Something a little different (Gun Control)

[Phaenx]

I have a quick interview to conduct on the matter of gun control. Ultimately the question is, "Are guns responsible for rising/falling crime rates?"

However, I first have some other questions because I also want to know why you would think that:

What is your name? (John/Jane Smith if you wish to remain anonymous)

Where were you born, how where you raised?

What do you do for a living?

Have guns played any significant part in your life? (hunting, shooting, ever get shot? friend get shot?)

How has this experience affected your view of guns?

In context of this experience, do you believe we should restrict access to guns?

Why or why not?

Do you have any proof to reinforce your claims?

Final question, what's for dinner tonight?



Thank you in advance if you were good enough to fill out my interview. I think this will be an interesting way of addressing some of the older issues which are still issues nonetheless.

[homerhop]

What is your name? Homer

Where were you born, how where you raised?
Ireland
Raised to respect other people and their property. Shown right from wrong.

What do you do for a living?
Steel detailer

Have guns played any significant part in your life? (hunting, shooting, ever get shot? friend get shot?)
Yes, hunting and clay shooting.
Got peppered while trapping in a competition shoot,shot deflected off clay and hit me in the head.

How has this experience affected your view of guns?
Made me keep my head down more while trapping.

In context of this experience, do you believe we should restrict access to guns?
No.
We should restrict those who are not mature enough from having them

Why or why not?
people who leave loaded guns where children can get easy access to them is a prime example of someone who should not have a gun


Do you have any proof to reinforce your claims?
that story a few weeks ago about the kid who shot his cousin with the gun they were playing with

Final question, what's for dinner tonight?
stew

[MSD]

What is your name? (John/Jane Smith if you wish to remain anonymous)

Ian

Where were you born, how where you raised?

Born in Stamford, CT, raised just up the road in Fairfield. Strict mother, less strict father, overprotective on both sides. BB guns, Paintball, both out of the question (I now own several pellet and bb guns that my mother does not know about)

What do you do for a living?

I am currently on summer break from college, looking for a job

Have guns played any significant part in your life? (hunting, shooting, ever get shot? friend get shot?)

A neighbor is a hunter, and had a pellet gun for disposing of copperhead snakes. Only physical contact until acquisition of Pellet/BB guns had been with three antique rifles owned by my great-grandfather. I was allowed one toy gun ever, and not allowed to point it at people. This taught me respect for firearms, loaded or not, fake or real, and for that I am appreciative. My mother is very anti-gun, an dbelieves that it is a sign of mental instability that I derive pleasure from shooting things (Ironic, coming from the captain of her college rifle team.) I once gave myself a severe blood blister with an unloaded but gassed up pellet pistol. From that, I learned that no gun, even unloaded, can be handled without caution and was thankful that my experience with ND did not occur with a more powerful firearm.

How has this experience affected your view of guns?

I learned that guns are not toys, and that they should not be pointed at anything that I would not want to shoot.

In context of this experience, do you believe we should restrict access to guns?

Background checks are necessary, a waiting period (that can e waived by court order in extenuating circumstances requiring immediate acquisiton of a defensive weapon) should be in effect in order to reduce the risk of crimes of passion (husband finds wife cheating, buy gun without time to cool off, kills her) and spot checks should occur to ensure that firearms are stored responsible (locked and unloaded when in presence of children, etc.) Violent criminals should not be denied access, but rather be subject to an extensive period after release during which their firearms are placed in protective storage by the local police department. This will prevent misuse in the case of criminal recidivism.
edit: I also support the current NFA provisions for acquiring Class 3 weapons, and do not believe that they should be distributed as leniently as less powerful weapons. There is a difference between a long rifle and a grenade launcher. There is a difference between a shotgun and a howitzer. Those who wish to acquire theese should be scrutinized more thoroughly.

Why or why not?

Any person who is willing to learn to use a gun responsibly and safely has the right to use it. No right should be restricted except in the case that the right is abused, in which case a probationary period should be effected to screen for possibility that reform did not take place.

Do you have any proof to reinforce your claims?

I believe that my view balances natural law and the needs and protection of society.

Final question, what's for dinner tonight?
Anything served within walking distance of the Roseland Ballroom



I would like to congratulate you on the creation of a survey that addresses not only opinions (a topic that has been beaten to death,) but the roots of the formation of those opinions. I hope that this thread will be treated in such a way that participants do not force it to be locked.

[hrdwareguy]

What is your name? (John/Jane Smith if you wish to remain anonymous)

Wes

Where were you born, how where you raised?

Born in Oklahoma City. Raised strict, mostly by my grandmother as both my parents worked. My first "gun" was a dart gun, you know the kind with the lick and stick darts. From day 1 I was taught not to point it at anyone.

What do you do for a living?

I.T. Administrator

Have guns played any significant part in your life? (hunting, shooting, ever get shot? friend get shot?)

Although I have only been hunting once (and didn't get anything), I have always liked to shoot. I think the first thing I shot was my uncle's 22 rifle. I think I was about 6. My parents owned guns but I never knew about them until I was 9 or 10. We were tought respect for them, but more importantly we were tought not to go into my parents room where they were kept...hidden away safely away from us. Later in life I also took rifle merit badge in the boy scouts and even later became a counselor for rifle merit badge. I am currently in the process of getting my FFL so I can start my own firearms and accessories store.

How has this experience affected your view of guns?

I am very comfortable around guns and have no problems with them. Every gun is loaded until you check and even then you still treat it as such.

In context of this experience, do you believe we should restrict access to guns?

Yes and No

Why or why not?

I believe guns should be restricted from some people, i.e. the mentally impared, for their own safety. I also believe guns should be restricted from people convicted of capital crimes such as murder and also those with a history of domestic violence. (If you are a cop with a history of domestic violence, time to find a new job). Aside from that, the current NICS check works for me. I do not like waiting periods, but I do like the limits on Class 3 stuff. I just wish those items weren't so expensive.

I also believe that safety and education should be required before you are allowed to purchase a firearm. I also think a federal concealed carry law would be a good thing.

As far as restricting access of guns in the home, this is for parents to do. I do not think the gov't should be required to enforce this. Besides, one reason for having a gun is protection. You wouldn't want to have to run down to the gun save/cabinet to get your gun out when someone breaks in, would you?

Do you have any proof to reinforce your claims?

Proof for both sides....The store owner who shot the guys trying to rob his jewelry store.....The little old lady who whacked a guy breaking into her house.

And the other side....The guy in FL who left a loaded gun in the car with his 2 year old....The kid who is now a quadrapolegic in CA because someone wasn't following proper safety procedures and shot him in the head.

Final question, what's for dinner tonight?

Pizza buffet

In answer to your original question: "Are guns responsible for rising/falling crime rates?"

No, people are responsible for a rise and fall of crime rates. The trend in Oklahoma was that immediately after concealed carry was passed, violent crime dropped significantly. However in the years after that, crime started going back up. Probably due to the fact that only about 1% of people in the state that could have a CCP actually do. I think that if more people had guns and/or a CCP violent crime would go down because the suraty of being shot would go way up.

Thanks for the survey, I was thinking of doing something like this but probably couldn't have worded it as well as you did.

[Karby]

What is your name? (John/Jane Smith if you wish to remain anonymous) karbonzo bean

Where were you born, how where you raised? Wash. dc
raised to appreciate life and respect those who live it, but to defend your own(and others) if absolutely necessary.

What do you do for a living? college student/ nursing assistant

Have guns played any significant part in your life? (hunting, shooting, ever get shot? friend get shot?) not personally, but living in this city, it affects almost everyone, especially those living in high poverty neighborhoods.

How has this experience affected your view of guns? it hasn't affected my views much, but the recent incidents in the district makes me wonder about the people in this city who have guns.

In context of this experience, do you believe we should restrict access to guns? no...not here. gun laws can't be restricted here anymore than they are now.

Why or why not? gun restriction laws don't work here at all. as far as i know, it is illegal to own a gun in dc, unless you're a cop, yet hundreds of illegal firearms are pulled off of city streets each year.

Do you have any proof to reinforce your claims? sure i do...just look here. and to tell the truth, you don't even have to view that site to know what goes on in this city. unfortunently, one of the things that (certain parts of) the residential dc area is known for is its seemingly uncontrollable violence.

Final question, what's for dinner tonight? umm...speghetti

[KellyC]

What is your name?
-(John/Jane Smith if you wish to remain anonymous)

Where were you born, how where you raised?
-Born in Vietnam, lived there for 9 years, then moved to the U.S. Raised to use words rather than violence, violence is the last resort when words fail.

What do you do for a living?
-Student.

Have guns played any significant part in your life? (hunting, shooting, ever get shot? friend get shot?)
-Never touched a gun in my life
How has this experience affected your view of guns?
-Even though I never touch a gun before, I still know that its a dangerous object and should always be used with care. Too many deaths seen on tv lead me to that conclusion.
In context of this experience, do you believe we should restrict access to guns?
-No
Why or why not?
-Someone points out that if a person wants his hand on a gun, then no matter what kidn of restriction is enforced, he'll get his gun. This I see is true, so I don't see the point.
Do you have any proof to reinforce your claims?
-A couple years ago, I watched the local news and learned some HS who was being picked on shoot his bullies, he was too young to legally own a gun but somehow he managed to get it any ways...This is not an event that happens once either, every now and then I'd see the same stories over and over again, only each time, it's played by different people.
Final question, what's for dinner tonight?
Pressurized cooked fish with "asian letuce" (don't know the proper term for it...) and rice and steamed cauliflower. Yummy

[DelayedReaction]

What is your name? (John/Jane Smith if you wish to remain anonymous)

Kevin

Where were you born, how where you raised?

I was born in the Maryland suburbs, and my family has actively supported me throughout my life. I would have to say I was brought up with a sense of morals and the belief that I can do anything that I put my mind to.

What do you do for a living?

Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland

Have guns played any significant part in your life? (hunting, shooting, ever get shot? friend get shot?)

I'm fascinated by them, and want to get involved in target shooting. Beyond that I have had little real experience with guns, but know a great deal about them. I've also taken an NRA Handgun Safety Course.

How has this experience affected your view of guns?
I believe that guns are tools, and impressive displays of human ingenuity. Tools are designed to be operated in a specific manner, and when not operated in that manner can maim or kill the operator and bystanders. By themselves they are harmless; when used with intent or improperly they are deadly.

In context of this experience, do you believe we should restrict access to guns?
To get a gun we should require an individual go through as much training and certification as it takes to get a drivers license. Hours of observed training, testing, and a license. Once they have that license they should be able to freely purchase and operate a firearm. Additional certification should be required for class III items. Beyond that there should be no restriction, including concealed carry.

Why or why not?
Because cars are dangerous, and so are guns. People should go through more than a video (that's the Maryland requirement: watch a fucking VIDEO) if they want to own a firearm, but once they've demonstrated capability they should be allowed to do as they wish.

Do you have any proof to reinforce your claims?
Well, we see people die from guns and cars. A great deal of gun-related injuries and deaths are caused by accidents; these accidents can be avoided with proper training.

Final question, what's for dinner tonight?
Diet Coke and a hefty serving of self loathing.

[HarmlessRabbit]

Originally posted by Phaenx
In context of this experience, do you believe we should restrict access to guns?

I believe this question is mis-framed. As I have said before, this isn't a question of "those who want unrestricted gun access" against "those who want to ban all guns".

Everyone I have ever talked to about the gun control issue wants SOME restrictions. In fact, I think almost everyone supports nearly the same thing:
- some mandatory background checks
- some waiting periods in some cases
- some restrictions against who can own a gun (kids, felons, mentally ill, mentally disabled)
- some requirement for gun safety training

While people differ here and there (assault guns, degree of background check, time and scope of waiting period (saturday night specials only) for example), in large part I think most people agree on the basics. The only person I have EVER heard argue for completely unrestricted gun access is Eric S. Raymond, and he's a complete loon.

Most people mostly agree on gun control laws. The public debate is just a way to line the pockets of issue advocacy groups.

[smooth]

Originally posted by Phaenx
I have a quick interview to conduct on the matter of gun control. Ultimately the question is, "Are guns responsible for rising/falling crime rates?"

However, I first have some other questions because I also want to know why you would think that:

What is your name? (John/Jane Smith if you wish to remain anonymous)

Smooth

Where were you born, how where you raised?

Street kid in Southern California

What do you do for a living?

Criminology, Ph. D. Candidate

Have guns played any significant part in your life? (hunting, shooting, ever get shot? friend get shot?)

Met hunters in Oregon; been on all ends of the bullet while growing up

How has this experience affected your view of guns?

Negative view of the utilitity of guns; meeting hunters allowed me to build empathy for people who felt it was a legitimate, non-violent (in terms of violent crime) hobby/lifestyel

In context of this experience, do you believe we should restrict access to guns?

I believe some restrictions should be placed on gun ownership. I am a proponent of using technology to inhibit illicit/unauthorized use of firearms. I don't support barring all felons from firearm ownership--at most, only those who have been convicted of actively using a firearm to commit a violent crime. After debt has been paid to society, I don't necessarily agree that lifelong restriction is appropriate.

Why or why not?

The criminological literature is very conflicting in terms of gun legislations' effectiveness. I am still in the process of researching this topic, but it isn't one of my priorities.
Do you have any proof to reinforce your claims?

Final question, what's for dinner tonight?

Vegan corndogs, salad, and french fries.

Thank you in advance if you were good enough to fill out my interview. I think this will be an interesting way of addressing some of the older issues which are still issues nonetheless. [/B]

You are welcome. Thanks for setting this up.

[jwoody]

What is your name?

My name is not Abdul Mohammed Jabar Rauf Kareem Ali


Where were you born, how where you raised?

Suburbs of Newcastle, North-East England, with both parents and an older brother.


What do you do for a living?

Architectural Technician.


Have guns played any significant part in your life? (hunting, shooting, ever get shot? friend get shot?)

I've never owned a gun and don't know anyone who does. None of my friends or family have been killed or injured by one.


How has this experience affected your view of guns?

I don't feel it is necessary for me to own a gun for self defense or recreation purposes. If the opportunity arose I'd like to try one some time although I wouldn't spend any money on the experience.


In context of this experience, do you believe we should restrict access to guns?

Yes.


Why or why not?

If I thought everybody else around me was carrying a gun I'd probably feel the need to own one myself. I'm happy with the way British law restricts access to guns.


Do you have any proof to reinforce your claims?

Like I've stated earlier, I don't know anyone who owns a gun and I don't know anyone who has been killed, injured or threatened by a gun.


Final question, what's for dinner tonight?

Cheesy mashed potato, pork chops, fresh veg and beans or peas.

[TheKak]

What is your name?
Mike

Where were you born, how where you raised?
South Carolina. Spent time in the country when with my dad, time in the city when with my mom. Was taught to value life, and was (unfortunatly) raised Christian, though I have since broken from the mold to decide my own morals.

What do you do for a living?
Electronics Technician, US Navy

Have guns played any significant part in your life? (hunting, shooting, ever get shot? friend get shot?)
I can't remember a time when I couldn't shoot a rifle growing up. I was taught how to shoot at a very young age, and have great respect for firearms and how to use the safely. I had several friends shot when growing up. 1 was shot to death by some kids who had just found a handgun and wanted to kill someone (this was when I lived in the projects), and the other was a friend who was shot close range with a shotgun in a gang related shooting, though it only clipped his shoulder and he lived. Being in the military I also handle various types of guns very frequently, from 9mm handguns, shotguns, assault rifles, up to M-60's and .50 cal machine guns.

How has this experience affected your view of guns?
It showed me that guns aren't the problem, its restricting access of guns to the right people. I have used and seen guns used thousands of times with no incidents because things were done properly and not carelessly.

In context of this experience, do you believe we should restrict access to guns?
Doing background checks to keep guns out of the hands of violent criminals and mentally unstable people is a great idea. Current gun laws need to be enforced to a greater degree, with much stricter penalties inflicted upon those who commit crimes using guns. Guns also shouldn't be banned over physical features like a pistol grip or folding stock. Banning guns because they look scary is stupid.

Why or why not?
Because guns aren't the problem, the dumb people with guns are.

Do you have any proof to reinforce your claims?
Plenty of incidents out there to quote, as already shown by some of our posters.

Final question, what's for dinner tonight?
Pizza