General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsA true gun story
Two men who were hunting on a game preserve ended up with serious gunshot wounds. They told authorities that they were "ambushed" by illegal immigrants. When a large force of investigators searched the area where the men were shot, they couldn't find any evidence that anyone other than the hunters had been in the area. Their story evaporated and it turns out that one shot the other and the second man was shot by a third member of their hunting party.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/hunter-shooting-texas-border_us_58aa7eeae4b037d17d292817?ncid=inblnkushpmg00000009
The hunters claimed that their being shot proves that America needs the Mexican border wall. It also turned out that one of the men didn't have health insurance and raised a significant amount of money with a GoFundMe account.
These racist, ignorant liars should be prosecuted and financially charged for the cost of the investigation into their outrageous, bigoted fake story.
Sancho
(9,067 posts)This is my generic response to gun threads where people are shot and killed by the dumb or criminal possession of guns. For the record, I grew up in the South and on military bases. I was taught about firearms as a child, and I grew up hunting, was a member of the NRA, and I still own guns. In the 70s, I dropped out of the NRA because they become more radical and less interested in safety and training. Some personal experiences where people I know were involved in shootings caused me to realize that anyone could obtain and posses a gun no matter how illogical it was for them to have a gun. Also, easy access to more powerful guns, guns in the hands of children, and guns that werent secured are out of control in our society. As such, heres what I now think ought to be the requirements to possess a gun. Im not debating the legal language, I just think its the reasonable way to stop the shootings. Notice, none of this restricts the type of guns sold. This is aimed at the people who shoot others, because its clear that they should never have had a gun.
1.) Anyone in possession of a gun (whether they own it or not) should have a regularly renewed license. If you want to call it a permit, certificate, or something else that's fine.
2.) To get a license, you should have a background check, and be examined by a professional for emotional and mental stability appropriate for gun possession. It might be appropriate to require that examination to be accompanied by references from family, friends, employers, etc. This check is not to subject you to a mental health diagnosis, just check on your superficial and apparent gun-worthyness.
3.) To get the license, you should be required to take a safety course and pass a test appropriate to the type of gun you want to use.
4.) To get a license, you should be over 21. Under 21, you could only use a gun under direct supervision of a licensed person and after obtaining a learners license. Your license might be restricted if you have children or criminals or other unsafe people living in your home. (If you want to argue 18 or 25 or some other age, fine. 21 makes sense to me.)
5.) If you possess a gun, you would have to carry a liability insurance policy specifically for gun ownership - and likely you would have to provide proof of appropriate storage, security, and whatever statistical reasons that emerge that would drive the costs and ability to get insurance.
6.) You could not purchase a gun or ammunition without a license, and purchases would have a waiting period.
7.) If you possess a gun without a license, you go to jail, the gun is impounded, and a judge will have to let you go (just like a DUI).
8.) No one should carry an unsecured gun (except in a locked case, unloaded) when outside of home. Guns should be secure when transporting to a shooting event without demonstrating a special need. Their license should indicate training and special carry circumstances beyond recreational shooting (security guard, etc.). If you are carrying your gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you lose your gun and license.
9.) If you buy, sell, give away, or inherit a gun, your license information should be recorded.
10.) If you accidentally discharge your gun, commit a crime, get referred by a mental health professional, are served a restraining order, etc., you should lose your license and guns until reinstated by a serious relicensing process.
Most of you know that a license is no big deal. Besides a drivers license you need a license to fish, operate a boat, or many other activities. I realize these differ by state, but that is not a reason to let anyone without a bit of sense pack a semiautomatic weapon in public, on the roads, and in schools. I think we need to make it much harder for some people to have guns.
PJMcK
(22,022 posts)Thank you for articulating your intelligent ideas about guns. Although I am mostly ambivalent about these weapons, far too many Americans are shot every year. America will not be great as long as so many citizens keep shooting one another.
Ezior
(505 posts)Very reasonable.
I think there's another aspect to gun violence in the US though. There are lots of guns in Switzerland, for example. However, they don't have the kinds of gun problems the US faces every day.
Swiss people with guns are usually well-educated, and respect others no matter their religious or political beliefs (i.e. no crazy right wing talk radio etc.).
There's no (or much less) extreme poverty in Switzerland (unlike the US).
Everybody(-ish) feels like they're an important, or at least welcomed member of society. Nobody left behind.
=> No gangs, less violence, less shootings, less killings.
BSdetect
(8,998 posts)Darwinism works, ironically in their case. Probably bible believers.
PJMcK
(22,022 posts)And a Texas official who commented on the story didn't recant his own Facebook post:
When confronted about previous inaccurate Facebook messages, Miller said his social media posts shouldnt be held to the same standard as those of a news organization ― but then cited a news organization in defense of himself.
Its like Fox News, Miller told KUT radio. I report and you decide if its true or not.
In this Age of Trump, truth and facts are becoming scarcer by the day.
LisaL
(44,972 posts)claimed he was shot by illegal immigrants but authorities say otherwise. I guess he get to keep the money anyway?
PJMcK
(22,022 posts)People will believe nearly anything that fits into their world-view without confirming any facts. The liar's supporters are gullible idiots.