Another shooting in the USA. Remind me about the reason for having guns again. - by SubJeff
Shug on 5/9/2012 at 02:15
I'm petrified of being shot by some nutcase in a situation where the state supports their claim that they could STAND THEIR GROUND and take me out
Renzatic on 5/9/2012 at 03:16
The chances of you running into a psychopath screaming "I FEEL PHYSICALLY THREATENED BY YOUR PRESENCE" shortly before firing off 10 rounds into your chest is about as likely as you getting killed by a pipebomb planted in a streetside postal box.
Save for two or three states where it's vaguely defined (which are all located in my neck of the woods...go fig), most stand your ground laws only apply while inside your home or vehicle. So unless you're intending on taking up carjacking and B&Eing as a hobby, it's highly doubtful you'll ever find yourself in a situation where it's used against you.
CCCToad on 5/9/2012 at 05:53
Quote Posted by Renzatic
The chances of you running into a psychopath screaming "I FEEL PHYSICALLY THREATENED BY YOUR PRESENCE" shortly before firing off 10 rounds into your chest is about as likely as you getting killed by a pipebomb planted in a streetside postal box.
Save for two or three states where it's vaguely defined (which are all located in my neck of the woods...go fig), most stand your ground laws only apply while inside your home or vehicle. So unless you're intending on taking up carjacking and B&Eing as a hobby, it's highly doubtful you'll ever find yourself in a situation where it's used against you.
Also depends on the judges, but he is correct. Most cases that you heard about in Georgia ended pretty clearly. If you shot someone and he was in your house the odds were that you were getting off scot free.
SubJeff on 5/9/2012 at 09:11
Quote Posted by Renzatic
You have an irrational fear of guns, Sub.
I rather think I've a rational cautiousness. I'll tell you about it.
I've seen gunshot and knife wounds as part of my job. I don't need to tell you which messes you up, a lot, more. In addition to that shooting a gun is so easy; point and click. Using a knife requires getting in closer and putting yourself in danger. I can handle a knife fight because I train to do so (and you have to accept you will get cut), but handling a gunfight without a gun is much harder and much more risky.
faetal on 5/9/2012 at 13:13
Quote Posted by Renzatic
Yes, you are more likely to get shot in the US than in England due to the widespread gun ownership in the States.
It's not just a question of gun ownership, but culture and sociological issues too. Many countries have higher ratio of gun ownership than the states, but nothing like the per capita gun crime. The variable correlations between gun ownership vs. gun homicide per capita points to a different underlying cause. The best explanation so far is that there are links between social health indicators and homicide in general, with gun ownership likely being a function rather than a source of the crime.
june gloom on 5/9/2012 at 19:53
Quote Posted by Subjective Effect
I rather think I've a rational cautiousness.
"if I lived in the United States I'd have weapons all over the house
just in case, nevermind that I'd probably live in a wealthy neighborhood surrounded by well-to-do white people and nobody would ever even think to try and rob me"
yeah, real rational
SubJeff on 5/9/2012 at 20:22
You've never heard of a safety net?
Good luck!
DDL on 5/9/2012 at 21:10
If I lived in the states I'd have no guns at all, because holy shit guns fucking scare me.
On the off-chance someone invaded my house, I think I'd rather just give them my stuff than risk getting into a john woo battle.
Besides, I don't own enough doves.
LarryG on 5/9/2012 at 21:13
Quote Posted by Subjective Effect
You've never heard of a safety net?
A safety net is what you use to catch the alligators swimming in the moat around your house when you need to get them to the vet for their shots, right? The moat that you dug between two rows of razor wire fencing surrounding your house? The house with the fortified disaster cellar, stocked with 2 years worth of food and water, anti-radiation filters for your air, and lead lined 6 foot deep cement block walls? The house which has 27 assault rifles and thousands of rounds of ammo in 16 gun safes around the house, to be used to protect your disaster cellar from zombies? That safety net?
june gloom on 5/9/2012 at 22:31
Quote Posted by Subjective Effect
You've never heard of a safety net?
Good luck!
That's not a safety net.
It's really insulting that you think so little of America that you feel you need to have some sort of deadly weapon in every room in the house, even in a wealthy neighborhood, despite everyone telling you it's not necessary. I get that you spent some time in Africa where such things are worth considering, but the United States is pretty damn safe, especially for irritating know-it-all white people.
I've lived for 30 years in houses with absolutely no guns to speak of and I've never had reason to feel unsafe. I have one Louisville Slugger and a big black dog -- we've done just fine, thank you very much.
You're an idiot. Please stop talking about America in any fashion, because it's quite clear you don't know thing one about it and you won't actually listen to people who do.
