http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080318/D8VG2PR00.html

Right on!!

I've been watching this very closely.

They made the right decision.

Slow down, Paladin...there is no decision yet. The article is a report on oral arguments made in the SC . The decision will come in due time, and may take one of many forms. But I agree that it will likely require DC to relax their current handgun ban to some extent.

What DC should do is to treat gun crime with stiff penalties, whilst allowing individual citizens the right to protect themselves with a handgun.

"Concealed handgun laws reduce violent crime for two reasons. First, they reduce the number of attempted crimes because criminals are uncertain which potential victims can defend themselves. Second, victims who have guns are in a much better position to defend themselves."

More guns, less crime.

http://www.press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/493636.html

Herb

More guns in circulation mean more gun deaths. It's a pretty simple equation since guns are more likely to be involved in something OTHER than self defense.

At least 5 justices have said, the constitution guarantees private gun ownership, but they have also said, govt may make reasonable rules, when they release their ruling, hopefully they will clarify reasonable.

"More guns in circulation mean more gun deaths."

Wrong. D.C. has banned handguns, but has a much higher than average gun crime rate.

The evidence is clear: More guns, less crime.

#1. I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.

#2. Don't bring a knife to a gun fight.

#3. An armed society is a polite society.

#4. The 2nd Amendment isn't about duck hunting.

Herb

For once, I have tried to find something myself - and again failed.

Nationwide, what is the ratio of offensive gun deaths vs. defensive gun deaths?

And just in case I am phrasing my own question incorrectly,

How many bad guys use a gun to kill vs. how many good guys kill in self-defense?

That's not a loaded question, either. I learned my lesson not to do that when I was virtually certain that Liberals give more to chartiy than do Conservatives. I was dead wrong on that one.

Interesting, because the US Virgin Islands is a US territory, and subject to US laws, a Federal appeals court just overturned a VI law prohibiting possession of ammunition for funs.
http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_home?id=17622109

More cops, less crime. More guns, more gun deaths. If you truly wanted less crime, you'd advocate for more police on the streets.

All an armed society will do is kill each other.

When a meth-crazed druggie is banging down your door, you're going to hope the police arrive in time to stop him?

No thanks. Government can't always be there for you.

And if you have a problem with an armed society, you have a problem with our founding fathers.

Herb

Daddy issues, for sure.

Do we really want Trixter armed?

More so than Herb.

First, I think all handguns and automatic weapons — but not shotguns — should be registered. There should be tough punishment for anyone found with an unregistered weapon.

Anyone wanting a concealed weapons permit should be required to have a psychological test, which they would also pay for.

Plus, the federal government, not states or cities, should make the rules for gun owners, since the right to bear arms is a federal constitutional decision.

A Federal constitutional decision? Not always the only one!


Right to bear arms; military subordinate to civil power. The people shall have the right to bear arms for the defence [sic] of themselves, and the State, but the Military shall be kept in strict subordination to the civil power[.]

- Oregon Constitution, Article I - Bill of Rights, Section 27


Right to Bear Arms. The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired, but nothing in this Section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain or employ an armed body of men.

- Washington State Constitution, Article I - Declaration of Rights, Section 24

" Do we really want Trixter armed? "

LOL.

You've got me there. No. No I don't.

And come on, Trix. That was funny.

"Right to Bare Arms"

I hate long sleeved shirts!

"More so than Herb."

Herb would only shoot sinners.

Magic, the federal constitution trumps state constitutions.

LOL @ Deane

Gee, that's everyone that walks the face of the earth!

Lots of targets!

"Herb would only shoot sinners."

And the problem with that is his definition of "sinners".

"Herb would only shoot sinners."

And the problem with that is his definition of "sinners".

Herb would only shoot sinners.

Deane you had better not stop thinking like him then. If you do you'll get another hole in your head...

"Nationwide, what is the ratio of offensive gun deaths vs. defensive gun deaths?"

I think a more important question would be to ask how many gun CRIMES were commited by those who legally purchase and keep a handgun. Not every death is a black mark against guns, such as a death that results from self-defense with a handgun.

Plenty of crimes are also prevented simply by the potential victim brandishing a firearm.

When the bad guy flees, it's a victory for gun owners...but it won't usually make the headlines.

Herb

I do not own any weapons, other than a BB pistol for shooting mice the cat brings in, but I HAVE to support private gun ownership.

An elderly friend in S.C. saved himself and his wife because he had a handgun. Some goons knew they were elderly and thought they would be easy targets, so they tried to break down his door to get into his house.

My friend shot one of the guys as he broke in, but only after warning him he would. When the jerk went after my friend's wife, then, and only then, did he shoot.

" Not every death is a black mark against guns, such as a death that results from self-defense with a handgun."

Yeah. I know. That's why I noted " defensive " as the opposing category.

Great idea, let's enfore existing gun laws, everytime someone uses a gun in a crime lock them away for at least 20 years. Make it easier for law abiding citizens to get carry permits, get rid of the insane flight laws in many states, then see what the results are.
A flight law,means if you can leave or other wise give in to the crooks, you may not claim self defense.

A flight law,means if you can leave or other wise give in to the crooks, you may not claim self defense.

The "Castle Doctrine" law has passed in about 15 or 20 states.

It gives you the right to stand your ground in your home, automobile or place of business.

http://www.cga.ct.gov/2007/rpt/2007-R-0052.htm

http://tekel.wordpress.com/2007/10/09/the-castle-doctrine-a-state-by-state-summa ry/

I'm not sure of the Castle Doctrine in WA and OR right now, but it should be law in all 50 states.