“No body is trying to ban firearms. Some people just irrationally look upon any attempt to regulate firearms in the interest of public safety as an infringement. They are wrong. This knee jerk reaction by the nra and it’s sympathizers forces even those of us who are really quite moderate on the issue into the opposing camp.”

Ok Moon Bat, I’ll byte. How would you suggest we regulate firearms? You point out the NRA on one side of the firearm issue, but not the other side with the Brady Bunch, why not?

Lets have the discussion about “regulating” firearms.

How is Charles Heston responsible for criminals?

What good is gun control legislation if only law abiding citizens are affected by the law?
If you haven’t noticed, criminals and thugs don’t obey or respect laws…so how would this “legislation” affect the criminal element in our society? It wouldn’t.

How is a gun control law going to affect people who don’t care about laws? It would be similar to prohibition. You would have huge black markets peddling guns to any one willing to pay the price. Meanwhile, people who follow laws would lose all rights to protect themselves and miss out on any sporting events involving guns.

But don’t worry Edgar…you’re safe in your Webster Groves white bread existence. Thanks for playing.

Garrison… My family’s participation in shooting sports has cost society nothing. None of our firearms has ever been involved in a careless accident or crime. On the contrary, we pay heavy taxes and fees on equipment, ammunition, and permits. Society pays a price for excusing negligence and criminality, not for responsible firearms ownership.

If cost to society is an issue, let’s ban sky diving, skiing, boating, mountain climbing, and all the other recreations that require periodic rescue and subsidies from the taxpayers.

You are a perfect example of the truism that it is not about guns, it is about control. If you hate or fear guns, by all means, don’t own them. Be a proponent for strict enforcement of existing laws and certain punishment for criminals. Support NRA and other groups’ efforts to inform and educate the public about safe storage and use of firearms. But, stop trying to impose your personal dislike of guns on other honest citizens.

Bb….If one million skydivers were killed by jumping out of airplanes since 1968, the sport would be banned.

Mrs Garrison, Do you want to ban driving? And where did you get your million number?

Garrison… More people die from medical error than gunshots every year in the U.S. Why are you not clamoring for a ban on hospitals?

A good analogy is Prohibition. Alcohol exacts a heavy toll on society, and trying to reduce spousal abuse, broken homes, drunken fights, and health problems drove the US to completely ban the possession and use of alcohol. Of course, we all know what happened next. The black market which sprang up overnight practically created modern organized crime and legitimate breweries and distilleries were forced to close – many never to reopen. The crime wave became so bad, and the unintended consequences were so severe that Prohibition was repealed, never to return. In the time since, automobiles have become as common as people, and drunken driving has become the number one problem with them. Drunk driving kills more people than gun crime and gun accidents combined, and cause massive property damage to boot. Yet there is no call to reintroduce Prohibition, because we know that bans don’t work.

Or do we? Misuse of firearms cause less death and destruction than misuse of alcohol, yet we constantly hear calls to ban firearms. Firearms are used in many legitimate sports, while alcohol is used in none (unless you think of drinking games, but I doubt you will see those on ESPN anytime soon) yet we hear calls to ban firearms. Firearms are used everyday by citizens to defend their homes, their family and their lives, while alcohol is the cause of much strife in citizens lives – yet we hear calls to ban firearms.

Honestly, I wonder what drives people to hate firearms so much, and the only conclusion I can find is fear. I think their fear drives them to hatred and irrational reactions. In truth, you have a much greater probability of being killed by a drunk driver than a firearm, and if you ever have to defend your home, a firearm works way better than a beer bottle.

Ultimately, this is about rights. Do we, the law abiding, rule following majority surrender our rights to those who would control our lives – all because of the actions of a sick few? I say no. Especially, when history has shown that a ban would only make things worse – much worse.

As a final thought, I respect your decision to not own a gun, can you respect my right to?

Were talking about necessities guys. Hospitals are necessary. Automobiles are necessary. Airplanes are necessary. Handguns are not… except to protect yourself from other handguns.
Those outdated arguments aren’t even used by the NRA anymore..

The one million number comes from a Post-Dispatch article several months ago.
Sylvester Brown Jr., if memory serves me correctly.

“The one million number comes from a Post-Dispatch article several months ago.
Sylvester Brown Jr., if memory serves me correctly.
Comment by Garrison ”

That makes the claim about as credible as if you got it of a Moveon.org or Lancet web site.

So what about it Garrison, is alcohol “necessary”? Since it causes more harm than guns, yet has NO benefit or legitimate use, shouldn’t it be the focus of your ire?