Gun Vote " Shameful Day," Obama Says

[JDGRUEN]

To F430murci .... Correct - but you can't buy a gun at Walmart without a background check. And bombs are easy enough to make - much easier than making a gun - just take a look at the Dilberts in Boston. And are you suggesting preventing people from buying cars and knives? Are you going to have back ground checks on a 4 inch blade knife? Easy to kill with one of those. Where do you stop with regulating? ... Does everyone get to live in a safe little rubber room in your scenario of life ?

To oilinki .... High order explosives are already highly restricted because outside industry there is no personal use that can be defended. The Boston bombers supposedly used large scale fireworks as a source of explosives - are you going to ban fireworks like you want to ban guns? Homemade explosives can be made using common items like ordinary peroxide - are you going to ban peroxide or have a back ground check on the purchase of peroxide like you want to have done with guns? Or are you also going to have people live in a safe little rubber room? That would be for their own good wouldn't it?

[beechguy]

No one has freedom to kill anyone in the U.S.... What an absurd statement you make! Over the past decade or more the few mass shootings in America have been done by mentally disturbed people (who were diagnosed as having serious mental health issues (prone to violence) PRIOR to incident. Most often fueled by violent movies and video games, these nut cases managed to get a gun mostly by circumventing the law ... then acted out their violent delusions and fantasies. Next, the politically correct segment of our society - who fights against committing and confining (institutionalizing) these nut cases - act shocked and surprised. You know, if you as a non American are going to criticize our laws and culture - then how about using a little perspective. Get a grip on reality and take a look at the real problem instead of emotionally thrashing about and talking nonsense.

People thinking guns are not a 'real' problem is the problem.

For 99.99999 percent of the up to 100 million law abiding gun owners in American who own up to 300 million guns - their possession and use of guns is not a problem to anyone.

Tell that to the gun violence victims.

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/crime/2012/12/gun_death_tally_every_american_gun_death_since_newtown_sandy_hook_shooting.html

Speaking of victims, I think the only thing shameful is Obama trying to use the Sandy Hook victims as propaganda fodder. As to the so called 90%, another lie, just as Bidens fact about current background checks.

[JDGRUEN]

No one has freedom to kill anyone in the U.S.... What an absurd statement you make! Over the past decade or more the few mass shootings in America have been done by mentally disturbed people (who were diagnosed as having serious mental health issues (prone to violence) PRIOR to incident. Most often fueled by violent movies and video games, these nut cases managed to get a gun mostly by circumventing the law ... then acted out their violent delusions and fantasies. Next, the politically correct segment of our society - who fights against committing and confining (institutionalizing) these nut cases - act shocked and surprised. You know, if you as a non American are going to criticize our laws and culture - then how about using a little perspective. Get a grip on reality and take a look at the real problem instead of emotionally thrashing about and talking nonsense.

People thinking guns are not a 'real' problem is the problem.

For 99.99999 percent of the up to 100 million law abiding gun owners in American who own up to 300 million guns - their possession and use of guns is not a problem to anyone.

Tell that to the gun violence victims.

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/crime/2012/12/gun_death_tally_every_american_gun_death_since_newtown_sandy_hook_shooting.html

It is the Victim Mongers who need to understand it.

[NeverSure]

Are Americans really that afraid of their own government that they use that as an excuse to want guns? REALLY?

No, I am not afraid of this gov't, but the last one was really pretty scary and the next one might not be so good either.

As I said, I don't own a gun, but everyone around me did. I didn't let my kids have one, but they did go target shooting with a very responsible neighbor and they enjoyed hunting--something they didn't get from me.

I am all for responsible gun control, but I just don't trust a bunch of lawyers not to start pulling stuff--and most of Congress is made up of lawyers.

It is a complex issue and the US is not at a point in time where giving up guns is a realistic endeavor for a lot of reasons.

Totally agree with you about the previous govt, the whole world knows GWB was a fruitcake.

Also agree that hunting can be fun, nothing wrong with that.

There is of course a time and a place to have a gun, out hunting etc is just one of those times.

But to say that you carry a gun with you (not you personally) because you are afraid of the govt is just a bit too far fetched for me.

I certainly would not be staying in a bar that was frequented by people that were carrying a gun. I guess that is just the way people in my country were brought up. We think only really odd people carry a gun when going out.

You're missing it. I carry a gun. I carry it in case I need to defend myself or someone else. I live on acreage in the country and I have killed a rottweiler dog that attacked me, and a mountain lion that I was afraid would attack me. Mountain lions almost never approach people so something was wrong with him.

I also would defend against a person intent on doing serious bodily harm.

The part about the government is not why I carry a gun. But it's at the base of why we own guns. Over the hundreds of years of a country, you don't know how the government might change, and the armed citizenry is only a reminder to them that they aren't our king.

[NeverSure]

People thinking guns are not a 'real' problem is the problem.

An unarmed, defenseless citizenry would be the big problem for me. Trusting police who can't get there in time to protect me would be a problem for me.

Having you in my neighborhood would be a problem for me. Living among people who "think" like you do would be a problem for me.

[NeverSure]

The Monster that never dies... I believe it is possible that events will over take this try for a second vote ... Mainly the 2104 elections will be much closer later in the year and will be too much risk for vulnerable Senators... Plus the House of Representatives will certainly be worried about the elections. But this article does show that obama is manic about pushing it behind the scenes - probably on the phone wit Senator Schumer every other day.

Senators ...MCCAIN, SCHUMER SAY GUN CONTROL WILL GET ANOTHER VOTE THIS YEAR

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/04/25/Sens-McCain-Schumer-Say-Gun-Control-Will-Get-Another-Vote-This-Year

I think you're totally correct.

I wonder if most of the non-US people here understand that the senate vote didn't mean squat. Had it passed the senate, it would then have gone to the House of Representatives who also would have had to pass it and there is no way in the world it would pass. The vote in the Senate was fairly close, but it would be a massacre in the House.

Obama and his boot licking few senators can vote and vote and even maybe eventually pass it, only to find it shot down in the house.

This is going nowhere.

[F430murci]

People thinking guns are not a 'real' problem is the problem.

An unarmed, defenseless citizenry would be the big problem for me. Trusting police who can't get there in time to protect me would be a problem for me.

Having you in my neighborhood would be a problem for me. Living among people who "think" like you do would be a problem for me.

What is disconcerting is that some on here apparently pass the background check. I would love to see some MMPI test results.

[b19bry]

The US is way, way, way down the list of murders per capita by guns of all countries in the world including way below Thailand, UK Guardian but everyone wants to make gun ownership in the US his business, especially if he's from another country.

It's none of your business if you aren't a US voter, any more than what other countries do that I think is stupid is any of my business.

Well congratulations indeed, well down the list from the likes of Anguilla, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Puerto Rico, St Kitts & Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago & Venezuala.

Unfortunately way way way way behind any other developed Western Country.

It's anyone's business as a caring parent that there is a lobby fighting for the right to bear automatic weapons as a 'constitutional right' in the US..........sheer madness.

[geriatrickid]

When gun ownership numbers are discussed, the USA always comes out as having the most guns per person, which is a misleading conclusion. The reality is that a great many Americans do not own a gun, and those that do, own many.

Scandanavian countries, Switzerland and Canada have fewer guns per individual, but the fact is that guns are widely distributed in the population, particularly in Canada. The difference between the aforementioned countries and the USA is that gun ownership requires some vetting and responsibility on the part of the gun owner in terms of training and storage. It requires that the person purchasing the weapon undergo a background check to ensure that the proposed purchaser is not a convicted criminal or known mentally ill person. In most countries, there is a waiting period, a cooling off period. These regulations act to prevent the misuse of firearms.

Many US states have even stricter regulations than some western countries. Unfortunately, these regulations are circumvented by those states that allow anyone to sell or purchase a weapon. The federal law is intended to ensure that there is a commonality of the laws. The proposed regulations do not take away the right to bear arms, but introduce some common sense measures to reduce their misuse.

I think that the fundamental issue is one that many people do not want to discuss, because it cuts to the bone: Selfishness.

There are too many people that should not have guns in the USA that own powerful automatic military grade weapons. The gun lobby won't even allow the states that have the regulations to screen out felons do so, because the NRA and others will not allow the screening process to be properly implemented.

[JDGRUEN]

The US is way, way, way down the list of murders per capita by guns of all countries in the world including way below Thailand, UK Guardian but everyone wants to make gun ownership in the US his business, especially if he's from another country.

It's none of your business if you aren't a US voter, any more than what other countries do that I think is stupid is any of my business.

Well congratulations indeed, well down the list from the likes of Anguilla, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Puerto Rico, St Kitts & Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago & Venezuala.

Unfortunately way way way way behind any other developed Western Country.

It's anyone's business as a caring parent that there is a lobby fighting for the right to bear automatic weapons as a 'constitutional right' in the US..........sheer madness.

Typical repeat of the BIG LIE ... total hogwash... there is NO DEBATE being brought forth by anyone - no effort being pursued by anyone to 'bear automatic weapons' ... Only in the mind of gun grabbers - control freaks does the subject of automatic weapons come up... Gun rights owners - the NRA and other gun rights groups are not fighting for any right to bear automatic weapons... This subject was not even on the agenda in the U.S. Senate - except in the use of the big lie. Under current U.S. law one can own fully automatic weapons with an extensive background check, licensing and hefty fees... this information has already been posted on this topic thread. Only a relative few licenses have been issued. It is not part of the current 2nd. Amendment fight. Please keep up with the facts.

[b19bry]

The US is way, way, way down the list of murders per capita by guns of all countries in the world including way below Thailand, UK Guardian but everyone wants to make gun ownership in the US his business, especially if he's from another country.

It's none of your business if you aren't a US voter, any more than what other countries do that I think is stupid is any of my business.

Well congratulations indeed, well down the list from the likes of Anguilla, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Puerto Rico, St Kitts & Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago & Venezuala.

Unfortunately way way way way behind any other developed Western Country.

It's anyone's business as a caring parent that there is a lobby fighting for the right to bear automatic weapons as a 'constitutional right' in the US..........sheer madness.

Typical repeat of the BIG LIE ... total hogwash... there is NO DEBATE being brought forth by anyone - no effort being pursued by anyone to 'bear automatic weapons' ... Only in the mind of gun grabbers - control freaks does the subject of automatic weapons come up... Gun rights owners - the NRA and other gun rights groups are not fighting for any right to bear automatic weapons... This subject was not even on the agenda in the U.S. Senate - except in the use of the big lie. Under current U.S. law one can own fully automatic weapons with an extensive background check, licensing and hefty fees... this information has already been posted on this topic thread. Only a relative few licenses have been issued. It is not part of the current 2nd. Amendment fight. Please keep up with the facts.

Even if we accept it's hogwash regarding automatic weapons(and there are certainly those that do defend that), any response to the first point ?

[snarky66]

2 of the biggest hypocrites in the United States Senate feinstein & schumer both carry handguns. Despite being guarded by secret service full time. It's OK for them to carry weapons , just not "the little people".

The muppett standing next to obama, gabrielle giffords was one of the biggest sport shooting gun advocates in the US prior to being shot. Now she is a pawn.

[JDGRUEN]

The US is way, way, way down the list of murders per capita by guns of all countries in the world including way below Thailand, UK Guardian but everyone wants to make gun ownership in the US his business, especially if he's from another country.

It's none of your business if you aren't a US voter, any more than what other countries do that I think is stupid is any of my business.

Well congratulations indeed, well down the list from the likes of Anguilla, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Puerto Rico, St Kitts & Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago & Venezuala.

Unfortunately way way way way behind any other developed Western Country.

It's anyone's business as a caring parent that there is a lobby fighting for the right to bear automatic weapons as a 'constitutional right' in the US..........sheer madness.

Typical repeat of the BIG LIE ... total hogwash... there is NO DEBATE being brought forth by anyone - no effort being pursued by anyone to 'bear automatic weapons' ... Only in the mind of gun grabbers - control freaks does the subject of automatic weapons come up... Gun rights owners - the NRA and other gun rights groups are not fighting for any right to bear automatic weapons... This subject was not even on the agenda in the U.S. Senate - except in the use of the big lie. Under current U.S. law one can own fully automatic weapons with an extensive background check, licensing and hefty fees... this information has already been posted on this topic thread. Only a relative few licenses have been issued. It is not part of the current 2nd. Amendment fight. Please keep up with the facts.

Even if we accept it's hogwash regarding automatic weapons(and there are certainly those that do defend that), any response to the first point ?

No - because it is mostly irrelivent ... The U.S. is a quite unique situation - we have what is the strongest Constitution and Bill or Rights reinforcing the God given rights of citizens that exist. And one of those is the individual right to bear arms as has been clarified in recent times by the Supreme Court of the U.S. What other countries wish to do about what they see as a problem is their business. What goes on domestically in the U.S. is our business.

[b19bry]

No - because it is mostly irrelivent ... The U.S. is a quite unique situation - we have what is the strongest Constitution and Bill or Rights reinforcing the God given rights of citizens that exist. And one of those is the individual right to bear arms as has been clarified in recent times by the Supreme Court of the U.S. What other countries wish to do about what they see as a problem is their business. What goes on domestically in the U.S. is our business.

Why irrelevant or unique ?

By any developed western standards the US has a shameful record on gun violence ?

[Publicus]

The Monster that never dies... I believe it is possible that events will over take this try for a second vote ... Mainly the 2104 elections will be much closer later in the year and will be too much risk for vulnerable Senators... Plus the House of Representatives will certainly be worried about the elections. But this article does show that obama is manic about pushing it behind the scenes - probably on the phone wit Senator Schumer every other day.

Senators ...MCCAIN, SCHUMER SAY GUN CONTROL WILL GET ANOTHER VOTE THIS YEAR

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/04/25/Sens-McCain-Schumer-Say-Gun-Control-Will-Get-Another-Vote-This-Year

I think you're totally correct.

I wonder if most of the non-US people here understand that the senate vote didn't mean squat. Had it passed the senate, it would then have gone to the House of Representatives who also would have had to pass it and there is no way in the world it would pass. The vote in the Senate was fairly close, but it would be a massacre in the House.

Obama and his boot licking few senators can vote and vote and even maybe eventually pass it, only to find it shot down in the house.

This is going nowhere.

Exactly, irrespective of what we the people think and believe. The reputable Pew Research Center poll found 83 percent of those surveyed favored background checks for guns sales between two private parties and at gun shows.

But what does the Congress care? Eighty percent of the population surveyed say Congress is doing a sh*t job while only 15% approve of the sh*t job Congress is doing. So why and for whom is the Congress there? Certainly not to represent the will of we the people.

We have a Congress that doesn't care what we think or believe about them or anything else. Rather than fearing the Congress ignoring our rights at some vague future time, maybe we ought to go after 'em now.

[JDGRUEN]

No - because it is mostly irrelivent ... The U.S. is a quite unique situation - we have what is the strongest Constitution and Bill or Rights reinforcing the God given rights of citizens that exist. And one of those is the individual right to bear arms as has been clarified in recent times by the Supreme Court of the U.S. What other countries wish to do about what they see as a problem is their business. What goes on domestically in the U.S. is our business.

Why irrelevant or unique ?

By any developed western standards the US has a shameful record on gun violence ?

I don't accept the premise of your conclusion ... In the U.S. we have freedoms, liberties and the rewards they bring - for that we accept risk. If one wants complete security and safety - then go volunteer to live in a monastery or for solitary confinement in a prison, and don't drive a car, or flying a plane - Or go live in a socialistic country where political correctness can get you prosecuted for what you may say in writing or in public giving your rewards to someone else, or in a communistic country the authorities have all the guns and you have no freedoms, liberties or rewards for personal effort - but you can be safe. With 100 million Americans having 300 million guns we create a situation where the current maniac president cannot move this country much more towards socialism and certainly prevent his move to communism and worse. All we have to do is sit quietly and peacefully at home and the intimidation factor keeps him at bay upsetting his schedule and agenda - causing him great consternation in the process... thus the reason he blew up and acted like a spoiled child after the Senate gun control bill was defeated.

[JDGRUEN]

The Monster that never dies... I believe it is possible that events will over take this try for a second vote ... Mainly the 2104 elections will be much closer later in the year and will be too much risk for vulnerable Senators... Plus the House of Representatives will certainly be worried about the elections. But this article does show that obama is manic about pushing it behind the scenes - probably on the phone wit Senator Schumer every other day.

Senators ...MCCAIN, SCHUMER SAY GUN CONTROL WILL GET ANOTHER VOTE THIS YEAR

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/04/25/Sens-McCain-Schumer-Say-Gun-Control-Will-Get-Another-Vote-This-Year

I think you're totally correct.

I wonder if most of the non-US people here understand that the senate vote didn't mean squat. Had it passed the senate, it would then have gone to the House of Representatives who also would have had to pass it and there is no way in the world it would pass. The vote in the Senate was fairly close, but it would be a massacre in the House.

Obama and his boot licking few senators can vote and vote and even maybe eventually pass it, only to find it shot down in the house.

This is going nowhere.

Exactly, irrespective of what we the people think and believe. The reputable Pew Research Center poll found 83 percent of those surveyed favored background checks for guns sales between two private parties and at gun shows.

But what does the Congress care? Eighty percent of the population surveyed say Congress is doing a sh*t job while only 15% approve of the sh*t job Congress is doing. So why and for whom is the Congress there? Certainly not to represent the will of we the people.

We have a Congress that doesn't care what we think or believe about them or anything else. Rather than fearing the Congress ignoring our rights at some vague future time, maybe we ought to go after 'em now.

Go check the latest Pew research survey - done AFTER the Senate vote ... see what the people think.

[Morden]

Are Americans really that afraid of their own government that they use that as an excuse to want guns? REALLY?

I guess the so called freedom to own guns outweighs the deaths of many many innocent people. I'm sure glad I don't live in that kind of unthinking society and I certainly would never visit a place where people thought it necessary to own guns.

Maybe, just maybe, the US will be able to muddle along for another 237 years without your presence.

It certainly doesn't even seem to be muddling along. To the rest of the world it is going backwards. But if you think that as you have your freedom to kill innocents just so people can carry guns to feel safe is progressive then even with my intervention you have no hope.

No one has freedom to kill anyone in the U.S.... What an absurd statement you make! Over the past decade or more the few mass shootings in America have been done by mentally disturbed people (who were diagnosed as having serious mental health issues (prone to violence) PRIOR to incident. Most often fueled by violent movies and video games, these nut cases managed to get a gun mostly by circumventing the law ... then acted out their violent delusions and fantasies. Next, the politically correct segment of our society - who fights against committing and confining (institutionalizing) these nut cases - act shocked and surprised. You know, if you as a non American are going to criticize our laws and culture - then how about using a little perspective. Get a grip on reality and take a look at the real problem instead of emotionally thrashing about and talking nonsense.

Yet more illogical tosh.

[Morden]

2 of the biggest hypocrites in the United States Senate feinstein & schumer both carry handguns. Despite being guarded by secret service full time. It's OK for them to carry weapons , just not "the little people".

The muppett standing next to obama, gabrielle giffords was one of the biggest sport shooting gun advocates in the US prior to being shot. Now she is a pawn.

Did those people say that they were against carrying?

[Morden]

No - because it is mostly irrelivent ... The U.S. is a quite unique situation - we have what is the strongest Constitution and Bill or Rights reinforcing the God given rights of citizens that exist. And one of those is the individual right to bear arms as has been clarified in recent times by the Supreme Court of the U.S. What other countries wish to do about what they see as a problem is their business. What goes on domestically in the U.S. is our business.

Why irrelevant or unique ?

By any developed western standards the US has a shameful record on gun violence ?

I don't accept the premise of your conclusion ... In the U.S. we have freedoms, liberties and the rewards they bring - for that we accept risk. If one wants complete security and safety - then go volunteer to live in a monastery or for solitary confinement in a prison, and don't drive a car, or flying a plane - Or go live in a socialistic country where political correctness can get you prosecuted for what you may say in writing or in public giving your rewards to someone else, or in a communistic country the authorities have all the guns and you have no freedoms, liberties or rewards for personal effort - but you can be safe. With 100 million Americans having 300 million guns we create a situation where the current maniac president cannot move this country much more towards socialism and certainly prevent his move to communism and worse. All we have to do is sit quietly and peacefully at home and the intimidation factor keeps him at bay upsetting his schedule and agenda - causing him great consternation in the process... thus the reason he blew up and acted like a spoiled child after the Senate gun control bill was defeated.

You call it freedom and liberty when you feel the need to walk around with a gun up your juff? You need to get out more and see the world.

[Morden]

No - because it is mostly irrelivent ... The U.S. is a quite unique situation - we have what is the strongest Constitution and Bill or Rights reinforcing the God given rights of citizens that exist. And one of those is the individual right to bear arms as has been clarified in recent times by the Supreme Court of the U.S. What other countries wish to do about what they see as a problem is their business. What goes on domestically in the U.S. is our business.

Why irrelevant or unique ?

By any developed western standards the US has a shameful record on gun violence ?

By my standards the other Western countries have a shameful record on personal freedoms and of exercising political correctness. Not only that, but many seem to be utterly clueless about US gun laws, the type of weapons and ammunition that are legal, what it was that the Senate was voting on.

But there sure are a lot of strongly held opinions, even if dead wrong.

If I was in Europe, I'd be afraid of the influx of a certain religion, which is getting the PC treatment and immigrating and out-breeding the natives like flies. I expect to see the day when they are largely running W. Europe with the natives completely powerless against them. Of course US citizens keep trying to tell them that an armed citizenry can take its country back, but by then it will be too late.

I would be ashamed to be a W. European who had abdicated all responsibility to my government, put that much trust in my government, while all the time watching my government screw over the native citizens. Not only is this certain group gaining in numbers and influence, but the taxpayers are being forced to support them. The taxpayers are being forced to allow them to get into line for scanty resources for health care. I could go on.

We simply have two different opinions on what's "safe."

That 'certain religion' is making inroads in the US too! They will outbreed you in just a few decades.

[Scott]

A large number of off-topic posts have been deleted as well as numerous replies to the posts.

Stay on topic.

[DocN]

No one has freedom to kill anyone in the U.S.... What an absurd statement you make! Over the past decade or more the few mass shootings in America have been done by mentally disturbed people (who were diagnosed as having serious mental health issues (prone to violence) PRIOR to incident. Most often fueled by violent movies and video games, these nut cases managed to get a gun mostly by circumventing the law ... then acted out their violent delusions and fantasies. Next, the politically correct segment of our society - who fights against committing and confining (institutionalizing) these nut cases - act shocked and surprised. You know, if you as a non American are going to criticize our laws and culture - then how about using a little perspective. Get a grip on reality and take a look at the real problem instead of emotionally thrashing about and talking nonsense.

People thinking guns are not a 'real' problem is the problem.

For 99.99999 percent of the up to 100 million law abiding gun owners in American who own up to 300 million guns - their possession and use of guns is not a problem to anyone.

So...I know, I am not an American and therefore oppressed by my respective government and unfree and all that.

But tell me one thing: why do these 100 Million law abiding gun- owners need an average of 3 guns?

Is one for the burglars, that daily raid your house, one for the government-takeover and one ...just for fun?

Oh no...I know: it is your right, to own as many guns as you like, right?!

But wait: I guess there are some, who have just one gun...that means, someone else must even have more than three!!!

...and I guess, if I said, "maybe we should limit the number of guns to 1 per household"...you will say.....

[beechguy]

No one has freedom to kill anyone in the U.S.... What an absurd statement you make! Over the past decade or more the few mass shootings in America have been done by mentally disturbed people (who were diagnosed as having serious mental health issues (prone to violence) PRIOR to incident. Most often fueled by violent movies and video games, these nut cases managed to get a gun mostly by circumventing the law ... then acted out their violent delusions and fantasies. Next, the politically correct segment of our society - who fights against committing and confining (institutionalizing) these nut cases - act shocked and surprised. You know, if you as a non American are going to criticize our laws and culture - then how about using a little perspective. Get a grip on reality and take a look at the real problem instead of emotionally thrashing about and talking nonsense.

People thinking guns are not a 'real' problem is the problem.

For 99.99999 percent of the up to 100 million law abiding gun owners in American who own up to 300 million guns - their possession and use of guns is not a problem to anyone.

So...I know, I am not an American and therefore oppressed by my respective government and unfree and all that.

But tell me one thing: why do these 100 Million law abiding gun- owners need an average of 3 guns?

Is one for the burglars, that daily raid your house, one for the government-takeover and one ...just for fun?

Oh no...I know: it is your right, to own as many guns as you like, right?!

But wait: I guess there are some, who have just one gun...that means, someone else must even have more than three!!!

...and I guess, if I said, "maybe we should limit the number of guns to 1 per household"...you will say.....

And there you go again proving you don't have clue. Many people hunt, you don't use the same firearm to hunt every animal, most use rifles to hunt deer, elk, etc. but those would be useless to hunt small game or waterfowl. Even with the target shooter, you may not want to shoot at a target with a larger caliber firearm all afternoon. Would you expect Tiger Wood to go to the golf course with only one club?

Anyway, you guys act like you're trying to teach the heathen to read, unfortunately, you only know half the alphabet. How about getting educated on the subject before posting.

[Scott]

There is a lot of baiting going on and not nearly enough intelligent discussion. Why do households have more than one gun? Probably for the same reason that they have more than one car. In some areas that 2nd vehicle might need to be a 4-wheel drive. If you go deer hunting, you will most likely use a rifle. If you go duck hunting, you will use a shotgun. If you have a gun for self protection, then it is most likely a pistol.

Oh, and don't bother flaming away. I don't own a gun, don't carry a gun and really don't have much concern for gun laws one way or the other.

[samran]

The Daily show ran a light hearted look at how Australia did gun control after the failure of the senate vote. Light hearted, but makes a point that it was conservative politicians in Australia who pushed the legislation through. Interviewed are the former conservative Prime Minister, and the former conservative Premier (governor) of Queensland. The three parts of the series are below.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

[Publicus]

The Monster that never dies... I believe it is possible that events will over take this try for a second vote ... Mainly the 2104 elections will be much closer later in the year and will be too much risk for vulnerable Senators... Plus the House of Representatives will certainly be worried about the elections. But this article does show that obama is manic about pushing it behind the scenes - probably on the phone wit Senator Schumer every other day.

Senators ...MCCAIN, SCHUMER SAY GUN CONTROL WILL GET ANOTHER VOTE THIS YEAR

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/04/25/Sens-McCain-Schumer-Say-Gun-Control-Will-Get-Another-Vote-This-Year

I think you're totally correct.

I wonder if most of the non-US people here understand that the senate vote didn't mean squat. Had it passed the senate, it would then have gone to the House of Representatives who also would have had to pass it and there is no way in the world it would pass. The vote in the Senate was fairly close, but it would be a massacre in the House.

Obama and his boot licking few senators can vote and vote and even maybe eventually pass it, only to find it shot down in the house.

This is going nowhere.

Exactly, irrespective of what we the people think and believe. The reputable Pew Research Center poll found 83 percent of those surveyed favored background checks for guns sales between two private parties and at gun shows.

But what does the Congress care? Eighty percent of the population surveyed say Congress is doing a sh*t job while only 15% approve of the sh*t job Congress is doing. So why and for whom is the Congress there? Certainly not to represent the will of we the people.

We have a Congress that doesn't care what we think or believe about them or anything else. Rather than fearing the Congress ignoring our rights at some vague future time, maybe we ought to go after 'em now.

Go check the latest Pew research survey - done AFTER the Senate vote ... see what the people think.

I did check the latest Pew research survey - done AFTER the Senate vote...it's clear what we the people think.

It's 83% for background checks for guns sales between two private parties and at gun shows, 15% opposed. You are among a tiny minority who are opposed to expanding and improving background checks. This is the politically toxic issue in the Senate vote, and it's the public safety issue to we the people.

The Senate vote was 54 in favor of the bill to increase the public safety, 46 opposed. Yet by the absurd rules of the Senate, 60 votes are needed to pass almost anything. The U.S. Senate rule reminds me of voting in Thailand - the majority vote 'yes' and they still lose.

Also check out the CNN poll of polls completed on April 16th, the eve of the Senate's April 17th vote The number of we the people who support the new and necessary background checks will blow your socks off. http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/pollingcenter/polls/2451

Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, who was in the minority that voted to kill the bill, immediately lost 15% off her job approval rating among all of the state's voters. Sen Ayotte is now "underwater" in her approval rating for the first time, i.e, more people disapprove of her than approve - due to this single salient vote.

Worse for Sen Ayotte, 50% of all voters in the state said Sen Ayotte's vote to kill the specific background checks makes them less likely to vote for her again. (Pres Obama in his successful 2012 re-election won New Hampshire 52% - 46%). She doesn't have much to be concerned about however - the NRA can hire her on a fat salary after she's defeated for re-election.

http://www.mediaite.com/online/poll-shows-no-vote-on-background-checks-political-poison-for-senator-kelly-ayotte/

[JDGRUEN]

To Publicus ... Re Pew Pol

Here's a take on the Pew Poll I was referring to... A totally different take on things...

http://johnrlott.blogspot.com/2013/04/remember-those-claims-that-90-of.html

And here is another analysis of the Gun Control vote ... Obama should blame Tea Party, not NRA, for gun control defeat

http://washingtonexaminer.com/tim-carney-obama-should-blame-tea-party-not-nra-for-gun-control-defeat/article/2528342

[beechguy]

Publicus, here is another take on the so called 90%. http://www.mediaite.com/online/so-much-for-the-90-percent-poll-shows-gun-control-legislations-failure-greeted-with-relief-by-many/

[NeverSure]

No one has freedom to kill anyone in the U.S.... What an absurd statement you make! Over the past decade or more the few mass shootings in America have been done by mentally disturbed people (who were diagnosed as having serious mental health issues (prone to violence) PRIOR to incident. Most often fueled by violent movies and video games, these nut cases managed to get a gun mostly by circumventing the law ... then acted out their violent delusions and fantasies. Next, the politically correct segment of our society - who fights against committing and confining (institutionalizing) these nut cases - act shocked and surprised. You know, if you as a non American are going to criticize our laws and culture - then how about using a little perspective. Get a grip on reality and take a look at the real problem instead of emotionally thrashing about and talking nonsense.

People thinking guns are not a 'real' problem is the problem.

For 99.99999 percent of the up to 100 million law abiding gun owners in American who own up to 300 million guns - their possession and use of guns is not a problem to anyone.

So...I know, I am not an American and therefore oppressed by my respective government and unfree and all that.

But tell me one thing: why do these 100 Million law abiding gun- owners need an average of 3 guns?

Is one for the burglars, that daily raid your house, one for the government-takeover and one ...just for fun?

Oh no...I know: it is your right, to own as many guns as you like, right?!

But wait: I guess there are some, who have just one gun...that means, someone else must even have more than three!!!

...and I guess, if I said, "maybe we should limit the number of guns to 1 per household"...you will say.....

I have more than three. Part of it is because they are a good investment. Some of them have doubled in value in the past 4 years.

1. I have a .22lr rifle because it's fun and cheap to shoot. I paid on average US$16 for each brick of 500 rounds of ammo.

2. I also have a .22lr pistol because it's fun and cheap to shoot. Both .22's are also good for cheap practice. They are also light weight an easy to carry in the woods.

3. I have an 18.5 inch defensive 12 ga shotgun like police would have. It's a smooth bore and shoots 00 buck shot for me. I would use it for home defense.

4. I have a 22" fully rifled barrel 12 ga shotgun with rifle sights. I use it for protection in the woods. It's the gun I killed the cougar with. It shoot brass jacketed sabot hollow point slugs that would knock a grizzly bear on his butt. It has twice the accurate range as the 00 buck smooth bore, but it's inappropriate in the house because a round can travel too far.

5. I have a 28" normal hunting shotgun (12 ga) with an adjustable choke for hunting birds - mostly geese and ducks. The other two shotguns are no good for that.

6. I Have a 28" 20 gauge shotgun for small game like quail or squirrels.

7. I have a Glock model 23 hand gun in .40 S&W which I carry on my belt when out and about. It is concealed so I wear a light weight shirt or a jacket over it, untucked, to hide it.

8. I have a Kel-Tec PF9 9mm pistol which is the smallest 9mm handgun made. I carry it when my clothing is too light to conceal the Glock.

9. I have the obligatory bolt action big game hunting rifle with a scope. It is a Ruger model 77 with a Leupold Gold Ring 4 x 7 scope. Caliber is .270 Rem.

10. I have a backup hunting rifle because once on snow, I slipped and broke my rifle on what was really more like ice. After driving a couple of hundred miles to hunt, and in the middle of no where, I learned.

11. I have my AR-15 thingy. Accurate to at least 500 yards, ammunition is actually small and light weight and easy to carry.

12. I have an AR-15 which is converted legally into select fire, and licensed with the feds - BATF. I have a manufacturer's license to allow that.

13 and 14. I have at least a couple of others purely for investment. They are special, one time guns that I believe will strongly appreciate.

15 on. I have a collection of Ruger brand handguns that were made in 1976. 1976 was the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the start of the Revolutionary War. They were, in 1976, stamped "Made in the 200th Year of American Liberty." I like them.