American Morning
Mad as Hell: Gun owners up in arms
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/08/18/obama.protest.rifle/art.obama.gun.pool.jpg caption="A man is shown legally carrying a rifle at a protest against President Obama in Phoenix, Arizona in August."]
December 15, 1791 – On that day the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, sowing the seeds for an ongoing and still raging debate about the right to be free to bear arms vs. the right to be free of violence.
Here’s the exact wording:
“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
We went to western Pennsylvania, where hunting is popular, and to Baltimore, Maryland, where it isn’t, to understand better the cultural gap that divides the two sides.
Baltimore, Maryland – So far this year more than 300 people have been shot. Just last week six people died from gunfire. Baltimore is one of more than 450 small and large cities that have joined New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg in an effort to keep guns away from criminals.
Baltimore also has instituted “Safe Streets,” a program that aims to reduce shootings by putting community members onto the streets at night to mediate disputes that could lead to violence.
Dante Barksdale is one of those community members. An ex-con, Barksdale says “Safe Streets” gets at the heart of gun violence. “I don’t know about people loving guns,” he said, “but I know about people using guns to protect themselves or protect their image. … And this is why usually people use guns to resolve conflict. It’s because they feel like, you know, someone is stepping on their macho image [but] … being macho, being the biggest man with the biggest gun, the man who has all these people fearing him, this is not being a man. This is ignorance.”
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania – The gun owners we spoke with here, just east of Pittsburgh, see their freedom threatened by efforts to control gun possession. They were not uniformly against all gun control, but expressed concerns that new legislation could escalate into an outright ban.
CNN's Carol Costello visited retiree Irwin Polansky, who hunts around the small town of Jeanette. She asked him if owning a gun is a God-given right. “Yes,” Polansky said. He needs a gun “to protect myself from bad guys. … or an animal.” Polansky added that “they’ve got enough laws on the books right now. If they would only enforce them to go after criminals. … But why come after us? We didn’t do nothing wrong.”
We found several hunters early one morning waiting quietly with shotguns for geese to fly over Twin Lakes in Latrobe, PA. After downing several birds, hunter George Smithula told us that “you have to be born in the environment to really appreciate guns.” As for assault weapons, Smithula told us: “I’m not too keen on [them], but everything else I see no problem with.” Why does he think some gun advocates oppose all forms of gun control? “Because if you take the assault weapons away … what’ll be next? The handguns? Who knows?”
“If I lived in a place like [Baltimore],” said fellow geese hunter Dan Weyandt, “I’d like to have a gun for protection because there’ so much going on. What are you going to do if somebody comes in and comes after your family?”
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I don't expect CNN to put this no line but here goes. It is not the guns it is the people that pull the trigger. If ANYONE uses a gun in the commission of a crime put them away forever.
Stop passing laws that only effect the good guys. Go after the criminal not the gun.
It's not the government's job to protect people from making poor and dangerous decisions. How long will it take to jump from regulation to an outright ban?
No civilian should have military-style weapons and handguns should require a drivers licence endorsement to own and a permit for concealed carrry. HOWEVER, I live alone in a very rural area where emergency response times are necessarily long. I need a gun for emergency protection and I am also a hunter. I wish the NRA would take a more moderate position to protect my rights and limit those of criminals and incompetents. I resent the fact that rural residents are so often represented as arsenal-owning fanatics. Most are like I am, owning mostly conventional long guns.
I am 46 and recently purchase a full arsenal of weapons, including an AK-47. I did so because our Attorney General is on record as having supported the D.C. gun ban. He believes the 2nd amendment applies only to law enforcement organizations and not individuals. Dictatorships don't occur in the face of an armed populace. When people say it "can't happen here" it is because of individuals enforcing their 2nd amendment rights. Remember, when the government fears the people you have Liberty. When people fear the government, you have tyranny. The notion of true Liberty needs to be revived in this country. P.S. CLICK IT OR TICKET. This threat by your local constabulary brought to you courtesy of your tax dollars.
As a mom living in the city of Pittsburgh, one might think I am for gun control. Nothing could be farther from the truth. If the government bans guns, they are only taking guns away from the law abiding citizens who are not the problem. Criminals who have guns will find ways to still have guns, only now I can not protect myself and my family against them.
We should ask ourselves why the government is trying to take away our means of protecting ourselves. The government should be working for the people, not hindering us.
I am a Democrat and own several guns. I am as pro gun as you will probably find. I have no concerns with the Obama administrations stance on guns. They have done nothing for gun owners to be concerned about.
The problem stems from the Right's feeling that Obama wants to socialize the country. If that's true, then guns must be next. Totally irrational! Much like Republicans in general.
Much ado about nothing.
I live in the lowcountry down in South Carolina. I have used guns all my life hunting for food and sport. There should be NO laws put on guns in my opinion. Who ever the idot is that thinks outlawing guns will reduce crimes on the streets is completely and absolutely STUPID. Bad people will ALWAYS get guns illegal or not, just that the regular everyday sportsman or gun lover will not be able to protect themselves. If you look at Texas, they have the right to carry a fire arm on their person without license and they have the lowest crime rate. Gov't needs to stay out of our rights as they are so steadily trying to do these days. Wake up people. And I would love to see the govt try and actually take guns from the people of this country. That would be humerous.
Just saying,
I do not understand how it is that there are not life threatening penalties that may be immpossed on those that use guns and cause harm to others. Such as the DEATH Penalty and how it is that when someone does use a gun that causes death and or injury in the commishion of a crime are not expidited through the Courts so that the TAX payers are not on the hook for those sitting in prison, exsisting on the TAX payer dollers.
Ther are those who are convicted and didn't doit. It happens. Ther are also those who did do it and are still lingering.
Crimes with guns is a shame.
The answer is not to void the rights of the majority due to the fact that the Judicial system is slow.
Great to see you Carol. Great reports and cootos on a great subject.
Just sayin
I was born in Cabrini Greenes Chicago, one of the worst areas in Chicago in the 60s through 80s. I then joined the US ARMY in 1979. On the streets of Chicago I have seen a more gun violence than I have seen during Desert Storm. I strongly feel that we need more guns in our homes because the State and Federal government are unpredictable and we must defend ourselves against tyranny. The violence in America is small compared to the tyranny by the State.
I don't feel that taking away gun rights will be the resolve to the war on guns. The right to bear arms is indeed a right, one that should be respected and treated as an extreme privilege. There should be stronger regulations on how easy it is to get a gun, if you take away the right to have a gun people will find a way to get them anyway. The government cannot be in all places at one time however, with stronger regulations we can at least cut down the chance of guns getting into the wrong hands!
if are goverment was really serious about protecting the good people then they would have to build prisons first. then they would have to keep repeated offerender in jail for life. if someone use a gun in a crime they automatic get life with out parol. end of story
I read a few of the comments here and one that made a lot of sense (although for those that want to have a reason to own assault weapons won't see the point) is this comment below....
CAROL September 22nd, 2009 7:33 am ET
The second amendment gives us the right to bear MUSKETS, not uzis. Think about it. End of Carol's comment.
I think the extreme views of wanting all guns legal and making their point by intimidating others out in public, near the President, etc. with those guns are the ones that are making others want more control on guns. If everyone used a little sense with their views/guns then I doubt very many would be wanting any gun control at all. I have to wonder about people that are so extreme if it is JUST them wanting their right to bear arms protected or if they have something else in mind!
I was born in Cabrini Greenes Chicago, one of the worst areas in Chicago in the 60s through 80s. I then joined the US ARMY in 1979. On the streets of Chicago I have seen a more gun violence than I have seen during Desert Storm. I strongly feel that we need more guns in our homes because the State and Federal government are unpredictable and we must defend ourselves against tyranny. The violence in America is small compared to the tyranny by the State. Checkout tyrantjudges on youtube or go to tyrantjudges website.
the second amendment is part of our bill of rights which we elected officials to uphold not destroy. a society free of violence does not have nothing to do with banning guns, just the opposite, it quells violence in the hands of law abiding citizens! Almost all violence occurs in gun free zones! banning guns will only make it safer for criminals to ravage our neighborhoods at will!
American rights should not be infringed. It is unfortunate what people do with guns, but to protect ourselves from outer and inner threats, it is necessary to have the right to own a gun. I do not own a gun but I feel better knowing the people of our country have the right to do so in case of Government takeover which probably won't happen in my time but the right to have guns may be preventing it. Man can not be trusted, we are still infantile in behavior. Maybe when higher thought is widespread, these things may not be necessary.
Dear Carol, I'm 'Mad as Hell' in that the NRA has given the impression to many in this country that they need to have weapons to protect themselves against 'the bad people'.
Non-Deadly weapons are the solution.
The pro-gun people want to interpret the language of the Second Amendment in absolute terms, but ask them about the First Amendment, which says that "Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech."
I am a liberal Independent, but I firmly believe that having a gun is a fundamental American right. But I also believe just as strongly that certain types of weapons are not appropriate for non-military use (AK-47, M-60, any fully automatic weapon.
People have the right to have guns for hunting, sport collections and self-defense. But I have trouble with people who want to have fully automatic weapons or who do not want to register their weapons.
Those who think the lists will be used to track down gun owners are partially right – they will get tracked down to defend the US if we are ever invaded, since our entire military is overseas.
In short, we have a right to own guns, but we have to track and maintain a gun register to help prevent crime. If you own a gun legitimately and have not committed a crime then what is the concern?
As a gun collector, hunter and fairly liberal person, I'm outraged that the government would even consider tgaking our gun rights away and I assure you I will not tolerate it. Having guns/Bearing arms is a right that obviously goes back to the early days of our country, and is something that I will see passed on to my 2 sons who also collect guns and hunt.
I voted for Obama because I believed he would lead the country oput of the darkness that Bush had mired it in, but if he tries to take away my right to bear arms, I assure you/him that I will do everything I can to see that he does not get reelected. That goes for the dead weight and human waste in Congress too.
Being a college student I am upset that I cannot carry firearm on campus. School shootings happen on a regular basis in this country, and not only High Schools in the past couple of years colleges have had horrific incidents. With that being said, I do not believe that anyone can purchase semi-automatic and automatic weapons, that is simply not what the constitution is saying. Hand guns, rifles, and shotguns are crucial for either safety or hunting needs, other forms of guns should be banned for civilian use in this country.
SIU
Carbondale, Illinois
Does rural America really care about wether Black people are killing themselves with guns in all of America's big cities (genocide). Doesn't it seem like that is their plan it is very purposeful?
Step 1: Obtain a monopoly of force against a people.
Step 2: Disarm those people.
Step 3: Do whatever you want to those people.
The founder's figured it out. That's why they wrote the Constitution to limit what the government can do. All I hear is arguments for step 1 and step 2.
"The second amendment gives us the right to bear MUSKETS, not uzis. Think about it."
Well Carol, I'm sure that if that is true, you would be willing to use just a printing press to express your views as freedom of speech, the media would be severely hampered as freedom of press, and your religious views would be limited to religions that had been identified at the time the Constitution was written. I'm sorry but if you want the Bill of Rights to apply in modern times, it applies without exception. You can't have it both ways.
How many of the people were killed in Baltimore by legal gun owners? Stop trying to punish those of us who follow the law and make laws stricter for those who use, or have them illegally!! Guns don't kill people, people kill people!!!
Perhaps it should be "ignorant as hell." I haven't heard a word from the Obama administration regarding banning guns. The people making up this unfounded anxiety attack are the same ones here in rural Ohio that think the Obama administration is going to force conversion to Islam. My question is this: once Obama has done his four or eight years in office and guns are still available, freedom of religion is still available, and capitalism is alive and well: What will the fear mongers complain about next?
Once the US Constitution, or any part of it is repudiated, the end is near.
Something is definitely wrong in America,we have never seen anything like this before,men carrying assault rifles to town hall meetings. Who are they afraid of?, they are just a bunch of conservative hatemongers.
The funny thing about this is, Obama has done more to advance gun ownership rights, than probably any other Democratic President in recent history. Do the gun rights activists not remember the credit card bill? Now I can take an assault rifle into a national park. The rednecks should be thrilled!
It scares me that people in America feel like they need AK-47's. If you want one, you must be willing to use it, and it scares me that Americans are willing to fire on their own people. I understand that when violence comes knocking, people want to be able to defend themselves, but we DO have a police force to do just that. You have to wonder if people who buy these powerful weapons even know how to use them. I don't want some hot-head weilding mass murder to go running down the streets of my city.
If you have RESPONSIBLE gun owners there is not an issue. You dont see gun owners in rural areas running around shooting each other. You can blame the guns, truly if guns were the issue, overweight people would be pushing congress to get silverware out of our homes.... Just a stupid argument
Hand guns are made for killing, they ain't good for nothing else-Lynyrd Skynyrd
I think that guns are not the evil. It's PEOPLE who pull the triggers.
Guns don't kill people, PEOPLE kill people.
Gun rights are protected and should stay that way.
Nobody is even proposing that we take away the weapons which will allow homeowners to protect themselves. Why the paranoia? People just love to be outraged.
White america is hatefilled and the only way they show their emotions are through rebel flags and guns. They will just as soon shoot and kill me (a Black American) as look at me.
THEY HATE OBAMA because he is Black and has never (NEVER) said anything about taking the white man's gun. You know it and I know it – How bad is that for you (CNN, MSNBC, FOX, etc) to admit it.
Now who goes rabbit hunting with a A-K 47 this gun is made to hunt man not dinner.
As in all the highly charged debates in this country, you just need to follow the money to find the source of the polarization. Gun sales are up because the gun manufacturers and extreme gun rights proponents (one and the same really) have terrified gun owners into believing that the Democrats will take away ALL their guns. Look at the record of the current administration and you will see only concessions to the gun rights lobby. Guns in parks, guns on Amtrak and, strangest of all perhaps, the truth that gun rights are just as well supported by Democrats as they are by Republicans. The idea that guns could be confiscated by the US government is as stupid as the idea that we would institute death panels, but logic seems to have no place in the debate. The powerful interests are afraid of logical debate and rely heavily on fearmongering. Those of us that are trying to do anything about gun violence know that a blanket ban on guns is not necessary or desirable, yet we cannot even discuss targeting illegal guns without being labelled as "gun haters" and having our message drowned out by illogical nonsense. What we need is straight talk about the difference between using a gun safely for sport and using one to gun down children, police officers or family members. I don't believe that the real choice is between having both these things or neither of them.
Another anti-gun biased report by CNN. I agree with the poster who referenced the raised eyebrows and incredulous tone of voice when talking to the gun-owner....a blatant attempt to discredit a law-abiding citizen as a whack job.
What is an assualt weapon ladies and gentlemen? Do the anti-gunners even know? Apparently not. How many times was "AK-47" mentioned in the story with the kind of dread reserved for pedophiles? Too many. I've got news for you. There are hundreds of thousands to millions of AK-47s in private hands in the United States...legally. They are semi-automatic...just like revolvers. They are also no more or less dangerous than any other semi-automatic rifle in their calibre.
Less than .3% (that's 30% of 1%, an incredibly small number) of gun crimes are committed with "Assault Weapons". Yet, the gun-grabbers want you to think that banning assault weapons will have an impact on crime...in a way they are right....it will increase crime becase when guns are outlawed only outlaws have guns!
The United Kingdom has absolutely draconian gun laws and yet crime is increasing..not only with guns but with knives! Recently, a minor was prevented from buying a pizza cutter in a British department store because it is "an edged weapon".
Remember: Guns don't kill people, people kill people.
Oh yes, one more thing...the Gun-Show Loophole. Do your research people. There is no gun-show loophole. What the "gun-show loophole" actually refers to is private transactions between two individuals. Has absoultely nothing to do with gun-shows.
For an entertaining take on the UK and their moronic gun laws, click here:
http://defmech.blogivists.com/2008/09/06/poor-united-kingdom-gun-bans-and-increasing-gun-crime/
I think the approach to "some" gun control should be two-pronged. I am a hunter and owner of legal hunting guns. But I don't see any need for citizens of the USA to have automatic pistols and assault rifles in their homes. A solution would be gun clubs run by the sheriff's office in each county. Individuals could own as many automatic pistols and assault rifles as they want, as long as the guns stay in a secured area under the control of the sheriff's office. Owners of these guns could then have shooting ranges and competitions on the premises of the club, but the only guns which would be kept in their homes would be the legal hunting guns, such as shotguns, deer rifles and perhaps a single shot hunting pistol. This is enough fire power for anybody who wants to hunt, or to "protect" themselves if they feel threatened (real or perceived through paranoia). I still believe that the best protection from "home invasion" is calling 911 or getting security systems if you live in a high crime area.
This would at least cut down on the likelihood of crazy people getting their hands on weapons of mass destruction and going into schools or McDonalds and killing innocent people. The Gun Club may not be a perfect solution, but it would cut down on violence and satisfy the Second Amendment.
I mentioned "high crime areas." These are created by drugs and individuals looking for enough money for the next "fix." Therefore, the second prong of my gun-control solution would be to decriminalize street drugs, thereby taking the money out of that business and this would end or cut down on drug-related violence. We have never been successful at winning this so-called War on Drugs, so why not try legalization of drugs that would keep the drug prices down and quell the violence? People who are drug addicts are going to get the stuff they want anyway. Half of the money that's now put into drug law enforcement could then be put into drug addiction prevention and rehabilitation programs.
Legal gun owners are not the problem. I own guns for sport, for protection, and firearms that have sentimental value to my family, i.e. heirlooms.
As an American citizen, I have the right to own firearms as guaranteed by our 2nd amendment. That being said, I should not need a document to explain to me that I have the right to defend my family, my home, or my property. And if you think I'm over reacting? Our community has had two break-ins recently where burglars beat the home owners in armed robberies. One of those ultimately resulted in the death of an elderly victim and member of our community. I find that unacceptable.
If these people are truely mad, then I suggest they act. In the next elections they can effectively change our political leaders by not voting for Republican or Democrat. Put your vote where your mouth is!
Eric R,
Wrong lady, Semi-Automatic AK47s are sold every day in tens of different variants to legal, law biding Americans. From a hunting style to a paratrooper style.
A FLL only allows to you to sell firearms, it is the ATF stamp for the firearms that are on the controlled list that allow you to own a particular fully automatic firearm or other exoctic weapon.
A little trivia, a gun without a bullet (cartridge) is wall decoration, a club or a hammer. A gun, without someone to pull the trigger, is just an inadamant object sitting in a place for all time.
Don't believe all the hype and misinformation anti-gunners sell, the spin and Kool Aid is worse than what we get from the cable news outlets, ALL OF THEM
Amendment 2
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a FREE State,the right of the PEOPLE (citizens) to keep and bear arms, Shall NOT be Infringed.
Militia, the body of citizens in a state,enrolled for discipline as a military force.But not engaged in actual service except in emergencies.As distinguished from regular troops or a standing army.In order to conform to this definition ,and to remain able to oppose a rebellious and disobedient government. The citizen militia must not be connected in any way with that government lest the body politic lose its fearful countenance as the only sure threat to a government bent on converting free people into slaves...
I was raised around guns having a gun is not a god given right but is a right by the Constitution of the US. I am a young woman in her 20`s I live alone I own a couple of hand guns I keep in my home to protect myself. They never leave my home only to take to the gun range to practice With this rise in violence against women a woman needs to do something to protect herself. Something should be done guns falling in the wrong hands
James.....
Should we ban knives, pencils, cars/trucks, cell phones?
Because as a police officer, I have seen EVERY SINGLE ONE of these times used as a weapon to kill someone.
Unfortunately... the 2nd amendment breeds emotional response and rarely coherent thoughts.
I do agree penalties for gun crimes should be much more severe.
And dont forget.... US Supreme Court stated that "Police DO NOT HAVE DUTY TO PROTECT INDIVIDUALS"
I do not own a gun out of choice. I will continue the fight to keep my right to own a gun.
Anti-gun advocates and the majority of the media seem blind to the fact that NO law passed by any legislative body will deter any criminal from stealing or otherwise acquiring a gun and using it in the commission of a crime. Given that the Police cannot individually guard each one of us and our property 24 hrs./da., only an armed citizenry has a chance of defending themselves against an armed criminal. Also ignored by media are the millions of gun owners who engage in shooting sports such as trap and skeet, bullseye smallbore and high power target rifle and pistol matches, cowboy fast-draw competitions, (steel) silhouette rifle and pistol shooting, defensive pistol combat shooting competitions and just plain ol' plinking at tin cans and informal tests of marksmanship ability. Not all shooting is about hunting.
On the issue of Guns, I see it as a No Brainer. The Constitution(Law of The Land) says "the Right of the People to Keep and Bear Arms Shall Not Be Infringed". It does not say the right to hunt shall not be infringed. Self defence is a god given right. Anyone that try's to take away my right to self defence is #1 Breaking the law and #2 My enemy because it is my duty as an American to support and defend the Constitution as it is the Presidents, Senators, Congressmen, and Military personell.
There are those that say that only the police, and military should have guns, and to those people I say if that is your felling then move to another country that feels like you do.
To those take say that Americans carrying guns to a presidential rally is wrong, I say ,well the Cops have Guns and the Secret Service have guns. Are they going to be forbidden to take their guns to the rally also? Of course not. The Cops and Secret Service guns are ready to protect the president. But his live is no more presious then any other Americans. Every American has a right to protect their own life and to that end, they have the right to be armed. Plain and simple.
I live in northern Minnesota. I herd on a twin city radio show that us nothern people are 20 years behind time's. Don't know about that, but on the weekend's our crime rate goes way up because of them coming up here. Yes, I own gun's. I have 4 DEER rifle's and 3 BIRD shot gun's. I see the city-it's come up here on the weekend with there pistol's and shoot all day as if it were a toy. I have never seen the need or use for the hand gun. Seem's to me, the only time its used is in a crime. Oh I know, some of us gun own'ers shoot at gun clubs, but I would still like to see them go. Now for the big but. If you give in to banning hand gun's, Its a start to banning all gun's. And like all law's, they are made for honest people. The crook will get AND carry his gun anyway. Ok, this is a debate that will go on for a long time. You have dem. and rep. and independent's. I'd like to start a party called, people of common since. I'm not going to take my gun and go hold up a bank. I'm going to walk the wood's and deer hunt. Well, thats my view. Maybe I am 20 years out of date, but the big city folk are closeing in on me and I'm catching up real fast. May have to change my view of owning a hand gun. JUST A THOUGHT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Why do we need guns for protection? Eliminate this by having more reliable policing of criminal elements in our society. Make it illegal to possess guns which have no purpose other than for killing people, and guns designated for hunting should be permitted and liscensed. Possession of guns for killing people, handguns and assault weapons should be outlawed with severe penalties in large urban areas, where they actually create more of a threat to people's safety. People that feel they need hand guns for protection are a minority that impact the majority of our society in a negative way. When are these people having shoot-outs with bad guys? Are they expecting terrorists? Our Bill of Rights to own guns is an outdated concept in a modern world. Why is the National RIFLE Assoc. also pushing hand guns that are the main part of the problem? How many innocent people must be murdered by hand guns for these NRA members to recognize that they are off track?
i can't imagine life without my toys, my hunting dog, and my guns !
People get hung up on the 'Well Regulated Militia' part of the Second Amendment not applying the time of that this instrument was penned.
In fact, all able bodied men were part of the Militia. They used their personal firearms to fight any enemies, foreign or domestic. Remember, at that time, the nation had no significant treasury, no way of providing arms or equipment to the American war fighters of that time. It was a 'Come as you are' war. This philosophy endured until the late 1890s, when westward expansion was coming to a close and the Native Americans were driven from their land to allow for white settlements. Those settlements, began adopting the trends of the eastern cities and began to look at the weak, effeminate style of New York men as 'cultured' and so began the first attempts at 'gun control' .
I think it is outrageous that plaxico burris is going to jail for carrying a gun in NYC. The supreme court needs to do something about bloombergs anti gun crusade. NYC is a police state with 36,000 policeman compared to LA with 12,000. With all the police a woman is raped every 30 seconds and someone is asaulted every 5 seconds in the U.S. People need the right to carry in every city and state unless they are found to be insane or have a felony record.
Great Britan, no guns, crime rate up. Australia confiscated guns, crime rate up. US citizens buy more guns because of Obama, crime rate down. Florida good example. People think that confiscating guns will lower crime rate. No way. Wake up America.
I would hope that a cabe news channel like CNN would find a few minutes in its 24 hour news cycle to inform people like Mr. Polanski about history (and maybe reach some of those Oklahoma school kids). Gun ownership is not a God-given right, it is a constitutional right. Maybe some of the anger in this country comes from the fact that lunatic revisionists like Glenn Beck are misinforming their listeners that this is a "Christian nation." Would it be inconsistent with journalistic principles for CNN to point out that, in fact, our founding fathers were Deists, and our founding principles are based on logic, not the Bible?
If you believe in banning guns, please lead the cause by putting a sign in your yard saying "I don't own guns". Also remember the courts have ruled "The Police: No Duty To Protect Individuals (Warren v. D.C.) " I would rather protect myself than depend on a system that has no duty to serve me.
I feel that "gun control" is the key phrase here. I live in an "urban community" and I agree with Dante Barksdale mission and commend his efforts but the fact is that the murders that he is working to prevent are not caused by legal, responsible gun owners. I feel that gun owners should have to take a responsibility and safty test before purchasing a wepon just as a driver has to when applying for a license.
By further regulating, restricting or banning even gun ownership. The criminals will have the law abiding citizen out gunned.
@ Chuck, I kinda agree but like I said, how many people on the streets are registered gun owners? How many peope on the streets do you know, that clame they have a gun for protection but not involved in illegal activity? I am a black man and I am just keeping it real with you. I wouldn't want to have my right to bear arms taken away but I also don't want to see more lives lost to senseless violence...catch 22 huh?
Mariana – Follow your own advice and learn the facts.
What is out there for Gun Control that is "Written", but "NOT Said..."
is to ban any weapon that the Government deems to be an "Assault TYPE" weapon.
We have already seen Clinton enact the Brady Bill stating that a Tech-9 is an Assualt TYPE weapon, when in fact it is only a scary looking semi-automatic pistol. Which fires no more rounds that a 9mm Beretta commonly owned by everyday people.
There is middle ground but after the 1994 gun ban gun owners like myself are worried. As a retired police officer, I carry my handgun concealed on a daily basis. I live in Dallas TX and have used my firearm four times in 18 years to protect myself. The middle ground is simple and the problem is anything simple in congress gets complicated to the point of stupidy. You want gun owners to be happy make the 2nd amendment a right across the board, and don't ban firearms and in return require all gun sales to go through a licensed dealer which requires a background check, so if I wanted to sell a gun to a friend or a stranger we would have to go to a dealer and the buyer would have to do the background check and BATF paperwork. There is more that could be done in give and take but we have to take baby steps but of the lack of trust between gun owners/NRA and government officials. Banning guns will be impossible given the numbers of firearms in the US so anti gun owning groups are just out of luck not to mention all the US companies that employee a huge number of people making ammo, parts, guns, and accessories. I would love to help draft something that would work, but that wouldn't happen my IQ is to high. Yes, I also am an NRA Life Member and I have also lost a loved one to gun violence by a gun I think no one needs to own. I would love for you to contact me and talk about this issue.
Why don't people wake up. Gun control will not stop the killings in Baltimore or any where else. Think about it, do you really think that the people that are doing the killings really go out and buy their guns legally? I doubt it. The only thing gun control will do is prevent a normal person from protecting him self. The killings will still be there with all the black market guns. WAKE UP AMERICA
Stop letting all these activists tell us what is good for our country. There has always been guns in this country, but back when there was no way the amount of murders. It has to do with the anger in people nowadays, and parents not pounding into their kids heads that killing is wrong. It is taking God out of our daily lives, and just plain stupidity. It is time the people of America take back our country and not put up with the activists and their left wing followers. Look at the land in California that is a dust bowl now because animal activist wanted to save some little 1 inch fish. Give me a break. Starve human beings an put them out of work to save some itty bitty fish. WOW
We are advanced enough to be able to vote on each issue on our own. I don't trust them with my money or with my authority as a citizen. If the government accepts money from lobbyist well let them pay my taxes since their voices are louder than ours. The government requires receipts & so do I. The problem with the governments relationship with each citizen is that the government forces us to obey without an agreement. I didn't sign up for this and I was born on this land and don't beleive in the laws that many Americans believe in. my motto is to live and let live with respect to others. Watch where you throw your weight b/c the power of one will soon be greater than the power of all so be respectful to all (i.e. government)!!! The way a salesperson is taxed is unfair too. Everyone needs to be on level palying field. It makes no since for anyone to discount a persons' ability to sell as automatic!!! Sales people all have to develop skill sets and knowledge to get better just like in any other profession. So why do we pay more on monies earned when for the most part it takes skill to get a sale?
Of course, I was not surprised by your laughably obvious bias in this report: the disbelieving "REALLY??" when asking the gun owner about his views, etc. The raised eyebrow; the incredulous tone of voice: that's how you blow-drys of the leftist media signal the soccer moms of both sexes that the interviewee is a Right-Wing Nut. It's the old brainwashing tricks of Edward Bernays that you've been using for most of a century.
As for the blacks and their mania for killing each other: that's THEIR problem. No sane, non-criminal American should have his Second Amendment rights curtailed in any way in yet another fruitless attempt to stop it.
In a previous comment, I mentioned the intent of the gun owner being the deciding factor of whether it should be legal, and that is a dubious responsibility. Look at the recent activities at Obama rallies, where people showed up blatantly with guns to "make a statement". The problem is, what is that statement? Is it intimidation? Threat? These are the people we need to be afraid of. These are the people who should not have guns, because they display their animosity with a bravado & dare that provokes arrogance and superiority in the face of humanity. It may be honest, but it is also contemptible. An utter lack of humility. This is a dangerous trait.
as a former police officer I feel that guns in responsible hands are very worthwhile. Police cannot be on every corner and they are not charged with protecting you, you have to protect yourself, It is a shame that disagreements cannot be settled in better means, but those people in the inner city who use them are cowards, they haven't the guts to settle their disputes correctly and those localities that ban licensed carry are helping add to the problem think Maryland,Chicago DC..Some of our most vocal officials who are against guns, carry them and have armed guards.Very hypocritical, think nancy.Ban motor vehicles, more are killed with them than guns and thousands more injured.thanks.
when martin luther king was shot i lived in NYC, i bought a gun. i now live in canada, my gun is in a safety deposit box in my bank. it's all about perceived need
Killers will stop killing if you take away guns? Oh Get Real! next will we try to outlaw knives? Killers kill because they want to. They will use any weapon they find desireable.
I have been a Democrat all my life and a strong Union supporter. This is due to their support of the working middle class and unions.
I also am a hunter, gun collector sport shooter and I love my Assault Rifle.
I feel that these are my rights as an American to enjoy these things without someone like Bloomberg trying to take them from me.
If the Democrats let this happen I will support the Republican party in the next election. It is kind of a catch 22, do you love having a good job or do you love your guns. Please wake up Democrats I don't want to have to vote Republican.
Don't mess with my guns ! ! ! !
Hi,
As a canadian, I see the United States from an international point of view. I do not know your political and social statue in the gun policy issue as much as you do, but I can say, from an international point of vue, that the american gun policy is one of the big downsides of your contry, as well as the health care system. As the biggest supplier of weapons in the world, if the United States gouvernment decides to control the selling of guns in their own country, not only will this have a positive impact on the whole country, but also an international impact that would help diplomatic issues around the world and in the Middle East, more specificaly. Also I would like to bring a point on the admendment in the constituion that says "the right to bear arms". Although it says one can own a gun, it does not specify that this person can use it. And, with all do respect, the consituton is the foundation of your country, but change and freedom is also part of american values. When we look at the advantages and disadvantages of the gun policy, it is clear that urban regions are undergoing massive crime waves thanks, mostly, to the flexible gun policy, where as, in the more rural regions, gun use is probably not as big. In that sense, gun control would clearly advantage more people than it would disadantage others. Finally, if you can't feel safe without a gun, there is either two problems, either your environment is highly hostile, or you are a little paranoïd. This is my opinion, but I believe that many people around the world share it.
Thank you for this interesting debate,
Shawn Mellon
Guns don't kill people. People who teach violence kill people. The tragedy of urban violence is a very real concern. However, I don't think that, if all the guns in the world disappeared, the those who hate and those who kill would not find another means.
I voted for Obama–and I still support him. But, like a lot of gun owners, I am apprehensive about what is in store for gun owners.
I don't even hunt anymore, I hate violence. I don't even want to kill animals. But I am an avid sports shooter and love shooting a variety of guns. I even own a "dreaded" AK47, which news people universally see as a "bad" gun. Yet it functions no differently than my Remington 750, which is a "good" gun. I think news people need to become a little more "gun literate."
I believe guns are necessary in a democratic society. Our Constitution gives us the right to own and have them. But some people in our country carry this whole option overboard! They should not be carried in public gatherings and in places where they are prohibited. It is a right that comes with a lot of responsibility and a need for common sense!
I have a God given right to defend myself and part of that right is having the right tools to do that and that means a gun. The gentleman who said that people in his urban neighborhood use guns to resolve conflicts points out a real problem. Those are the twisted morals of a few, not the many, and represent part of the group of people I need to protect myself and my family from.
Also, the amount of money that the NRA has is given to them by Americans who want the Second Amendment protected. And demonstrates how important this is to America. Even though Obama hasn't said anything about gun control, others in congress like Diane Feinstien have, and that is worrisome.
I am 64 years old and not a physical person. I have 2 guns and I got a carry conceal license over 2 years ago. I carry anytime I leave my home. The police cannot protect you all they do is put a chalkline around your body. It is my right to protect myself and my family. I haven't shot anyone and I respect my weapons however if it ever arises I am prepared. The economic conditions are forcing people to steal and rob and in the process harm or kill you especially if he is a drug addict. We need to focus all our resources on eliminating drugs not guns. Law abiding citizens with licensces to carry do not kill people unless they are trying to kill you. The shootings such as in Baltimore are from illegal guns by bad people. They don't have licenses to carry and did not purchase guns legally. So don't fear the people who are legally carrying there guns they may save your life someday too.
You'll have to excuse me, for this is my first attempt at ever corrosponding with a national media. I would just like to say that while the anti gunners are allways aiming their hatred toward the guns, which, as we all know, are only inatimite "things", they cant think, they cant act on thoughts, they cant control what hands they wind up being possessed by. Why cant these people start venting their frustrations on the "people" that use guns in a violent and deadly manner? I viewed your special this morning, and was particulary amused by the question....Why do you think you need a gun?.....I thought to myself...just watch the news (ironic, I know) and you should have your answer. If they take away our guns, they take away our rights to defend ourselves, in a world that seems to be spiriling out of control. I have so many more thoughts on this, but will curtail them for limited reasons. I thank you for letting me express my opinion!
Gun ownership is currently supported by our constitution. Gun laws seem only to hurt law abiding gun owners while doing nothing about the black market sale of guns. These guns are passed down through family members with no checks or balances. The government has implemented registration to make it easier in the future to take away our guns. Remember, outlaw guns and only outlaws will have guns. Case in point...Australia and England. Two countries where gun violence has skyrocketed. No one has a way to protect themselves! Zimbabwe is another country...a few years ago they took guns away from land owners and the government has gone in and laid claim to those lands only to ruin the businesses that were on it. Take note America!
Hey Carol,
I want to express my passion. I feel that President Obama is doing a "Great Job".
The Glen Beck and Rushes are so upset that the Democrats are in charge. They are the ones hate the fact that we have a BLACK MAN telling them what to do. And as far as having hate mongers. Yes we have a few that feel the same.
I believe that the U.S.A voted for President Obama and we have gone a long way. And I was a part of history, because I voted for President Obama.
And yes I am mad as hell for the ones that are fueling the fire.
Thank you for reading my e-mail
Rita A. Banda
From Austin Texas
The hunter has likely acquired his weapons through proper legal channels. The "kids" carrying weapons on the streets of Balitmore have either stolen them or aquired them through gangs who have stolen them. If you plan on committing a crime, you don't first go to the gun store and buy a gun. You steal one.
Banning the legal sale of guns will have no affect on the crime except reduce the number of guns the criminals can steal from law abiding citizens.
Regarding assault weapons.. Do you need a Corvette that can run 200 MPh, when no highway in the US has a speed limit over say 80 MPH? No you don't but we have to option to own one. We are free to have one because we are free americans. For the same reason I have the option to own a rifle that can fire 30 rounds in 2 seconds. It is about the rush you feel from using the toy. You can't really hunt with an assault rifle, but that isn't the point. It is the freedom to have it if we choose to have it.
I think only police officers, and people who hunt should have guns. When hunters get a gun they should sign a paper saying the gun is for hunting, If they shoot a person they go to jail for life...
I watched your piece this morning and thought it very vague on whats really going on with gun control...Do you honestly think that taking away our right to bear arms will stop illegal gun use in the US? You compared hunters to people in the streets of America using guns to solve their problems? Thats ridiculous...if you want to show real data go back and check on all crimes committed in the US using guns and tell me how many guns were hunters or legal gun owners committing these crimes...It doesn't matter if its a gun or a bat or a bottle, urban America is out of control because of money and power and will use any way it can to take a life or commit their crimes...
Taking away guns is not the right answer – the people who kill and hurt other people with guns, are the ones who do not respect the law anyway. Then the innocent and law abiding people will have no protection against the people who intend to hurt with weapons and guns. Violent people will always find a way to get new weapons. We just need to have better regulation for the selling of guns and of crime. In the south guns are practical for hunting and for killing dangerous wild animals and snakes – they do not "need" guns in the city, especially if the police are doing thier best job.
WHy should the government or anyone say what kind of weapon that I choose to own? There are so many firearm laws on the books now that we don't need anymore. Laws are for the law abiding, criminals love laws. THey don't follow them, they just make it easier for the criminals. And I will always believe that an armed society is a free society.
First, the Second Amendment is essential to keeping the First Amendment and is why this country has not become a Cuba or other despot ruled country.
Second, gun crime in the urban environments are using perpetrated by people who obtain firearms through illegal means. Controlling the lawful ownership of guns will only effect the law biding. It will never effect the criminals.
Third, deaths and injuries related to firearm use is about 1,500 year world wide as compared to vehicle deaths and injuries which were about 32,500 a year. Falls in bath tubs and from ladders topped the accidental death list. Want to ban or control ladders?
What about vehicles, are we banning certain driver behavior yet? Nope, not universally.
So when we stop idiots from killing each other while driving and texting, then you may come a step closer to ultimate vehicle safety and a step stone toward some kind of gun control.
The problem with gun control is the fact that there are an estimated 350 millions privately owned guns in existance. Many of these guns are not registered and many are in the hands of criminals. The criminals will NOT turn them in if there would be some type of ban! They are criminals and break laws for a living. I think law abiding citizens should be able to purchase and carry concealed weapons if they choose to defend themselves. I also think that there should be a 0 tolerance policy where if you abuse that right, you loose it forever! Lastly, the common ground could be on the ease to purchase firearms at gun shows. This seems to be an area where the dealers will sometimes move product and ammunition with under the table cash sales! The loop holes should be tighted even if it makes it more difficult for legal sales to happen as long as they are not restricted!
I think when it comes to guns, there is a fair amount of legitimacy on both sides. The real challenge comes down to the individuals and their intent. How do you legislate intent? I think some of those who feel they need to protect themselves from others with guns really should be protecting themselves against themselves, and get rid of them. But on the other side, those who oppose guns might take a diffrent tone if their lives were threatened. The use of a gun really should only be in defense at extreme moments of life & death, not as a weapon of passion or some perceived moral judgement which could be distorted & hypocritical in hindsight.
Gun Control? Maybe we need to control our criminals. I live in a small town in colorado. My family has more than 30 guns, rifles, pistols and such. One pistol belonged to my great grandfather. It never gets fired. So as americans we should have to pay a price to own EACH of or guns. NOWAY! Maybe more safety should be taught maybe better morals. We in our county have not had 300 deaths by weapons. We use our firearms to eat, for recreation. Not to kill people. Maybe society is the problem. Not the guns.
You asked if there was a middle ground? The answer is of course not. Gun control advocates will always say give me a little now and I can try to take a little more later.
i think that gun control in a city wit a population of over 1/2 a million people should ban handguns and atuomatic weapons... i've never seen a person conseal a double barrel shotgun in there pants...
There are already many gun laws on the books which are not enforced. The first step is to enforce gun laws already enacted. Until that is done, there is no point in discussing additional control. Furthermore, people who use guns illegally will always find a way to obtain them so it is doubtful that legislation will substantially deter criminals from using guns.
Guns don't kill people. People kill people. You can take the guns away, but people who kill will just find another way to do it.
The Goverment is not going after the guns themselves. They are making it harder and more expensive to buy the ammo for them. I work in a retail store which sales these items and we can not get ammo in. We might get a few boxes here or there, but that's it. People are hording ammo for the fear the Goverment will tripple or even qudrule the prices of it. Sales of ammo have increased dramaticly since Obama came into office.
Thers is a huge difference with the guns that are used in Westmoreland CO, PA and Baltimore, MD. The guns in Baltimore are likely illegal, street guns that are illegally purchased or stolen. Hardly no one in MD is issued a concealed carry permit, so anyone carrying a gun is carrying that gun illegally.
When anti-gunners proclaim that "guns kill," they give wood and steel life and breath. Guns do not kill people, people with malice and ill-intent armed with weapons (including guns) commit crimes. If guns kill, I should be dead many times over.
65 million gun owners killed no one yesterday.
As a Democrat who has no problem with guns and has, in fact, owned them, I want to assure Republicans that we don't want to take your guns.
Gun Control on all forms of firearms is dumb, why punish the hunters and gun collectors for what the people in the urban areas are doing with their assault rifles and handguns. Why not just ban the handguns and assault rifles, that alone would dramatically stop the violence in the streets of our urban areas.
I am a police officer and an AVID gun rights supporter. I see first hand that Gun Control laws do NOT work and always hurt the law-abiding. Criminals...don't follow the law to begin with, so why would you make Gun Control laws?
The only thing I have ever seen make ANY difference no matter how small is to make penalties for crimes MUCH STIFFER.
Our country was founded through the RIght to Keep and Bare Arms. There is no altering the 2nd Amendment. It is guaranteed and can never be changed. Also.. The NRA took Washington DC to court over handgun bands and the US Supreme Court ruled DC to be unconstitutional. The highest court in our country has already ruled... But, everyone seems to forget this FACT.
Please know that the ONLY way an individual can own an AK47 is if they have a Federal firearm license, or if the full automatic mechanism has been disabled so the rifle can only shoot one round at a trigger pull. Automatic weapons have been illegal to own for decades now.
Erica
If people would take responsibility and learn the facts rather than listening to sound bites they would realize that not all guns would be banned, that hunters could still hunt with appropriate guns etc. Americans are lazy and stupid and take no time to educate themselves on the issues. It is the same with health care. Get the facts. Journalists are also to blame going for sensationalism and pleasing advertisers.
The second amendment gives us the right to bear MUSKETS, not uzis. Think about it.
Please use "RaCIAL AS HELL" instead of " MAD AS HELL" because America is still a very racial country. As per guns, THEY SHOULD BE BANNED FROM THE STREETS because all the criminals in Canada are bringing guns from America.