Is this town real?

[Virgin Blue]

Hi

A friend of mine told me that somewhere in America, in the south he thinks, there is a town where by law everyone has to carry a firearm, even kids. Is he having me on or is this a real place?

Any information would be greatly appreciated as I would love to know what sort of crime rate this town has if it does happen to be real.

Many thanks

[pepe]

Yes it's true. And if you don't carry a firearm, they'll set your arm on fire.
Did you know there is a town up North, where all the people have wings and can fly? This is true also.

-Pepe-

[Virgin Blue]

Well unfortunately in this day and age when the words "guns" and "America" go together no story no matter how ridiculous can be discounted.

[Virgin Blue]

Not exactly the story I was told but I believe this might be the town

http://www.etherzone.com/2002/weat022602.shtml

[screaming_emu]

Well unfortunately in this day and age when the words "guns" and "America" go together no story no matter how ridiculous can be discounted.

If that's the case then you're severely retarded.

[tommyalf]

There are a number of towns in the U.S that require people to own firearms. The fact is most of these towns are back hill rural areas where the population generally isn't the most intelligent.

I do however agree with Virgin Blue, America and gun ownership seem to go hand in hand. With modern police forces to protect the public there is no need for private citizens to own handguns for protection. There are far to many violent acts caused by guns in this country. Take away the guns and you'll take away the instrument that causes violence.

[JeffinDEN]

There are far to many violent acts caused by guns in this country. Take away the guns and you'll take away the instrument that causes violence.

Funny, the ones I own just sit locked up in the basement. Never hurt a fly.

Guns don't hurt anything, it takes a person to do that.

What next Tom, take away kitchen knives? Baseball bats? Scissors?

Give me a break...

[screaming_emu]

There are far to many violent acts caused by guns in this country. Take away the guns and you'll take away the instrument that causes violence.

I agree with the first sentance, and in theory the second one would be a good idea in my opinion (probably because I dont really feel the need to own a gun), but if someone wants to commit a crime with a gun, they can find one somewhere. I dont think it would really help all that much. The only people who would really turn in their guns or what not would be the ones who are law abiding anyway.

[Greg]

If you really wanted to kill someone you don't need a gun to do it.

My pen is pretty sharp...

[Van Hoolio]

You know, I'd like to buy a gun but there are many other things I would rather spend the money on at the moment!

[PIAA310]

Ohhh yeah, i have been to that town....................



-PIAA310

[gocaps16]

yea, it's called Detroit

[Airigami]

Funny, the ones I own just sit locked up in the basement. Never hurt a fly.

Guns don't hurt anything, it takes a person to do that.

I have no doubt, Jeff, that your guns are locked up safely and I am sure that you are a responsible gun owner.

But... not everyone takes the same care with their firearms. That is the problem. It is not onlt guns being used in an offensive way, but the many incidents where children find unsecured guns and accidentally kill themselves or their playmate, using the gun like a toy. Trigger locks would go a long way to stopping these accidents, for example, but it is always so hard to pass such laws. I don't have a problem with people owning guns as long as they are responsible with them and keep safety in mind.

What next Tom, take away kitchen knives? Baseball bats? Scissors?

I admit that there are many crimes that you just cannot stop. If somebody really wants to harm someone else, they will no doubt find a way. But take, for example, a drive-by shooting. Could you really do that with a baseball bat? What about the Columbine High massacre - could that have had the same tragic results if the 'trenchcoat mafia' only had scissors and not guns? Guns are unique in their ability to inflict harm on a wider scale than many other categories of weapons.

Furthermore, I don't believe in hunting, but I also believe people should have the freedom to indulge in their chosen sport. So hence, there is a need for guns for sport shooters. But why then do AK-47s turn up on the street? In a society like our's there is no need for assault weapons. And if you need an assault weapon to hunt, then you must be a pretty bad shot.

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.

Yes, there is a Constitutional right to keep and bear arms. But there is also the intent of this Amendment that people be defended should the British come back some day. My interpretation of the Amendment is that people should have the right to keep and bear arms such that they are able to join a militia at a moment's notice to defend their country. It is all about interpretation. For example, the First Amendment states:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech...

There is also a Constitutional right to freedom of speech. Yet, we have libel and slander laws which prohibit people from abusing that right. And what about safety concerns, like shouting "Fire" in a theatre. You technically have the right to full freedom of speech, but there have to be limits.

Similarly, there should be limits on the Second Amendment. Yes, you have the right to keep and bear arms. But "arms" could be easily interpreted as nuclear missiles, and imagine how society would be if everyone was allowed to own a nuclear missile of their own. There have to be limits - i.e.,
* if you cite personal protection as a need for a gun, then I think a handgun should suffice - there is no need for an AK-47 unless you think that your house and your house only is going to be invaded by Mongol Warriors and the police or the military is not going to help you out.
* if you cite sport as a need for a gun, then I think a hunting rifle should suffice. Again, you do not need an assault weapon for hunting deer.
* and if you have one gun for personal protection and one more for hunting, at maximum you should only have two.
* and how does it abridge your right to keep and bear arms if background checks, three-day waits and trigger lock laws are imposed? You still get your gun - it's just safer and you just need to wait a couple days.

Anyway, they're my views. Although I am against guns in general, I recognize that people do have a constitutional right to own them, but at the same time I think that like any right, there should be at least some limits imposed.[/quote]

[JeffinDEN]

But... not everyone takes the same care with their firearms. That is the problem. It is not onlt guns being used in an offensive way, but the many incidents where children find unsecured guns and accidentally kill themselves or their playmate, using the gun like a toy. Trigger locks would go a long way to stopping these accidents, for example, but it is always so hard to pass such laws. I don't have a problem with people owning guns as long as they are responsible with them and keep safety in mind.

Same argument can be made for automobiles....wreckless driving, kids being leftto play in them etc. etc. It is the owners fault, not the vehicle's.

Anyway, they're my views. Although I am against guns in general, I recognize that people do have a constitutional right to own them, but at the same time I think that like any right, there should be at least some limits imposed.

Those "limits" only stop law abiding people from obtaining weapons... you know that.

So...do speed limits stop speeders? Do drunk driving laws stop drunks from driving? Do you want to limit the number of cars a speeder owns?

[uy707]

Completely agree with Airigami, for one JeffinDen who knows what he does, they are lots of pr*cks and whispersnappers who have access to firearms and other weapons. Was also upset, that in some areas when opening a bank account, you get a pump gun free !
Regards
Alain