finding more diet drinks in the refrigerators of fat people and then concluding that diet drinks "cause" obesity.

Also, he studied groups with high rates of violent criminality, alcoholism, drug addiction, abject poverty, and domestic abuse . From such a poor and violent study group he attempted to generalize his findings to normal homes. Interestingly, when Dr. Kellermann was interviewed he stated that, if his wife were attacked, he would want her to have a gun for protection.[19]
Apparently, Dr. Kellermann doesn't even believe his own studies."

[2] Suter E. "Guns in the Medical Literature - A Failure of Peer Review." Journal of the Medical Association of Georgia. March 1994; 83: 133-48.
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[3] Kleck G. Point Blank: Guns and Violence in America. New York: Aldine de Gruyter. 1991.
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[17] Kellermann AL. and Reay DT. "Protection or Peril? An Analysis of Firearms-Related Deaths in the Home.? N Engl J. Med 1986. 314: 1557-60.
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[18] Kellermann AL, Rivara FP, Rushforth NB et al. "Gun ownership as a risk factor for homicide in the home.? N Engl J Med. 1993; 329(15): 1084-91.
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[19] Japenga A. "Gun Crazy.? San Francisco Examiner. This World supplement. April 3, 1994. p. 7-13 at 11.
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Especially in respects to children, non-fatal injuries outnumber deaths 5-1, and the majority of injury cases are domestically-based, unintentional deaths stemming from guns kept for 'self-defense purposes'.
Care to quote the actual numbers? I figure you won't since more kids drown in buckets than are actually killed by guns, leaving the non fatally wounded number woefully low as well. Also perhaps you could actually quote the source of this stat and lookin into how they define "child."

If a gun is being kept for self-defense, it is most likely loaded, unlocked, and unless your state specifically demands it, without locking mechanisms.
Source?

In all honesty, the likelihood that harm will come to those you seek to defend, rather than those you seek to defend against, is substantial enough to make personal gun use a luxury. It is about primary individual rights, as opposed to an argument based on necessity.
Already shown to be complete bullshit...

It is one of the fundamental 'individualities' of American society, and I personally accept that. I suppose I just can't reconcile with the argument that they are needed; simply because of the ridiculously low possibility that you will EVER need a gun for the purpose you bought it for (and then the incidentally and comparably high chance someone you love may be injured from it).
There is no high chance someone will be hurt, and according to economist John Lott guns are used millions of times a year for self defense. Perhaps you should read a bit more on the subject rather than just accepting Hand Gun Control Inc's nonsense at face value.
 
Mulletsoldier

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Considering actually that this stat was taken from a study that with crap methodology that concentrated on criminals with rap sheets that read like War and Peace and which found no significant difference between the gun owning group and unarmed control groups, the actual take home from it is that being a criminal ups your chances of being shot regardless of whether you own a gun or not. However misinformed and misinforming liberals do like to trot this bullshit claim out every now and then, proving only that they are too lazy to read the source material and to understand the massive problems with it, or that they don't care and are so gullible that they'll believe anything Hillary Clinton says or say anything to advance an agenda, true or false..
I won't go through the effort of pretentiously quoting and debating you verbatim. Despite all your rhetoric, and keen use of the word 'bullshit, you misinterpreted my post and intent; you and I view the world through diametrically opposed lenses, no point in couching our arguments in differing circular terms.

With that being said, you breathing still, pookie? I could care less about Gun Regulation - the implementation of the Registry in Canada has proven to be more bureaucratically confusing then protecting. I am wholly unconcerned with whether or not to regulate them in the United States. I was merely pointing out THE RIDICULOUSLY LOW probability owning a gun will increase your safety, or ability to protect your family. Perhaps you can provide a stat refuting that?

You should take a breath and realize I wasn't questioning your libertarian 'rights over anything else' stance - selfish and individualistic as it may be. Merely pointing out the 'Bullshit Facts', as you put it.
 
CDB

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I won't go through the effort of pretentiously quoting and debating you verbatim. Despite all your rhetoric, and keen use of the word 'bullshit, you misinterpreted my post and intent; you and I view the world through diametrically opposed lenses, no point in couching our arguments in differing circular terms.
So in other words you have nothing to back up your BS assertion. Typical liberal response.

"Hey, you know 20 out of 18 people are killed by their own weapon and then raped by a pitbull! Guns are baaaaaaaad!"

"That's not actually the case... (reason) ... (statistics from the FBI Uniform Crime Report, Private Agencies, etc.)"

"I don't care, I believe it anyway!"

I was merely pointing out THE RIDICULOUSLY LOW probability owning a gun will increase your safety, or ability to protect your family.
Already did by name: John Lott, More Guns, Less Crime. Please read it.

You should take a breath and realize I wasn't questioning your libertarian 'rights over anything else' stance - selfish and individualistic as it may be. Merely pointing out the 'Bullshit Facts', as you put it.
Facts my ass. They aren't facts, that's the point. Your facts are BS nonsense that liberals have been peddling for years and they never get any traction because it takes anyone with the slightest motivation and brain power less than a minute to look them up and see what a load of **** they are.

You are not more likely to be killed by your own gun than to be protected by it. That is a fact. What you're peddling is nonsense that has been known to be nonsense for quite some time, which is why you rarely hear about it anymore. There's a reason the gun control movement has been essentially silenced: they're wrong, and they went to extremes of misinformation to try and hide that fact and were outed again again as bullshit artists of no particular skill.

There are however a whole lot of liberal gun haters who can't be bothered to actually educate themselves on this issue and prefer to merely repeat what Hillary says and consider that being 'informed'.
 

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With that being said, you breathing still, pookie? I could care less about Gun Regulation - the implementation of the Registry in Canada has proven to be more bureaucratically confusing then protecting. I am wholly unconcerned with whether or not to regulate them in the United States. I was merely pointing out THE RIDICULOUSLY LOW probability owning a gun will increase your safety, or ability to protect your family. Perhaps you can provide a stat refuting that?
I would think that in the current climate of the United States with things like the Katrina tragedy where armed criminals roamed the streets while the government deserted the people and left them defenseless would be enough to prove that you DO have a chance of self-protection with a gun. There was widespread chaos - raping and pillaging at it's finest - that was not widely reported in the media. As I said in an earlier post, I prepare for disaster, because the area I live in is prone to tornadoes and hurricanes, and a gun is part of my kit.

Maybe in Canada there is no crime, there are no bad people with guns, and you can sleep with your doors and windows unlocked. It isn't like that where I live. If I could be totally assured I would never need a gun, that I would never encounter anyone who wanted to kill me or my family who had a gun, then I would fall back on my deadly kung-fu skills for self-defense. However, even Bruce Lee wouldn't stand much of a chance against a .357, and life isn't a Hollywood movie.
 

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First off im a firm believer in our second amendment right and the fact that guns don't kill people stupid idiots with guns kill people. I personally feel that gun crimes would go up due to the fact that civil citizens would have no means to protect themselves form these loonatics. Not to mention illegal gun-running would skyrocket. In a country with 200+ organized crime groups the demand for illegal firearms would go thru the roof and they have the funding, ships, and connections to flood the market with semi-automatic weapons and pistols. I think if the democrats want to turn us into England where they have universal healthcare and no guns they need to start by getting these illegal immigrants, cartel associates, and gangbangers out of the country then maybe we could be like england. But for that to happen we will have to drop on the immigration list from the top to as low as england. Also they should quit these human rights rants and bring back the death penalty and quit turning prisons into fine resorts. The taxpayers would feel better and these criminals might not look foward to going to jail. I believe Ron White said it best, "If you kill somebody we will kill you back!"
 
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I would think that in the current climate of the United States with things like the Katrina tragedy where armed criminals roamed the streets while the government deserted the people and left them defenseless would be enough to prove that you DO have a chance of self-protection with a gun. There was widespread chaos - raping and pillaging at it's finest - that was not widely reported in the media. As I said in an earlier post, I prepare for disaster, because the area I live in is prone to tornadoes and hurricanes, and a gun is part of my kit.
Actually the National Guard went around disarming people. Typical response, and probably added to the victim count.
 
CDB

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The whole premise behind gun control is that someone who is willing to take a gun, point it at another human being, and say, "Give me your money, or I'll kill you," or, "Spread your legs, or I'll kill you," or, "I'm just going to kill you for the fun of it!", is going to put their hand to their forehead and say, "Alas!, I can rob and murder no more, the government says I can't have a gun!
"Maybe I'll become a CPA..."

The idea that someone who is willing to break the laws against robbery, burglary, rape, assault, and murder, is going to feel at all constrained by a law which tells him which weapons are acceptable in pursuit of his criminal career is totally assinine. The only people who will obey those laws are the ones who are not violating and not likely to violate the more serious prohibitions. Therefore all you do is disarm people and raise their profiles as likely victims.
 
Mulletsoldier

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So in other words you have nothing to back up your BS assertion. Typical liberal response.

"Hey, you know 20 out of 18 people are killed by their own weapon and then raped by a pitbull! Guns are baaaaaaaad!"

"That's not actually the case... (reason) ... (statistics from the FBI Uniform Crime Report, Private Agencies, etc.)"

"I don't care, I believe it anyway!"



Already did by name: John Lott, More Guns, Less Crime. Please read it.



Facts my ass. They aren't facts, that's the point. Your facts are BS nonsense that liberals have been peddling for years and they never get any traction because it takes anyone with the slightest motivation and brain power less than a minute to look them up and see what a load of **** they are.

You are not more likely to be killed by your own gun than to be protected by it. That is a fact. What you're peddling is nonsense that has been known to be nonsense for quite some time, which is why you rarely hear about it anymore. There's a reason the gun control movement has been essentially silenced: they're wrong, and they went to extremes of misinformation to try and hide that fact and were outed again again as bullshit artists of no particular skill.

There are however a whole lot of liberal gun haters who can't be bothered to actually educate themselves on this issue and prefer to merely repeat what Hillary says and consider that being 'informed'.
Well, that was a good for a laugh.

You really need to breathe - being a paranoid libertarian recluse cannot be good for cholesterol levels already, adding in unnecessary internet stressed based on your inability to read cannot help.

I mentioned, several times, the excesses and bureaucratic failures of registries; the Canadian registry has failed miserably (mentioned this, but in your juvenile tirade, you may have missed it).

I also mentioned the statistically insignificant levels of both being killed by your own gun, and being able to defend yourself with it. Once again, you may have missed that as well.

Again, the issue that a gun is necessary, or fundamental, is ridiculous. Your viewpoint places a primacy on citizen rights, gun rights being one of them; I accept that. Now get over the fact somebody may disagree with your philosophical inclinations about why, or why not, to own a gun.

You sure are a spaz for a pot-smoker. Go smoke a joint, jesus.

:lol:
 
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All I can say is: I have guns, many guns in fact. I am proficient in their use, maintenance and safety as are all my children and wife. When my children were younger they were locked up and out of reach. I instill a respect for the weapon and ensure they know exactly what happens to someone when they are shot and what rare circumstances allow them to bear and, God forbid, end someones life. I have no fear of them "accidentally" shooting anyone or harming themselves.

That being said, go ahead and try trespassing on my property. The only one likely to be hurt is the trespasser. :)

If the government wants to shred the Constitution and take my guns they will do so over my dead body. Literally. (And likely some of theirs as well.)
 
CDB

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I also mentioned the statistically insignificant levels of both being killed by your own gun, and being able to defend yourself with it. Once again, you may have missed that as well.
No, I didn't. You're wrong. Millions of people a year use a gun to defend themselves. See the work of previously mentioned John Lott.

Again, the issue that a gun is necessary, or fundamental, is ridiculous. Your viewpoint places a primacy on citizen rights, gun rights being one of them; I accept that. Now get over the fact somebody may disagree with your philosophical inclinations about why, or why not, to own a gun.
Disagree all you want, next time try to support it with something solid as opposed to the usual discredited bullshit that you pulled out this time. Makes you look bad.
 
CDB

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I have no fear of them "accidentally" shooting anyone or harming themselves.
I always wondered how you 'accidentally' shot someone with the weapon that has a 5-8lb trigger pull or something similar. :rolleyes:
 

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I think joecski said it best. You seem to associate carrying guns with some sort of stigma. If we carry them somehow there is something wrong with us. For me it gives an advantage in those life-death situations. If you don't want to carry a gun I have no problem with that but please don't paint us like we're some sort of freaks.
I apologize if it came out that way, as that was not my intention in the least.

Furthermore, my point is that I just dont see the need personally. If you do and the law allows it, so be it.
 

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Then I present you with a scenario: two or three guys break into your house, and as is the trend these days, don't just rob you at gunpoint but force your woman to blow them while you watch. What's your definition of defense under those circumstances?
under those circumstances, if the gun is in another room or locked away it is of no help. Seriously, would you tell the intruders, "hold on while I get my gun"? However, there are times the you have to respond and respond you will, by any means necessary
 
Mulletsoldier

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No, I didn't. You're wrong. Millions of people a year use a gun to defend themselves. See the work of previously mentioned John Lott.
Is the person using John Lott, or should I say Mary Roth, actually chastising me for using discredited research?

On to the data. I'm sorry, but vague and ambiguous ESTIMATED hand-gun DGU statistics are shaky at best. Horrible at worst. Lott has been continually discredited for his misrepresentation, and at times, outright mickey mousing of data. For somebody so concerned with my sources, you should choose better yourself.

I don't necessarily put stock in any 'researcher', who extrapolates the work of two previous authors, mysteriously, to LA Times and Gallup polls. His range of DGUs from 'previous' studies is also a bit ambiguous - anywhere from 750,000 to 3,000,000 is pretty pathetic. Almost as pathetic as you considering this as a viable source. While the Kleck studies Lott frequently references as 'previous studies' make vague mentions as to brandish-in-defense statistics, the SINGLE LA Times poll which produced the 3,000,000 mark makes absolutely no mention in terms of percentage fired for self defense.

Lott's own thin statements on the matter:

"There are surveys that have been done by the Los Angeles Times, Gallup, Roper, Peter Hart, about 15 national survey organizations in total that range from anything from 760,000 times a year to 3.6 million times a year people use guns defensively. About 98 percent of those simply involve people brandishing a gun and not using them."
Most of the bullshit you are regurgitating has been erroneously used in Lott's work; from my brief research from Torrenting the E-Book, only 2 of Lott's national survey references (from the NSDS and his other 'sources') make any mention whatsoever in terms of brandishing to prevent an attack - pretty weak defense, bud.

In fact, even Kleck, Lott's main reference, states that the firing statistics used in all of Lott's works are misinterpreted. For example, he often cites 'majority' firing rates for those that brandish. Well, when one examines the actual NSDS studies and sees that only 1.83% of gun owners have actually brandished their gun, and only 58% of those have actually fired, Lott's ice grows continually thin to stand on. That equates to LESS than 1% of Americans who own guns actually using their gun to defend themselves. Compare this to the 39% of American household with guns, and my point stands, and yours does not Harris Interactive | The Harris Poll - Gun Ownership: Two in Five Americans Live in Gun-Owning Households .The possibility that owning a gun will contribute significantly to your safety is a false assertion.

Lott continually, and intentionally, misrepresents all of his statistical data, CDB - your source is a very poor choice. Kleck has publicly discredited the use of his statistics, especially the following claim by Lott:

"Guns clearly deter criminals, with Americans using guns defensively over 2 million times each year — five times more frequently than the 430,000 times guns were used to commit crimes in 1997, according to research by Florida State University criminologist Gary Kleck. Kleck’s study of defensive gun uses found that ninety-eight percent of the time simply brandishing the weapon is sufficient to stop an attack."
In fact, Kleck's survey was not geared specifically towards violent attacks, nor even to 'attacks' in general. Nor, even, was Kleck's research directed towards personally experienced attacks of violent nature; it was actually extended towards threats to others, verbal attacks, and otherwise. The 98% figure Lott extrapolates from this also has nothing to do with prevention, but merely the percentage of individuals whom actually experienced attacks that brandished their weapon. Not such a solid point, any longer. So, it is not true, as I am sure you wish it was, that you are 98% more likely to prevent an attack by brandishing a weapon.

Honestly CDB, this was pathetic. I realize in your fervent attempts to defend your position, your probably assumed I wouldn't check your sources.

Already did by name: John Lott, More Guns, Less Crime. Please read it.
Unfortunately for you, I did, and this has to be the most discredited bullshit you have ever concocted. As I said, the minute probability that one may be able to use their gun is not enough, for me at least, to justifies its cost or possible accidents arrived via its ownership. Now that you have been totally brushed aside, hopefully we can end this.

John Lott...:toofunny:

With all that being said, I still stand by my original position (which you mischaracterized and attempted to pigeonhole) that I am not anti-gun, am not pro-registry, and merely have different philosophical inclinations than yourself on the matter. The difference between you and I, obviously, is I use credible sources, while you follow your paranoid ilk.

Disagree all you want, next time try to support it with something solid as opposed to the usual discredited bullshit that you pulled out this time. Makes you look bad.
And you should check your sources before acting like a pompous ****. Makes you look like an idiot.
 
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For anybody interested, John Lott has been unanimously discredited by legitimate researchers, including having various research organizations (including the American Association for Public Opinion Research) condemn his unethical research methods and use of data.

He was also busted for using a concocted online alias named Mary Rosh to bolster his statistics and image.
 
CDB

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For anybody interested, John Lott has been unanimously discredited by legitimate researchers, including having various research organizations (including the American Association for Public Opinion Research) condemn his unethical research methods and use of data.

He was also busted for using a concocted online alias named Mary Rosh to bolster his statistics and image.
Indeed the Mary Rosh thing was stupid. However to correct you, his work has been often denounced, not discredited. There's a big difference between legitimate arguments over method and screaming liberals saying they just don't like his work and conclusions.

"John Lott is the most academically published UCLA Ph.D. In fact, his papers are the sixth most downloaded on the Social Science Research Network’s web site. Indeed, if the Nobel committee made its decisions solely on the basis of the quality and importance of academic work, Lott would have a good shot at the Nobel Prize in economic science in the next ten years. For eight of the last twelve years, I have written the Wall Street Journal article about the Nobel recipient(s) that appears the day after the economics prize is announced, and I think Lott already deserves it as much as some of the people who have received it. His actual odds, though, are very low for a few reasons. First, he hurt himself badly by inventing a fictitious character, Mary Rosh, to defend his views. Second, he upped the ante in the academic world by suing a competitor rather than competing with him. Those are the two negatives. But the third reason is actually a positive: John Lott has had a huge amount of courage, showing himself willing to fight for unpopular causes when doing so could, and did, threaten his career."
- David R. Henderson

What Lott is, is a guy who isn't afraid to put his money and mouth where his research takes him. And in academia when your research often blows pet liberal causes and claims out of the water, that leads to a lot of denounciation and crap flinging.
 
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Indeed the Mary Rosh thing was stupid. However to correct you, his work has been often denounced, not discredited. There's a big difference between legitimate arguments over method and screaming liberals saying they just don't like his work and conclusions.

What Lott is, is a guy who isn't afraid to put his money and mouth where his research takes him. And in academia when your research often blows pet liberal causes and claims out of the water, that leads to a lot of denounciation and crap flinging.
You can cry liberal this, and liberal that all you want to rebuke the argument - the point still stands Lott's position with brandish-to-defend and fire-to-defend is shaky at best.

His research is primarily - almost exclusively - secondary, and misinterpreted. The Kleck example is exemplary.

Point remains that your initial point about "millions of Americans using weapons to defend themselves every year" is a very, very, very thin one. The NSDS studies, collectively, (this is from before Lott's first works and beyond) show less than 1% of the gun-owners in America actually brandishing their weapon in an attack situation.

The only 'millions of Americans' stems from the LA Times article which took into account every self-reported instance of gun-brandishing; i.e., not simply in conjunction with self-defense. A cryp could have brandished his gun at responded affirmatively to the questionnaire.

Maybe you should spend less time brushing up on your pompous attitudes and witty comebacks and do some further reading in the field? Crying "Liberals suck!" like a whiny grade-schooler - unfortunately for you - does not make you right.
 
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Nom it doesn't. However the point remains, an over used pen name does not discredit work. And while people may have some problems with Lott's work their numbers don't differ all that wildly from his, nor is much hard data to be had on the subject to begin with. Bottom line, there's a difference between an argument over method and not mentioning your study only touched on a sample of criminals.

No matter how you cut it there is no reason to disarm a populace nor is their an effective means of legally disarming criminals. Self defense is a right, not a privilege. Defense from criminals and the government. And if there's some number juggling going on here your side is the one with tired arms.

You can cry liberal this, and liberal that all you want to rebuke the argument - the point still stands Lott's position with brandish-to-defend and fire-to-defend is shaky at best.

His research is primarily - almost exclusively - secondary, and misinterpreted. The Kleck example is exemplary.

Point remains that your initial point about "millions of Americans using weapons to defend themselves every year" is a very, very, very thin one. The NSDS studies, collectively, (this is from before Lott's first works and beyond) show less than 1% of the gun-owners in America actually brandishing their weapon in an attack situation.

The only 'millions of Americans' stems from the LA Times article which took into account every self-reported instance of gun-brandishing; i.e., not simply in conjunction with self-defense. A cryp could have brandished his gun at responded affirmatively to the questionnaire.

Maybe you should spend less time brushing up on your pompous attitudes and witty comebacks and do some further reading in the field? Crying "Liberals suck!" like a whiny grade-schooler - unfortunately for you - does not make you right.
 
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Anti-gun legislation is a joke, would never, ever work and I don't even know why there is another discussion about it.

You take away citizens' guns and all it does is tell every potential criminal that the risk of being shot in attempting a crime is greatly diminished -- which seems to suggest they would more easily make the decision to engage in criminal activity.

I just can't see how gun control legislation could possibly make a nation with filled with illegal activity safer in any way?

I hear the people saying that accidents with firearms accounts for a significant amount of injuries, and I absolutely realize that -- But that's an example of irresponsible behavior (leaving a gun loaded, leaving the safety off, operating a weapon without training, having it accessible to children) -- not "bad" governmental policy.

A good portion of this country doesn't take the necessary precautions when it comes to firearms -- that's where the ground for anti-gun legislation comes in. But restricting all citizens from owning guns (as there is really no good way to identify potentially irresponsible people) just doesn't seem like anything that will, or should, ever happen.
 
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That's your response? Pathetic. Fiery rhetoric with nothing more than a fizzle to back it up.

You must have a political background, as your argumentative style is classic campaign strategy: create a false opponent, and use it to bolster your point. I've said several times I am not anti-gun, and am not pro-registry; pull your head out of your bunker hole and read the lines. Not a single time in this thread have I even hinted at the possibility that my argument is what YOU have accredited me with.

There is no number juggling. There was and is you using a piss-poor reference, and having no other objective data to back your poorly made argument. I am all for people having guns; the debate was the very minute possibility one has to use it to defend themselves. As I clearly showed above, you were more than wrong in that respect. I also said several times how the Canadian Registry is a pathetic bureaucratic mess, but as per your style, you selectively debate your points.

And you're right, pen names and false aliases do not discredit work - intentionally falsifying and publicly lying about data, ignoring AAPOR standards, and compounding irreconcilable data does. The holes in Lott's work run deep, and do nothing for your position. I would choose a better waiter for your Freedom Fries, figuratively speaking.

Now, if your next reply is going to be as unsubstantiated as this past one - save it.

Nom it doesn't. However the point remains, an over used pen name does not discredit work. And while people may have some problems with Lott's work their numbers don't differ all that wildly from his, nor is much hard data to be had on the subject to begin with. Bottom line, there's a difference between an argument over method and not mentioning your study only touched on a sample of criminals.

No matter how you cut it there is no reason to disarm a populace nor is their an effective means of legally disarming criminals. Self defense is a right, not a privilege. Defense from criminals and the government. And if there's some number juggling going on here your side is the one with tired arms.
 
Mulletsoldier

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The gun registry in Canada is the exemplary case study for the failures of gun registries; if it won't work in a far less violent nation, it will not work in the United States.

Anti-gun legislation is a joke, would never, ever work and I don't even know why there is another discussion about it.

You take away citizens' guns and all it does is tell every potential criminal that the risk of being shot in attempting a crime is greatly diminished -- which seems to suggest they would more easily make the decision to engage in criminal activity.

I just can't see how gun control legislation could possibly make a nation with filled with illegal activity safer in any way?

I hear the people saying that accidents with firearms accounts for a significant amount of injuries, and I absolutely realize that -- But that's an example of irresponsible behavior (leaving a gun loaded, leaving the safety off, operating a weapon without training, having it accessible to children) -- not "bad" governmental policy.

A good portion of this country doesn't take the necessary precautions when it comes to firearms -- that's where the ground for anti-gun legislation comes in. But restricting all citizens from owning guns (as there is really no good way to identify potentially irresponsible people) just doesn't seem like anything that will, or should, ever happen.
 

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