Quote:
Originally Posted by Icicle
Ranger, What are you views to other countries makeing it law to own at least one gun in every household?
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I believe a few things in regard to this.
1. I believe in "American Exceptionalism." Our systems of government, and basic understanding that the power resides with the people and not the government is more or less unique in the world. Most other countries reserve all power to the government and grant (and remove) certain privleges to the people as they will. We believe in government of the people, by the people, for the people. That's why our system was based on citizens briefly serving in government and then going back to the farm, or the store, or the factory. So, I don't think other governments and countries are analogous to the USA.
2. I believe that our 2nd Amendment is the "reset button" of American government. You have no guarantee of 1st Amendment rights (or 3-10 for that matter), without the inherent power of the people to revolt against a tyranical government, and an unarmed citizenry is really a peasantry.
3. Almost Finally, I believe in well vetted statistics and history. That means that the evidence shows that unarmed citizens in "western" style governments do not remain free and suffer victimization by neighbors who disregard any and all laws. Armed citizens make lousy victims. Unarmed citizens are oppressed peasants in waiting.
4. Finally, trained, responsible, law abiding people generally don't do anything with firearms that causes problems or concerns for others. That's why we draw from the general populace for our police and military personnel. Most folks are responsible and trustworthy. Those who aren't will do bad things no matter what the laws are.
