It is a form of warfare in urban settings. The recent spate of shootings in the United States have seen the assailants dressed in combat gear – in Aurora, Colorado, an Oregon shopping mall and the latest in Connecticut at an elementary school. And there is every reason to see the US as having an internal war which costs tens of thousands of lives on an annual basis.
The latest, most lethal round was the attack on an elementary school on Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. 26 individuals were killed by the gunman, 20 of those being children. (Additionally, the the suspected gunman, Adam Lanza took his life and his mother Nancy Lanza was found dead at her home.)
Adam Lanza might well have regarded himself as an urban guerrilla. He certainly behaved as one:
“Witnesses and officials described a horrific scene as the gunman, with brutal efficiency, chose his victims in two classrooms while other students dove under desks and hid in closets.”
The idea of having the most lethal weapons available to the public is not merely archaic but linked to a demonology of security and government. The more heavily you are armed, the safer you are not merely against your private citizens, but against foreign enemies – including the government of the day. The anti-federalist logic is unmistakable – government is the enemy, and the “feds” ought to mind their own business.
This translates into the most absurd logic: the killings might be averted if everyone else had had a gun to shoot down the gunman. The reductio ad absurdum of this is mayhem and the fragmentation of the state. The armed can only be deterred by the armed. Disarmament is tantamount to treason.
This logic has assumed its own political correctness, with the gun lobby becoming the unchallenged, the untouchable. Moving speeches might be made by Presidents of the day, but that’s the extent of that. After the January 2011 shooting of Gabrielle Giffords, the Democratic member of the US House of Represenstatives in Tucson, Arizona, left six people dead and 13 injured, President Barack Obama did just that, but avoided discussion about stricter gun laws.
His position, in fact, has been to support a stricter enforcement of existing statutes, a position in harmony with the aggressive and unrepentant National Rifle Association.
After the Connecticut shootings, Obama has similarly given little room for comfort in terms of what will be done. “We’re going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of politics.”
White House spokesman Jay Carney provided a perfect illustration of political inertia, deflecting questions on whether issues of stricter gun control should be discussed at all.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was unimpressed. “What we have not seen is leadership – not from the White House and not from Congress. That must end today.”
Even conservative figures such as David Frum have expressed concern at the pervasive influence of the gun lobby. After each massacre, he said, “there follows a great hushing: don’t you dare mention the most obvious reason for this unique American horror”.
For Frum, this had to stop: “It’s bad enough to have a gun lobby. It’s the last straw when that lobby also sets itself up as the civility police.”
Federal administrations have found effective regulation of the gun market difficult. Legal challenges over perceived encroachments of the US Constition’s Second Amendment are frequent and often successful.
At the state level, more favourable laws for the carrying of guns have been passed. There are more gun stores in the United States than grocery stores. While his programs and interviews tend to be more fluff than substance, Piers Morgan managed to put the enormous gulf between purchasing items for living and those for killing in perspective on his CNN program.
After the shootings, Morgan called for an internally affected disarmament program. A minimum of three references would be required, and “detailed vetting over 6-8 weeks.” No one under 25 should have a gun, nor should anyone with any mental health history. Other proposals include placing re-institutionalisation back on the table, given the chronic mental health issues that afflict various assailants.
Immediately, this is misunderstood as an assault on the Second Amendment, a blurring of the military and civilian lines of force. “If America were to ‘ban guns on anyone under 25’ then how would we have a military?” asked a confused Melissa Melton.
Frum’s own bitter riposte on Twitter to such a position is apt.
“Obviously, we need to lower the age limit for concealed carry so toddlers can defend themselves.”
John Coochey
Mr
What is actually the point of this article and what are "global studies" other than a sinacure?
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
I go with Justice Scalia (though he's generally a disgrace to us Italian Americans) -- Scalia intoned mightily that the words of our Constitution should be "interpreted as they were understood at the time".
The second Amendment really discusses the public's right to maintain a "well-organized militia" and adds the right to "bear arms" shall not be infringed.
What did "arms" mean in the late 18th Century? Aha, Scalia says anyone should be able to own a muzzle-loaded, single-shot per barrel…
Read moreJohn Coochey
Mr
This seems to be a cut and paste of another article but the reply is the same. Actual court rulings by US Courts are that the Second Amendment gives a right to own modern operational firearms What no one seems to know is how the shooter in the recent incident got his firearms, where they licensed were they legal? We do not know at this stage.
Paul Richards
strategic foresight
Could not agree more with every single word. But is America evolved enough as a community to see it from your perspective?
Over 80% of the community believe in theocracy and many of those in the literal interpretation of 'gods' law. Including the putting people to death for certain crimes. There is far more development to be done before implementing 'law' on national gun control.
But a start could be; a compulsory lockable gun cabinet for all the weapons.
As you say "Our police deserve this protection as well as do little kids." A secure storage facility in every gun owners home might just ease the 'gun lobby' into well modeled solutions.
Michael Hay
retired
Alex, I thoroughly agree with comments. This 2nd amendment is merely a good excuse for a country which is peopled with many who are lacking in moral standards. To assume that one must be armed in order to defend oneself against any neighbour is immoral thinking. Forming a Militia to defend oneself against a foreign enemy is another thing altogether.
Unfortunately, This agressive attitude is in tune with that of Israel's - and it stems from a strong belief in a God who forgives all sins, especially those caused by guns.
Roger Davidson
Student
Do you have a citation on the claim that the US has more gun shops than grocery shops?
John Coochey
Mr
Roger, you read my mind. Now we have a highly paid academic probably with tenure who in different circumstances could have been marking my papers and thus affecting my career. He has made a statement which I find preposterous, if he is right he should give his sources if not then his credibility is zero.
Dennis Alexander
logged in via LinkedIn
http://abcnews.go.com/US/guns-america-statistical/story?id=17939758#.UM5Cv6znn2s
US ABC News site with federal figures - more than twice as many actually. Perhaps you and Mr Coochey should purchas a couple and see how you fare at dueling. Preposterous Mr Coochey, you fail.
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
Thanks Dennis, and don't forget the Internet gun 'shops'!
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
Another "oops", eh John?
;]
So far , your 'papers' here are straight Fs.
John Coochey
Mr
My comment above rebuts Alex Canara yet again but that is not difficult. He also seems ignorant of the fact that mail order sales of firearms were banned after the JFK assassination. Alex it is better ro remain silent and be thought a fool than open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
Here you go John, order away...
www.walmart.com/browse/hunting/guns,-rifles-ammunition/4125_4155_1088608/
Get a buddy to pick it up for you. Your "mail order sales" imaginary "gotcha" means nothing. Better work on that F, John.
;]
Mat Hardy
Lecturer in Middle East Studies at Deakin University
Just for the sake of clarity, in the USA you can order/purchase guns online but they cannot be shipped directly to you. They are transferred to a licensed dealer near your location and they then must be picked up in person, forms signed etc. If you look on the Walmart link provided you will see that the actual firearms say "In store only".
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
Yes, Mat, Walmart needs pickup. But the point is how easily one can get an automatic weapon.
The "mail order" thing is irrelevant, except that you can do 'private' sales that way, if you know the seller, say from a gun show. In these cases, by mail or at a gun show (such a silly term), weapons are transferred with no checks.
Dianna Arthur
Dianna Arthur is a Friend of The Conversation.
Environmentalist
@ Roger Davidson
Is pursuing the number of gun-shops versus number of grocery shops the only way you can relate to another American mass murder?
Right to bear arms = Extreme Libertarianism
Which is always at someone else's expense, which this time included 20 children whose lives were brutally cut short because of someone's "right to bear arms".
For the record, I know how to shoot and I still hate guns. And we are still barbarians if we think that the only way towards peace is via the barrel of a gun.
Roger Davidson
Student
Dianne and Dennis,
Not quite sure why you are being so passive aggressive. I asked the author if there was a citation to the claim as it made me go "wow".
A simple, "this citation says this ... And this says this" would have sufficed nicely without making any comments about my political affiliation or personal attacks upon ones character.
It makes one rather hesitant to ask questions if one is to be attacked for it ...
Heather Morris
Research Fellow
After lengthy thought and discussion, the only way that I can see that the government can get around the second amendment is to regulate ammunition. That way the right to bear arms and form a militia is still intact. Bear them as much as you want but without a bullet you can't do anything with it. Now I'm not the smartest person in the room so why haven't I seen this idea floated? Allow an allocation of 10-20 bullets a year, put serial numbers on them and log who has what. Who needs thousands of rounds at home for your hand gun? If you truely have it for safety then surely 10 rounds in one year would be enough? While I see a number of large implementation holes and flaws in the idea surely it is a start?
Mark Amey
logged in via Facebook
You do realise that many gun owners make their own bullets, and hand load shells. It's not very difficult.
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
Heather, 10-20 bullets would have killed maybe 10-20 kids, so ok with you?
The problem is with the desire to sell products the gun manufacturers and dealers can legally make & sell.
You can have as many cartridges as you wish, but if you can't get a weapon that loads one automatically upon each trigger pull, then you're not going to empty more than a few rounds before someone drops you.
But, as Scalia said, muskets are even safer.
Keith Thomas
Retired
@Mark Amey. Not only do gun owners make their own bullets, hundreds of thousands of them do it. It's a full-blown hobby in its own right.
Someone recently made an AK-47 out of an old shovel:
http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/179192-DIY-Shovel-AK-photo-tsunami-warning
If the US moves to restricting possession of weapons like this, backyard gunsmiths will pop up across the country.
Paul Richards
strategic foresight
Keith Thomas commented; "......backyard gunsmiths will pop up across the country." Thanks for posting the link to the 'shovel' build.
You are right, this link demonstrates how 'socially acceptable' this killing minset is in the US. Fortunately in legislature we have adressed some of their pressing issues. However this required national consensus, it may be a long time before the US evolves enough to do the same.
This article in 'The Economist' touches on what is obvious as outsiders, their hypocritical attitude.
http://goo.gl/jRCV7
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
Hey Keith, we want "backyard gunsmiths" to have a chanvce -- they'll gradually kill themselves off!
These little logical 'gotchas' are another way the Economist article describes how wimpy arguments arise from those profiting from mass-produced-armament sales.
Kylie Cairns
PhD student
Actually John the media has been reporting that the guns were the shooters mothers, all three of them.
America doesn't need to ban guns, they just need strict laws about who should have guns, how they should be stored and stop the sale of semi-automatic high capacity guns to the public. There is absolutely no reason that a person (of the public) needs a high capacity semi-automatic weapon. Ever. Period. Guns and ammunition should be stored separately in locked cabinets (preferably requiring different keys). There should also be limits on the amount of ammunition held by public persons (at home).
Personally I wish the USA had a similar system to Australia. Although in my perfect world there would be no guns.
Michael Shand
Michael Shand is a Friend of The Conversation.
Software Tester
They only have the right to a "Well Regulated Militia being nessacary for the security of a free state...." - The context of bearing arms is clearly within a well regulated militia that is needed for security of your state.....
Is a private citizen part of a militia? no, not really
Do private citizens need guns to protect the state? no, not at all
Even if they did meet both of these....they still need to be well regulated, which they are not
This to me is the most obvious misunderstandings ever, individual citizens do not have the right to bear arms, the "People" do where the people are refferred to as part of a well regulated militia.......
Mat Hardy
Lecturer in Middle East Studies at Deakin University
It's not really a 'misunderstanding' when it has been continually upheld in court that there is a right to possess firearms for lawful purposes UNCONNECTED with any militia service http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/District_of_Columbia_v._Heller
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald_v._Chicago
Yes, we can rail against the anachronism of it, but it's sure as hell legal and proven.
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
Yes Mat, but the Supreme Court has also said that a municipality can adopt restrictions, as NYC and even responsible states have.
Michael Shand
Michael Shand is a Friend of The Conversation.
Software Tester
@Matt Hardy, Just because it is upheld doesnt mean its not a mis-understanding. The founders also said all men are created equal with inaleinable rights......except for the slaves of course.....It was later recognised that this applies to all 'men', just because one interpretation is upheld by the current powers that be doesnt mean its correct and that doesnt mean it cant be over turned or reinterpreted in a more accurate manner
Chris Borthwick
logged in via Facebook
The really odd thing is that rightwing Americans believe simultaneously that
(a) citizens with assault rifles can provide an effective check on tyranny by exercising their ability to overthrow the government, and anyone who suggests otherwise is a traitor.
(b) the American army should have no trouble putting down revolts by heavily armed insurgents in Vietnam/Iraq/Afghanistan/whatever, and anyone who suggests otherwise is a traitor.
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
It's all about $ for the gun industry and for groups that exploit fools who believe the NRA, etc.
And other countries suffer our cupidity as well, likely Mexico the most.
John Coochey
Mr
PROBLEM SOLVED IT WAS THE SAFE THAT DID IT! It was not necessary to repeal the Second Amendment, it was not necessary to ban automatic rifles, it was not necessary to ban prozac. The latest press reports indicate the mother, the first victim, shot with her own firearms which were not locked away. So all that needs to be done is make firearm owners have and use proper storage facilities. Problem solved. In regard to someone who thinks restricting firearms lowers suicide you only have to look at the Queensland case where restrictions were brought in before 96, suicides did decline in the next year but soared in the subsequent periods to make up the deficit as it were. This is almost the universal experience when one method of suicide is removed, eg coal gas in the UK being replaced by North Sea gas, the rate will drop momentarily and then rise in subsequent periods using alternative methods
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
You really are desperate, eh John? If you want statistics, just examine our cities in the US and compare stats -- here, I'll help -- NYC has the strictest gun laws and best enforcement of any US city. It has the lowest crime and murder rates as well.
But you can also study other countries, especially given that most any other has better laws than the US does.
By the way, what 'manly' things do you do with your automatic weapons?
John Coochey
Mr
Regarding the ridiculous statements about more gun stores than groceries Dennis Alexander and others should learn to read references before they cite them. The reference claims 36,569 supermarkets (not grocery stores) which emply 3.4 million people which I calculate at 36 and a half thousand per store. Not your mom and pop corner store. Either the facts are wrong or we are talking about supermarket chains. Pleas god will someone actually do some research.
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
"There are more than 129,817 federally licensed firearms dealers in the United States" ATF.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/guns-america-statistical/story?id=17939758#.UM5hz6y5X5w\
We're over 17,000,000 background checks this year, so far, which of course misses the 'private' sales at "gun shows"
Do your own "research" here, John...
http://gunshowtrader.com/gun-shows/
Whatever you imagine your point is John, you still get an F, and not just for being lazy in doing the "research" you hide from.
Dennis Alexander
logged in via LinkedIn
Ridiculous Mr Coochey, you fail again. Perhaps you should do some research. http://www.fmi.org/research-resources/supermarket-facts shows the full range including the following:
Limited-Assortment Store - A low-priced grocery store that offers a limited assortment of center-store and perishable items (fewer than 2,000), e.g., Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Save-A-Lot.
Other - The small corner grocery store that carries a limited selection of staples and other convenience goods. These stores generate approximately $1 million in business annually. (looks to include mom & pop stores to me)
Really, perhaps you should just give up because so far you have not provided a shred of evidence or argument across any of these stories that holds up under any kind of scrutiny. Can you actually read and are you actually numerate (averages have tails at both ends, you know)?
John Coochey
Mr
Dennis Dennis please relevant point only. In any case we now know the cause of the tragedy was improper storage of firearms so the number of grocery stores is irrelevant unless they were selling safes.
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
John John, John, "we now know the cause of the tragedy was improper" firearms
Again, John, let us in on how you wisely use your automatic weapons for manly, useful purposes.
Why so quiet, John?
;]
John Coochey
Mr
Actually Alex I have studied us stats and been published on them. You are wrong or lying stating that those states with the strictest gun controls have the lowest crime rates if anything the reverse is true e.g. Washington. The control advocates try and explain this by stating that guns are bought elsewhere in imported but if that is the case and guns cause crime why are crime rates widely different between US States and between different ethnic groups?
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
Yes, John states can have good laws and leaky borders, but the stats still show a beneficial effect in states with strong gun laws. Cherry pick all you like.
What you suggest is that no states should have such laws, until all have -- kin of like having no food safety laws, eh John?
Well, that's indeed what fedaral law is for. And that';s exactly what our Assault Weapons Ban achieved until its lobbied demise.
So your statements prove, as usual,, nothing.
John Coochey
Mr
Well Alex, I call your bluff, citations please and make them relevant.
John Coochey
Mr
Actually again Alex many of the so called grocery stores (ie supermarket chains would themselves have dealers licences so the y could sell ammunition. You would recall the largely falsified "Bowling for Columbine" which accused a local supermarket chain of supplying the ammunition used. As I have already pointed out the numbers do not stack up.
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
Good try at diverting attention from the causes -- automatic weapons -- to stores & ammo, John. But you well know that's not the argument or a valid point.
Colorado just had >4000 gun purchases over this weekend -- a record. The federal ID checking system was burdened beyond its usual minutes to respond, to 19 hours.
This is exactly what the gun manufacturers love -- scared nutcases thinking their gun rights will be trashed because their clubs & suppliers aided the killing of little kids.
So, again, for the mth time, John, please tell us how you productively use your automatic weapons in a manly way.
We're all eras & eyes!
;]
John Coochey
Mr
Just to put Alex's ravings to rest here is the official FBI website on the actual number of homicides in the US
http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2011/crime-in-the-u.s.-2011/tables/table-4
You can easily see that NY, Alex's favorite, has a murder rate three time that of Hawaii and a tenth of that for Puerto Rico which supports my point that US violence is largely ethically based.
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
You need to do a better job of studying the stats before you prop up some site, John. The NYC gun-death murder rate is indeed lowest of our big cities, whether by total or per capita.
And, your selective stat interpretation avoids the reality that the states with the lowest gun-murder rates are the ones with the strictest gun laws, including my home state of NJ -- number 48/50, right between NY & CN.
Again, John, when will you condescend to inform us of how you productively use your automatic weapons?
You seem so vocal otherwise, here.
Comment removed by moderator.
John Coochey
Mr
Once again Alex is lying, (that is becoming a tautology) in claiming a low murder rate for NY and linking that to tough gun laws. What about Washington with the toughest restrictions in the US? Here a few of the real figures , Ny has 5.6 per 100,000 San Diego 3-.1, Honolulu 1.5 and El Paso (the opposite side of the border to Ciudad Juarez notorious for its murder rate) 1.9. Once again for those who can read http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2012/tables/12s0309.pdf
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
Keep trying John, your selectivity might reach a fact or two eventually.
So, when are you going to tell us how you use your automatic weapons in manly, productive ways? C'mon John, of all people, we look to you for guidance on such.
;]
Danielle James
retired
I do not know what the situation in the armed services is now, but previously ordnance had to be accounted for.
If those having guns in the US had to have a police permit to account for purchasing bullets based on requirements for any individual, perhaps this would go someway to resolving the issue of that notorious and achronistic amendment. If assault weapons can't be banned, at least purchasing bullets for them could be.
As another pointed out, people can make bullets themselves, but for automatic assault weapons ...?
And, all weapons should be not only broken, but also locked in a safe. Perahps this also be checked by
police when permits for bullets are sought, or indeed a condition for permits for gun purchase.
Keith Thomas
Retired
Binoy refers to David Frum complaining that the gun lobby is 'setting itself up as the civility police' by suggesting that immediately after the shooting is not the time to begin the political debate on tighter gun control.
This YouTube video, dated 19 December, puts the position of one American who is opposed to tighter gun control and who is also concerned about the incivility of the restrictors:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX5ahKdK3Gk
This is a good example of the view from the American heartland and, about halfway through, he tells us (people from outside America) that we have no standing in this debate.
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
Keith, the guy is scared and BSing as fast as he can. The vast majority of NRA members want our Assault Weapons Ban re-instated, and the gun-show absurdity eliminated. The majority of Americans self-identifying as Republicans are even more in favor of that -- >80%.
We're seeing the same behavior as from climate deniers -- playing victim to be allowed to bully.
The interesting fact is that the NRA was pro-gun regulation and never even mentioned the 2nd Amendment, until its leadership was co…
Read morePaul Richards
strategic foresight
Alex Cannara said ""DoD (FBI, ATF...) calling. We will buy no more weapons from you, unless you stop all production of semi-/full-automatic guns for public sale.."
An overview dictates this is the logical solution. However does the intergal nature of many value systems within government and the NRA make this realistic?
Great insight into the history of the NRA, are you a member?
This is the third time for this question; "why do you have a weapon?"
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
PaulR, you keep count of questions you think you've asked?
I have guns because I like shooting & becsause one is an atique picked up by a relative who was a federal agent during Prohibition..
If I'd had one when any of these gutless semi-/full-auto jerks was rampaging , I'd have shot him -- very carefully, many times., in many non-fatal locations, just to see what he thought of being shot when helpless.
Got the idea Paul?
Yes, I have family in the NRA, and >70% of NRA members polled recently agree with no legal need for semi-/full-automatic weapons in civilian hands.
By the way, the idea of DoD, etc. making that call was presented to Pres. Clinton at the time of the writing of our previous Assault Weapons Ban.
Yes, politicians don't lead, they follow, much as some ego-midgets in gun groups do. How else could Wayne LaPierre get his $1 million salary to help him abet killing little kids?
;]
Paul Richards
strategic foresight
Alex Cannara said; "I have guns because I like shooting ............. I'd have shot him -- very carefully, many times., in many non-fatal locations, just to see what he thought of being shot when helpless. Got the idea Paul? "
Yes, I have. Thank you for sharing more of your values with us all. Still unclear if you are an NRA member. But understand you and your family are grounded in NRA values. Hope that is a fair assessment.
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
PaulR -- "Still unclear if you are an NRA member"
Is that to you like asking if someone believes in God, Paul?
The NRA is one of many gun groups in the US, most of which have more responsible leadership.
.
Paul Richards
strategic foresight
Alex Cannara commented: "Is that to you like asking if someone believes in God, Paul?"
Hey Alex, since you live in a country where over 80% believe in a theocracy, it is understandable you could asume that. However now that you brought it up, thinking about it. Many have projected their 'faith' onto weapon ownership and use.
Since my question clearly was not broad enough, here is another try; "are you affiliated with weapon association and is it influential?"
Before you say it; 'yes it is two questions and 'influence is subjective'. I grok this.
Straight talk, is all I ask for, is that ok? But we all enjoy your embellishments ; )
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
Paul, why are you so curious about my affiliations? I'm not a member of an "influential" gun club because influence in our past system has been directly proportional to $ wielded by organizational lobbying.
Remember? We have the best democracy money can buy.
;]
Paul Richards
strategic foresight
This is starting to feel like charades : )
Alex Cannara commented: "Paul, why are you so curious about my affiliations?"
For one, it goes to the heart of your personal value system and helps me understand your perspective.
Secondly, my field of study is strategic foresight, we have covered this before.
Thirdly, it is relevant to the 'article' we are both commenting on.
My values are no better or worse than yours from my perspective, just different. So Alex, are you affiliated with a weapon association / club / group / chapter etc.etc ?
Before you say it - http://goo.gl/bGuGW
I can assure you "we can handle the truth", it is in our national character to have blunt and direct discussion.
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
PaulR, you seem to have lots of time to waste here. We all may enjoy the "Code Red" soliloquy, where someone in a position of responsibility violated his profession's code to assuage his personal belief.
What's relevant to this articile and discussion? What's you point?
Paul Richards
strategic foresight
Alex Cannara commented; "What's relevant to this articile and discussion? What's you point?
It may be hard to grasp, but your perspective is valuable.
So Alex, are you affiliated with a weapon association / club / group / chapter etc.etc ?
We have established you are 'shy' about it, have avoided the question.
If anyone needs to explain dry Australian humour it will take all day, so forget the poor attempt at humour.
You can be straight with us.
Are you affiliated with a weapon association / club / group / chapter etc.etc?
Repeating; your perspective is valuable.
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
Uh oh, here's PaulR with the royal "we"...
"We have established you are 'shy' about it, have avoided the question."
Seems you;'re the only one who cares, Paul, about my cousin's 250-acre gun range. Are you feeling left out and want an invite?
By the way, who got fed up with your self-righteousness and made you Inquisitor?
;]
Note "we" don't care what you do.
Paul Richards
strategic foresight
Alex Cannara commented : "By the way, who got fed up with your self-righteousness and made you Inquisitor?" Self righteousness is your perspective, given you are surrounded by the bible bashing 'moral majority' that comment is a natural.
Alex Cannara said "... my cousin's 250-acre gun range. Are you feeling left out and want an invite?"
Probably, if you were not over 13,000 Klicks away.
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
PaulR, no one can say you don't take yourself too seriously.
;]
"you are surrounded by the bible bashing 'moral majority'" -- want to read that again, for logic, Paul?
As for using "Klicks", an American invention, how about trying a bit less posturing, eh Paul?
;]
Paul Richards
strategic foresight
Alex Cannara commented "... -- want to read that again, for logic, Paul?" You are within the the 'god fearing' 'moral majority'. Ok, stand corrected. : /
Alex Cannara said ; " As for using "Klicks", an American invention". The take on 'posturing' is a projection.
Definitely guilty of using 'futurist' language though. Heinlein brought Klicks, Grok and more words into common use.
Smeg, Heinlein was not the only futurist / scifi contributor to the colloquial English though, left of your centre maybe, but yes American. ; )
Commiserations on the current shooting : |
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-22/three-shot-dead-as-gun-reform-debate-intensifies/4441598
Alex Cannara
logged in via LinkedIn
Paul, no one's listening!
Maybe in the future, as a futurist might hope.
;]
Dianna Arthur
Dianna Arthur is a Friend of The Conversation.
Environmentalist
@ Keith T
"backyard gunsmiths will pop up across the country."
Yet this is not the case in other western democracies; Canada, Britain, Australia have not been peppered with a potentially explosive acne of back yard gunsmiths.
I guess "only in America"? The only thing saving the average Joe is that all US citizens can purchase their automatic weaponry from licensed dealers?
Of course, if the teacher had been equally well armed as the Newtown terrorist no doubt she, being a crack shot, would've taken him out with a clean head shot and no one would've been caught in the crossfire? Hmmmm?
Keith, I have heard that the Pentagon is holding a garage sale - you heard it here first.
;P