In my home state of Minnesota, we just passed a right-wing led "concealed-carry" law enabling citizens to carry guns anywhere they wish.
Now, guns aren't my issue. I don't care about them. So far no one has ever shot me, and I expect things to continue at that pace.
As odd as this law sounds, I doubt that our gun death statistics will change much (partly because they're already high, and people have lots of guns anyway.)
But a lot of suburban people in our fair state appear convinced that a tidal wave of urban violence is about to do the Big Apple on their heads. (Mixed metaphors, you have no power over me!)
If life is truly dangerous, makes sense to pack some heat. I can find no fault with that logic.
I saw a poster that said "Armed Americans save 2 million people from criminal attack ever year."
It is comparable to saying: Deaths due to elephant rampage in the U.S. this year: 0, thanks to guns.
You can't argue with sound thinking.
But ...
This is happening the same week as the U.S. has announced plans to disarm the nation of Iraq. We see you with a gun , we shoot you.
Question here is: if Americans can arm themselves to be safe in a pretty safe country, why are Iraqis — to whom we are extending the benefit of our superior way of life — denied this right, in a country that is about as dangerous as they get?
And don't gun people always say: The first sign of tyranny is when the government takes away your guns?
And didn't all the lawn signs say: Liberate Iraq?
Well, how can people be free without the sine qua non of freedom, machines that punch holes in people?
I feel guilty even asking, but there it is.
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Article comments
1 - Al Barger
Iraqis need guns. Dirtbag Ba'athists and fedayeen types have all kinds of weaponry. Much like the logic in the US or anywhere else, only the nice law abiding citizens will willingly give up their guns.
Then when the US leaves, or just isn't there right that second, the little guys get run over because they can't defend themselves.
Confiscating guns has to be the worst one idea we've pursued of anything in Iraq since the war. Doesn't work here, and will work even worse there. The people may very well need those guns to defend themselves against a nasty rogue government if, for example, the mullahs manage to grab power
2 - Steve Rhodes
"And don't gun people always say: The first sign of tyranny is when the government takes away your guns?"
Actually Iraq is a great example of how specious that argument is. It was a tyranny where much of the population still had guns.
And it isn't as if they are trying to impose the kind of sensible gun control the great Great Britain has, it is only automatic and heavy weapons.
Lt. Gen. David McKiernan said, "The intent is not to completely disarm the Iraqi population of all weapons. That is neither practical nor necessary."
The article also says:
3 - Al Barger
A well armed citizenry is not necessarily invulnerable to a tyrant, as Iraq demonstrates. Still, guns will give the citizens at least a fighting chance.
The additional quotes in #2 do somewhat mitigate the situation. But even some relatively heavy armaments might legitimately be most useful in dealing with armed gangs, Ba'athists and just little mafiosos. They're not just talking about defending themselves against simple pickpockets and such.
4 - Steve Rhodes
Hell, might as well let them keep some grenades...
5 - Randy M
I don't think the soldiers are actively searching peoples homes looking for weapons. You all are right, it should be, and as far as I know is, the Iraqi peoples right to own guns. We must understand that right now our soldiers are getting fired upon still. Surely you understand the logic behind this statement: "If we see you with a gun, we shoot you." I don't much blame the troops in Iraq. They already have to deal with trying to distinguish Joe Shmoe's mom out buying food and some Islamic militant trying to blow up their damn fool selves and take a military check point out with her/him. Give every individual coming toward them a weapon and it complicates their decision considerably. We aren't denying the Iraqi people ownership, just putting their conceal and carry priviledges on hold for a while till the country finds it's feet, gets its own police force up to par. Now if any one can supply proof that we are searching house to house taking all weapons we find reguardless of their intended purpose then I'll jump on your band wagon, but if it helps the troops make that desicion on good guy/bad guy any easier and helps bring a few more of our sons, brothers, daughters home safely then GO TEAM!!