Are we safe in airports, shopping malls or at marathons?

[FirefightnRick]

To be fair, the data is arguable on both sides.

http://gunvictimsaction.org/fact-sheet/fact-sheet-gun-show-loophole-arms-criminals/

What data? Where is the ATF study referenced in that blog? And better, what percent of gun crime in Texas stems from guns purchased at Texas gun shows?

Rick

[FirefightnRick]

Your reasoning is flawed. Nobody is suggesting taking away everyone's guns. For your analogy to hold water we'd have to chop off the hands of only the mentally ill, felons and those with family violence convictions.

It's not my reasoning, it's yours, and Im being a smart ass with it.

Rick

Edited July 18, 2013 by FirefightnRick

[Censored by Laurie]

It's not my reasoning, it's yours, and Im being a smart ass with it.

Rick

"smart" was offended to be included in that sentence

[FirefightnRick]

"smart" was offended to be included in that sentence

Ouch!... But I agree. Been insulting smart for years, everytime I donate a dime or a second to North Texas athletics, I prove it all over again.

Rick

Edited July 19, 2013 by FirefightnRick

[BeanCounterGrad'03]

Thank you! Thank you so very much!! Finally, you've spelled out the weakest, most tired, argument put forth by those who reject any/all restrictions on firearms. It's also the easiest refuted.

Does anyone honestly think that 100% deterence is the objective standard that we should be striving for? How ridiculously comical.

Do some "bad apples" slip through to become police officers despite background checks? Yes. And how many people with theft convictions, family violence convictions or a history of aggression are rejected BECAUSE of them? I'll play those percentages any day.

Do people still default on loans despite extemsive credit checks by lenders and banks? All the time, otherwise collections departments wouldn't exist. Yet, somehow, the powers that be in the banking industry still swear by them. By your logic they must be pretty silly.

Do kids still manage to drink and smoke below the ages of 21 and 18? Of course they do, every single day. We must be stupid to restrict their access to alcohol and tobacco because we aren't 100% successful in prevention.

And yes, whether it be handguns or rifles or Uzi's, I'll place more faith in us getting it right if we perform background checks on those wishing to purchase firearms.

Drivers licensing doesn't keep all bad drivers off the road. So why do all of us law abiding, good drivers have to get a license and register our cars?

Outlawing abortion won't eliminate all abortions. So why have any laws regulating them?

"Defending marriage" won't keep little Johnny from growing up knowing that he's different only to later realize he's gay.

Drug laws don't keep drugs off our streets. Why should responsible drug addicts have to be subject to these laws?

Edited July 19, 2013 by BeanCounterGrad'03

[FirefightnRick]

Virginia: Gun Sales Go Up, Gun Crime Goes Down.

http://mobile.wboc.com/?targetURL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wboc.com%2fstory%2f23042100%2fgun-sales-up-gun-crime-down-in-virginia

RICHMOND , Va. (AP) - Firearms sales in Virginia are increasing while gun-related violent crimes are declining.

Federally licensed gun dealer sales show that firearms sales rose 16 percent in 2012 to a record 490,119 guns purchased.

During the same period, the number of major crimes committed with firearms dropped 5 percent to 4,378.

Virginia Commonwealth University assistant professor Thomas R. Baker specializes in research methods and criminology theory. He tells the newspaper that the data indicate that more guns don't necessarily lead to more crime.

Josh Horwitz with the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence says the real question is how many guns are sold without a background check. He says these guns are more likely to be involved in crimes.

Rick Edited August 7, 2013 by FirefightnRick