Compared to almost any other country, per person average, we have more guns, more shootings, and less control. The existence of wackjobs doesn't mean we just throw up our hands. There is more talk than ever about "freedom" coming from gun nuts. Well I want my freedom to not join in their hobby. Yet they say everybody should have guns and that will curb the violence. Seriously? That's just complete, utter, utter nonsense I'm sorry.

http://www.theonion.com/article/no-way-to-prevent-this-says-only-nation-where-this-36131
‘No Way To Prevent This,’ Says Only Nation Where This Regularly Happens

Yeah, I'm not totally convinced that our current laws regarding the sale of firearms are sufficient (saying that as the owner of a firearm and a concealed carry permit). But again, augmenting them at this point would be useless. Not until we seal up our borders.

Look at your own city as an example. Gun control in Chicago is considered by many to be above average compared to cities of similar size. Yet it is also considered to be one of the worst places to be as it relates to gun violence. That is because those with criminal intent will find a way, legal or otherwise. The supply to those with criminal intent must be cut off. But aside from putting a heavily defended border around Chicago, that supply can't  really be cut off.

I think In America's case, that would HAVE to mean completely shutting down our borders to illegals. Otherwise the guns will just make their way in regardless of our laws (see Fast & Furious... the operation, not the movie )

Yup, things are bad here. That could be in part some of the source of our apparent disagreement on the matter, related to the difference between our experiences and environments (urban vs rural/suburban). Smart and considerate enforcement of laws already on the books definitely could be improved. The cops I know and have good relationships with struggle with involvement and engagement. I don't know exactly what the right formula is but I do feel that the wrong one is the current approach, which has favored George Zimmerman, Cliven Bundy, et al. I have never been pro-authority but I have been seeing a big push against humanity, cooperation, and personal liberty, and for individualism, hopeful yet unrealistic exceptionalism, corporate apologism, filibustering for its own sake, and privilege twisting that changes that. I am an anarchist, extreme leftist, but there are anti-government sentiments these days that make me change my mind on that notion. I feel like being against government should promote the freedom of me, as a not rich person, to control my own actions, but there is a movement against government, that allows rich and and powerful (which includes NRA and predatory corporations and their influence) to be unrestricted, and these are at odds. In short, I think you & I have similar ideals but different approaches, and I wish the latter was less important to things actually happening.

Such was, I believe, silvervix's intention with this thread, to have random discussions about deep stuff. I know he had something to deal with but what happened to him why he stopped posting?

EDIT: just saw this, made me laugh

We should ban guns like they do in Mexico, you never hear of shootings down there

jk I think one year Juarez, Mexico beat Baghdad, Iraq as the world's deadliest city

Something I've noticed which likely means nothing, but is hard to ignore:

A high percentage of members here are in the East and Midwest. Then there is a smattering of of folks in the flyover section of the country, and then a good number of West coast folks (all this per Google Analytics).

So, is waxing nostalgic something that people in the East and Midwest are more prone to? What's going on?

Sounds like your numbers accurately reflect population density of the country.

shakin steak wrote :

Sounds like your numbers accurately reflect population density of the country.
-end quote

I guess I figured there would be MORE people on the West coast than the East. Not sure why.

shakin steak wrote :
EDIT: just saw this, made me laugh


-end quote

It is humorous. However, I suspect very few people protect their families from intruders or criminals with Gay Marriage, Abortion, or Birth Control.

Vaporman87 wrote :

I guess I figured there would be MORE people on the West coast than the East. Not sure why.

-end quote

I could see that, California in particular, but it's almost a lone swinger.




You know, I really appreciate the civility of our disagreements on politics. It's refreshing compared to just about everywhere else on the internet.

Me too. Maybe if our leaders had a healthier appreciation for He-Man and roller skating, there wouldn't be so much gridlock.

Uhhh...