« Reply #22 on: January 13, 2009, 08:46:07 PM »
I think I've said this on another forum, but I echo what M58 posted earlier. I have noticed a tendency among too many in our community (even some on these forums) who are too willing to throw some of us overboard. This is played out in the "needs" argument: Why do you need a full auto/select fire weapon? Why do you need high capacity magazines? Why do you want a high-powered rifle? Why do you need/want to buy more than one gun a month?
All of these types of questions suppose that the questioner has some sort of superior insight into what you really need. And it is a very arrogant and condescending attitude that drives these questions. Their questions aren't really questions, they are making judgments about you and your lifestyle. I am reminded of the fact that the first 10 amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of RIGHTS, not the Bill of NEEDS!
So when I get a question about why I own Class 3 weapons, I ask why they drive a certain vehicle, why do they go to a certain church, why do they read this newspaper versus another newspaper, why do they need to look at porno, etc. They are usually offended when I question their choices and imply that there is something "wrong" with them for making such choices. And they usually aren't willing to see the contradictions in their own positions.
I will tell those of you who favor more restrictions on our rights to ponder this question: It is a documented fact that the crime rate (especially crimes related to violence) was lower in the 40's, 50's and 60's before more restrictive gun laws were put on the books. Since these laws have been introduced, the crime rate is higher in absolute terms and in measures that take into account population growth. What makes you think that adding more regulations and restrictions, will make our society safer? Since there appears to be a positive correlation - more gun restrictions, more crime - why do you need to support such ideas?
I have used the same tactics in several debates with anti-gun people myself. It is usually met with a blank stare as they try to comprehend the reasoning behind their own hypocrisy.
For example, I was sitting next to a fellow (in a bar) whom had just lost his license due to his THIRD DUI. He was railing on how guns are dangerous and kill people, blah blah blah, ad nauseum. When I mentioned the fact that drunken and/or inattentive drivers kill many more people on the roads than guns do in a year, he just got this blank look and tried to change the subject. I then allowed that by his reasoning, because I lost my leg and nearly died due to a person not paying attention while driving, we should should just arbitrarily ban ALL automobiles. He got up and left.

Logged
"I expect perdition, I always have. I keep this building at my back, and several guns handy, in case perdition arrives in a form that's susceptible to bullets. I expect it will come in the disease form, though. I'm susceptible to diseases, and you can't shoot a damned disease." ~ Judge Roy Bean, Streets of Laredo
For the Patriots of this country, the Constitution is second only to the Bible for most. For those who love this country, but do not share my personal beliefs, it is their Bible. To them nothing comes before the Constitution of these United States of America. For this we are all labeled potential terrorists. ~ Dean Garrison
"When it comes to the enemy, just because they ain't pullin' a trigger, doesn't mean they ain't totin' ammo for those that are."~PegLeg