Originally posted by: cwjerome
Originally posted by: Atheus
Originally posted by: cwjerome
Originally posted by: Atheus
Originally posted by: Fear No Evil
I also don't trust that YOU will not somehow try to attack ME and firmly believe I should have access to a firearm to protect myself from you if you decide to attack me or my family. Why should I trust you? Because you say so?
Yea but I don't trust you either that's just a circular argument. Either we both get to carry guns or neither of do, and since I don't want to carry one for obvious reasons, it seems reasonable to request that other people don't either. Not to mention there are plenty of people incapable of safely using a firearm - you'd have a gun but they wouldn't I suppose? What makes you think you're better than them?
Well that's the problem... you just don't understand America. Here we have a rich tradition of letting those with the skills and desire to do things that other people may not have the skills or desire to do. It's all about opportunity and independence... the idea that we should restrict behaviors and freedom because some people may not be able or want to do something goes against our heritage. We have always been an individualistic nation compared to most, and this is one thing that I think sets us apart and helps make us great.
It's not fair to say I don't understand America as such, I just look at it from a different perspective. America didn't invent personal freedom or individual oppurtunity, but it does help you do some great things, along with your willingness to take risks and attempt the impossible. The moon landing comes to mind.
Many of you seem to be arguing the same point - this is a matter of personal freedom and any attempt to infringe on that is unacceptable - and it's that I don't understand. You all must realise there has to be some level of control in almost all areas... right? Otherwise it's just anarchy...
Sure, some level of control. We disagree on how much "some" is, mainly due to the different history/culture I mentioned.
Probably a cultural thing yea. Not so long ago it was common to carry a gun here, but we British have developed a healthy dose of humilty and pacifism since the collapse of the Empire - I think the general consensus is we killed/enslaved enough people already. Maybe it'll take a similar reduction in US power to make similar changes?
