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Slims · 01-14-2009, 03:37 PM

"Assault Weapons" are used in a very, very small percentage of homicides. They simply are not being used to kill people in any large numbers (except by the military). Also, studies of crimes-committed-by-assault weapons following the Clinton AWB showed no decrease in gun homicides as a result. Since there was absolutely no evidence it in any way actually reduced crime (likely because most criminals use pistols rather than expensive military-style rifles) the AWB was allowed to expire...those arguing in favor of one didn't have a leg to stand on.

America's problem with violence is more cultural than anything else...we have a higher rate of knife-murders than England, where knives are really all that's available for a potential killer to use. Likewise, Mexico has extremely harsh gun-laws...there is only one gun-store in the entire country. However, Mexico has a big gun-problem and firearms continue to be smuggled into the country by criminals (and then into the USA) and those who make a living off illegal activities are typically armed. It is this lop-sidedness I want to avoid, in addition to maintaining what I believe to be a fundamental right.

Oh, and with regard to your halloween indident...People (even criminals) acquire firearms to increase their sense of security. He probably bought whatever he could buy without paperwork, and if he couldn't get an AK he would probably have shot that girl just as dead with a shotgun.

That a particular firearm is used in a crime does not make that weapon responsible for that crime.

For instance, according to a BATF study in 2000, the weapon most often used in the perpetration of a crime is a S&W .38 Revolver. It isn't on any ban lists, it doesn't look scary or sexy, and it is relatively non-intimidating. Why go after rifles that are seldom used to commit crimes while ignoring the one which is used the most?

01-14-2009, 03:37 PM	#435 (permalink)
Slims Eccentric insomniac Location: North Carolina	"Assault Weapons" are used in a very, very small percentage of homicides. They simply are not being used to kill people in any large numbers (except by the military). Also, studies of crimes-committed-by-assault weapons following the Clinton AWB showed no decrease in gun homicides as a result. Since there was absolutely no evidence it in any way actually reduced crime (likely because most criminals use pistols rather than expensive military-style rifles) the AWB was allowed to expire...those arguing in favor of one didn't have a leg to stand on. America's problem with violence is more cultural than anything else...we have a higher rate of knife-murders than England, where knives are really all that's available for a potential killer to use. Likewise, Mexico has extremely harsh gun-laws...there is only one gun-store in the entire country. However, Mexico has a big gun-problem and firearms continue to be smuggled into the country by criminals (and then into the USA) and those who make a living off illegal activities are typically armed. It is this lop-sidedness I want to avoid, in addition to maintaining what I believe to be a fundamental right. Oh, and with regard to your halloween indident...People (even criminals) acquire firearms to increase their sense of security. He probably bought whatever he could buy without paperwork, and if he couldn't get an AK he would probably have shot that girl just as dead with a shotgun. That a particular firearm is used in a crime does not make that weapon responsible for that crime. For instance, according to a BATF study in 2000, the weapon most often used in the perpetration of a crime is a S&W .38 Revolver. It isn't on any ban lists, it doesn't look scary or sexy, and it is relatively non-intimidating. Why go after rifles that are seldom used to commit crimes while ignoring the one which is used the most? __________________ "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." - Winston Churchill "All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act out their dream with open eyes, to make it possible." Seven Pillars of Wisdom, T.E. Lawrence