American Gun Laws

I heard that people aren't allowed to take guns into cinemas there. But then, why did he get through?

E'vning all as we say oop North.

I am merely trying to say that whatever gun law is in place in any country, it will not make any difference to massacres.
Nothing can protect us from deranged people, which is why I mentioned Hungerford and Dunblane, and Norway.

I also do not believe that most Americans walk around with guns in their back pockets.
If that were so, why did nobody shoot back at the nutter in Denver?

Is johanna suggesting that if crimson had been connected to a victim of a shooting she may feel differently about limiting gun ownership or vice versa??

Can"t see them giving up their guns anytime in the near future

Even dreadful incidents like Dunblane and Hungerford should not be a reason for civilians to carry guns legally. Yes there are guns here but one needs a licence and there are strict guidelines on the type of gun a civilian can buy. Actually most criminal injuries are done by a knife or similar. When I visited friends in the US I dropped a pencil under their sofa - as I got down on my hands and knees to retrieve the pencil I found myself face-to-face with the business end of the revolver. I was really shaken much to the amusement of my hosts. It was the first time I'd seen a gun and I certainly wanted it to be the last.

Neither do I. Crimson was wondering about a country where it is commonplace for the person behind you in the supermarket to be armed. Dunblane and hungerford were unusual incidents in this country, where most people have never seen a gun. Johanna speaks as thoughshe would have beenless surprised if Crimson wondered about the less likely scenario.

johanna, I'm probably being really obtuse, but I still don't see it! I'd like to understand, but I can't see the two posts as being about the same thing.

Yes ana, I can.
Crimson's wondering was subjective, and so was my answer.

The figures speak for themselves don't they. Even if you look at police officer shootings in the states. They are very rare here. Not there.
I once had The Argument with a man (a very nice man) whose sister had been shot by her husband and her body left in the house with the children. But even that had not swayed him from his belief that you area safer in a house if you have a gun.

I'm not quite sure I follow your argument there, johnanna. Could you elaborate, perhaps?

Horrible things guns, but people would be surprised if they saw just how many guns there are knocking about in this country, apart from licenced shotgun and rifle owners like farmers and gun club members. So many illegal stashes of guns and rifles, pump-action shotguns. Just seeing the numbers that come in during police amnesties is enough to make you wonder where the heck they have all come from. Entering a prison, one is often confronted by one or more guns at the entrance and on the street, when high risk prisoners, abscond-risks, gangsters and the like are being taken to court. We will be seeing thousands of armed army and police personnel during the Olympic games.

Scary enough without having to contend with more everyday people being able to purchase guns, rifles and pistols.

Really crimson ?
Have you not wondered how you would feel wandering around Dunblane, or Hungerford or more recently visiting Norway perhaps?
I have.

Why do they think that being able to walk into a supermarket and buy a gun equates to freedom? I've often wondered how I'd feel if I went to America and thought about the fact that people around me were carrying guns.

Its not going to happen any time soon that's for sure.. its just too much a part of everyday life out there.. kids are taught to handle guns from an early age and its the norm for them. An American friend was amazed when I said I couldn't remember even seeing a real gun much less held one.

Don't give up hope, Dorset - I didn't expect to see a mixed-race president in my lifetime! The USA may become civilised yet.