('binary' encoding is not supported, stored as-is)
>Date: Tue, 18 Apr 2000 12:36:02 -0400
>From: "Michael S. Lorrey" <mike@datamann.com>
>To: extropians@extropy.com
>Subject: Re: Smart Guns
>Reply-To: extropians@extropy.com
>
>Ellis Wyatt wrote:
>
>> On Tue, 18 Apr 2000, Joe Dees wrote:
>>
>> > This is a false dichotomy. Those who are found not to lock up
>> their guns by something happening (like a kid finding one and
>> running around with it) should lose the right to keep and bear,
>> as they have demonstrated that they are incapable of exercising
>> such a right prudently and responsibly. This does not require
>> registration, just revocation subsequent to violations coming to light.
>>
>> OK, I'd agree with that plan. However, ever gun-control advocate I've
>> been exposed to has wanted some sort of ability to restrict ownership
>> before the fact.
>
>Joe just won't admit to it. The severity of his idea indicates his sentiment.
>
>I have said that parents whose kids commit gun crimes should be held responsible
>for negligent homicide. Finding a kid merely in posession (on the way to rifle
>or skeet team practice) does not justify what Joe wants. Joe wants to prevent
>all those crack baby gang bangers from being able to protect themselves (and
>cause trouble), but is also satisfied to throw the baby out with the bath water
>and prohibit harmless use by kids. My dad, living in Lowell, Mass as a kid,
>would often ride on the bus, or on his bike, with rifle or shotgun in hand (or
>across his handlebars) so he could participate on the rifle team, or to go
>hunting with freinds after school...they never had any problems or misuse.
>
Well, we are having problems now. I myself have no problem with the ADULT-SUPERVISED use of firearms for hunting or target practice by minors (I myself was trained by and hunted with my father and uncles when I was a boy and, as a result, qualified as a sharpshooter as soon as I hit the military range), but if a minor gets hold of a gun when (s)he is not supposed to, the adult whose negligence allowed it to happen has proven him/herself unworthy of the public trust which is essential to stewardship of simple and esay means of committing rapid and long-range mass murder, and should not be allowed the opportunity to, through the repetition of such neglect, endanger his/her fellow citizens again.
>
------------------------------------------------------------
Looking for a book? Want a deal? No problem AddALL!
http://www.addall.com compares book price at 41 online stores.
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Thu Jul 27 2000 - 14:09:32 MDT