03-05-2004, 01:55 AM
Two points.
First, this yearly night of hate crimes, rapes and killings. That type of behaviour is a huge problem that goes far beyond who has guns and who doesn't. Personally, I would suggest two things: first, get in contact with someone, anyone, in government, in law enforcement, somewhere, and MAKE it a big issue. Make it a big deal. Second, I'd go up on my roof with a rifle and a video camera, after planting a nice big "tresspassers will be shot" sign on my lawn. See, I'm not adverse to using guns as a means of self defence or empowerment. First shot would be a warning shot. Second would be to wound, particularly if I were as good a shot as you, Doc. And the whole thing would be captured on video, which would also be sent to the TV networks. Make it news.
Second, the solution you suggest would be so effective -- arming the victims with automatic weapons. What happens when the hoodlums bring assault rifles next year? It's the *same* argument as giving cops bigger guns. It runs into the *same* brick wall. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN THE BAD GUYS RESPOND WITH EVEN BIGGER GUNS?
See, this kind of arms build up has been tried before. They called it the Cold War.
gekko
First, this yearly night of hate crimes, rapes and killings. That type of behaviour is a huge problem that goes far beyond who has guns and who doesn't. Personally, I would suggest two things: first, get in contact with someone, anyone, in government, in law enforcement, somewhere, and MAKE it a big issue. Make it a big deal. Second, I'd go up on my roof with a rifle and a video camera, after planting a nice big "tresspassers will be shot" sign on my lawn. See, I'm not adverse to using guns as a means of self defence or empowerment. First shot would be a warning shot. Second would be to wound, particularly if I were as good a shot as you, Doc. And the whole thing would be captured on video, which would also be sent to the TV networks. Make it news.
Second, the solution you suggest would be so effective -- arming the victims with automatic weapons. What happens when the hoodlums bring assault rifles next year? It's the *same* argument as giving cops bigger guns. It runs into the *same* brick wall. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN THE BAD GUYS RESPOND WITH EVEN BIGGER GUNS?
See, this kind of arms build up has been tried before. They called it the Cold War.
gekko
"Life is sacred and you are not its steward. You have stewardship over it but you don't own it. You're making a choice to go through this, it's not just happening to you. You're inviting it, and in some ways delighting in it. It's not accidental or coincidental. You're choosing it. You have to realize you've made choices."
-Michael Ventura, "Letters@3AM"
-Michael Ventura, "Letters@3AM"