Quote:
Originally Posted by marki
They would have to change their constitution and there is too much opposition for that to happen even in the light of such horrific events. Sad when an ideal is chosen over the cold hard facts of reality.
Mark
|
I hope that this is the event that changes the course of America's will to finally adopt new laws that allow us to maintain some sort of civil society.
The main problem is the pacifistic nature of we Americans and they way we change government. Most simply don't take enough interest, so the lobbyist direct change (or lack there of...) by courting politicians and placating the general population. I have noticed a new wind blowing since the 9/11. Two polar opposites are emerging, strongly pro and defiantly against.
As an American, I can say that I do love the ability to own and maintain weapons... however, I have always been about strict gun control. Every weapon I own is registered, documented and insured. While in the gun safe, they are dismantled (firing assembly are in a different safe). I do this so that if one is stolen, they cannot be used against another individual. When I live in the US, I only have one gun that's always ready to go and that's the one I carry on my body for personal protection.
Gun control in this country is quite adequate and Australians are not prevented from owning weapons. My missus recently got her weapons license in South Australia. The paperwork and scrutiny for her to possess a firearm was incredible. Maybe the USA could learn a good lesson from the Australian model.
About gun laws... the saying "If you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns" is true. Australia is a good example of that. HOWEVER, you don't allow psychologically disturbs people to have them, where as we in the USA do... now that's what I call stupid!
I cannot see us changing the constitution, as the amount of energy involved and the requirements for that change will not be possible until the democrats get a strong upper hand in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
SideBar: The 2nd amendment to the constitution granted the right to bear arms not in the same vein as the old English laws (self protection) but as an additional right for the people of a fledgling nation to rise up against the new government and protect the way of life originally agreed to, should the new government turn away from democracy. There has always been debate regarding whether this is really necessary in today modern democracy.