User123abc on 19/4/2007 at 01:41

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The accusation of being unpatriotic isn't too different from me saying that elvis loves penis. I think it's issued far too often, and sometimes for wholly unpatriotic purposes. I pay my parking tickets and I don't lie on my taxes - I've earned the privilege of these freedoms.

You have a point about the middle east thing. Although there are a few regional differences that make me think twice about agreeing with you. Not to mention that handguns seem to be the weapon of choice here, as opposed to RPGs and Aks.

Even then, insurgencies/guerrilas like those in Vietnam and Iraq work when there's a degree of restraint and uncertainty on the part of the "big guy" - the goal is to delay long enough so that it becomes in his best interest to just let go. Presumably, conflict a la the Civil War, or with some major international power, would call for total mobilization, total commitment.

I agree with you about violence and freedoms (how could I disagree?). The thing is though, that that isn't the only factor in judging whether or not something pertinent to that ideal is to be adopted into practice. You also need to consider how it reflects on other aspects of national well-being. It's like wiretapping, although the ideal pursued here is different: is the benefit to national security enough to justify sacrificing those freedoms which you talk about? And I think this particular argument for gun availability is moot, because the very minimal protection that it offers against a very unlikely dictatorship is pretty much outweighed by the fact that it's quite the double edged blade in every other situation. To me, that's the real issue.

In any case it's very very hard to separate real considerations and the wierd-ass fantasy of Red Dawn. I don't think it's a realistic situation, and I find it hard to believe that the chances would be good. In general, I'd warn against making policy based on fear and paranoia, which is pretty much what that movie represents.

Stitch on 19/4/2007 at 02:15

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yeah hay whats with those guys huh :mad:

fett on 19/4/2007 at 02:46

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Finally, a (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,266860,00.html) Rational Explanation for this tragedy.

Gingerbread Man on 19/4/2007 at 03:17

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Man, I don't often get honestly furious at Persons of Monumental Ignorance, no matter how it may seem on the Internet. I'm usually perfectly well-satisfied by scoffing at the idiot opinions and ideas of the great unwashed with persons of similar mind, and tend to let it roll over me and my slightly (and ironically) holier-than-thou attitude without too much personal outrage sincerely penetrating my words.

But what the fuck.

I understand that Fox News has basically become a ridiculous and insane screeching-point for opinions that maybe 1% of Americans actually and rationally hold, but what the fuck. I want to hit Dr Richard Roberts and shout an extremely loud, rude, and prolonged harangue right into Lauren Green's face for submitting this as a column. And also her editor. And lots of other people.

What kind of a Dark-Age superstitious sub-mongoloid mouthbreathing stink-fingered dimwit do you have to be to actually, in the 21st century where we have cars and computers and satellites and cheese in a spray can, suggest that it was Satan?

I think there are some people who didn't get kicked in the ass hard enough still roaming around out there, and if anyone wants to join the posse we're meeting outside the King of Donair on Hampton on Saturday. We'll figure out what to do from there, but I think first the plan will have to include eating donairs because mmm.

Lady Taffer on 19/4/2007 at 03:23

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Well I believe, like many here, that outlawing guns isn't the answer and offered up a simple reason.
We already do have weapons more lethal than guns, but if you mean weapons that civilians can carry. . then yeah, maybe not in the near future but worse weapons are definitely possible, they just haven't been invented yet.
I was just trying to provoke thought. . I'm sorry if you perceive thinking as inane.