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Originally Posted by knox
I'm not saying this is the case for everyone who buys a gun, but it's certainly the case for some.
There are some interesting psychological aspects there, no one can deny there's a feeling of power involved. But ultimately I'd say, in general, people with guns expose themselves to more risk in dangerous situations, and perhaps overestimate their powers a bit.
Also, if someone is using a gun to intimidate you and get your belongings, most of the time it's not their intention to actually shoot. Now, if you wanna be all macho and defend yourself with your own gun, what choice will the criminal have? Well, he's already a criminal he's less afraid to kill than you are and surely handles guns way more often.
That's the thing with guns, you can easily over or underestimate them. They can only be in the hands of well trained practicing people, for the right reasons. Or maybe not even that, because human judgement is faulty.
I see that people like to compare cars to guns, however no one responded to the fact that in the US: a) driving is not a RIGHT, it's a permission b) the process of getting/keeping a permit to drive seems to be way stricter than the one required to get/keep a gun - so discuss that please.
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Just because someone is a criminal, doesn't mean they handle guns more often. That, too, is absurd. People enjoy shooting ranges and target practice as a hobby. Most people that break into houses probably DO NOT have guns, either. That isn't the idea. Owning a gun (for those that do own them....) does provide a sense of empowerment, this you are right about. A sense of being able to protect one's self/family/property. I for one DO feel as if it should be ok to shoot someone for breaking into my apartment....even IF they do not have a gun. I don't know, I don't wanna know...I just know they don't belong there, and my hard earned belongings/friends are there are to be protected.
Human judgment is faulty. There have always been, and always will be setbacks. It's how we are hardwired. The centers of our brains, after all, are very reptilian in nature (this IS a proven fact). Sadly, there are a few out there that are way more in tune with that part of the brain, than the remaining vast majority of society. Taking guns away isn't going to fix anything....nothing. I'm sure the Black Panthers are a clear demonstration as to what can happen. PEOPLE WILL FIGHT TO KEEP THEIR GUNS, AS THEY HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO. If guns were outlawed, the government could do absolutely anything it wanted. Bad idea/scary idea.
Cars can be far more dangerous than guns...and driving them should be a privilege. Guns should be a right, + it's a right most that own them do not take advantage of. Almost everyone does stupid shit at one point or another behind the wheel of a automobile.