The body count

[spookyturtle 9,466]

There is actually a lot of truth in that trite saying about if you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have them. Why make a huge percentage of the population de facto criminals when you know that they are not a significant threat to society? The feelings on this run so strong among gun advocates that no sane person believes that very many guns would get turned in regardless of what kind of law you passed. Hence you have Obama signing legislation permitting guns in national parks! It is one thing to have a vision of what you think ideal. More important is recognizing what can actually occur and the two are often far apart. Especially regarding guns in society here in the US! Obama may or may not be a great president depending on where your politics are but one thing most people can probably agree on is that he is pragmatic.

The majority of gun owners aren't a threat to society. And I doubt that most of the street gang members have a license to carry and bought their guns legally. You could take away every licensed gun in the country and the drug dealers, etc will still be carrying.

[james&olya 1,121]

The majority of gun owners aren't a threat to society. And I doubt that most of the street gang members have a license to carry and bought their guns legally. You could take away every licensed gun in the country and the drug dealers, etc will still be carrying.

You mean IF "you could take away...." It is obvious you are right. Which is why the left has long since moved on to other issues.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

You mean IF "you could take away...." It is obvious you are right. Which is why the left has long since moved on to other issues.

A while back there was a lengthy, heated discussion about the effects of gun control on the crime and murder rate with a former member from Australia. Australia basically took away most of the guns from the citizens and the crime rate actually went up for several years after that. I'm too lazy to look things up again, but the murder rate in the US has actually gone down over the years despite a huge increase in population. I'm sure a few members here remember the discussion I am talking about. I know that Slim and Charles should remember.

[Ban Hammer 13,726]

I know that Slim and Charles should remember.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I'm all for getting the guns out of the hands of criminals and only the criminals.

[^_^ 5,021]

I was listening to an interesting discussion on our local hip hop station on this story. Listeners calling in, chiming in on the gun control issue. I didn't take notes (obviously) but I seemed to get the impression that reactions break down largely on gender and class lines. Male and hoodrat listeners were more likely to go with the "relax gun laws" POV than women and suburbanites.

[rocks 494]

It is reported that a semi-automatic rifle jammed during the attack and the gunman switched to a weapon with less firepower, possibly saving some lives.

The dead include a six-year-old girl and two US military servicemen.

Link

Edited July 23, 2012 by rocks

[DaveE 178]

Link

Nobody knows and all the media is blowing smoke. Here is an article that says he used the shotgun first, then the rifle which jammed, and then the pistol.

"The law enforcement official said authorities think the gunman first used the shotgun — some victims have buckshot wounds — and then began using the assault rifle, which jammed. Then he resorted to the handgun"

Another media guess

[rocks 494]

Nobody knows and all the media is blowing smoke. Here is an article that says he used the shotgun first, then the rifle which jammed, and then the pistol.

"The law enforcement official said authorities think the gunman first used the shotgun — some victims have buckshot wounds — and then began using the assault rifle, which jammed. Then he resorted to the handgun"

Another media guess

That's what the BBC article says too, in less detail.

He is in court now, his facial expressions are odd. He seems to be having problems with his eyes.

[X Factor 1,112]

Shooter appeared in court today.

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/07/23/suspect-in-colorado-shooting-to-appear-in-court/?hpt=hp_t1

Bring back the electric chair!

Edited July 23, 2012 by kennard

[rocks 494]

They're speculating that he is on medication on CNN. He closes his eyes like he is falling asleep and then his eyes open wide and blinking. It is definitely not normal behavior. They are also speculating that perhaps he might have skipped his medication and this is why he did this. They don't have any facts of course, but he does look like he is under the influence of drugs at the moment.

Edited July 23, 2012 by rocks

[DaveE 178]

If he doesn't want to ride the lightning, he better play the role at Oscar levels.

[X Factor 1,112]

They're speculating that he is on medication on CNN. He closes his eyes like he is falling asleep and then his eyes open wide and blinking. It is definitely not normal behavior. They are also speculating that perhaps he might have skipped his medication and this is why he did this. They don't have any facts of course, but he does look like he is under the influence of drugs at the moment.

Yes his behaviour in court is not normal. He still has the red hair.

[rocks 494]

Yes his behaviour in court is not normal. He still has the red hair.

They also said that maybe he has been kept awake for a long time and is just tired. Either way he is behaving very strangely. It doesn't look like he is able to pay attention to what is going on. At least he stopped spitting on people.

[natty bumppo 297]

The shooter in Aurora was wearing body armor. Can you articulate just how you would have even had a reasonable chance of stopping him in spite of being blinded by tear gas and do so without shooting anyone else? I support CCW laws, but the fact is a gun is not going to protect you in all situations. For those who are not risk takers, may I suggest you keep yourself holed up in your man cave, don't let your wife outside either, or perhaps invest the same amount of time and energy into other forms of personal protection that you spend on your fetish with phallic objects that shoot projectiles.

just some thoughts ...

his wearing body armor may protect from bullet penetration.

if someone had used a carry piece (CCW) and shot this person ... there would be 400-500 ft lb of bullet energy contacting the body armor in a very small and defined location. that energy would definitely get noticed with the potential of rendering the recipient neutralized if only for a few seconds and/or longer. that would be time gained to allow people to escape and/or complete the total neutralization of the bad guy.

it's said ... being shot while wearing body armor is akin to being kicked by a mule .... while it may not be fatal, it still can mess you up