Are guns the problem? What do you think of this quote? Accurate or not?

Question

“On CNN the other night Anderson Cooper was worrying about the homicide rate in Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love is the murder capital of the nation, and CNN had dispatched a reporter to interview the grieving mother of a young black boy killed while riding his bicycle in the street. Apparently, a couple of cars had got backed up behind him, and an impatient passenger in one of them pulled out a gun and shot the kid. Anderson Cooper then went to commercials and, when he returned, introduced a report on how easy it is to buy guns in Philadelphia and how local politicians are reluctant to do anything about it. This is, again, an argument only the expert class could make. In the 1990s, the number of guns in America went up by 40 million, but the murder rate fell dramatically. If firearms availability were the determining factor, Vermont and Switzerland would have high murder rates. Yet in Montpelier or Geneva the solution to a boy carelessly bicycling in front of you down a city street when you’re in a hurry is not to grab your gun and blow him away. It’s the culture, not the technology.” —Mark Steyn

Answer 1

It's a culture of death and hate that we are creating.



We show that we value life so little and that respect is a thing of the past and then wonder why kids start killing each other.



Say what you will, but when there was corporal punishment in schools and homes, there were NO school shootings. There was much lower crime also. Parents taught us respect.



While liberal attitudes are sometimes good, liberalism run wild like we have today is the cause of most of our issues.



Gun availability is not the cause. When I was a kid, I could buy a gun at the local Ace Hardware store and not require a parents permission or a background check. Guns were even allowed to be brought to school as long as they were unloaded and left in your locker. I remember bringing my rifle many days and going hunting after school.



We raise our kids to show no respect and then cry when they show no respect. We are messed up as a society.

Answer 2

There's several reasons we don't use an AK type weapon, but we do still use 7.62mm guns (M-14, e.g.). 1. Prior to the development of the M-16, a successor to the M-1 Garand and the BAR was developed for their replacement. This eventually became the M-14 automatic rifle. In fact, the reason it has a 20rd magazine is that during initial development, they used old BAR magazines. When the M-14 was deployed as an automatic weapon, Vets found it hard to control muzzle climb. Having been an M-14 instructor in the Navy, I've fired one of the few remaining original full-auto M-14's, and that's not an idle report; after about 5 rounds, you're shooting at the tops of trees unless you've got a gorilla grip on the bottom of the magazine. At that same time, the U.S. was starting to get pressure from NATO allies to move to 5.56mm Ball ammunition weapons (.223), then in use by all other NATO countries. The M-14 problems eventually led to the decision to switch the bulk of the M-14's to semi-auto(keeping a few full-autos on Navy ships), and moving to the M-16 as the military's primary weapon. In the early days of the M-16, it just wasn't as durable as the M-14, nor did it have the range/stopping power of that the .308 round does, so the M-14 semi-autos stayed in military inventory for a long time as a weapon for more hostile climates (e.g., desert and ice conditions). They're still deployed on some Navy vessels. Today, the M-14 full-auto is being used by active SEAL teams, having solved the muzzle climb problem by adding a forestock grip. The one weapon truly feared by the Germans and Japanese in WWII was the BAR, as it had superior close-quarters clearing power. Its successor in today's full-auto M-14 goes further, being excellent as a long-range sniper weapon if required, and being a hell of a lot lighter than the BAR. Most shooters in competition military matches will use the M-14 (open sights are required) on the 1,000yd ranges, as it's accurate as hell at that range. 2. Ammunition - One of the other primary reasons NATO doesn't use 7.62 based primary weapons is just common military sense; you don't want your enemy to be able to capture your weapons or ammo and be able to turn around and start using them on you right away. If you capture an enemy weapon, you still need its ammo in large quantities to be of any long-term use. Same goes with ammo capture; you need the weapon to use it. The M-16 and its variants has come into its own as a reliable, accurate, and versatile weapon, overcoming its initial myriad of problems, though it's taken a lot of improvements to get to where it is now.

Answer 3

I am moving to Pennsylvania next week, and have been looking into a concealed carry permit (I have one in Virginia, but need a new one for the state I am moving to). You can get on in Pennsylvania if you are legally able to own a gun, so criminals ect can't. Except, I can't carry conceled in what PA calls "City of the First Class" which is Philly. So, I can carry conceled in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Erie, where ever but Philly. It is funny that Philly has the most murders.



Also, Washington DC has the strictest gun laws in the nation (hand guns are illegal) yet their murder rate is 3 times higher than any state in the nation, and 15 times higher than Vermont (where you can carry if you are 14). Guns make us safer. If I was a criminal DC would be a playground, knowing nobody has a gun at home, or Philly becuase nobody can carry concealed.

Answer 4

You have drawn up on of the hardest problems in this country to correct. First citizens have a constitutional right to bare arms. Point Blank. I think the biggest problem is that guns are easy to get in urban areas and there is not enough law enforcement to crackdown on that so it then starts in the home. If someone is to keep a gun at home make sure everyone understands what it is for and how to use it. They need to practice with it at a range on targets. It is just like driving a car you can not take it for granted but should understand what it is to be used for. Proper education on firearms is the key because you will never fully be able to get rid of them.

Answer 5

Lets see. I have a few firearms. None of them have ever killed anyone. A gun by itself is nothing but a club. The problem is the people. Philadelphia needs to clean the scum out of it’s city. The neighborhoods where these murders are happening need to band together to fight it.

There are plenty of good laws regarding firearms. Maybe it’s time to enforce them. Maybe, they should allow more law-abiding citizens to use self defensive measures to prevent crimes.

If, instead of shooting the kid on the bike, the person simply ran him over with a car, would cars then be the problem? What if he got out and beat the kid to death with a rock, are rocks the problem? Nope. It’s the people. I love when people blame the tool for the work of the person. If I try to build a house and it falls, is it the hammers fault? Nope. People need to start taking responsibility for their own actions.

Answer 6

The are several parts to this answer



There is a lack of spirituality in our society today that leads people to think it doesn't matter what you do as long as it's what you feel at the moment.

Note that I said spirituality not Christianity as I don't care what type you adhere to the only rule is that your Deity be a kind and loving one not a mean ole hate monger.



we are glorifying violence with this gangsta rap



Single parent families make it impossible for anyone to properly supervise their kids. I bet you the shooter isn't even sure whom his father is.



Education we must teach all kids that all life is sacred and not up to them or their posse to terminate.



A real death penalty. I have no problem with public execution for several reasons first and foremost to send the message if you commit this crime you will get executed where all can see and I have no problem with hanging if it's done correctly either the neck breaks or the head comes off (not intentionally) either way you die quickly and send the message. So may all perish whom decide to live this way.



Death for

Murders

Child Molesters

Rapists

Career Criminals

Answer 7

Statistics also show that over 70% of the firearms used in violent crimes are illegally acquired or illegally possessed weapons.



It's not the LEGAL guns that are the problem.



If you want to stop the problem, start with practicing justice instead of law. Stop being so reluctant to give the death penalty to murderers. Stop wasting time by keeping people on death row for fifteen years. Make the executions public and very painful, and you'll see a sharp decline in violent crimes.



Violent crimes persist because the punishment doesn't match the crime.



It's like robbing a bank of a million dollars and being told you only have to pay thousand dollars in return. I'd rob the bank, too.

Answer 8

The solution is a tough one. Guns are not the problem at all. The idea you get rid of crime by creating Law is absurd. Criminals by the definition are not going to follow the laws. Out issues are all in the punishments. We have a limited justice system and limited number of cells and an unlimited number of criminals. We need harder punishments. We have Capital punishment, but no corporal punishment. If you get a 10 year sentence, then you need to serve 10 years. No bonus for good behavior. They had a chance for good behavior and that was outside of the prison. The Right to bear Arms is our right in this country. Everyday we have to hear about how dangerous guns are. It’s the people that are dangerous. I would rather see people be licensed to have babies then I would for them to be licensed to carry a fire arm. That makes more sense to me anyhow. I have even gone through the thought of making it mandatory for everyone to carry a fire arm. That certainly would have stopped some of these attacks that happen at our schools. Gun control just makes it harder for the law abiders to defend themselves. The idea that the police are here to protect you is just wrong. All police men carry chalk. Life is tough defend yourself at all times.

Answer 9

The quote is accurate. Guns are not the problem. The problem in Philly is in da hood. These people have never learned to exist as a community. If they would pay more attention to Bill Cosby and less to Al Sharpton, Jesse and Snoop Dogg they would be far better off and they may even start learning how to peacefully co-exist with each other.

Answer 10

Guns can't shoot themselves. Guns are not the problem whatsoever. Most folks who own guns have them for protection, or hunting.

If we're talking murder rates, do you suppose more murders are committed with guns, than all others? Let's find out...



Below, a link. 1/3 of murders in America, are committed without guns. Cars kill more people. Shall we take cars away from the people, too?



The day my gun is taken from me by the government, is the day I can no longer protect my family against "tyranny, and government".

My second amendment RIGHT! "The right to bare arms".

Answer 11

People are the problem, not guns. I've had a gun in my closet that has never gone off (at least not at home, it's been fired at the shooting range in the desert). I've had to take it out about 5 times this year when I thought my home was being broken into... come to find that it was a neighbor working on something, a window blind ticking against the window because the ceiling fan moved it or just the wind. I rather have and not need than to need and not have. Thank God I have that freedom.

Answer 12

Being old enough to remember the same times as Red F I have to agree with his well stated answer. Guns have never been the problem,its more the liberal altitude thats rampart in todays culture that cause's the problems along with lack of enforcement of laws already on the books.

Answer 13

I think the solution is better education for these idiots. People are so worried about being "dissed" that they will kill you for looking at them wrongly. I do believe guns are too accessible, but to put sole blame on the guns and not the carriers is ridiculous. Stop glorifying "gangsta" crap and start glorifying life. Instead of a gun pick up a book and kill them with your knowledge.

Answer 14

I agree it's the culture and not the technology... but if the culture isn't ready for the technology.. then should they receive it anyway? Some people shouldn't own guns.. they are ignorant, immature and irresponsible. And I'm all for weeding those people out of the gun owning population... which is why I support things such as waiting periods and background checks. I, however, wouldn't give up my own guns because I am NOT a part of the irresponsible population.

Answer 15

Guns aren't the problem, people are. A gun by itself can do no harm.



Watch a night of television and count the number of murders. I'm not advocating censorship, but you have to wonder what the American fascination is with violence.

Answer 16

Guns are not the problem. Guns don't kill people, people kill people.

Statistics show that wherever gun control reduce the number of (declared) guns, violent crime goes up. It happened many times.

Places with high density of guns are safer.

Plus, government gun control is inefficient as any other government program and it doesn't control guns in the hands of criminals. If the government were able to control criminals, there'd be no crime at all.

Answer 17

yes the culture does have something to do with the problem but the problem with guns is that they give you a false sense of secuirity. The more guns we have on the street, the more problems we have. Yes guns are a good idea in terms of protecting ourselves but it's reached a whole other level. It's reached a point where people are walking out in broad daylight and shooting each other up. Not only is the fact that there are too many guns in the public but the fact that they're easy to obtain is a larg problem too. In Canada people don't lock their doors and a large portion of the citizens carry guns, this goes to show that the culture does have an influence on the problem, but so does the gun. Another problem is the video games we have here in America, more kids at a young age play Halo or Gears of War and they see the guns and they think "cool, id be cool if I carried a gun, everyone at school would respect me", but no that's not the answer. So we need to help restrict the age at which kids can play those games.

Answer 18

As always, there is a Deadmilkmen quote for every political/social problem-



If I had a gun:



Would I be amused

Would you be impressed

Knowing that I had the power

To put a hole into your chest?

When the kids are crying

After the welfare check's been spent

Would I rob a licquor store

To get money for the rent?



If I had a gun...If I had a gun





Would I start smoking Marlboros?

Would I stop smoking Kents?

Would I gain some new respect?

Would I gain some confidence?

Would I suddenly go crazy

And shoot my family

And see myself years later

On some crime show on TV

If I had a gun?



Would I wear it in a holster?

Would I keep it concealed?

Would I put it on the table

Everytime that I'm misdealed?

When I hear a nearby gunshot

When I'm up at night alone

Would I feel a little safer

Here in my urban home

If I had a gun?

Answer 19

A gun in a case, on a table, or in a shop kills no one. Someone actively has to pull the trigger. The issue should not be whether the availability of fire arms raises or lowers crime rates but the psychology of those using them to commit crimes. When people are desparate, poorly educated they resort to anything to survive. That leads to increased unacceptable behaviors. So behavior modification and anger management may be more needed to curb crime not adding or removing guns.

Answer 20

It's not one single factor. The prevalence of guns and the culture contribute to the deaths.



BTW, deaths went down in the 90's but have started going back up.

Answer 21

The constitution basically allowed guns for a militia, as an alternative to having an expensive, war mongering military. That's what Switzerland has (militia) and nobody there drives around with a firearm, its for national defense only. Now we have an overzelaous military and the most violent citizens on earth (the USA has more criminals then any other country)

Answer 22

No, guns are equipment or tools, guns cannot kill without anybody using it, the owner/user is the problem.



What we need is proper legislation that allows only responsible person to own a gun.

Answer 23

Guns are a factor of the problem... but taking guns away won't stop homicides. the person driving could have just run over the boy!! i wish punishments fit the crime... but it won't! The shooter will most likely claim insanity and be released!!

Answer 24

okay, well clearly the guns are not the source of the problem, being the high crime rate...



Mind you, anyone who owns a gun for their own protection does not merit owning one. The individual who is willing to kill, no matter what the reason may be, is only perpetuating the cycle of violence. To pass out guns as the U.S. does, only convinces people that it is an effective tool for protection. It is so naive.... It further instils into peoples heads that intimidation is prevention.... agh, it aggrivates me, just thinking about the ignorance....

Answer 25

The factor are the social context, the person (intelligence, personality, the way he/she deals with stressful situations) who owns a gun and people who sell guns to anybody.

Answer 26

Education is always the solution. People need to learn at a young age how to properly deal with anger. Guns don't help, but if it wasn't guns, it would be knives, or sticks or what ever, they need to learn how to deal with the problem in a positive way.

Answer 27

Most American communities have PLENTY of guns. Always have. They're supposed to. What's the problem?

Answer 28

Illegal guns are a problem. How often are legal guns used in these horrific crimes?

Answer 29

In Philly the problem is with violent drug dealers obtaining illegal guns.

Answer 30

Guns are a source of protection, but unfortunately also a weapon that can be used for injury and murder. It's the murderer that shoots innocent people, not the gun.

Answer 31

I agree, guns are not the problem, it's education.



We have enough, PLENTY of gun laws.



Outlawing them is not an option, you take them away from only the people that buy, use them legally, and to defend themselves. The criminals don't play by the same rules, that's why they're criminals.

Answer 32

Guns aren't the problem. If we got rid of all of them today, people would still kill others out of rage.They would just use a knife, sword, rock, tree limb, anything they can get a hold of.

Answer 33

There are crazy people everywhere..... you take away the guns and the only thing that will happen is stabbing deaths will rise.

take away knives and people will be beaten to death with bats and golf clubs.

Answer 34

I dont know what is so hard to understand that the majority of these criminals obtain weapons illegally from illegal sources.



Do you think ever criminal is really taking the time out going to a gun shop?

Answer 35

I own two guns; a .357 revolver and glock model 26 (which I carry concealed, with a concealed permit).



Yea, life is good. god bless america!!!!



I can understand your concerns in a big city, but I live in small town in Arizona. all situations are different depending where you live. ---- the desert is wide and deep if you know what i mean.

Answer 36

he is speaking in terms of 'correlation' not 'causation'. In other words, he did not say that avaialbiltiy of guns is the CAUSE of the violence, but he is saying that their laws are loose AND they have high gun violence.

Answer 37

I think this statement is correct. The problem isn't too many guns, just too many idiots.

Answer 38

if you want a lesson in self defence study karate

Answer 39

teach compassion... towards others....

stop encouraging competition amongst our children,,,, competition breeds hatred and intolerance..



wow lots of thumbs down...



you would think i said something bad or wrong.... hmm



the lady doest protest tooo much

Answer 40

Guns are the problem. It's too easy to access them. Especially in the city.