MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Emotional Obama calls on citizens to support gun control and defeat the rifle lobby: Republicans furious
An emotional President Barack Obama – at times teary, at others impassioned and angry – urged ordinary Americans on Tuesday to rise up and defeat the well-organized gun lobby in a struggle to cut the carnage of 30,000 killed by gunfire annually in the United States. He accused the gun lobby of holding Congress hostage but called for voters to fight back to so “they cannot hold America hostage.” Read full article
Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesCrocodile tears and governance by edict. The very essence of US “democrats.”
Jan 06th, 2016 - 12:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Obama has been itching to do something about this but you have to choose your battles when president.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 01:23 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The gun lobby has far too much power in the U.S. . 90% of U.S. citizens wanted stronger background checks but the few powerful have prevented it. The NRA is a dangerous organisation mostly funded by weapons manufacturers. If a politician speaks out against them or in favour of gun control, they bully and attack them. That is why Obama has waited until now to do this. To have done it before would have caused huge problems for any politician supporting his changes.
No one is taking guns away from the people who like to play with them or think it makes them tougher. It is a matter of background checks so the mentally ill and emotionally unbalanced can't walk into Walmart and pick out a gun. So, people on the no-fly list can't buy them; they are on that list for a good reason. And it seeks to prevent people dealing in weapons without the proper checks. That's all.
Close to a quarter of a million Americans have killed each other with guns during Obama's presidency. Most were innocents like the children at Sandy Hook. I don't believe the President's tears were false at all.
People like to blame the NRA, especially foreigners, because they dont understand or want to admit the American mindset. Like the antisemitists who blame the Jewish lobby. There are generally two groups of people that are opposed to gun control. The first being folks who totally embrace the culture of gun ownership. The second who simply do not like the government trampling on our rights no matter what that right is.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 02:08 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Background checks are fine. It will solve pratically none of the issues President Obama claims it will. It will also either be thrown out by the courts or another president, since it isnt a law. It affects a small small sliver of gun sales.
The most effective thing would be to spend more money on mental health care.
@3 Oh, it really is not hard to understand at all.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 02:15 pm - Link - Report abuse 0And why should the 'folks who totally embrace the culture of gun ownership' trample on the rights of the 90% of U.S. citizens wanting more background checks?
'Background checks are fine. It will solve pratically none of the issues President Obama claims it will. ….' So why not let it go ahead without all the complaining?
Most Folks are OK with background checks. In fact a lot of states already require them. The fact is, however, people are not so in favor of additional checks that they would vote against their politicians who oppose them. This is obvious. Its more polarizing for some I guess.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 02:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Again, background checks arent the answer. There are around 300,000,000 guns in the us. If someone wanted to get a gun illegally then they could. Heck if you fail the background check have your wife, brother, friend or whoever pick it for you. Even with the executive order I could sell a gun to anyone I want without a check so long as I wasnt in the “business” of selling guns.
Remember guns are not registered. No one knows who owns what. Its just President Obama going theough the motions of doing something.
“Most were innocents like the children at Sandy Hook.”
Jan 06th, 2016 - 02:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0That's an outrageous lie.
Progressives love to lie and use emotion to win arguments.
@5 “Most Folks are OK with background checks. In fact a lot of states already require them. The fact is, however, people are not so in favor of additional checks that they would vote against their politicians who oppose them. This is obvious. Its more polarizing for some I guess.” Yes, I agree and pretty much said that.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 02:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Background checks are certainly not the whole answer. It should go much further but Obama is taking the first step.
You could call it a step yes. A microscopic one at best and one likely to be reversed. Dont expect any major revisions in gun policy however. Gun rights are growing not declining. My home state, one of the last two not to allow concealed carry now does. My state is the Presidents home state and it passed while he was president and it was proposed and passed by his own Democrat party. Every state does now allows concealed carry I believe based on recent strong support by Supreme Court decisions. Now the push for open carry is going strong.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 03:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0A repeat of a post a while ago, but rather fitting:
Jan 06th, 2016 - 03:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0With apologies to Dickens, “A Tale of Two Cities”.
Detroit vs Windsor
Both extremely depressed, high unemployment, drug infested, rust-belt cities that were former manufacturing and auto-giants; separated by less than 700 metres.
Detroit, USA:
Population 688,701
Murder rate: 44/100,000 residents
Windsor, Canada:
Population: 210,890
Murder rate 0.3/100,000 residents (No that is not a typo. About 150x less than Detroit. In 2010-12 they went 26 months without a homicide).
And as far as cities go, Windsor is an absolute shit-hole.
In Canada there are very very, few long-gun restrictions and they are not even registered (except concerning assault rifles and magazine size). It is somewhat difficult to legally obtain a handgun without going through load of paperwork. If you obtain an illegal handgun, you're very likely spending at least sometime in jail.
It's a culture. Handgun owners are multiple-times more likely to shoot an acquaintance or a family member than ever use it in self-defence against a stranger. Hanguns almost always escalate problems. They are seldom used to calm situations down.
Also, the majority of firearm deaths in Canada are suicide (991), vs homocide (178). It's likely the same in the US, I expect.
I fully support the restriction of handguns and assault weapons. The problem with the US is that there are 300 million plus guns already in circulation. The horses have bolted and I don't foresee them coming back. It also doesn't help that the NRA are a bunch of nutbars that go postal at the mention of almost any restrictions at all (who says the second amendment is cast in stone and can't be changed ......... it's called an “amendment” for heavens sake)?
Full disclosure: I personally own nine long guns & three pistols. All inherited except one.
@2 “Most were innocents like the children at Sandy Hook.”
Jan 06th, 2016 - 04:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Actually that is far from correct, but it is certainly what the US media are promoting.
@8 State as opposed to national politics are very different, you are right.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 04:04 pm - Link - Report abuse 0It is a step and he will be remembered as the only president with the balls to do anything about the problem albeit limited. (Yeah, he will be remembered for a lot of other things but that is not the subject of this discussion)
@9 Good post. I absolutely agree it needs a change in cultural attitude and that is almost impossible to achieve. It doesn't mean people should stop trying.
@1. I'm curious. Do you have any proof? That'll be something called “evidence”. Got anything like that? Thought not!
Jan 06th, 2016 - 04:09 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@2 “Most were innocents like the children at Sandy Hook.”
Jan 06th, 2016 - 04:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0In a typical year in the US over 60 percent of the firearms deaths are suicides, which hardly counts as “most were innocents like the children.” Suicide by firearm is a worldwide and traditional practice. Of the remainder in the US, very large portions were bad guys participating in drug crimes and gang violence. The proportion of “innocents” is amazingly small. Now, how things are presented in the media and by the president there, is quite another matter.
300 million guns? The genie is out of the bottle, no-one wants the criminal classes to be the only ones with guns which is understandable. To allow guns knowingly into the hands of nutjobs is just stupid. But thats America, lots of stupid people, many of them in positions of influence. None of anyones business really. They must sort this mess out themselves.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 04:29 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I would bet if you backed out all the gun murders from Democrat/Liberal/Progressive cities with the most “gun control” laws on the books the USA would rank as one of the safest countries in the world.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 04:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Go ahead and prove me wrong.
Plus nobody cares if gang members are killing other gang members.
@4 Elaine
Jan 06th, 2016 - 05:36 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You want to know “ why should the 'folks who totally embrace the culture of gun ownership' trample on the rights of the 90% of U.S. citizens wanting more background checks?”
The same question, put the other way round, is just as valid : why should US Citizens wanting more background checks trample on the right of folks who embrace the culture of gun ownership” ? I can agree with certain restrictions to gun ownership , but no one is being forced to own one - if they don't want to - but let's be more practical : how effective are restrictions on gun ownership, when these restrictions don't apply to criminals, who can get their hands on any weapon they want, whenever they want ? meanwhile, the honest, law-abiding citizen is defenseless against them....I suppose that you think that while someone is breaking down your door , you should just call the cops and wait ....not likely.
Besides, stats show that towns or counties with large gun ownership are less subject to crime.
@12 Conq
Your request for proof re # 1 ; it's based on the liberal (US Democrats) way of thinking . A good example : If a conservative doesn't like red meat, he won't eat it ; if a liberal doesn't like red meat, he doesn't want you to eat it either..
Laugh for the day:
Jan 06th, 2016 - 06:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0If you don't like links, just YouTube:
Jim Jefferies Gun Control BARE Netflix Part 1 (& Part 2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rR9IaXH1M0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rR9IaXH1M0
The UK have for decades had gun sales (Sect 1 and Sect 2) at trade fairs including countryside venues.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 06:34 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Never a problem because to buy a Sect 1 or Sect 2 you HAVE to hold a firearm or shotgun certificate, the rigors to get one includes doctor's reference, police checks, etc.
The record keeping by both parties and the notification to the relevant police force is exactly the same.
Does it all work to safeguard the public?
Well, the police know where all the legally held guns are, but they always have, they continue to turn a blind eye to illegally held guns in the areas like Liverpool and Greater Manchester because they don't have a clue where to look unless somebody grasses the holders.
Gun crime has, at last since the ban on short barrelled pistols was enacted where all the national shooting organizations advised the government that an armed crime spree was bound to happen and it did, started to go down but that isn't because there are less guns on the streets and frankly the police and the Home Office have no idea as to why the drop is happening.
The problem is simple, people kill people, not guns. That will never change and the ban on short-barrelled pistols in the UK has proven it.
And, before we have the 90% of citizens in the US nonsense, let us look at the FACTS:
http://www.gallup.com/poll/186236/americans-desire-stricter-gun-laws-sharply.aspx 15th October 2015 from GALLUP no less.
* 55% say laws on gun sales should be more strict than they are now
*Majority do not favor a ban on handguns for average Americans
*43% in U.S. have a gun in their house or on their property
Obama can cry all the crocodile tears he wants, it won't make a bit of difference other than to reduce the Democratic vote by legitimate gun holders who will no longer vote for them.
“Obama can cry all the crocodile tears he wants, it won't make a bit of difference other than to reduce the Democratic vote by legitimate gun holders who will no longer vote for them.”
Jan 06th, 2016 - 07:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Just shows how stupid some Americans are. Why on earth would any sensible person think that keeping guns out of the hands of nutjobs and criminals be a bad thing? Doh!
Anyway sensible folk vote Democrat, all nutjobs are now concentrated in the GOP! What a lineup of nutters racists and losers.
19. You don't hear any Dems talking about “retaking” the Senate or Congress nor are they talking about “fire walls” or inevitability.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 07:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Hillary has a better chance of going to jail than being Prez.
Every email tranch that is released is worse than the last.
The Clintons are criminals peddling influence.
Rumor is she'll be indicted in less than 60 days.
:)
“people kill people, not guns” Is THE most mind-numbingly stupid argument used by gun worshipers. People WITH GUNS kill people. I doubt they would be as efficient without them.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 07:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@16 It is called Democracy. The will of the majority. 90% is a majority.
Obama is not taking anyone's guns away from them. He is just advocating checks that may stop people buying a gun in a fit of temper or in the middle of a psychotic episode. Of course it won't stop criminals intent on murder buying guns illegally but that is not what it is intended to do.
He should also prosecute the parents of children killed by their negligence of leaving a firearm around the house. Clearly the idea that their children might die if they act in such a reckless fashion is not sufficient to prevent them doing so. Maybe a 20 year stretch would act as a deterrent.
Gun control works!
Jan 06th, 2016 - 08:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You can restrict ownership.
You can buyback.
You can lower your suicide rate.
You can lower your homicide rate.
You can stop your mass shooting incidences.
We did it.
And proved it works.
However the US is quite a violent country and culturally our way wouldn't work there. But doesn't mean you shouldn't try.
If guns made society safer and reduced crime then the US would be the safest and most crime free country on Earth.
Interesting comments,
Jan 06th, 2016 - 08:08 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Living in Britain things are totally different, and one cannot compare the two countries,
All I can say in fairness from someone who has never fired or held a gun is this,
Unless one lives in the USA or in a country where gun killing seems to be the norm,
One can only give sympathy, and pray for the inevitable victims,
In this case only Americans who see and live this every day can comment on what it is like to live in a gun society,
The rest who have no contact, as I said can only give solence and pray,
Just my opinion for what it’s worth.
.
@23 “In this case only Americans who see and live this every day can comment on what it is like to live in a gun society,” Not true at all.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 08:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@22 It certainly worked in the U.K. There has not been a school shooting since the laws changed after Dunblane.
There will always be criminals getting hold of guns. It is not what Obama is trying to address.
Laws like in the UK wont work. Laws cannot override our constitution. The constitution can be changed but the process and size of the majority required would never happen for gun control laws.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 08:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@25 That is not what Obama is proposing is it? He merely wants to enforce greater background checks supported by 90% of Americans.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 08:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I agree that the misinterpretation of the constitution has become embedded in US society and will be hard to change unless there was a massive change of thinking by the majority.
If Farmboy and the rest are saying Obama's actions will make no difference, why are they so opposed to it?
Jan 06th, 2016 - 08:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Can they find anything anti-constitutional or unduly restrictive about his initiatives? No.
If the aforementioned “ threatened homeowners” and “innocent citizens” are NOT mentally unstable or on a No-Fly list, identified as a potential threat to US society, then they should have no difficulty obtaining firearms to protect their homes or defend themselves.
@27 Quite. It is a lot of panic about not very much at all.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 09:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@27 I never said I was opposed to background checks. Going around Congress is a bad idea though.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 09:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@21 Elaine
Jan 06th, 2016 - 09:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“it's called democracy”....right on. That gives the right to people to defend themselves. I'm not advocating for people to go out and start target practise in the middle of a crowd, but every honest, law-abiding citizen should have the sacred right to self-defense. To trust the State to defend you, is putting your trust in an inefficient machine that really couldn't care less...it's all about politics, about the democrats trying to kid the population that they 'really care'... it's a bloody joke ; and where did you get the number that “ 90% of U.S. citizens wanted stronger background checks...” ? with an estimated 310 million firearms in the US - according to MP - doesn't seem to leave much room for 90 % to be against them...
@30 No, that is not the meaning of democracy. You are confused about what democracy means.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 10:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I didn't say 90% were against gun ownership. 90% supports background checks. Completely different.
I just read (and fact-checked) an article about a recent case in the US where the “background check” was conducted on an enterprising fellow who purchased 27 firearms for others and ended up confessing to 55 federal firearms felonies. The judge let him off with one year of probation and no jail time. From what I hear from attorneys in the US, the “background check” system, particularly when combined with the present prosecution and sentencing practices, is pretty much a futile gesture. In the case above, the felon could have received life in prison, and provided a warning to others. But no. Instead, the US public has grown accustomed to futile gestures from its judicial, legislative, and executive branches. Which probably helps to explain why many people there expect so little in the way of meaningful protection from their governments.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 10:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where 51% of the people may take away the rights of the other 49%.
Jan 06th, 2016 - 11:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Public opinon is rarely right about anything for long.
Only an idiot would want to have a democracy as a form of gov't
What with the Godzilla El Ninio and the Chipotle Crisis, the US is obviously nearly finished!
Jan 06th, 2016 - 11:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0And,… Prince George is going to Nursery
And, Hillary is headed for the White House - it is written.
33 Yankeeboy
Jan 07th, 2016 - 12:20 am - Link - Report abuse 0Only a majority would want to have a Democracy as a form of government.
35. Luckily the founders of the USA understood mob-rule or as some like to call it “democracy” was a failed system.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 01:02 am - Link - Report abuse 0BTW Odumbo tried to get “gun control” through Congress when it was controlled by the Dems and couldn't do it.
There's no will to change the gun laws
Thank goodness.
USA USA USA!!
34. Did you mean to write the Big House?
Just remember what I said 3-4 yrs ago, the USA is entering a decade(s) long upswing like we've never seen. We will get exponentially richer and more powerful while other nations are struggling to survive.
It has begun.
@1 Marti Llazo
Jan 07th, 2016 - 06:02 am - Link - Report abuse 0As I have mentioned before, Obama spent the entire evening after the Sandy Hook massacre listening to the family's of the victims. No camera's or press were present at the time. Some of the same family members were present at this announcement ( and spoke in support of Obama's measures ). I do not believe the tears he shed were in any way reptilian.
I agree with those who've noted the sheer number of illegal firearms available to American's, as well as how easy it is to obtain one, illegally or not. Adopting the laws in my country is not feasible since it would require massive support from the public, plainly not the case currently, and I can't imagine them consenting to a gun buy-back scheme, even assuming they could afford it.
Basically, they're screwed.
Homicide?
Jan 07th, 2016 - 06:47 am - Link - Report abuse 0The Bureau of Justice Statistics a division of the USDOJ:
13% of the population commits 52% of the homicides.
There is far too much emotion from people who have no experience whatsoever with firearms or firearms law on this site.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 11:21 am - Link - Report abuse 0EB: no need to have ANY experience to spout off on her emotions. More efficient killing? What the hell does that mean? What about the massacres carried out with machetes which happen regularly but because it's not “GUNS” they are rarely published?
I just love how people who watch violent films where somebody manages to “shoot” others with guns, seemingly without aiming at all, then thinks firing a fullbore pistol accurately is nothing at all. It is very difficult to consistently hit stationary paper targets never mind people running for their lives in panic.
Do yourselves a favour and visit a shooting range as a visitor and try shooting a pistol at 20 yards. You should start with a 0.22rf lr which is far more controllable (and you won't shoot anybody accidentally) and then try a 0.38 special or a 9mm semi-auto, both very soft guns to fire but will be like cannons to novices.
@ 26 ElaineB “That is not what Obama is proposing is it? He merely wants to enforce greater background checks supported by 90% of Americans.”
Can you please provide a link to the actual data in support of that statement?
In summation, nobody who shoots wants firearms in the hands of loonies or criminals: that provides the 'ammunition' for all the hysteria which leads to banning guns.
EB: yet again you demonstrate you have no idea of the facts. Hamilton held his guns because of an unlawful decision made by Northern Constabulary who paid for it by having a complete management shake-up forced on them and people leaving. Had NC have complied with the law (even as it stood then) he would NOT have had pistols. That is a fact.
@39 You don't have to be able to fire a gun to have an opinion on guns and gun law. I have an opinion and I will express it here. You will just have to live with that as you have no power to stop me or anyone else commenting.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 12:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The purpose of a firearm is to kill—to kill at a distance, to kill with speed, to kill with maximum lethality. This is a weapon that has been optimized to extinguish life with the minimum amount of effort possible. I doubt that many of the killers of the quarter of a million Americans murdered since Obama took office were 'experts' but they managed well enough with a gun in their hands. I doubt they would have been as successful without one.
“In summation, nobody who shoots wants firearms in the hands of loonies or criminals: that provides the 'ammunition' for all the hysteria which leads to banning guns.”
There is the reason for your outrage and personal attacks, again. You are frightened of them banning guns. Calm down, old fella, that is not going to happen.
The FACT is there have been no school shootings since the change in gun laws in the U.K. I know you have told us in great detail that you opposed that change but you lost the battle. Common sense and the will of the people won.
Try making an argument without making a personal attack.
@40 “The purpose of a firearm is to kill—to kill at a distance, to kill with speed, to kill with maximum lethality.”
Jan 07th, 2016 - 12:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Actually no, the purpose of a firearm is to provide the credible threat of doing that, just as nuclear weapons are intended for deterrence even though they are not employed according to their lethal potential. Otherwise we might just as well characterise the armed Carabineros or equivalent as someone whose purpose is to kill—to kill at a distance, to kill with speed, to kill with maximum lethality.
@41 I am certain that weapons manufacturers put all their technical knowledge and ability into making guns efficient killing machines. That is their purpose. Whether or not they are used for that purpose is down to the human in possession of it. That is something quite different.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 01:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Just a reminder, people in the USA don't care what the UK did or does. We have much more freedom and individual privace is more important to us.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 01:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0250K over 8 years for a country of 340MM is not very much. Kind of a stupid and irrelevant statistic you keep using to prove what point ecactly?
But emotions are more important than facts in your nasty Prog world.
Everyone can see that....
YB More freedom, in the USA, you must be joking! All those lawyers! The only freedom you have is to murder 10000+ per annum with guns.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 02:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Please list the other freedoms that you have got that Britain hasnt got? We are waiting… And as for privacy, what are you on about cctv?
The amount of “security” cameras you have in London alone would be against our basic rights/liberties.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 02:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The UK also allows bureaucrats huge and dangerous discretion on who and what they decide is in “national” or “economic” interest. Warrantless searches without the courts being involved. Very dangerous in my opinion.
You all can keep throwing out non-contextual numbers but they don't do any good proving anything.
When you have Irish terrorists financed by people who should know better, as we had, you have to take many security measures which is why we have more cameras than anywhere else on earth. They dont restrict your freedom and if you are law abiding they dont cause any adverse effects on your privacy.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 03:15 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Warrantless searches dont interfere with freedoms of law abiding people either. There are strict rules here concerning guns which must be stored in locked cabinets. You can be searched to make sure you are following the law at any time. There is a new law being discussed to allow warrantless searches of internet history. Sounds a great idea to me. Only terrorists and criminals need be concerned.
10,000 gun murders a year, many times the rate in other comparable countries, many of them random by nutjobs is a true statistic. Since Dunblane we have stopped maniacs killing our kids by banning handguns and only allowing vetted individuals to have legal access to guns. This is all Obama is suggesting. He is being opposed by mindless dogma which the majority of US citizens oppose. Lets hope you dont become a victim.
Edward Snowden, Assange and others have blown the cover on US infringements of US citizens ' freedoms ', whilst not agreeing with what they did it shows that the US government isnt a great protector of freedoms and the rule of law but quite the reverse. Its been embarrasing.
You havent managed to show anything..
The US government can never take the American citizen for granted.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 03:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0John Smith can throw off the yoke of any tyrant in a fortnight.
The Chinese know they can't invade from Canada or Mexico.
Why is the US solder the best infantryman in the world?
Could it be because he has busted more caps at play than any soldier in recorded history?
Paths, fields and streams are littered with 100's of millions of empty shell casings.
Anyone from rural America can really shoot.
I don't mean bb guns at tin cans.
The average farm kid or small town boy anywhere in the middle of the US is probably at a minimum good to 100 yards with iron sites and if they are in the west many will be reliable to 300 or 400 yards with their scopes and they outclass the governments puny .223's. Only snipers could match up against the average American hunter.
Most kids get a rimfire or shotgun for Christmas
Only terrorists and criminals need be concerned.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 03:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Who decides if you're a terrorist or criminal?
Yeah, that's the point.
You can be searched to make sure you are following the law at any time.
Holy Crap! That's craziness and would never be supported here in the USA.
10,000/340,000,000 ( or whatever) gun murders, mostly suicide, the great majority of the rest are gang related.
Nobody cares if gang member kill each other
Suicides will find another way.
I live in a major US city and I'm not afraid to walk the streets alone at night.
Get a grip on yourself, nobody in the USA cares what the UK did or does so the comparison is wasted on us. In general USA citizens think the UK citizens are wimps and nagging us about something that is a core belief isn't going to change that.
Edward Snowden is a traitor he should be hanged.
@46 Good post. The U.S. is responsible for 80% of all firearm deaths, 86% of all female firearm deaths, and 87% of all child firearm deaths in the developed world. That is one trophy that no other developed country wants to take from them.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 03:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0If people live in a gun-filled environment they will use them.
49. We like guns.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 04:07 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Wimpy foreign Progs nagging us won't ever change that simple fact.
I find it strange that Americans find those that don't use guns wimps. Isn't using a gun in a fight the wimps way, surly a good old fashioned fist fight like we do in most of Europe far less wimpy than shooting someone with a gun. This of course doesn't include war zones.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 04:20 pm - Link - Report abuse 051. My grandma carried at .32 in her purse.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 04:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0She was tough.
You'd have to grow up here to understand our thought process. Its one of the reasons we will always be the richest most powerful nation the world has ever seen.
Think about this, when the Nazi's took over Paris you can see them marching down the streets with impunity while the cheese eating surrender monkeys drank coffee in the bistros. That would never ever happen here.
Although I'm not American I do have to say that any form of gun control just won't work. There are just to many guns in circulation and the government can only target the legal ones and the easy to find ones which tend to be in the hands of law abiding citizens. Criminals would not be effected and would no doubt grow in boldness if they new legal guns were harder to come by. We Europeans are different culturally to Americans and this is just one example. When enough Americans want change then change will come, until then happy hunting.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 04:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@51 Maybe they feel inferior and need a killing machine to hand to feel like a real man? :)
Jan 07th, 2016 - 04:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0It is cultural brainwashing. They are inculcated with the idea that they need guns to feel safe. The reality is they are in greater danger by living in a gun-filled society but you can't underestimate the power of people wanting to make a profit out of people's fear and stupidity.
I would say liberalism/progressivism has emasculated both EU and UK. Think of how many people could have been saved if the avg French or German had been armed both in WW2 and in today's terrorism mess.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 04:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Do you really think 100s of women would have been molested on NYE in Germany by the gangs of muslim savages if a few of them have been armed?
The EU/UK have denuded themselves.
They'll wake up sometime
but probably too late.
Feel threatened by the presence of guns - stay home, you won't enjoy the US.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 04:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Violent crime just happens to be in a long term decline.
Criminals are very afraid of being shot by grandma or her daughter.
Just try to hijack someone's car.
Oops!
Nothing wrong with shooting people - as long as it's the bad guys.
Americans lives in a country chock full of predators.
In the country it can be wolves or bears or mountain lions.
In the city it can be rapists or robbers or murderers.
Lead is an effective deterrent to either.
Americans are in favor of gun control.
You should firmly grasp your weak had over your trigger hand.
This will limit the effects of recoil and aid in target reacquisition.
This is true gun control.
Armed citizens will never be able to stand up to a well trained military force. And guns and alcohol don't mix well, what would a few untrained citizens be able to do in a room full of panicking people and a head full of alcohol apart from add to the body count.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 05:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Do you think if one of those women had pulled a gun all would be resolved or the “gang of muslim savages” would now have a gun. As I said earlier we are different culturally and more guns are not the answer for us.
@53 Of course they will not give up their guns nor can anyone make them. That is the decision they have to reach in the fullness of maturity as a country. I think the idea of restricting them by introducing background checks is a small but significant step.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 05:09 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I don't accept the argument that there should not be gun controls because criminals will still have them. If you follow the logic on that one you may as well remove all laws because criminals don't live by them. I think it is a red herring.
57. Yes the difference is the USA guarantees your defense. It has allowed you to become more of a pacifist.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 05:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I think to your naton's eventual destruction.
Only time will tell.
Peace signs are not a deterrent but a gun is.
@57. Smoking crack?
Jan 07th, 2016 - 05:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Lol.
There is a revolution on every other corner in the world.
The Americans are pretty proud of the performance of a bunch of amateurs 239 years ago.
Lol.
Personally, I'm usually to lazy to pack iron around.
A big smile and linebacker proportions solves most issues but the good guys are always around in the best parts of America.
Like the man said - no place for wimps.
@31 Elaine
Jan 07th, 2016 - 05:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Well, it's pretty clear that we have different opinions on the definition of democracy ; but one thing I don't accept, and re which I'm fully aware I cannot change, is the fact that government, without ample consultation with the people - and based on the personal conviction of one dummy - can issue new Laws that trample on personal freedom, and other constitutional rights.......which brings me to your statement :
“I didn't say 90% were against gun ownership”.....
Neither did I (say that explicitely, because ), what I was getting at, is that the figure sounds wrong : to say that 90% support tougher background checks, is to say that over 290 million US citizens are in favour of them ;.... Given that the US population is 326 million, and 23%, or 75 million, are 18 yo and under - unlesss children are being consulted as well - that leaves 75% (roughly 250 million), not 90%, in favour of stricter background checks ; from that, one concludes that those that do NOT support stricter gun control, are the other 25 % ? and if so, are we to presume that they are the owners of the estimated 310 million firearms in the hands of civilians ??
So, is the 90% , that you claim support background checks an accurate number, or it is a number the Dumbocrats have thrown at the public to further their agenda ??
@61 I was going by the meaning of democracy:
Jan 07th, 2016 - 05:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.
Which kind of answers a lot of your further comments. Eligible adults, not the entire population.
Obama is not breaking any laws or acting outside of his powers. He was elected by the majority. If you want to change it you have to get elected, get involved and do something about it.
Obama is not breaking any laws or acting outside of his powers
Jan 07th, 2016 - 06:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You don't know that it will be tested through the Courts.
If he wanted to get some sort of gun control he could go through Congress and get it passed. He tried and failed. Just like most of the Prog crap he wanted.
YB your granny was frightened, thats why she carried a gun, as are lots of Americans. Quote from my American friend in Maine “US is coming apart at the seams and there is a general distrust of government, corporations, law enforcement and each other.” Several American friends in SF, Louisianna and Misouri all say the same thing.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 06:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 010000 is murders with guns, in ADDITION TO THAT 20000 suicides from guns. You are an American and dont even know the statistics? How can you pontificate on it if you dont understand the scale of your problem?
Your President is just trying to stop more nutjobs owning guns. Sounds common sense to me when you have the worst gun violence statistics in the civilised world.
Anyway, Hillary and Bill will get it sorted next year :-)))
The American public is voting on Obamy's policies with their wallets.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 06:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0This president will own the singular distinction of having successfully secured the sale of more firearms than anyone since FDR and the LL.
Bravo!
Well done.
What we really need is for.Obamy to declare victory in the middle east so the MIC can be.shifted to the production of civilian ammo.
Helmand is a lost cause since the gov has failed to kill the poppies.
Lots of people feel like America is coming apart. That's why main stream politicians are not able to get any traction. The people know there's something wrong and want change.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 06:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I don't know the stats because I don't care. I don't think its a problem. Plus we like guns and nothing and nobody is going to change that.
Good luck on Hillary, rumor is she's going to be indicted in less than 60 days. maybe they can still get Biden to run, although a potato could beat him.
Violent crime is in a downward spiral in the US.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 06:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The Bureau of Justice statistics bears this out irrefutably.
Prattle on.
Lol.
13% of the population commits 52% of the homicides.
Ask Obamy who these over achievers are.
Elaine, I realise that you have no experience with any form of firearm, but why are you so incapable of looking at facts dispassionately and revert to insults and accusations of rage by me which simply is not the case, and then invoke the ‘old fella’ nonsense?
Jan 07th, 2016 - 06:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You seem very insecure and hide behind ‘your opinions’ which of course you are welcome to spout but they are bereft of understanding the subject, even basic research is missing and in consequence are valueless in any meaningful debate.
Take your mate Obama and his crocodile tears. The following which was posted in 2014, the year after the FBI report on murders nationwide:
“Chicago is a perfect example of the total failure of gun controllers to prevent gun violence. Until recently, the city basically banned any and all transfers or sales of handguns. It was virtually impossible to get a concealed carry permit. Did that do anything to stem the tide of gun-related bloodshed? Of course not.
Chicago was the murder capital of the U.S. in 2012.
In 2013, however, Chicago’s murder rate fell to its lowest level in 48 years. What could have possibly led to such a drastic change? This might help explain it.
Gun owners in the nation’s third-largest city will no longer have to register their firearms with the local authorities, ending a policy that has helped the police track guns here for decades.
Chicago’s City Council voted to make the change on Wednesday, modifying the municipal code to comply with a new state law that will make Illinois the last in the nation to allow people to carry concealed weapons in public. While the city’s strict bans on assault weapons and gun dealers remain, the loss of control over its own registry, in effect since 1968, was another setback for gun control proponents — this time in President Obama’s hometown, in a state run by Democrats.
When you continue to lie through your teeth about my posts it does very little to impress people who keep an open mind on the subject.
@64 The suicide rate in the US is worthy of further discussion. Why is it so much higher than the UK? Or even Argentina?
Jan 07th, 2016 - 06:51 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Could it be that in a country where the hopes are so high it is impossible for most people to live up to the American Dream and therefore feel failures? Or is it that the number of suicidal people is on a par with other developed countries but the freely available guns make it much easier and a favoured choice? Not incidentally the suicide rate is double in veterans as opposed to non-veterans.
Maybe that macho element of US society with no heart but a swinging brick in its place, and no empathy for the poor and needy, is part of the cause. The very people that claim better mental heath care as the solution are the same that despise the universal health care Obama introduced.
It is worth considering why the richest and most powerful country has so many people not wanting to live anymore.
60
Jan 07th, 2016 - 06:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The Skinny Wee Runt in the pick-up truck...trumps your big smile...
He has issues...
He hides them well...
He also hides a .357 Magnum under his seat....
His daddy doesn't understand him...
He always said he was as good as gold...
And he can see no reasons...
'Cause there are no reasons...
What reason do you need to be shown...
Apparently... he doesn't like Mondays...
Statistics you say?
Jan 07th, 2016 - 06:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Numbers are so unfair.
If for instance you are in NYC and if murdered, you prefer to be shot by a white person - good luck!
Your odds are only 4 in 100.
Did you figure out who the overachievers are?
Hint: They're all Democrats!
Lol.
Statistics? You want numbers?
Gradually introducing in a licence system like we have in the UK and and enforcement will eventually save many lives. Keeping guns out of the hands of nutters criminals and grannies will make a difference long term.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 07:04 pm - Link - Report abuse 0There are many things to admire about America but gun culture isnt one of them it just shows that Italian Stallions are really frightened little ponies.
The gun lobby will get severely handbagged by Hillary when she gets elected because thats how the majority of Americans are going to vote. If there was anything to charge her with someone would have done it by now.
@68 “ I realise that you have no experience with any form of firearm,” You don't know that but you blindly assume, as usual.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 07:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0There are many contributors to this subject - an interesting discussion - but you focus your attention on me, as usual. It isn't surprising since you trawled the internet trying to find a photograph of me. You assumed there also and failed spectacularly for everyone to see.
Stop being a creepy old man and obsessing about me. You will never win my approval so stop trying. I do not respect you or your opinions and you cannot contribute to a debate without getting personal.
Hillary has just as much chance as Obamy has being elected to another term.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 07:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You can't admire Americans.
The aggression is part and parcel to the beast.
Prattle on nobody.
Obama will be gone soon,
Jan 07th, 2016 - 07:14 pm - Link - Report abuse 0lets hope the next one is slightly better,
depending of your point of view of course.
@72 I think Trump is her greatest asset at the moment. It puts me in mind of the meltdown in the Labour Party. Conservatives and Democrats just need to sit back and watch the destruction.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 07:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I dont admire Americans generally, there are too many stupid and fat ones as characterised in Idiocracy. The aggression, as displayed in Captain America World Police highlights their halfwitted policy of shooting themselves and everyone else in the foot quite often, like in Iraq. However, by virtue of great natural resources and lots of energy America, as a country has achieved a lot. The founders were the enterprising folk from Britain, say no more…
Jan 07th, 2016 - 07:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The gun is a quick and easy suicide solution. In a country with guns everywhere its no surprise that many suicides are achieved with guns.
Here is what none of you hysterical, liberal idiots can stomach: The overwhelming majority of homicides in the US are committed by two relatively small groups outside the cultural mainstream of America. Mainstream America would register some murders on its own even as the overall trend diminishes but the topic wouldn't be significant otherwise. These two groups by their continued patterns of behavior demonstrate that they value life less than the mainstream. Their activity and the failure of society and law enforcement and the criminal justice system - in combination thereof - perpetuate and drive gun sales and the retail re-arming of America. Irrespective of political party affiliation or ideology most are buying more or better arms or possibly considering it or discussing the serious possibly for the first time in their lives or even that of their extended family's. There are many reasons for this lack of commonality in the valuation of life. Some are truly cultural differences. Other differences may be more subtle. Nothing happens in a vacuum but we do own our actions. Some people have been warring types from the beginning of time. This is affirmed in the conflicts now existent in many parts of the globe. So, unless you walk down these streets or live in these neighborhood your opinions are not informed at a practical level. These two groups will always have guns and they.demonstrate with daily frequency their propensity to use them.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 07:51 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@62 Elaine
Jan 07th, 2016 - 09:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Based on the fact that after being elected, most politicians usually act exclusively in their own interests and rarely take into account what their constituents think, plus the notorious fact that BO has indeed overstepped his powers and trampled on the Constitution - more than once - is indicative that the stats presented do not reflect reality ; it's easy to manipulate stats and feed misinformation to the not-very-bright public. The fact that BO was elected by a majority - which is inherent by the fact that he is President - does not automatically imply he has not acted outside his powers ; why has he, many times, chosen to bypass Congress and sign into Law, matters not discussed by representatives equally elected 'by the people' ? If you believe the he has acted strictly within the Constitution, must be because you only read or listen to the left-leaning mainstream media's opinions.
The hysterical ones on our TVs are mostly the Neocons and right wingers. Trump is an excellent example. The liberals on the other hand seem sane. I am left wondering who those groups are? If they are small easily identifiable groups it should be easy to disarm them. You cant drive an auto or fly an aeroplane without a licence in America because it would be too dangerous. The new drone regulations are another examole. Its hard to see why gun ownership should be any different. Isnt America capable of organising this, or is it because its a matter of loss of face, a sort of John Wayne syndrome?
Jan 07th, 2016 - 09:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0As to why there is a highish suicide rate in the US, the more desperate people get the higher it seems to be. If you live in a society with poor access to health care and where there is no safety net that is perhaps the reason? Its a society with little sympsthy for lifes losers.
@79 No, I don't only read left-leaning media and know people across the political spectrum in D.C. If Obama has over-reached his powers - and I don't consider he has - then it will surely be corrected.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 09:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Yankee and Chronic,
Jan 07th, 2016 - 09:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I have many Americans as friends that I respect for their personal values and convictions.
Several have Carry Permits.
I have no qualms about them as gun owners, and doesn't look like Obama does either.
I find it interesting that the NRA and the Gun Lobby are concerned that putting restrictions on known criminals, no-fly listers, and the emotionally and mentally unstable from owning guns, will affect their members and advocates to such a large degree.
Note, I am trying to be objective here, as an interested neighbour.
80. If you want to watch someone hysterical you should watch Bernie Sanders. Total nut job.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 10:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I am not sure why you can't get this through your head, nobody wants to change anything to do with guns. We dont' think we have a problem. We like it this way.
Hillary is a lying sack of sh*t just like her husband. They are criminals who peddle influence. They both should be in jail but I'll be happy if its just her.
Troy, Odumbo over-reached, went around Congress because he couldn't get anything passed. Known criminals are already prohibited by law, who's judging if someone thinks they're crazy, the gov't? Who puts people on no-fly lists? How do you get off if its a mistake?
Right now nobody trusts the gov't. It's being run by a bunch of incompetent boobs with an agenda that few people agree with. Where they can't pass laws they regulate. It will and must stop.
I can't wait until Odumbo is gone.
If Obama were honest about his actual intentions he'd be rightly perceived as a gun grabber without the ability.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 10:39 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Here's the news flash:
The majority of Americans don't think there is any problem with existing gun laws.
That's one of the reasons that they elected this congress.
Freedom has a high price.
We have a great deal of freedom.
Crime perpetrated by the 13% drives gun ownership.
These are the take aways.
I do not fear my neighbors.
I do respect the ability of certain groups in urban enclaves to kill.
The inability of the liberal to affect social change is what renders them impotent politically.
Those who value freedom have and do pay a price for it..
Others might be happier in a more controlled society.
The US government is in paralysis, thats evident. The people I know in America and the random 10 that I spent a month with touring Australasia earlier this year all thought gun ownership was an undesirable feature of the USA. I guess we mix with totally different groups? The general opinion seems to be that America is run by corporations and not the voters and in the case of guns things are controlled by the manufacturers through the discredited NRA.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 11:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0When your kids are gunned down by some nutjob perhaps your opinion will change. Meanwhile these horrific shootings and poor gun control are a bad stain on the worldwide reputation of the 'land of the free'.
Just read an article that people started lining up at 4:30am to see Trump speak tonight at 7.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 11:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0In Vermont
In Winter
It was probably 15F @ 430 am
and snowing
The venue will be filled to capacity
In a Socialist State
The tide has turned
Chronic
Jan 07th, 2016 - 11:23 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“The majority of Americans don't think there is any problem with existing gun laws.”
Yet, those gun laws don't seem to be working, perhaps they are not enforceable - that is why Obama and a large proportion of the population are open to finding other ways or refining the existing regulations and laws.
Also, there is the common sense mental health initiatives.
I am sure you would agree, guns don't kill people - criminals and loonies with guns kill people.
Troy and the rest of you liberal idiots can't seem to get it through your thick heads, Odumbo tried passing gun legislation when the Dems controlled all 3 branches of Gov't and couldn't do it.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 11:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0There's no USA public outcry to change anything.
It won't happen
ever
YB Just saw it on CNBC. If Trump gets the GOP nomination you get another 8 years of the Democrats!
Jan 07th, 2016 - 11:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Foot, shoot in… ?
And, the Godzilla El Ninio and the Chipotle crisis OOer..
We don't have a law problem.
Jan 07th, 2016 - 11:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0We have multiple cultural factions, two of which - if allowed - would destroy the status quo and let anarchy flow.
I just don't happen to choose to participate in or facilitate that dismantling.
Similarly, there doesn't seem to be much of value to be obtained by the US from participation in world governance.
The EU is currently showing some massive structural defects.
The US has some major problems but gun regulation isn't anywhere near the top of the heap.
Obamy seeks distraction to deflect attention from his legion of failures at home and abroad.
Obamy's lack of resolve has left political unrest that will thunder across the Mideast for decades.
Like a child who upsets his blocks and cries when he can't put them back in order.
YankeeFred@36
Jan 08th, 2016 - 03:32 am - Link - Report abuse 0“ USA USA USA!!”
Sarah Palin Battle Hymn - The Original Version!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhMepzqJvIw
91 Marcos
Jan 08th, 2016 - 04:36 am - Link - Report abuse 0Shut up - YB may be an arrogant jingoist, but your contributions are as inane and dimwitted as those of our departed “Brassiero”
Troy Tempest(Johnny)has received awards and nominations for his contributions to the music industry singing Aqua Marina.
Jan 08th, 2016 - 04:42 am - Link - Report abuse 0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iULyLwvV-AYour Comment
@ 73 ElaineB
Jan 08th, 2016 - 11:34 am - Link - Report abuse 0Oh dear!
With you it's all me, me, me and 'I know what I think, I don't need anybody to tell me what to read and don't confuse me with the truth because I can lie through my teeth (even though they are seemingly made by a 15 yo teenager).
“You don't know that but you blindly assume, as usual.”
No, I haven't assumed it. You clearly have not heard the old saying 'don't assume, it makes an Ass out of U and Me” What I have done is to use your woeful assumptions of the use of firearms and lack of knowledge on the subject (because you do very little actual research on anything) to DEDUCE the result.
So, IF you have ever fired a gun, even a paintball gun, you can put me right now, except you are such an indoctrinated liar who could possibly believe you?
Stop with the lies about me and I will stop posting about you. Lie about me or my posts and I will return your lies to you.
And try harder to understand what is being posted about, research will help you stop having to lie.
@94 You are losing the plot, old man.
Jan 08th, 2016 - 12:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I don't need a sad old pervy man telling me what to read or think. What you don't know is a lot.
Why are you so obsessed with me? Many people have posted varying opinions on this thread but you only focus on me. Ask yourself why. Why did you try to find a picture of me? It is not normal behaviour.
93. Those videos were emotionally disturbing.
Jan 08th, 2016 - 12:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Russ the nut https://www.youtube.com/user/SuperNutty23/videos
What is that hideous thing, is it a girl? Snaggletooth is scary and eats like an animal.
Do people often carpet the sidewalk in Scotland? Keepin' it classy!
Marcos is Think/Voice...etc etc etc....
Nate Silver is signalling a 5% Hillary lead at the mo. And, beyond that you will be getting Michelle! LOL!!! The leading GOP candidate is Jeb! As Dennis Healey once observed thats like “being savaged by a dead sheep”
Jan 08th, 2016 - 02:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Nate Silver isn't very good at polling. He was dead wrong in the last 2 elections.
Jan 08th, 2016 - 02:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Dead wrong.
So he's 1 for 3.
Anyhoo I wonder if he factored in Hillary being indicted?
Probably not.
@98 Weren't you wrong about the last election too?
Jan 08th, 2016 - 02:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Polls state 50% of Americans would be embarrassed to have Trump as President. That is an interesting statistic. They were not all Democrats but across the two parties. That would indicate that Republicans would not vote Trump if he is the Rep.candidate. I still think Trump is the Democrats greatest asset at the moment.
As I remember it Nate Silvers fivethirtyeight prediction was spot on both times?
Jan 08th, 2016 - 02:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Trump is an even bigger bufoon than Romney and thats saying something. Both made decent Republicans cry in their beer.
1998 - 2014
Jan 08th, 2016 - 03:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 01.2 million NICS were turned down.
December 2015
2.9 million NICS were approved.
Gun control looks good, very good.
At the current rate @ 30 million guns will be purchased utilizing NICS in 2016.
Excellent.
But if the economy looks up and production increases this number could rise.
There are two very important opinion polls that can't be ignored by even the delusional theorists of the left:
The guns rights congressmen elected in the last three elections.(Don't forget about the pro gun governors, legislatures and mayors including Obamy's precious Illinois and Chicago.)
Burgeoning gun sales.
If the people don't want them, why do they vote for them? Buy them?
Gun grabbers are now in a distinct minority.
Most liberal elite have extensive collections of weapons - they just wish that they could roll back the clock and disarm the masses and this is the truth of the matter and why they are so mad - because money and privilege may not necessarily assure their place at the top of society in the future.
@101 No one is 'gun grabbing'. Panic much.
Jan 08th, 2016 - 04:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The whole point of the idea of background checks is to sow the first seeds of rational thinking about gun control. When everyone sees that no one has arrived at their door demanding they hand over their beloved weapons they will calm down and gradually the mind-set changes.
Your panic is why gun sales go up after every frequent mass-shooting; you create panic. (The weapons manufacturers love it). And then people sell on the guns, on Ebay, on Craig's List, or wherever without any proper checks or records. That is another loophole Obama is closing.
You can still play with your gun; no worries.
Chronic,
Jan 08th, 2016 - 04:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“
Most liberal elite have extensive collections of weapons - they just wish that they could roll back the clock and disarm the masses and this is the truth of the matter and why they are so mad - because money and privilege may not necessarily assure their place at the top of society in the future.”
You and YB are contradicting yourselves.
YB was just arguing that the US was not meant to be governed by “mob rule” and “who would want to be governed by a Democracy?” - and quite clearly stating that voting and governance should be confined to tax-payers, the wealthy, the 'enlightened'.
And weren't you wanting to prevent restriction of gun ownership?
Now you are saying that the liberals are unjustly wanting to rule because of wealth and privilege, and hoarding weapons to back them up.
I dont think the Liberals as you call them are mad (annoyed). All my friends in America seem resigned to the fact that they live amongst so many people who seem to be incapable of using their brains to logically decide what is good safe and reasonable for your society. They say that America is full of very frightened people, fear of all sorts drives their daily decisions. Whether it be keeping up with the lifestyle, fear of falling into illness especially long term illness which wont be covered by insurance, fear of crime especially gun crime and fear of interacial violence. I love to visit America and where I go I feel safe, but no way would I live there theres just too much fear and there is no longer any financial incentive because in many European countries we are now better off financially and enjoy better free healthcare.
Jan 08th, 2016 - 04:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Ouch!
Jan 08th, 2016 - 04:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0That struck a nerve.
Lol.
Liberals want gun registration
Gun registration enables gun confiscation.
This is the goal of the liberal - to protect you from yourself.
For who can protect you better?
Jan 08th, 2016 - 06:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The govt can of course
said no one ever
Disarm the masses is the first order of business of any good Dictator.
You get it.
Jan 08th, 2016 - 06:09 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@105
Jan 08th, 2016 - 06:09 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“Ouch”?
Pointing out your inconsistencies.
In your efforts to demonise the Democrats as evil and treasonous, you accuse them of subverting democratic principles.
Yet, at the same time, when it suits your objectives, you are very selective about who is eligible to vote in America.
You can't have it both ways.
.The Right to Bear Arms
Jan 08th, 2016 - 06:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0. 8 January. The Second Amendment of the US Constitution states; “A well-regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a Free State
The irony with the Second Amendment is that it is in fact an extension of English common law. The 1689 English Bill of Rights
http://www.lindleyfrench.blogspot.co.uk/
Julian Lindley-French
Interesting piece on this topic.
First, Chronic is a different person.
Jan 08th, 2016 - 06:39 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Second, I've always been very clear on who I think should be allowed to vote and its only people who net pay into the gov't or served in the Military.
Solves all the gov't problems I could ever think of.
@ 95 ElaineB
Jan 08th, 2016 - 06:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Do you lie and play the 'wounded spirit' all the time, it certainly seems so with your performance on here.
Unless you change how you relate to men you won't have an old man to keep you company in your old age. Nobody will be able to stand your attitude which will get increasingly 'cranky' as you get older.
Perhaps men aren't on your agenda?
Write your own welfare check?
Jan 08th, 2016 - 06:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Lol.
At least the commies and the libertarians have been decloaked.
The Constitution was written by a Brit, then the Yanks messed it up with those daft amendments. They should have left it alone.
Jan 08th, 2016 - 07:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Sort of funny watching all non Americans discussing American politics.
Jan 08th, 2016 - 07:29 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Well, American politics ultimately affects us all, so why shouldnt we discuss it? Anyway, looks like Trump is banned here so when he gets elected we wont be able to come to Disneyland any more - shame :-(
Jan 08th, 2016 - 07:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I'm jealous, we're stuck with him until November of next year. BTW, I do not seem to recall me stating anything about not to discuss American politics. I seem to recall saying it is fuuny, like:
Jan 08th, 2016 - 07:52 pm - Link - Report abuse 0They say that America is full of very frightened people, fear of all sorts drives their daily decisions. Whether it be keeping up with the lifestyle, fear of falling into illness especially long term illness which wont be covered by insurance, fear of crime especially gun crime and fear of interacial violence.
That is by far the most ignorant statement I believe that I may have ever read. How many people live on your island nation?
@111 Q.E.D. Totally obsessed with me.
Jan 08th, 2016 - 07:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0My personal life is not your concern though you never stop prying do you? Your insults are a poor attempts at trying to extract information about my private life. Haha.
I am not interested in you, old man. Move along and obsess over someone your own age. If you can remember your own age.
Just repeating what people in America tell me. Apparently they are now facing a Chipotle crisis and Christmas was ruined by a shortage of selfie sticks! About 64 million currently in the UK but there is a lot of immigration and its increasing fast.
Jan 08th, 2016 - 09:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0News here is reporting the Muslim rapefest in EU over NYE holidays and Libs covering it up for fear of inciting more violence.
Jan 08th, 2016 - 10:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Good times, good times.
I told you all long ago Germany is doomed, on top of the muslim rapefest the trade balance reversed last month and its only going to get worse from here on out.
And you nutters wonder why we don't want those savages here...
:)
Lol.
Jan 08th, 2016 - 11:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Only skinny jeans crew eats at Chipotle.
Some say that Monsanto doesn't like brand.
Oh, well.
Due to the proliferation of mom/pop taquerias America has some of the best Latin street food in the world - if you like meat.
FBI arrested another refugee/ISIS material supporter in Tejas today.
And it looks like the Philly cop who was attacked by the jihaddi will recover.
City of Brotherly Love needs to issue some cc permits.
France has the biggest Muslim population in Europe and many Germans suffer from guilt which is why they were welcoming the Syrians. But, the tide will turn as they realise what they have done. In Germany if you have a dark skin you are a second class citizen and everyone has to conform. Expect a draconian response, a sort of rigid Nazi culture exists and it will prevail. America seems to do better, your minorities seem to be proud to become Americans with many fewer exceptions.
Jan 09th, 2016 - 09:59 am - Link - Report abuse 0I was taking the P about Chipotle, the trivia reported on CNBC is hilarious. And Trump provides a great sideshow.
No you weren't.
Jan 09th, 2016 - 12:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You were trying to be culturally and contextually relevant and you failed massively.
The Turks in Germany and the Algerians in France have been discriminated against in a horrible fashion just as the UK has done with its former colonials from Asia and Africa and the Mid East.
You're in it up to your neck.
The US is headed for a renaissance and much of Europe is headed into another dark abyss.
Does the US have problems?
Certainly, but we embrace them and use them to advantage.
The UK - sad people, in a sad place.
That and the fact that your poor pensions won't feed you in your dotage is why so many turn up overseas.
The Yanks are just out looking for another place to turn a buck and have a little fun.
Here is what the American biz community thinks of the UK/Commonwealth:
“If you want to kill someone's deal put one of those guys in it because when it's time they'll never have the cash to pay up.”
Guess who said that?
Don't try to suck up to us.
We are well aware that much of the world takes pleasure in our woes.
That's fine.
We need Europe like we need another hole in the head.
Europeans crave security.
The best part of the rest of us just want opportunity.
Poor elaine blathers on about panic.
Doubt she could manage to ride the L on the blue line in Chicago without fouling herself.
There's a reason that the Brits don't really own guns - they can't be trusted with them.
Lol.
: )
@121 I got the humour but is goes woosh over the heads of most Americans. Not all.
Jan 09th, 2016 - 12:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@122 I am in Chicago a lot, as it happens. :) Why are you so fixated on being seen as tough? Because you are not or because you consider that the essence of being a man in the U.S.? As usual you write a lot of bitter nonsense. Fortunately you don't move in the halls of power in the U.S. where decisions are made for your country; if you did you would realise how stupid you sound.
Oh dear, thats why so many of your countrymen say they want to move here is it? Brits are practically the top tourists on the planet, especially our pensioners. How does that square with our poor pensions, thats the state pension. Most of us have other pensions too. The Boomers are the richest retired Brits ever. Fewer yanks have passports whilst about 85% of us do. We can afford to travel. Our average net worth is almost $500,000 whereas the average US net worth is only $180,000 so we are much richer than Americans a huge change that Americans only discover when they move here.
Jan 09th, 2016 - 12:46 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Ethnic minorities do pretty well here, black Americans comment on it, they feel no predjudice here like they do at home in the US. We have a fairly successful multi racial society, you dont, even 150 years after your civil war. There is discrimination everywhere but its nothing here compared with that found in the US.
As for the guns, so many Americans disagree with allowing nutjobs to own guns. Many of you are just puppets with strings operated by the big corporations and you cant see it. You are afraid of so many things no wonder there are crises. Dont get shot, and dont get ill, especially dont get ill long term. Obama tried to sort this out, he failed, a shame for America.
Fewer yanks have passports whilst about 85% of us do.
Jan 09th, 2016 - 01:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0er, maybe because you live on an island with no much to do
I've never once met someone from the USA that yearned to move to the UK.
You got your figures reversed:
USA Avg Wealth $534,600 in 2013
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2014/09/18/stock-gains-lift-us-household-wealth-to-a-record/15830331/
UK Avg Wealth 148K (U$ 217k)
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2014/09/18/stock-gains-lift-us-household-wealth-to-a-record/15830331/
Nobody I know is worried about getting shot and nobody I know is worried about a long term illness.
This tells the real story… .
Jan 09th, 2016 - 03:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0http://money.cnn.com/2014/06/11/news/economy/middle-class-wealth/
You never met them because they are already living here, alongside the many other immigrants in the worlds greatest city! But, you probably wouldnt be able to afford a place to live. :-)
126. So like every liberal who loses an argument with FACTS you change the goal posts.
Jan 09th, 2016 - 03:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Take the same figures out of the avg UK wealth and you'll come back to the same conclusion in general the avg USA citizen is richer than the avg UK citizen.
Just like I proved in my last post.
The number of USA citizens immigrating to the UK annually solely for a better life could be counted on one hand.
I go to London all the time. I love it. I would never live there since the weather is horrible and its too expensive for what you get. Nice place to visit though. I usually stay at The Connaught its lovely in a great location and not many people know about it.
You are a funny ole cow.
Jan 09th, 2016 - 03:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Here you go again with that pathetic attempt at transference.
You are the one that introduced fear/panic to the discussion.
Saul Alinsky tactics don't perform here.
Chronic is not superman and bullets will indeed tear his flesh but I refuse to live on my knees cowering like a bunch of politically correct Europeans.
I happen to have spent enough time in DC that I kept a suite at the Phoenix Park.
And ate with friends often enough that some of the staff at the senate dining room still call me by name.
The next time you are to be anywhere near O'hare post and I'll send a car for you.
You can be my guest at the club.
YB trolls lie.
That is their nature.
When confronted with their lies they double down.
Nothing is funnier than British and American dick measuring.
Jan 09th, 2016 - 03:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Here's a first for me....Youtube. Now,let's all sing.....My dog's bigger than your dog, my dog's bigger than your's......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC5h4Uzciys
The Distribution of Wealth Between Americans
Jan 09th, 2016 - 03:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Before you can talk about the 1 percent, it’s important to put the figures into perspective by understanding exactly what that figure means. The average annual income of the top 1 percent of the population is $717,000, compared to the average income of the rest of the population, which is around $51,000. The real disparity between the classes isn’t in income, however, but in net value: The 1 percent are worth about $8.4 million, or 70 times the worth of the lower classes.
Difficult to determine an average person when wealth is divided by the total sum of people...better to remove the top 1 percent then divide to get a realistic average wealth....
I find that the average wealth I've seen in the US is similar to the UK as the money goes further...food...gas and electricity being a lot cheaper....
I'm always cash rich in the US....it's like what I would pay a pound for costs me a dollar...
....Love it....
128. Yes they double down and change the goal posts. They tend to change a word or two or leave out a but or an and so it changes the whole context of what they originally said.
Jan 09th, 2016 - 04:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I'm familiar with them.
Progs can't ever win with facts...
Its always weepy cry of; what about the children...the poor... the immigrants.. the peaceful muslims.... blah blah blah
Also cow, I do wonder at the quality of my words.
Jan 09th, 2016 - 04:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Why would some pay me to write them and even pay to read them?
Lol.
But they have.
Go figure.
The ideas are another thing, though.
They are popular enough that someone tries to start an exploratory fund every cycle now.
When I doubt the correctness of my thought I need only cast it out in front of a few commies and the vociferousness of their outcry confirms the quality of it.
Rave on and thanks for the quality feedback - it is valued.
Poor people aren't poor because rich people are rich.
Jan 09th, 2016 - 05:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Once you understand that simple sentence you'll be happier and more sane.
Profound....
Jan 09th, 2016 - 05:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0me...me..me...I've got one...
Rich people aren't rich because poor people are poor....
.The world is DOOMED, and only the great Argentina can save us==
Jan 09th, 2016 - 07:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0If only they would save us,
By taking in the millions of Muslim refugees
And thus saving the whole would from being brainwashed,
Being honest helpful and a safe haven for those who are oppressed…lol
Have the cow
Jan 10th, 2016 - 04:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@134 .... The last Kirchner government did all it could to promote poverty and indigence here. While CFK was becoming filthy rich and feeding her ñoquis, of course.
Jan 10th, 2016 - 06:52 pm - Link - Report abuse 0As of 2014 the non-INDEC accounting for poverty in Argentina shows nearly 29 % of the population. Since nobody can trust the laughable INDEC.
Rich people aren't rich because of Peronismo [except drug traffickers and other Kirchnerists] but poor people in Argenzuela are poor as a direct consequence of Kirchnerismo....
129 Captain Poppy
Jan 10th, 2016 - 07:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“Nothing is funnier than British and American dick measuring.”
A most pointless sport wouldn't you say?
Remind me again 'cos I seem to have lost track but arn't the British and American's friends and allies?
Therefore isn't this “My car's better than your car” pointless?
Shouldn't we just say “You like some bits of our society and we like some bits of yours” and then leave it at that?
....and then we can all agree that it is better living where we are than living in the Sudan.
CFK was becoming filthy rich
Jan 10th, 2016 - 07:23 pm - Link - Report abuse 0she will be ok,
but what abt the loyal brainwashed people that worked very hard and supported her and that corrupt government,
should they not share in her wealth and fortune
#13 . I totally agree. Arguing no less over cultural matters is like arguing over veal piccotta is better than steak au poirve. This site is boring and pointless, from the posting pov.
Jan 11th, 2016 - 01:25 am - Link - Report abuse 0Hundreds of comments from Brits trying to offer gratuitous advice to the US. Who would have guessed? What you limmey losers need to understand is that we have not been interested in what you have to say since the 1760s - if then.Your place in this world is to take orders and shut up!
Jan 11th, 2016 - 02:16 am - Link - Report abuse 0The US will not be abandoning any part of the Constitution any time soon. However, there is a debate to be had. Obama's initiatives have no real effect in themselves. Their real purpose is to trigger that debate and that is what they will do.
@141
Jan 11th, 2016 - 03:37 am - Link - Report abuse 0Looks like “Hepatia” persona has more than one operator.
chronic:
Jan 11th, 2016 - 07:22 am - Link - Report abuse 0I'll take you up on that. I have an open invitation to anyone here to meet me for a pint at the Troller in Horseshoe Bay; and go for a Kayak or Salmon fishing. Any time; period. Nostrils , YB, Elaine or Conquerer; Think/Voice I don't care.
Just to remind you:
“The next time you are to be anywhere near O'hare post and I'll send a car for you.
You can be my guest at the club.”
I'll take you up on that. I'll ne coming in on the 14 to o see BH playing my (stink'in) Leafs (on the 15th).
I'd love to visit the club ( by the way, both Troy & Enrieue have seen my passport and drivers licence).
I have nothing to hide.
Please don”t pull a Think.
See you then.
@143 Derke,
Jan 11th, 2016 - 07:48 am - Link - Report abuse 0I will be interested to hear back on that one. Enjoy Chicago - and Ontario, too.
Chronic,
Derke is the 'real deal' - not sure how many others on here can say the same.
He is probably bigger than “voice” and in better shape, too - Oldtimer Hockey!
Piker.
Jan 11th, 2016 - 08:11 am - Link - Report abuse 0lol.
Are you also registered as Elaine.
Nice try.
@145 chronic
Jan 11th, 2016 - 09:12 am - Link - Report abuse 0are you reneging, then?
Come on beggar boy!
Jan 11th, 2016 - 09:23 am - Link - Report abuse 0Try to beg your way to the dance.
Canucks on their knees.
Just priceless.
@146 It would appear chronic is all mouth and trousers but no substance. I am more than happy to pass on the generous offer of a car and a visit to the 'club' to DerkeBlake.
Jan 11th, 2016 - 09:29 am - Link - Report abuse 0We can all watch chronic clucking and running for the door.
He's reneging because he's a fake.
Jan 11th, 2016 - 09:40 am - Link - Report abuse 0I'm here any time he wants.
I show my passport. I show my drivers licence.
See you at the pub. Trollers in Horseshoe Bay, BC, Canda.
As I have done with “Reekie” and “Troy”. Both fine gentlemen.
Dare you!
By the way; the Blackhawks suck! I suspect you are not in the vacinity. What a bunch of crap.
Now, no one from the windy city will put up with that?
I'll wait for you car.
Lair.
You are a fake.
Come here any time and I will take you for a kayak.
Derke.
Canuck whining is music to the ears!
Jan 11th, 2016 - 10:04 am - Link - Report abuse 0How could you possibly be ignorant enough to think that I would extend an invitation to some one I am totally unacquainted with much less a common Canuck.
Again, nice try piker.
Classic beggar boy move.
Thanks for the humor
@149 His use of illeism makes him suspect. That he is YB's number one cheerleader seals the deal.
Jan 11th, 2016 - 10:07 am - Link - Report abuse 0Lol.
Jan 11th, 2016 - 10:12 am - Link - Report abuse 0Prattle on.
Come on.
More.
144
Jan 11th, 2016 - 11:19 am - Link - Report abuse 0What are you talking about sycophant...?
huh....need to be at least 6'3 and also pump weights every other day...
I seriously doubt it...
...are you in love Troy...are you in love.... is that it...?
Must I also remind you that you are a puppet, not the master so whoever you know or claim to know is either the master...or a puppet...
and
Ashes to Ashes
A sad day for the UK...;-(
lol.
Jan 11th, 2016 - 11:49 am - Link - Report abuse 0Come on!
Where did the would be uninvited guest slink off to?
Embarrass yourself, freebooter?
Manners of a pig . . . . common canuck . . . lol.
Oh my, all the libtards on the board still think I'm Chronic.
Jan 11th, 2016 - 01:04 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Silly libtards.
I wish i could be as biting/direct and hilarious as Chronic
alas...
Ground control to Major Tim…
Jan 11th, 2016 - 01:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0#141.....someone, a real American is going to red dot you one day for impersonation people.
Jan 11th, 2016 - 03:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0And I agree, a different operator for Hep C today.
Blackhawks! Most of the talk of sports are the Bears and the over rated Cutler.
The new talk in the states is pressing charges on Penn.
But again......Hep C, you're as an American as a Faberge Egg. Anyone for a cortado and medialuna at Havana's.....my treat?
Chronic,
Jan 11th, 2016 - 05:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You make a pretentious self-agrandising offer to a perfect stranger, ElaineB, in order to be rude and show off on the forum, but balk and run for cover when confronted to show you are more than just hot air.
Derke called you on it - and you backed down.
You lost that one.
As to whether Derke is a fake persona, why would I employ a mom de plume on this occasion? It would serve no purpose. I have the means to travel to the US or Chicago if I have the inclination. I too, openly doubt Chronic, nothing to be gained by inventing someone else to say what I'm saying.
This is just an excuse for you to make deprecating remarks.
“voice”, an actual puppet,
I took an opportunity to parody your attempts to intimidate others you have invited to meet you at the Glasgow Starbucks. By the way, sounds very effete for a 'burly Glaswegian'!
Led you by the nose, and you fell for it - pompous fool.
I bid you good day, gentlemen.
@158 Indeed chronic did make that offer to me, a perfect stranger, in an attempt to puff himself. He tripped over his ego again.
Jan 11th, 2016 - 05:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“voice” takes a pratfall...
Jan 11th, 2016 - 06:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0http://youtu.be/2PFRdEUN240
Oh thank goodness Hillary is also being investigated for corruption. Rumor is the FBI has indicted other public officials for much less
Jan 11th, 2016 - 07:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Gosh it would make my year if I saw her in an orange jump suit.
The Clintons are pure sleaze.
(153) Mr. Voice
Jan 12th, 2016 - 06:23 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Let's hope Mr. Bowie managed to take a lot of H2O on the long trip back to his planet...
(152] Snr Think.
Jan 12th, 2016 - 09:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Lt Cdr Balme who by his bravery shortened WWII by two years died a few days ago. Thats who we are mourning, not a pop singer. We realise that you have limited intelligence and live in a backwater, but do try to keep up.
The headline claims that the “Republicans [are] furious”, but this is not true. They are very happy because they believe that their position on gun controls by the US is a winner for them. We shall see in the general.
Jan 13th, 2016 - 01:28 am - Link - Report abuse 0163
Jan 13th, 2016 - 01:44 am - Link - Report abuse 0http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/12078997/Lieutenant-Commander-David-Balme-obituary.html
@164 “Hepatia”
confused, as always...
:-)
162
Jan 13th, 2016 - 01:47 am - Link - Report abuse 0Ah... Mr Think...
Hope you had a good Christmas and New Year...
He was my era...so I was a little sad...a subtle gesture I thought...
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