Private Gun Ownership - Good or Bad?

[peacetraveler22]

Last week, we had another mass shooting in America. A young college student deeply rooted in misogynist mentality, and frustrated by female rejection, decided to take a drive through a California college town and open fire, killing six people and wounding numerous others. As you know, guns are deeply rooted in American culture, and always have been. So why the recent proliferation of school and mass shootings over the last few years? I think in large part these tragedies are not a result of guns, but the sickness of society in general. After all, Americans have always been armed but the proliferation of mass shootings has been rather recent. Twenty years ago, or even ten, we didn't hear about such tragedies on a consistent basis.

People sometimes forget that the right to bear arms is expressly enumerated in the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Private gun ownership is a principle upon which my country was founded. We are the most heavily armed civilian population in the world, with close to 300 million firearms in the hands of civilians, including my family members. I am completely pro gun, and have always been surrounded by firearms. I shoot Rifles, a 9mm glock and .357 Magnum Revolver at the range under the supervision of my father. So, where is the delicate balance between respecting the Constitutional rights of U.S. citizens and preventing mass shootings?

I can't say there are any easy answers, nor do I know the best solution. For instance, in the most recent shooting, the culprit had a long history of mental illness. Police officers had even visited his house after worried calls from State mental health officials. Yet when they arrived, the shooter was completely calm and convincing. Thus, they had no legal grounds upon which to enter the home and search. If they had entered his room, they would have found his guns, his detailed plans for the massacre which he had been cooking for over a year, and other clear signs that something sinister was brewing.

People all over the globe are suffering from depression and other forms of mental illness, and they should not be under constant suspicion for seeking treatment. One simple way to mitigate widespread gun violence is to have tighter and consistent controls. Currently, gun laws drastically vary from State to State, and I don't claim to be an expert in nationwide legislation. Such knowledge is almost impossible. California is known as the strictest State, and Texas and my home State of Virginia are considered two of the most pro-gun locations in the nation. This is not surprising given that the National Rifle Association is headquartered only a 1/2 hour from my apartment. In Virginia, private citizens can openly carry firearms and I've seen it in restaurants, particularly in rural areas. Is it necessary? I don't think so. Only Washington, DC and Hawaii require all firearms to be registered.

Our founding Fathers made certain that private gun ownership will never completely become extinct in America, but this doesn't mean that laws shouldn't be changed. Some of the most strongly advocated solutions include:

(1) Background checks for all firearm owners
(2) Waiting period
(3) Registration of ALL firearms in every State
(4) For schools - allow teachers to carry firearms into the classroom and train them on use

What do you think? Do you wish Russia had more lenient laws for private gun ownership? What should America do to prevent these tragedies? I sometimes wonder if it's really possible to truly prevent a deranged person from committing these acts of violence. Even if tighter gun controls exist, they would likely still be able to obtain firearms on the black market. In the end, we cannot mandate good and evil, though an attempt should at least be made to control evil to the greatest extent possible.

Comments

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

You are not scared of a woman with a gun? :))

[girlspell.livejournal.com]

There really isn't anything you can do. Guns are allowed and I'm glad. We are protected in the constitution. Most shooting happen by people that are mentally ill. There are safe guards. This latest shooter was examined before by mental health experts. But mental illness is not understood very well. They slip through. He was able to purchase a gun legally. I'm not that much of a fan by the NRA. They are more for gun manufacturers then actual gun owners. But they are typical of all lobbying groups. They are there and it's legal. Crime wise, most guns are stolen. Still the track listing of how guns change ownership is a good crime tool. I'm not sure how it is for gun ownerships outside the U.S. I have no idea what countries they are allowed or not allowed to have a weapon.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Seriously!?! You're waiting for a prostitute to arrive? I also support worldwide legalization of the oldest profession in the world. So enjoy! :)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

You use the same girl, or different ones? Do you find online? 6000 rubles - high class!! :))

[anonymus.livejournal.com]

Great Russian sings said: "Rifle is a celebration!" :)
It`s true.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Variety is the spice of life! Have fun. Prostitution is worthy of an entirely separate post and discussion.

[fesma94.livejournal.com]

Definitely good to own gun! But more important to have proper laws,to protect gunner who protect own property and life.

[petro-witch.livejournal.com]

Actually 3 of 6 were killed by a knife and 2 of 6 were killed by his car. So, 7 people were injured by the shooting and 1 of these 7 is died. I'm wondering why all mass media are talking about guns? Why not about knives or cars?

[south-of-broad.livejournal.com]

Simple! They would have to admit " guns don't kill, people do ."

[moonrainbow.livejournal.com]

Oh, that IS a holywar topic!

I tend to be against private gun ownership. I believe that if you can own a gun, a criminal can, too, and your gun doesn't help you against the criminal if you are not ready to shoot at people (and criminals are easy with shooting).

But then I listen to my wife and she's a supporter! She says that a girl can't stand against man's brute force, but a gun in a girl's hand changes the game!

So even a family can't agree on this simple topic, do you really expect finding solution in a big society?

[south-of-broad.livejournal.com]

1 and 2 is already in place in some states. At least In SC , I also had to go to school in order to get concealed weapon permit. 3 is unconstitutional . Law abiding citizens will register their guns, criminals won't . So what's the point? 4- I am all for it! The sign on the door won't prevent evil from entering , the teacher with the gun will.

[leo-sosnine.livejournal.com]

America should do nothing about that. The problem about this guy and similar cases is just growing population. If people own guns sometimes they will kill each other with guns and that's inevitable. More population in size -- more cases like that. Of course guns make it easier for people to kill each other and banning guns completely will eventually lessen numbers of people injured in killing sprees, but won't stop killing sprees themselves, remember a recent knife killing spree in on american school?. People always tend to kill each other and it's not necessarily bad. This case was bad, however.

On the other hand, killing sprees can be stopped effectively by other people who carry their guns with them, so I support your suggestion on school teachers carrying guns.

Nice pic!

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I agree, the real problem is the person, not the gun. The NRA is the most powerful lobby group in America, that's why laws are so slow to change. All politicians, even Democrats who usually favor tighter gun restrictions, are scared of them. I don't know international gun laws either, it varies so much across the globe. But I remember reading Yemen is second to U.S. in civilian gun ownership.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

What about laws in Russia? A private citizen can own a rifle for non-hunting purposes?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Are there strict gun laws in Israel, I have no idea? Private citizens can own any type of weapon, or no? I certainly know all soldiers have them because I encountered so many during my trip at all of the checkpoints. :) And they all look like little kids carrying these huge weapons as a means of intimidation.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

This is a common analogy used by pro-gun activists. What about all the innocent victims killed by drunk drivers each year, yet people don't try to abolish automobile ownership!! It's a good comparison in my view. There's a constant debate in American mass media, especially after a tragedy like this. And, in this instance, one of the victim's fathers made a very passionate and heart wrenching appeal to law makers for tighter regulations. You can find his interview online.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

In Texas, you can shoot almost anyone, even if they trespass on your neighbor's lawn. Not your OWN lawn, but someone else's. But it's surprising to me that you're against all private gun ownership. What about for hunting, is it okay? I always knew Maria is a wise woman. :))

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

There is no schooling or wait period in VA, unless the laws have recently changed. Anyone off the street can go to a gun show (and there are a lot of them here!!) and buy a firearm on the spot. I don't think 3 is unconstitutional. We are required to register our automobiles and pay taxes, inspection fees, etc. on them. Imagine the uproar if we began to tax private gun ownership!!! :)) I'm an advocate for training, esp. in those States where you can openly carry a weapon.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

"People always tend to kill each other and it's not necessarily bad." :)) When is it not bad to kill others? The only exception is warfare or self-defense. I also like this photo. It was taken in the back of my dad's pick-up truck at Christmas time.

[girlspell.livejournal.com]

The NRA indeed is very, very powerful. They hold more power then the president. By far the most powerful of any organization in the history of the United States. Politicians (those that want to stay in office) live in fear of them. Even some gun owners are afraid of them. So far, all presidents have cowed in front of them. What does that tell you?

Yemen is lawless and run by clan leaders. I remember a war in Yemen (around the 1970's) between the north and south. I can't remember which half won. But it doesn't matter who is president. He has no power. All private weapons are banned in China. They were very easy to crush during the Tiananmen Square revolt. That kind of danger is the only reason why the constitution allowed citizens to arm themselves.

[moonrainbow.livejournal.com]

Well, I didn't say that I am strictly "against ALL types of gun ownership".
It is more correct to say I am against allowing to wear guns. But even there you will have reasonable arguments. Like protecting kids against certain mad people who just shoot in the schools.

[new-forester.livejournal.com]

I love it when the pro-gun people bring up the 2nd amendment. You forget that the Constitution is but a document. It was written by people and people can change it. It has been changed (amended) many times before and what makes you think it can't be amended again to repeal the 2nd amendment? There was a time when the 2nd amendment made a lot of sense. It doesn't any more. Self-defense is a myth. Does that person trespassing on your lawn really deserve a death penalty for his crime? Gun ownership takes justice from the courts and the legal system and puts it into citizens' hands, Wild West style. I am uncomfortable with that.

[skribacov.livejournal.com]

Право на оружие священная корова свободного общества

[anonymus.livejournal.com]

How would not, actually yes. Fine point :) Like all Russian legislation.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I agree the Constitution is a "living document" that should adjust with societal changes, but you can't underestimate its importance, particularly with respect to civil liberties. In fact, it has been amended less than 20 times in over 200 years despite over 10,000 attempts by legislators. The main exception was the Bill of Rights, of which the Second Amendment is a part. It will never be repealed. Impossible.

I agree a person trespassing on your lawn doesn't deserve to be shot, but once they enter your private home you should have a right to self-defense. I'm not sure why you think self-defense is a myth? What about alcohol? It also is a deadly weapon when people consume massive amounts and get behind the wheel and kill people in accidents. Should it also be banned? The number of very responsible gun owners FAR outweighs those who do harm, so things must be kept in perspective.