Debate about Gun Control

[Warren Dew]

(04-21-2017, 04:50 PM)Bob Butler 54 Wrote:

(04-21-2017, 11:56 AM)Eric the Green Wrote: The question then is, why do the red partisans insist on foisting their gun (lack of) regimen on cities where guns are used to murder and steal from people, whereas the blue partisans are willing to compromise and let rural red folks have their shotguns that help them hunt or allegedly protect themselves and their crops from predator animals?

To many red partisans, the 2nd guarantees a right to self defense.  If you have been following my historical and legal notes over the years, you would understand quite well why they think that way.  That was simply the intent of the founding fathers.  For such partisans, giving up the ability to defend one's self is not a compromise.  It is the surrender of a basic right guaranteed under the Constitution.  Given that this is a question of values and survival for both sides, once one has chosen a side it is easy to see one perspective only and lose the ability to comprehend the other side.  I won't say I don't have opinions, but I will claim to comprehend why both sides feel so strongly.  Many are so values locked that they cannot comprehend opinions that conflict with their own.

Then there is the practical consideration of whether gun prohibition could be made to work.  As recent history has shown, it is far easier to make laws prohibiting guns than to enforce said laws.  There are well organized criminal cartels importing drugs.  That form of prohibition isn't working.  How would other forms of prohibition be expected to work better?

Now, if you want to pass laws prohibiting gun ownership by felons, the insane, terrorists, or similar folk, I'll go along with it so long as there is some form of due process.  One shouldn't lose guaranteed rights without due process.  I'll be dubious about the ability to enforce such laws, but if the blue states wish to make the attempt, I for one would not object.

Severe sentencing enhancements for crimes committed using a firearm have been effective in reducing firearm use by criminals.