I've seen some interesting points here.
I absolutely support the right of the individual to bear arms.
However, I think it should have the same restrictions on it that driving a car does.
1. take a class in how to use it and in safety and proper storage. Even people who already know how to drive have to take driver's ed.
2. you receive your "gun license" after completing a written and physical exam for that weapon. (Class C would be handgun, class A rifle, etc...). The classes should be cheap.
3. The guns should be registered, with a "fingerprint" taken. (shoot gun at something, take bullet and record what it looks like. every gun leaves special unique marks on the bullets). This way, if the bullet from a murder comes back as "not found" then all registered guns can be excluded from being the murder weapon, for the most part. (there are ways to alter this fingerprint, but most people don't think about doing it.) If it comes back "match found" you go talk to the gun owner and establish the location of the weapon.
we license cars to identify them. license guns for the same purpose.
4. stolen guns should be reported asap. You report your car stolen, why not report your gun?
5. To operate a gun if you are under the age of 18, you must have a licensed adult supervising, and receive a "learner's permit" by taking an age appropriate safety class.
A gun is merely a tool. However, it can be a dangerous tool if you don't know what you're doing, and don't keep it away from other people who don't know what they're doing. You wouldn't let someone with no knowledge of driving use your car...why let someone with no gun knowledge use your weapon?
A gun is a tool. Like any tool, it can be misused.
A weapon is an inanimate object. Inanimate objects are neither good nor evil. The moral status of the weapon depends on who's holding it, who it's pointed at, and the intent of the party in control.
I absolutely support the right of the individual to bear arms.
However, I think it should have the same restrictions on it that driving a car does.
1. take a class in how to use it and in safety and proper storage. Even people who already know how to drive have to take driver's ed.
2. you receive your "gun license" after completing a written and physical exam for that weapon. (Class C would be handgun, class A rifle, etc...). The classes should be cheap.
3. The guns should be registered, with a "fingerprint" taken. (shoot gun at something, take bullet and record what it looks like. every gun leaves special unique marks on the bullets). This way, if the bullet from a murder comes back as "not found" then all registered guns can be excluded from being the murder weapon, for the most part. (there are ways to alter this fingerprint, but most people don't think about doing it.) If it comes back "match found" you go talk to the gun owner and establish the location of the weapon.
we license cars to identify them. license guns for the same purpose.
4. stolen guns should be reported asap. You report your car stolen, why not report your gun?
5. To operate a gun if you are under the age of 18, you must have a licensed adult supervising, and receive a "learner's permit" by taking an age appropriate safety class.
A gun is merely a tool. However, it can be a dangerous tool if you don't know what you're doing, and don't keep it away from other people who don't know what they're doing. You wouldn't let someone with no knowledge of driving use your car...why let someone with no gun knowledge use your weapon?
A gun is a tool. Like any tool, it can be misused.
A weapon is an inanimate object. Inanimate objects are neither good nor evil. The moral status of the weapon depends on who's holding it, who it's pointed at, and the intent of the party in control.
