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Originally Posted by longbough
The buzzword "gun show loophole" is a myth. If you have a problem with the private sale of firearms that's a different issue. But those who refer to "gun show loophole" only demonstrate that their sources of information need to be reconsidered.
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From what I hear from both the media and Canadian law enforcement, it is the "gun show loophole" that is providing my streets with guns. Private sales of handguns to individuals who are not tracked. These guns have become quite a problem.
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Originally Posted by longbough
I am neither a collector nor a hunter. And I do consider the gun as a tool - it is a tool I have trained to use to protect my life and the life of my family should that need arise. It's sad that you view someone like myself as a danger to society.
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I recognize your desire to protect your family. When there is a flood of handguns out on the streets, one feels the need to arm themselves. This is a race to the bottom and given the current state of affairs why wouldn't you?
I am trying to suggest another way of looking at it. What if we take handguns completely out of the equation? What if no one can legally have them but law enforcement? What if those who are caught using them are subject to some very severe punishment?
Suddenly the need to arm yourself in response to an armed criminal presence isn't neccessary. Not that I believe there really is any need at this time but who am I to argue with how you percieve things?
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Originally Posted by longbough
I won't try to convince you that you'd be safer if you had a gun - but that's your decision, not mine.
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What I am trying to say is that we would all be safer if there were no handguns.
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Originally Posted by longbough
I didn't say everyone should have a gun. But don't discount the power of knowing that citizen may be armed as a deterrent for criminal activity. Conversely, knowing that guns are explicitly illegal for citizens removes a level of uncertainty to the potential mugger/rapist/criminal. But I know I can't convince you of that - so let's just agree to disagree on this point.
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Again, I get this. I can even see how it can psycologically make sense. I can also see how it leads to an arms race. How long before body armour is readily available to criminals? How long before it is a gang with guns robbing you or individuals with a bigger more powerful gun...
Yes, arm yourself makes sense in this climate but are you not just adding to the problem?
I'd also like to second willravel's question: where do criminals get their handguns from?
By the way, I swore I'd never get involved in one of these debates but this one seems to have remained rather civilized.
