Some of the posts in this thread got hung up on the word need. I don't need a gun most of the time. I may want a gun sometimes but I don't need one. Certain situations in this thread do signify a need, which opens that "what if" can of worms.
What we want and what we need are two different things. Whether its a nice Sony Wega with surround sound, a Corvette ZO6 with the Lingenfelter package, a double burger with cheese and bacon and fries and a milkshake, or an AR-15 with a starlight scope and a 30 round magazine. If I miss-use any of those items, hurting myself or those around me, then I am responsible for those actions. Before anyone uses those items they should think before they act and be prepared to accept the consequences and understand the effect those actions will have on those around them.
I live in America and would like to think this land is generally based on the formula of work for what you want and then buy/build it, within reason of course (see the nuclear warhead comments above ;) ). Unfortunately this is America and there are also those that have the formula "you have it, I want it, I'll take it." The Esquire magazine article in the "What is it Like in Iraq?" shows this premise from a different side with the gas station raids (I presume they paid for the fuel, but the article never states that). I do understand that in Iraq westerners are targets and waiting all day in a gas line is a bad risk. "Might makes right" is common in this world.
edit: clarified the gas station scenario.
What we want and what we need are two different things. Whether its a nice Sony Wega with surround sound, a Corvette ZO6 with the Lingenfelter package, a double burger with cheese and bacon and fries and a milkshake, or an AR-15 with a starlight scope and a 30 round magazine. If I miss-use any of those items, hurting myself or those around me, then I am responsible for those actions. Before anyone uses those items they should think before they act and be prepared to accept the consequences and understand the effect those actions will have on those around them.
I live in America and would like to think this land is generally based on the formula of work for what you want and then buy/build it, within reason of course (see the nuclear warhead comments above ;) ). Unfortunately this is America and there are also those that have the formula "you have it, I want it, I'll take it." The Esquire magazine article in the "What is it Like in Iraq?" shows this premise from a different side with the gas station raids (I presume they paid for the fuel, but the article never states that). I do understand that in Iraq westerners are targets and waiting all day in a gas line is a bad risk. "Might makes right" is common in this world.
edit: clarified the gas station scenario.
The Bill of No Rights
The United States has become a place where entertainers and professional athletes are mistaken for people of importance. Robert A. Heinlein
The United States has become a place where entertainers and professional athletes are mistaken for people of importance. Robert A. Heinlein