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The Pros and Cons of Gun Rights

The Bill of Rights gives us the right to bear arms. But guns are getting in the wrong hands. Is it really a good idea?

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    Maximilian Thomas

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    Jul 29 2012: I find this entire debate an interesting one!

    The real, true problem is much deeper then the rights to bare arms. The people committing these terrible crimes have something that is wrong with them, that is either not being treated or has never been noticed. Instead of a look at whether guns are the problem, why dont we look at better being able to identify possible perputraitors of these crimes.

    Lets look at this another way. There are millions of people within the United States that own and use guns responsibly. Whether it is recreation or hunting, there is really no need to take this right away from people, especially not because of a few incidents a year.

    Now I think the biggest reason why people are so ready to blaim the core reason on guns is because of its shear power and the amount of force that can be used with it.

    Well think of it this way. There are millions of people who own and us cars/trucks responsibly. There are a certain few who like to drink before they drive. Those drivers end up killing people. A car has a ton of force behind it. But, everytime we hear about a drunk driver killing someone, there is not a huge wave of people saying we should ban all cars from the road; they say we should stop drunk driving.

    THen, what we really should be saying is we need to stop irresponsible use of weapons!
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      James Zhang 30+

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      Jul 29 2012: While I agree with pretty much everything you said, I just want to point out that the difference between guns and cars is that, cars have more beneficial uses than killing people. So what is a beneficial use for guns?
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        Maximilian Thomas

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        Jul 29 2012: There are many benefits, but I think they are often hidden behind this issue. Many people, especially in the rural and farming communties use them for hunting. Hunting is not only a huge recreational sport, it is also a source for food, clothing and various other materials.

        There are other hobbies in which guns are included, but in terms of thier actual use, I think this is pretty good picture of the scenario.

        • Noah Crossfield

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          Jul 29 2012: I do believe that you have a good analogy with your cars scenario Matt, but I share James's stance. While you point out hunting as a good example, there are relatively few other positive functions of firearms. That also being said, when people talk about gun control, they normally a referring to the removal of high-power assault weapons. The productive uses of those weapons is very very limited. It seems like the only person who would need the use of these kind of firearms would be someone who was involved with a police force/SWAT team. I see what you are saying about hunting, but there are very few other beneficial uses of firearms.
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        Debra Smith 200+

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        Jul 29 2012: ONe nothing in the game of life between the opinions of james and maxx

        It comes as no surprise that maxxie is American. I have to respond- why not do both?. Let some legislate guns away (OH wait - that will not work because Charlton Heston and his NRA plants and buddies will not allow their profit margin to decline) and others like you can work to pass legislation for help those who are criminals - (Oh wait, it appears there is no will for THAT!)
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          Maximilian Thomas

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          Jul 29 2012: Debra,

          In all reality that is what, in my guess, what will happen. I think the legislation around guns is tricky because even if they are passed and enforced, they are likely to cause more problems then they solve. The medium is already there, so if you try and take a part of the medium away people will still want it, and thus having to break the laws to get it.

          I agree with your second point, the entire process of criminilization could be reformed to help the criminals with the problems that got them there in the first place.

          Thanks for another great contribution Debra!
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          James Zhang 30+

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          Jul 29 2012: Guns in general are designed to kill. When people think of guns, they don't think of paintball guns, water guns, or glue guns, etc. They think of the ones that kill people.

          Pencils are designed to write. But little do people realize, it can also be a killing tool too. Oh no, pencils are everywhere in school! We must ban the pencils or else everyone will stab each other to death!

          So my point is, there can be a few ideas I just got:
          1) Make safer guns
          Guns that don't kill but get the job done for self-defense purposes. That way insecure people can get these safer guns for self-defense but won't do the more permanent damage of killing others.

          2) An gun for a good cause
          There was another forum post around here where there was a gatling gun on a helicopter or something that can shoot seeds to replant deforested parts of the world. It was a gatling gun for a good cause. I can't think of other ideas to make guns a benefit of society, but I'm sure there's much more.
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        Debra Smith 200+

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        Jul 29 2012: Wow a gatling gun for reforesting - now that is an idea worth spreading! It is a double whammy! It takes a murder weapon out of circulation and plants trees! What's not to love?
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          James Zhang 30+

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          Jul 30 2012: I know right?? It sounds pretty fun too imo

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