Hey, if the difference doesn't seem that big to you, Alan, more power to you. Personally, I prefer keep guns pointed away from myself...
(Sorry, it's late, and I should be in bed.)
Why are Americans always shooting themselves?
by Zep 48 Replies latest social current
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jelly
The Columbine kids bought some of their guns illegally, so did the beltway sniper sometimes (often) laws dont fix problems. Just think the war on drugs. Some gun laws are necessary, and waiting periods are generally a good idea. But creating more laws are not going to fix the gun problem any more than creating stiffer penalites will fix the drug problem.
It's a sociatal problem that does not have any easy fixes. The solution involves maybe decriminalizing some behaviors, training educators to control the inmates of their learning facilities, parents doing their jobs, etc, etc,. Stiffer penalities for other crimes. Basically, I dont see any single factor but a host of several.
Terry
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Panda
I'm wondering where people get the money for good handguns I mean we're talking about a $900. cash out for one average revolver! Now shot guns and rifles are way cheaper, I mean go to walmart and pick one up for under $200.
AlanF I agree that drugs should be legal --- definitely.
Everyone else: Americans have a Constitution which allows for gun ownership to protect us from our gov't., I guess the founders realized that they wouldn't have won the Revolution w/o personal gun ownership. You must realize Americans are very hep about their rights. I'd have to say it's a national tradition. And if you lived where I do with rattle snakes and wild boar with big tusks, you'd want a gun too. And if you live in a high crime urban area you need a gun to protect yourself and your friends.
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obiwan
ummm, we don't have anything better to do?
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Panda
Obiwan, You are forgetting the drugs...we are crazy for dope ... and sex, yeah that's us guns, drugs, sex. and we complain
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Simon
The notion that legalising something will solve the problem amazes me.
Sure, it solves the crime ... but only because you are not counting it as a crime anymore !
I think a society with legalised drugs would be a nightmare ... the effects of smoking and alcohol no society are bad enough.
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Room 215
If the focus is intended to be America's purported penchant for violence or about the gun control controversy, then perhaps it should have been titled ``Why are Americans always shooting EACH OTHER?;" if , on the other hand it's the U.S. suicide rate (as I took it to be at first glance) then maybe ``Why are Americans always KILLING themselves?
A bit of pendantry from the folks down the hall in Two One Five
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OrbitingTheSun
I haven’t seen Bowling For Columbine in its entirety yet but, whether or not Michael Moore was able to indicate the cause(s) of
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OrbitingTheSun
Hmmm...it seems my post disappeared. If it appears later, I apologize for the double post. If not, here is the rest of it:
I haven’t seen Bowling For Columbine in its entirety yet but, whether or not Michael Moore was able to indicate the cause(s) of America’s gun problem, it is important that people realize that there is a serious problem and that further research must be done. If his film informed just one person, it is worth it. Film is art and, whether or not it is entirely accurate, the purpose is to inspire and motivate people to new ideas and new behaviors.
I consider myself a socially conscious person, but I live in the suburbs and I do not see guns on a daily basis. I have only seen a real gun a few times in my life and it is easy for me (and probably many others) to forget that there are people who see guns everyday and live with the fear of themselves or someone they love being shot. I believe that this film has given people, such as myself, a more balanced idea of the gun situation in America and saved some from ignorance.
He didn’t present it as a scientific study, it was presented as film and it did everything a good film should do. -
Robdar
Americans are stressed out in a big way. All this commercialism makes us think that material things are all there is to life.
Because most Americans are materialistic and feel that they need more money, usually both parents work and are too tired when they get home to spend quality time with their children. They use the tv as a baby sitter instead. Also, many parents do not take an interest in their children anymore. They think that quality time is time spent watching the family's favorite tv show. This is not a good idea, as we all know.
Children are becomming desensitized to violence. It's everywhere; on the movies, on the tv, on the play ground. Nobody in this country is allowed to discipline their children any more. Nor do they teach their children how to handle their emotions. Children want discipline and are becomming angry and confused members of society because of the lack of attention and discipline at home.
Also, I hate to admit it, but the conservatives were right back in the 70's when they said that the increase of violence in the movies and on tv would increase violence in our society. They were right because children imitate what they see. Without their parents instructing them on what is right and wrong, the children are left to find out on their own with only the tv to guide them.
There is also a new age thought going on in America that says that children are perfect, wise and innocent little souls when they are born. If left to themselves, they will become wonderful, accomplished adults. This in my opinion is ridiculous bullshit.
Robyn