Quote:
Originally Posted by Lothar
1. Guns are not exclusively offensive weapons. Even excluding sport shooting and hunting, it would be wrong to assume that the design purpose of guns is to kill. As a defensive weapon, guns are designed to stop an attack.
2. There are cases where driving privileges are suspended due to a medical condition. If a person is suffering from a condition that could cause seizures that could lead to an accident, restrictions are applied routinely.
Your analysis of guns vs. cars with respect to purpose is flawed, not to mention that gun laws are as effective as laws against armed robbery and murder. The criminals don't care. They are not planning on getting caught.
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Lothar,
I think we are making a distinction in this discussion between criminals and mentally unbalanced.
I think your point # 2 is a perfect example of how a system already in place to protect public safety is working for the most part. There seems to be a mechanism supported by law which attempts mentally unstable persons from acquiring a firearm. Why does that not work? Can it be made to work with the laws in place?
" As a defensive weapon, guns are designed to stop an attack. "
and they do this by moving " a bullet with enough velocity to kill or seriously injure the target" As a device, they have no other intended function.
No easy solutions.
Thanks for helping me along in this discussion.
Les