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Gibson writes: "Driving a big piece of metal and glass at high speeds should rightly be regulated to ensure appropriate safety for everyone on the road. Owning a gun should require a similar level of responsibility."

(illustration: ENDO)
(illustration: ENDO)


Regulate Guns Like Cars

By Carl Gibson, Reader Supported News

25 July 12


Reader Supported News | Perspective

 

like driving cars. And as a driver, I have no problem registering my car in each new state I move to, keeping my insurance up-to-date, having regular required inspections and submitting to a driver's test to get my driver's license. Driving a big piece of metal and glass at high speeds should rightly be a big responsibility that folks should take seriously, that should be regulated to ensure appropriate safety for everyone on the road. Owning a gun should require a similar level of responsibility.

As a native Southerner, I like shooting guns. I shot my first gun at Camp McKee, a Boy Scout camp, when I was 12. One of my favorite places to go while living in Houston was the Top Gun shooting range, where it was easy to spend a lot of money on renting out a shooting gallery, buying several boxes of ammunition, and shooting the day away with friends. Both cars and guns are responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans every year. Owning and using either one should require strict regulations.

I once had a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol that I named Joe, after a friend of mine who served in Korea. I bought Joe at a gun show in Mississippi, along with several boxes of ammunition, for approximately $300, which I paid in cash. The gun merchant asked for my driver's license, made a phone call, and I walked out with a weapon less than 15 minutes after walking in. I could have just as easily dreamed up a plan to murder a large group of people that morning, bought a gun that afternoon, and massacred dozens by nightfall.

Like any driver, before even getting my driver's license, I had to take a written test to get a learner's permit. This meant I could drive a car, but only with a licensed driver in the car with me. Then, after 6 months of waiting, I could take an actual driver's test with a police officer in my passenger seat, and only become a licensed driver if I drove, parallel parked, and did a turnabout absolutely flawlessly. And if I ever moved to a new state, I would have to get a new driver's license within 30 days of relocating, keep my license and registration up-to-date, get yearly inspections, and have liability insurance for my car. The same should be done with guns.

Anyone who wants to own a gun should likewise take a written test on gun safety, proper means of carrying, loading and unloading, and turning the safety on and off to get a gun owner's permit, though actually shooting it must be done with a licensed gun owner. After an appropriate waiting period, gun owners should take an actual test involving everything from loading and unloading to proper storage, even shooting proficiency. And each gun should be registered in each state it travels to, each gun owner should submit to an annual inspection for their weapon, and each gun purchase should come with mandatory liability insurance. Also, the assault weapons ban should be reinstated, because nobody who isn't in the military or on the police force should ever need an AK-47 or an AR-15, not to hunt deer or protect their families.

Of course, gun lobbyists would likely argue that such regulation is an infringement on our 2nd Amendment rights. I would ask gun lobbyists if their inability to buy an M1A1 Abrams tank is an infringement on their 2nd Amendment rights. Car crashes and guns are responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans every year, and both should be regulated appropriately.

I'm not arguing that nobody should be able to own a gun. I'm simply arguing that if you want to operate a device that can take lives with the movement of an index finger, you should be willing to submit to the same regulations as you would by operating a device that can take lives with the turn of a steering wheel.



Carl Gibson, 25, is co-founder of US Uncut, a nationwide creative direct-action movement that mobilized tens of thousands of activists against corporate tax avoidance and budget cuts in the months leading up to the Occupy Wall Street movement. Carl and other US Uncut activists are featured in the documentary "We're Not Broke," which premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. He currently lives in Old Lyme, Connecticut. You can contact Carl at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and listen to his online radio talk show, Swag The Dog, at blogtalkradio.com/swag-the-dog.

Reader Supported News is the Publication of Origin for this work. Permission to republish is freely granted with credit and a link back to Reader Supported News.

 

 

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+31 # jooberdoober 2012-07-25 20:31
Makes sense to me, especially reinstating the assault weapon ban. The cops don't need AR-15's or AK-47 either by the way. Military yes, cops no.
 
 
+9 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 09:17
I believe that in situations the Police should have access to weapons to help with hostage, terrorist. But I do not favor walking down the Main Street and seeing American Cops having a ak anything. That is an infringement on all my rights
 
 
+7 # Capn Canard 2012-07-26 11:47
seeing a cop(or for that matter anyone else) with any kind of gun makes me nervous. A gun has one purpose and let's face it: A gun is not a policing tool it is a tool of intimidation.
 
 
+1 # fliteshare 2012-07-28 16:42
The real job of the police is to STOP VIOLENCE. This sometimes implies exerting overpowering counter violence, which could require firearms.
 
 
+19 # portiz 2012-07-25 20:37
When I needed to get a driver's license I needed to study a book, then I took a written test, then once I passed the written test they let me practice driving for a few months, then I needed to take a road test, then they let me drive ONLY in the day time and ONLY to/from school and work, and then if I didn't get in any accidents or tickets they let me have a 'real' license. Plus, if I misuse my car, they'll take my license away. And, if I want to keep my license, every few years I need to go back and have my picture taken and have my vision tested.

Can you imagine how hard it must be to get a gun license??!!!
 
 
+20 # portiz 2012-07-25 20:39
Is it just me, or is the three-day waiting period problematic? By the time three days are up, I won't be angry any more!!!
 
 
-21 # John Locke 2012-07-26 06:19
portiz No, I think Gibson has gone just a bit over the edge, what he suggests will never work, can you imagine getting a lerners permit to have a gun and then after 6 months a license...What would happen to the gun during this time. Would it be in your possession or?

I have no objection to anyone who wants to purchase a gun to read a book and take a course in gun safety... perhaps even show photos of people who died from a gunshot wound, like many Motor Vehicle departments have on the walls of accidents that were fatal.

In colorade applications for guns spiraled after the theatre shooting! To look at the dazed photo of the "alleged" shooter makes ome wonder just what was really going on! A Manchurian Candidate?

But Gibsons plan just isn't workable, it isn't even a beginning of a plan that could be made to work!

and as someone above said assult weapons have no place in our police departments!

The police kill more then enough people every year by accident without having these type of weapons! I also agree they do not belong in society...howev er even banning them will not make them unavailable, there is a strong black market where anyone who wants a weapon can redily obtain it!

So to remove them from society will mean that the criminals will still get them but we won't have access to them...I believe we have to be just as artmed as the criminal element...
 
 
+2 # bmiluski 2012-07-26 07:04
[
So to remove them from society will mean that the criminals will still get them but we won't have access to them...I believe we have to be just as artmed as the criminal element...
And yet, other countries do not have that problem........ ....why is that. I'm sure there are criminals living in those countries so it can't be the culture.
 
 
-1 # shraeve 2012-07-26 10:10
What are you talking about? Venezuela has very strict gun control, much stricter than the USA. The homicide rate in Venezuela is 67 per 100,000, compared with 4.7 per 100,000 in the USA.
 
 
0 # James Smith 2012-07-26 10:29
It's the same here in Brazil. Private ownership of firearms is difficult and almost unknown. Yet the criminals are often better armed than the police.
 
 
+2 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 09:28
I agree. One can make weapons if they did not you would not have them today. Internet supposedly has archives if you really have that yearning .
But on the other hand someone who takes the time to make a weapon, could have lots of reasons...a murder and no link to weapon, entering into contest, new prototype.
Problem with killing isn't weapons. If you want to kill or commit suicide ...you will.
Problem is letting Gun Manufacturers continue to make weapons not necessary to the People. Biggest Problem is the Phony NRA who is interested in Salaries, Perks and their Celebrity Status everytime Guns are used for wrong reasons.

I never see them out there offering help to someone who had to kill someone in order to live. I never see them out there doing fundraisers for the Victims of Murder, whether drive by or this past Showdown by Joker.

No NRA is only around to hype people up against any candidate but their kin.

You will never remove weapons from society or you would all be in wheelchairs with amputations.
 
 
+2 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 09:21
Personally I believe it should be at least five so that records are done correctly and all the background it looked up.
I also believe if you have nothing to hide why not fingerprint to match.
ID's are stolen, phonied up so that doesnot give every good person a gun. Someone steals my id, then purchases a gun, that is scary as I am not looking to buy gun or ammo. So the background says yep that person could own Fort Dix go ahead...but it isn't me at all.

Believe we need more stringent way to keep guns purchased on books...in right hands
 
 
-27 # LonnyEachus 2012-07-25 20:47
The problem is that owning guns for self defense (and other purposes), as very recently re-affirmed by the Supreme Court, is an INDIVIDUAL CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT.

Therefore they CAN'T be regulated like cars. States have no lawful authority to do so.

And even if they did, I would oppose the idea because I won't allow some government bureaucrat decide whether I can defend myself.

So this is a silly idea on at least two levels:

(1) The "who decides?" issue... Americans won't stand for some government bureaucrat deciding who has a "right" to defend themselves. And if they tried it, there is very little doubt that some woman who has a stalking ex will get murdered because she could not obtain a gun for self-defense, and the public outcry would just get the law changed back again.

(2) It is unworkable, because (again, as SCOTUS recently ruled) states and municipalities do not have the authority to regulate them in that manner.
 
 
+18 # bmiluski 2012-07-26 07:05
This is the same supreme court that decided that corporations are people....right ?
 
 
-9 # John Locke 2012-07-26 12:39
bmiluski Are you suggesting that the supreme court was also right to rule corporations were people? Actually that was no their ruling that is your interpretation of the ruling!
 
 
+20 # Lolanne 2012-07-26 07:15
Quoting LonnyEachus:
The problem is that owning guns for self defense (and other purposes), as very recently re-affirmed by the Supreme Court, is an INDIVIDUAL CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT. . . .


The second amendment reads: “A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

Key words: WELL REGULATED, which is what Gibson is suggesting is needed. Those words seem to have been totally overlooked in the SCOTUS decision; not the first time they've sold the best interests of the people to the highest bidder.
 
 
+3 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 09:36
I neither want a Militia, Neighborhood Watch or Government running around with guns telling me they are protecting me.
8 of ten times they are going to get me killed.
 
 
+7 # Xpat_lib 2012-07-26 11:19
It also says "...security of a free state...". It doesn't say anything about "defending yourself". That was not the intent of the writers. The 2nd Amendment needs to be repealed. It was written 200 years ago under very different circumstances and when weapons were very different. There is no reason for that amendment to exist in today's society other than as a sales tool for the firearm industry.
 
 
-11 # John Locke 2012-07-26 12:44
Xpat_lib: Good Idea why don't you post a sign on your front lawn that says...

"no guns in this household" let me know how it works for you!
 
 
-6 # John Locke 2012-07-26 12:42
Lolanne: Incorrect again...The SC ruled that the we have a right to own guns and that has nothing to do with being part of any militia, I wish people would actually read the Decisions rather then discuss something that they don’t understand!!!!. ..
 
 
+1 # LonnyEachus 2012-07-26 20:58
They were not "overlooked" at all. They just don't mean what you think they mean.

Their actual meaning is hardly debatable. It is made crystal clear in other historical documents, including the debates surrounding ratification.

"A well-regulated militia" (that is to say, a standing army, you got that part right)...

"being necessary to the security of a free state," (all fine so far... government must maintain an army)...

But HERE is the disconnect:

"the right of THE PEOPLE to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." [emphasis mine]

As Constitutional scholars have often pointed out, THE PEOPLE has a specific meaning in the Bill of Rights. It occurs in many places, and there is no reason to interpret it differently here than in all of those other places.

See... they were terrified of a "standing army". They felt it was the biggest threat to a free country. (As evidence: how many military coups have happened around the world just in our lifetime?)

So THE PEOPLE have the right to bear arms, BECAUSE a standing army is necessary, and THE PEOPLE must be able to FIGHT OFF that army -- and their government -- if necessary.
 
 
0 # Livemike 2012-08-02 17:51
Quoting LonnyEachus:
They were not "overlooked" at all. They just don't mean what you think they mean.

Their actual meaning is hardly debatable. It is made crystal clear in other historical documents, including the debates surrounding ratification.

"A well-regulated militia" (that is to say, a standing army, you got that part right)...

The militia is not a standing army. The militia is the able-bodied male populace between the ages of 18 and 45. That's quite clear. The reason they need the militia is to avoid a standing army.
 
 
+1 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 09:35
It could be worked out but then it would put government No MATTER what Party telling us what we can and cannot have.
That is coming soon enough.

Guns are not the Problem...peopl e are.
Same is true of Dogs even Wolves...there are no bad animals...only bad people.


Rocks are weapons, bottles of whiskey so if they were on any level to start taking right to have gun away than they would have to round up anything that could make a point, anything that could be thrown. Again if you ever look at a group of people in a nice neighborhood, everyone goes there way says hi ho...but then some cretin decides to start talking to single parents, seniors and scare them into thinking they need a Neighborhood Watch. People start shivering in their boots agree. But it wasn't necessary, now the Bully's take over and they are worse than any situation one ever had.

Dominance...man needs control, then he knows not what to do with it.
 
 
-1 # LonnyEachus 2012-07-26 21:00
No, "man" doesn't need dominance, it is only certain dysfunctional people who need dominance.

And that's precisely why we should not let them dominate us.
 
 
0 # LonnyEachus 2012-07-26 20:52
I just love how people on this site like to vote me down when I state simple, provable facts.

I pointed out issue (1) above, because it's happened before. Not on the Federal level, but certainly at the State level.

And (2) is just a fact. What was it, 2 years ago now? SCOTUS ruled that the gun regulations in D.C. were unconstitutiona l because they infringed on citizens' individual constitutional rights.

These are not debate points. They are facts.

But again... it amuses me to no end to see people vote me down when I point out facts. It clearly shows the quality of much of the clientele.
 
 
0 # James Smith 2012-07-27 06:31
You've noted a simple fact. People hate it when anyone tells the truth, especially when that truth disproves a favorite belief.

For example, in the recent baseball/steroi ds scandal, only one person told the truth, Jose Canseco. For this, he was reviled, despised, and threatened. True sometimes he did behave like a jerk, personally, and professionally. But in this, he told the truth.

You'll get the same reward because a person's most precious possessions are his illusions. Before he surrenders those, he'll give up his property, money, and even his family.
 
 
+16 # BobboMax 2012-07-25 20:50
Good points, but we still don't stop nutcases from owning and driving cars. Even worse, since there are more of them, we don't stop idiots from owning and driving cars. I suspect it would be the same with guns.

Based on the thoughts above, I do have an image of guns w/ license plates on them, so we could "Get that license number!" just as well with guns as with cars.

And, FWIW, enough with all this concealed carry stuff- if you're nutty enough to think you need a gun with you all the time, I want it out in the open on your hip, so I'll know you're a nut case. And it would be good for business- think of all the new fashion statements open carry would require- pretty pink holsters for women, belly holsters for guys too fat to reach their guns any other way, pistols with 12 inch barrels for insecure guys. Christians could have services to bless the pistols and pray that they only be used in God's work. And gun insurance! A whole new line of job creation- this could cure The Great Recession!
 
 
+2 # James Smith 2012-07-26 06:11
First, everyone that doesn't see the issue as you do isn't a "nut case"

Next, no gun law will stop criminals and "Nut cases" from obtaining weapons. Here in Brazil, it is almost impossible for private citizens to won firearms. Yet, the criminals often have better weapons than the police. Even the most restrictive gun laws are useless with criminals and wackos.

Try reading my essay at: http://slrman.wordpress.com/2010/10/22/guns-or-no-guns/

FYI, guns do have a "license plate" it's called a serial number and those can be recovered even after they have been attempted to be obliterated.
 
 
+4 # BobboMax 2012-07-26 08:18
"FYI, guns do have a license plate."

So, James, ever tried reading a serial number while somebody's shooting at you? As far as "not seeing the issue like I do" it's not so much how you see the issue as how you see the world. I don't know much about Brazil, but where I live, in the US, life is pretty safe and having a gun doesn't make you or anyone else safer. If you have a gun in your home, people in the home are more likely to die from misuse of that gun than at the hands of an intruder.

Sounds like we agree that "no law will stop criminals and nut cases from getting guns," although I'm pretty sure restricting availability of assault weapons and large capacity magazines would reduce the death rate. But, mainly, I think we need to do a better job of managing idiots and nut cases- that's a very difficult task, but I think we're getting a bit better at it, and I think proposals like Gibson's could help, just by making the parallels between dangerous objects obvious.

For those who want a gun because they don't trust their government, I don't think the answer is more guns- it's more civic involvement.
 
 
0 # James Smith 2012-07-26 15:04
I see you didn't bother reading my essay. My proposal is similar to the article. To own a gun you should be personally licensed just as for a car or a plane. That doesn't mean you own one, only that you are qualified to do so. I suggest you read the article before you make any further comment.

http://slrman.wordpress.com/2010/10/22/guns-or-no-guns/
 
 
+1 # BobboMax 2012-07-26 08:22
PS,
James, I read your essay. I agree w/ most of it.
 
 
0 # James Smith 2012-07-26 15:20
The point of the serial number is to track and identify weapons recovered from crime scenes. The point of licensing people to own guns is to help keep them away from nut cases and the incompetent. Nothing will stop the criminals.

Exactly how will civic involvement help? I'm not disagreeing, I just don;t see how that will help.
 
 
+1 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 09:44
Criminals everywhere have better everything than the Police. I do not know if it is good or bad.

I do not believe the average junkie, deepset trauma or perhaps overload in brain should have weapons, they are the worst and they are what we are seeing on the news daily. Some Junkie needing drugs/alcohol or both, Parent who lost child in a killing or other problem, and genius or someone who lost everything.
these people need Support, HealthCare not weapons or ammo.
Drug Cartels unless you are involved with them are not shooting up movie theaters here or driving in neighborhoods.. ..Neighborhood violence is a bunch of heehaws trying to prove who got more or some other drivel of the hour *control), Most Mafia, Cartels do not want publicity except within the circle.
This new crap going on is Bullies trying to take control of Government and have it all. Again you, and here in USA people should take a look at those areas who took back control get it working for you.

Guns like knives are just a means...wait til the Junkies have bombs...
 
 
0 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 09:38
Excellent
 
 
-5 # Holmes 2012-07-25 21:02
Good thesis. When will the reformation occur?

Sounds a bit like what we do in Australia re guns. Other that a few gun enthusiasts few complain. We do not want a repeat of Port Aurthur.

Remember that 1% of the population is potentially likely to develop an mental illness, and that smoking pot will increase the rate and likelihood of those at risk from developing psychosis. The Chinese found that out about 1200 or more years ago and so culturally suppressed its recreational use. So we need to keep any tools that magnify the potential to cause disruption to a minimum. Just as we do not encourage drink/driving. Too dangerous for all concerned.
 
 
+13 # James Smith 2012-07-26 06:16
Smoking pot increases the likelihood of psychosis? Where did you get that? Where are your citations?

When have you heard of someone high on pot getting into a fight and busting up a bar? WHen have you heard of a pot smoker committing burglary, assault, or murder to obtain money for weed?

There are already laws about driving or operating machinery when impaired with legal or illegal substances. IN any case, the legalization of marijuana has nothing to do with the article.
 
 
-2 # Holmes 2012-07-26 07:27
Sorry not clear. If stoned no problems then.

There has been in this part of the world considerable discussion about that. It just increases the likelihood and intensity of schizophrenia in persons (1% of the population) who are susceptible. Hence more mental illness. Met too many paranoid schizophrenics who blew their brains on pot.

We are talking about good mental health systems here. Guns and poor metal health is not a good mix.
 
 
+3 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 09:57
Then the Pot was mixed with Chemicals, Grown with Chemicals.
Afraid Normal has proof that your statement is not true.
If the person already had psych problems that adding anything does accelerate the
use of anything. they would possibly get high and have sides around nail polish.

Too many studies on MJ use for Medical Reasons that would blow that out. I also will say that as your impulses, eyesight etc deteriorates so will it on Drug or alcohol. I do know from people I met since I do support of people with diseases, that chemicals in greenhouses are used more to grow Pot to have stronger affects, grow quicker...there fore the side affects are from the fertilizers etc.
Those growing with natural circumstances as it should be if legalized, the THC quality is according to seeds, cross culture. I would love to grow and learn that but alas we are still in the Republicans can only Make Money on Drugs Age
 
 
+1 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 09:51
Second paragraph is happening among kids but they are smoking chemical compounds even legal crap that has chemicals in so I do see where people are stealing for smoke.

But If you are smoking an ounce a day and driving perhaps you should drive before. I am more afraid of drunk drivers, kid drivers and Cell Phone aholes.
 
 
+3 # bmiluski 2012-07-26 07:08
So the Chinese legalized opium....a much safer drug.
 
 
+1 # Holmes 2012-07-26 07:28
Well did not regard it as poorly. However the British East India Company opened up the markets with the opium Wars of the 19th century much later.
 
 
0 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 09:59
It should be an option for those dying. Otherwise it will kill you after long use as dose any drug.
 
 
0 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 09:58
Til your liver and kidney shuts down from immunity loss.
All things have consequences. Finding pure O Good Luck
 
 
+1 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 09:49
Unless you are using Monsanto to grow your Pot..that is bs.

I have seen more assholes out with guns in hunting season or at ranges that are drinking as I do know drive drunk.

I do not see the person using MJ for pain out on ranges, people using that are dying in hospices shooting. Hippies were more advocates of Love. Corporate Growers are not in the same category.
But I know people in their seventies and eighties that have smoked for rec and now medical reasons, they are probably the saner of the lot, They love children, animals, earth. Few of them have guns.
 
 
0 # Livemike 2012-08-02 17:43
Yeah of those 1% who develop mental illness how many who aren't on certain meds shoot up places? Pretty much nobody. Yes Australias largely didn't complain about the gun bans, but they didn't make anything better. There is ZERO evidence for gun restrictions making anyone safer, except for criminals.
 
 
+3 # RICHARDKANEpa 2012-07-25 21:15
I am excited that articles by three gun owners appear on ReaderSupportedNews,

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/335-156/12554-58-murders-a-year-by-firearms-in-britain-8775-in-us#comment-202371

In the past the shrillest most stanch advocates on both sides dominated the debate when it came to hot button issues. Something new is happening I wonder where it will all lead.
 
 
+6 # Patch 2012-07-25 21:26
I have said this same thing for years and the only people who should oppose this are those who intend to do harm with their gun. In other words, criminals. Thank you Carl Gibson for bringing this up.
 
 
+1 # John Locke 2012-07-26 06:29
Patch: I disagree, one of the sticking points that many are concerned about is the gun registration requirement. With gun registration comes gun confiscation by the government. Remember an unarmed populace is easy to control by any tyrannical government! And if you think the US government is benign you are living in a different dimension from me!

I am not that naive!
 
 
-2 # Holmes 2012-07-26 07:29
Is the USA that fearful? You have the largest military in the world. Whats wrong?
 
 
+1 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 10:04
We have idiots like NRA who make lot of money to scare the heck out of people by Victimizing them.
Then we have people who do not care about other Humans at all, no matter how old, what color.
You didn't think these Clowns who promote guns and killing aren't these newage Christians. If it was up to some Churches you could probably come to service with weapons of . Got to love Democracy and all the s__t that comes with it... Lately seems to be more compost that caring humans
 
 
+2 # Regina 2012-07-25 21:59
BRAVO!
 
 
0 # Gamagaeru 2012-07-26 00:23
I like your argument but mass killers are smart logical folks who study and plan. They will pass the test. They will make up a good story. Guns just do not belong in the hands of ordinary people. Same as powerful explosives, A-bombs, and other too dangerous goods. Or we are doomed to more and bigger killing fields.
 
 
+2 # shraeve 2012-07-26 00:35
Two points:

(1) Owning a gun is a constitutional right. Owning a car is not.

(2) The "mentally ill" drive cars. In some states they are not supposed to, but no one enforces the law. Yet an automobile is just as much a lethal weapon as is a firearm.
 
 
+1 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 10:05
Mentally ill own guns too, knives, liquor bottles
 
 
-1 # shraeve 2012-07-26 20:22
And they very seldom commit crimes with those weapons. What about the many "mentally ill" who own guns who do not do murder?

The "mentally ill" are to present-day America what the African-America ns were to America 100 years ago.
 
 
0 # James Smith 2012-07-26 02:27
I have an essay on this very idea at: http://slrman.wordpress.com/2010/10/22/guns-or-no-guns/

I wrote it some years ago, but it's the same type of thinking.
 
 
+6 # Scooter721 2012-07-26 02:34
And then, of course, all the crazies will somehow be forced to buy their guns by legal means. The only way you can commit mayhem with a car is to buy one legally, right? Drugs are regulated, you can't get those. "In any massacre the law abiding are violated twice. The dead, by the psychos that kill them. And the living, by the politicions who try to disarm them for the next psycho!"
 
 
+6 # guido 2012-07-26 03:58
This young man makes way too much sense.
Excellent argument.
 
 
+4 # Bruce Gruber 2012-07-26 04:28
So simple, direct, considered and plausible. The fearful fanatics, always ready to bristle and fight against the 'unseen' enemy just beyond their front door - whether stranger, neighbor or government public servant - will pounce with emotion.

Many of THEM are quick to justify putting a 10 year old behind the wheel of their car to experience 'growing up'. Often THEY cannot admit income that is 'off the books' and share in the financing of public support policies in which they take part (from hospital emergency rooms to social security and disability income). I suspect analyses of drunk driving, drug addiction and distribution, spousal and child abuse, tax avoidance, racial and religious intolerance and paranoia about 'government' would correlate heavily.

Because of my humanitarian inclination and progressive bent, my own personal bases would lead me to expect THEIR fears and distrust of 'society' or 'intellectuals' making decisions about policies and priorities. Respect for 'authority' and wealth, as with serfs' and peasants' submission to the will of Knights and Kings, may keep us in the dark - subject to a declining natural environment and exploitation by the 1%.

Perhaps the NRA should offer voluntary registration, licensing, training, etc. allowing reasonable citizens to accept responsibility over 'freedom' from it. Membership increases in NRA might change the dynamic of the organization's philosophy.
 
 
0 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 10:10
No I believe there would have to be a membership decrease for NRA to understand.
If everyone just said no more dues...than perhaps they could still exist on ads, guns, ammo but one must bring reason to those by taking away their money.

NRA are a money controlled, egotistical Corporation who laughs at us all. Stopped membership in family and friends when ReaGun took Office and Charltan Heston thought God Was NRA
 
 
+2 # peggym 2012-07-26 04:52
Brilliant!
 
 
+3 # wrknight 2012-07-26 05:39
Makes good sense!
 
 
-12 # speedracer 2012-07-26 05:51
Carl Gibson is a prime example of why we do not let 25 year olds run for the presidency. His answer, while thoughtful, is sophomoric and uninformed. The real reason that we do not treat car ownership and licensing in the same manner as gun ownership is that the powers that be decided that driving a car should be a PRIVILEGE instead of a right. Had automobiles been in service when the Bill of Rights was written, things might have turned out differently. As it was, the Congress reasoned that basic transportation was so essential to ordinary living that no one (including neophyte egg-heads) would ever dare to question anyones RIGHT to move about the country at will. That is, until about 1900 when the automobile began to take America by storm. And, just to make things perfectly clear for the altricial Mr. Gibson, nobody realistically considers carrying his car around stuck in his hip pocket for protection against some crack-head robber thug bent on murder. rape or mayhem. Respectfully submitted, Ed Pratt
 
 
+1 # John Locke 2012-07-26 06:35
speedracer: You raised a very good point, Driving a car is considered a priviledge, owning a gun is a right!
 
 
+2 # Interested Observer 2012-07-26 06:03
Without disagreement in principle there it is no simple matter to get around the legal issue. Gun possession is a right (skipping over that militia business for now), driving is a privilege (as they taught us in driver's ed.). Extending the list of who can't possess a gun from felons (and the NRA favors laws that loosen even that I have read, the top priority being unrestrained gun ownership at any cost) to the unlicensed and untrained will be difficult but not impossible. All it takes is a little help from the supreme court on the definition of "infringement". That will not happen any time soon but may not be impossible by applying the same flexibility now being given to habeas corpus and due process on behalf of "homeland security" to a different area.
 
 
0 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 10:12
I know Felons who have Guns...in their homes. That is against the Law. So I believe Justice is not going to check them out until someone dies.
 
 
0 # John Locke 2012-07-26 12:56
KittatinyHawk: I knew a Felon in Las Vegas that had a concealed weapons permit...its a matter of corruption and who you know
 
 
+1 # shraeve 2012-07-26 20:27
Maybe they only keep those guns for self-defense. People with felony records can be victims also.
 
 
0 # shraeve 2012-07-26 20:26
As someone who loves his guns, I would not mind a training requirement, at least to carry.
 
 
+8 # GeorgePenman 2012-07-26 06:25
The US is exceptional in gun violence.

Considering Aurora, Virginia Tech, Columbine, Tuscon (Gabby Giffords), and widespread mayhem on American streets, politicians should pass sensible gun control laws.

Ban high-capacity magazines.

Ban assault weapons.

End the gun show loophole.

Track large transactions involving explosives, ammunition, or firearms.

Improved background checks might keep disturbed individuals from acquiring or possessing such weapons.

Sign the petition to urge Congress to pass sensible gun legislation at
http://www.seconnecticut.com/guns.htm
 
 
+1 # John Locke 2012-07-26 06:42
GeorgePenman: In Iraq they kill hundreds with a bomb and not even a gun! Mostly they will use a car to detonate the bomb.

Since Driving is a privilge cars should be better regulated ya think?

here in America more people are killed by cars then by guns!

everything goes back to which is the worst offender...Cars win!
 
 
+1 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 10:19
However, the people using them as bombs have explosives in them DUH. Whether cases of alchol, Paint Thinner or more sophisiticated plastique. The Vehicle is the gun.
Most people would go to dealership and sign forms that they do not intend to use their vehicle as a weapon, wouldn't they?

What would you do to Manufacturers of Paints, Thinners, Fertilizers etc stop them from selling their products, lose more jobs but continue funding the NRA and Gun Corporations Please

People are the Offenders everything else is the apparatus we use
 
 
0 # John Locke 2012-07-26 12:58
KittatinyHawk: Very well said! I gave you a thumbs up!
 
 
0 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 10:15
already done. I believe perhaps finger printing could help since phony id is so easy.

Argument about this is good keeps us thinking but no one save myself has brought up phony id. Or having those guns no one knows about, no registration than they are stolen....
How about Guns in Lock Up...do not get melted down in many cases file off reg numbers and dupe them on someone they want.
 
 
0 # shraeve 2012-07-26 20:28
No background check would have prevented the suspect in Aurora from buying a gun. His record was clean.
 
 
0 # LonnyEachus 2012-07-26 21:05
Here's the problem you aren't taking into account:

EACH of those shootings, including the mass shooting in Killeen Texas, although possibly not Tucson, I'd have to look that one up... but most all school shootings and nearly all mass shootings, AND the vast majority of handgun murders in the U.S. every year, all have one thing in common:

They all took place either in an area where it was ALREADY ILLEGAL to have a gun, or it was ALREADY ILLEGAL for them to have a gun for one reason or another (like prior felony convictions), or the gun was purchased illegally in the first place.

Dude... these numbers do nothing but PROVE that more laws won't accomplish anything.
 
 
+1 # GeorgePenman 2012-07-26 06:26
http://www.seconnecticut.com/guns.htm
 
 
+2 # ABen 2012-07-26 07:41
In a rational society, it should be difficult to buy a gun, and harder still to own a weapon that is not designed specifically for hunting. There is no practical reason for owning an assault style weapon (AR-15, AK-47, Tech 9, etc). That is unless you hear 'black helicopters' overhead at night and are certain the 'gubmint' is planning to take away all your lethal toys. In that case, I suggest counseling as no amount of weapons or armor will salve your paranoia.
 
 
+3 # John Locke 2012-07-26 13:00
ABen: Would you describe NDAA as paranoia?

Would you go willingly to be imprisoned indefinately when you knew you had done nothing wrong?
 
 
+1 # ABen 2012-07-26 19:18
Locke: On your first question, yes the NDAA is clearly the result of paranoia--natio nal paranoia.
On your second, of course I would not, but the way to fight such an unjust action by a government, any government is not with a weapon. In a fire fight between an armed civilian and organized authority, who do you think is going to win. There are other more rational and productive ways to fight corruption and injustice. As soon as triggers are pulled, rationality goes out the window.
 
 
+1 # LonnyEachus 2012-07-26 21:08
On any large scale, it would be the people who would win. For several reasons, but among them:

Most U.S. soldiers won't fight civilians. They took an oath to uphold the Constitution, not the current government.

Of the few that are left, you still have a civilian population that is massively more armed than any army you could drum up. You could let the entire U.S. military loose in the United States (which could never happen; see above) and they would still be vastly outgunned. Sure... they have more powerful, high-tech weaponry. What would that accomplish? They still (as Iraq and Afghanistan clearly demonstrated) have to be human sometimes. And that weakness would be found.
 
 
0 # John Locke 2012-07-27 07:18
ABen One point that needs to be addressed by your position...How would you defend yourself without a gun, if you were arrested tomorrow by this government under the auspices of NDAA, not allowed an attorney, no phone calls and no charges, just being held indefinitely, and perhaps in isolation!

Give that some thought because that is the choice...either surrender to this government under those circumstances or tell me what other plan you would have to defend yourself without a gun over false charges and to effectuate your release…Remembe r there will be no trial by a jury of your peers!!!
 
 
-6 # JackB 2012-07-26 07:57
This is liberal nonsense. This is feel-good stuff. Ignore the real problem but address something that can be done - go after law abiding citizens. Pass a law & feel righteous. This will not address the problem of crimes using guns - which is what the issue is supposedly all about.

Who is going to sign up the criminals, administer them tests, issue licenses etc? Gibson? Nah.

Over 90% of crimes using guns involve illegally owned weapons. If all these recommendations were put into effect decent, law abiding citizens would be impacted & the criminals ignored.

Leave it to liberals to dream up a solution to reducing crimes using guns by ignoring the criminals' weapons & going after those of law abiding citizens.
 
 
+1 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 10:22
Like yea only Liberals are bitching about the guns. Like the Liberals are the ones who sold the ammo and guns to this killer and all the others. Liberals are just such a minority...It is Rethugs who are the problem...and in most cases criminals also
 
 
+1 # John Locke 2012-07-26 13:07
KittatinyHawk: sorry I disagree with you and agree with JackB: The idea is to find a way to eliminate criminals or potential criminals from acquiring guns not law abiding citizens...

However there is No way! All regulations will affect law abiding citizens... Guns will always be available for the criminal, and if not a gun some other lethel item...

also don't forget the Theatre shooter appears to have been either insane, or on some drugs or? He was not a criminal before he fired into the theatre!
 
 
+1 # venusman 2012-07-26 08:49
I am distressed that it's perfectly OK to have an AK-47 for deer hunting, but I can't use hand grenades. Just because the Second Amendment was written without hand grenades in mind doesn't mean they can't be grandfathered in. I'm sure if this issue is run by the Supreme Court, they will vote 5-4 to support my viewpoint. The NRA would certainly see the merits of my argument.
 
 
0 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 10:27
I believe that if we want tanks we should have them. We can figure out how to arm them and run them.

Plenty of soldiers have brought back grenades so they are here and in some cases in hands of people who should be allowed to have a car no less a weapon

I saw too many in my lifetime, most were in hands of people who brought them back. I was amazed at those who killed themselves they did not use them, instead they ate the bullet.

I just thought what if the kid, what if the family dog got a hold of...Sure glad they didn't. Wars do funny things to people need to bring back weaponry makes no sense.

But if I was thinking I am going to be attacked hell, I want more than a rifle so let us all go and get some tanks, missiles. Become a Militia.
 
 
0 # John Locke 2012-07-26 13:09
venusman: You can acquire hand grenades just not legally!

If you want one just ask your friendly FBI Agent...I'm sure he will be helpful!
 
 
+1 # LonnyEachus 2012-07-26 21:13
Yes, you can have hand grenades. Unless your State bans them. There is no Federal law against them.

You simply have to fill out the proper paperwork and pay a $200 tax for each Class III firearm (grenades are Class III firearms).

There is a big Class III store in the state just next door. You can go there, fill out your Federal form, and walk out with a LEGALLY OWNED hand grenade.

No, I am not joking.

But this just illustrates the point: PEOPLE DON'T COMMIT CRIMES WITH LEGALLY OWNED FIREARMS ANYWAY.

It's extremely rare. And a new law would make not a bit of difference.
 
 
+4 # shnarg 2012-07-26 08:53
It's noteworthy that in the Virginia Tech and Gifford shooting, the shooters were certified crazies. They were none-the-less able to legally purchase guns because they passed the background check. Why, because the mental health community did not enter the data as they were required to do. Good laws bad enforcement. The people who didn't enter the data were complicit yet no recrimination.
In the Columbine shooting the perps were too young to have guns. Yet they were able to steal unsecured guns from family members and have a young adult buy one for them. There are laws requiring securing guns and against the straw purchase of guns. yet no one was prosecuted.
In the Aurora shootings I suspect the perp has a history of mental problems that was suppressed by the family , or the school. Or perhaps not entered in the database as in the first two examples. Colorado closed the gun show loophole after Columbine.
We have good laws now let's enforce them.
 
 
0 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 10:33
NRA wants crazies to have guns, who do you think they prey on besides the elderly, single parents... I have seen them in bars almost like recruitments.

Fingerprinting is nice to weed out felons and their immediate family but how do you fingerprint the brain.

Gun Shop owners are in business to sell guns. Ammo same. My biggest anger is Internet Sales to anyone. His apartment was a booby trap. Personally, who ever delivered those boxes to fill up that apartment I believe they should have wondered why so many firearms to one apartment. This was not some Bush or Cheney Ranch. I believe I would have wondered and perhaps raised my eyebrow after ten boxes. I see no mention of this either.
 
 
0 # Janeathena 2012-07-26 09:20
I live in Colorado and these tragedies break my heart but we need to keep it in perspective. The Colorado shooter would have passed any requirement you could think of. Anyone who is set to murder innocent people will figure out a way to do it regardless. I think all of us packing would deter crimes like that from occurring but evidence of such has yet to be seen since most people are not so dramatic they fear for their lives going to the movies.
 
 
+3 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 10:43
No More Sales of Weapons or Ammo on the Internet. It is not like you cannot go to GunShops, Chains of Sporting Supplies, Joing a Gun Club.
No more Guns Sold or Ammo at Gun Shows.
Want a Gun come talk to me at, give them a card. Keep Gun Shows for just that, showing weapons, giving information, seminars. But no gun sales. Keep business in Shops.
Sales of Guns must be done by someone 21 years of age who has a License to Sell Gun, Has had Classes/Certifi cation of how to do background checks. Competent People who understand Responsibility. I met a lot of shysters that would sell anything to anybody and these were Country Boys not some city slicker who knows someone, who knows someone.
Some Bumpkin whose friend died, wife needs some cash.

Finger Prints...if you have nothing to hide..than let's do a real background check. Anyone can get Phony Id. Obviously have. Not going to stop people from killing but would certainly make it harder to obtain weapons legally?

Everyone knows someone who knows someone, somewhere that lives somewhere, that could get something if you want something for a Price. Nough said...Cops, Gangs, a bum looking thru a dumpster.

Alcohol, keys to a car, please drive them home or say more prayers. Asleep at the Wheel...ooops. Heart Attack/Stroke. All vehicles are Weapons some more volatile than others...from a Wegmans truck to Nuclear Waste Truck. The can both kill
 
 
+1 # KittatinyHawk 2012-07-26 11:00
Worst Offenders are People. People who raise kids to have no respect. People who have no time to raise those kids they had and give them video games to kill people. People multi tasking while driving. People dropped their cigarette, their bottle, maybe the kids need something passed to them.
People with an attitude against something, somebody.
Brain is a hard drive. We pack so much into it, we are constantly getting so much information. We have daily stress from jobs or lack of, kids, parents, school, work, house, bills. We have illness, we are going to die. We read articles that say who cares, the world should end, USA is going to be worse.
Girlfriend dumps you, boyfriend strays, spouse dies, kid dies One day our brain is no longer ours, we think we have control but we are losing that battle so if we have no control...we fixate. Some suicide, figure out how to. Others due to issues we may never know..decide if We are all goin to die than I am going to start it.
Perhaps just bad time, no support, no one understands, world is going to hell, Someone gets you interested in guns, weapons, you do not know when it began or where it ended.

Not Liberal, Nor Conservative, not boy nor girl, not Christian nor Muslim. Just Human Being who decides to act out that Dream, Fantasy Vengeance. It does not matter how many. Does not matter what used. Lives were taken. Human did it. We do it every day somewhere.
 
 
+1 # RICHARDKANEpa 2012-07-26 11:08
Carl Gibson,you missed something.

When one wants to drive a bus one needs a special drivers license and another license to drive a big truck. Some people want to ban the huge three section trucks. You article would me more consistent if you asked for a special license for automatics not banning them.
 
 
0 # lamancha 2012-07-26 13:01
When are we, as a nation, going to realize that we must do things for "the common good", that we cannot possess every "toy" imaginable, if it has toxic effects on society at large? Burmese pythons were allowed to be imported as such a "toy" but then caused horrifying effects in The Florida Everglades when owners disposed of them there when their "pets" grew too large, costing the state tens of millions to try ( a losing battle ) to eradicate them. Since many who buy guns are intent to do harm, ALL OF US must be so protected - thus, like pythons that hamper the "common good", guns must be either regulated or banished altogether.
 
 
0 # MichaelSSmithNJ 2012-07-26 15:33
I agree with everything many of them I have suggested myself except the assult rifle bn or limits on magazine capicity. People have the right as long as they are not mentaly disturbed to have aaaaaany type of gun they want as long as they are no going to use them for some evil purpose. We keep getting the statments of people do not need fully automatic weapons and that is true but, there are many things that people do not realy need and yet we alow them to have them, I would also like to suggest as well that we require that before anyone can get a gun that they have to have a mental and psyciatric examination to see that they are mentaly stable and that all gun owners have to see a psyciatrist at least once every 6 months
 
 
0 # skylinefirepest 2012-07-28 20:07
Ok guys and girls, one last time...the AR15 is a SEMI-AUTO, magazine fed, short range rifle similar in everything but looks to your daddie's hunting rifle. I find it disappointing that there's always a bunch of talk about firearms from people who DON'T HAVE A CLUE what they are talking about. This guy went loony tunes and I'm not aware of anything short of another armed person in the theater who could have stopped him. Certainly the police presence at the mall didn't. He had a squeaky clean record and was a med student...what exactly would have tipped off all you commenters that he was a tragedy waiting to happen??? Michaelssmithnj ...semi-auto, dude, or haven't you bothered to read anything about the shooting.
 
 
0 # Livemike 2012-08-02 17:38
Ok, let's regulate guns like cars. Anyone can buy a car, with no limits on the size of the fuel tank or the engine, even known criminals who have used cars to kill before can buy them, and drive them on their own land. They can modify them to go faster, without informing let alone getting permission from, the government. So by your standards I could own a nuke the day after getting out of prison for killing someone with a nuke. DO THE GODDAMN RESEARCH!
 
 
0 # RICHARDKANEpa 2012-08-06 21:41
Attention Live Mike, some trucks are banned from the roads such as four trailer rigs and some large trucks are allow only on certain roads. Try to get a twenty car rig if you want or a missile to protect yourself with but don't expect any government to go along with your having it. Finally a little common sense instead of the blame game. Now that a worship service was attacked in Wisconsin I hope the blame game doesn't return.

Others please join me in trying to continue reasonable dialogue,

http://readersupportednews.org/pm-section/419-gun-control-/12803-amazingly-good-news-joker-wanted-to-kill-hundreds-but-only-killed-15
 
 
0 # RICHARDKANEpa 2012-08-16 20:47
Libertarian Vice President Candidate Jim Gray is a little off script on gun issues

http://www.youngphillypolitics.com/finally_common_ground_gun_control_libertarian_vp
 

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