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Debate: do guns keep you safe?
A debate at Opposing Views. Opposing Views is an interesting concept. They take public issues, solicit arguments from spokesmen on either side (here, NRA, GoA and Citizens' Committee vs. Ceasefire and Freedom States Alliance, then open the debate to comments.
Comments
i commented on this extensively on david codrea's blog. the short version is:
the question is 100% weasel-worded.
how the antis frame the question: does getting a gun, when before you did not have one, make you more safe in and of itself? the answer is no, of course not, you haven't taught yourself how to use it yet.
what the question really ought to be: what's the most effective means of securing my safety and the safety of my loved ones and household and property in as many situations as possible? get a gun -- and as is implied by such a direct statement, learn how to use it.
Posted by: jon at November 11, 2008 02:18 PM
I agree - the entire debate is flawed due to the inherently flawed nature of the question. The firearm does nothing - if I bought a NASCAR car, it would neither make me a race car driver or not.
Posted by: Linoge at November 11, 2008 04:37 PM
More appropriately the question should be, "Do you keep your guns in a safe?"
Posted by: DirtCrashr at November 11, 2008 04:49 PM
"More appropriately the question should be, 'Do you keep your guns in a safe?'"
Why? nothing is more effective than a gun in the hands of the intended victim in the prevention of rape, kidnapping, robbery or murder. You might as well ask if one keeps one's fire extinguishers in a safe, as there is the potential for fatal misuse of them, too.
The thought that violence might prevent other violence is a lost subtlety, no?
The real issue to be examined is whether the belief that you are armed keeps bad guys from trying to rob or kill you.
Posted by: Windy Wilson at November 12, 2008 04:13 PM