The Assault Weapon Myth

[Teddy B 17,252]

Do you really think the threat of jail stops people from doing drugs? IMO, those people wouldn't do drugs anyway.

Do you think the threat of going to jail stops most people from robbing a bank?

[Teddy B 17,252]

Let's go to Brockton and Mattapan. You tell them not to do drugs, join street gangs or carry illegal guns. I'll wait in the car and call 911 and try and save you.

Yes, because it's that's simple.

[Karee 4,191]

Do you think the threat of going to jail stops most people from robbing a bank?

It's very likely you'll get caught robbing a bank. It's highly unlikely you'll go to jail for using drugs.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Do you think the threat of going to jail stops most people from robbing a bank?

Sure. It's against the law to rob banks. Criminals obey all laws, especially gun laws.

Yes, because it's that's simple.

Peer pressure. Don't be such a defeatist.

[Teddy B 17,252]

It's very likely you'll get caught robbing a bank. It's highly unlikely you'll go to jail for using drugs.

Getting arrested and having a record is a very big deal for most folks as well. Jail time does not always have to be the end result.

[Karee 4,191]

Getting arrested and having a record is a very big deal for most folks as well. Jail time does not always have to be the end result.

Getting arrested means you're going to jail. How long you're there depends on your bond situation.

[Teddy B 17,252]

Sure. It's against the law to rob banks. Criminals obey all laws, especially gun laws.

Peer pressure. Don't be such a defeatist.

We're not talking about criminals obeying the law, we're talking about how most people are law abiding and will abstain from things that are illegal.

I'm not the peer to gang members and drug users in Mattapan or Brockton, it has to come from within.

Edited September 15, 2014 by Teddy B

[spookyturtle 9,466]

We're not talking about criminals obeying the law, we're talking about how most people are law abiding and will abstain from things that are illegal.

I'm not the peer to gang members and drug users in Mattapan or Brockton, it has to come from within.

And most gun owners are law abiding too.

[Teddy B 17,252]

Getting arrested means you're going to jail. How long you're there depends on your bond situation.

Right, so what's your point? You don't think that deters people from committing crimes?

And most gun owners are law abiding too.

So?

[spookyturtle 9,466]

So?

Why penalize the many for the actions of a few?

[GandD 5,966]

Why penalize the many for the actions of a few?

Isn't that most laws?

[Teddy B 17,252]

Why penalize the many for the actions of a few?

Who's being penalized?

[Karee 4,191]

Right, so what's your point? You don't think that deters people from committing crimes?

So?

It depends on the crime I suppose. There's a group of society that wont break the law no matter what. Speeding, Jaywalking, etc. I'd say that group is pretty small. I guess with a lot of people it depends on the likelyhood of being caught rather than whether it's illegal or not.

[Teddy B 17,252]

It depends on the crime I suppose. There's a group of society that wont break the law no matter what. Speeding, Jaywalking, etc. I'd say that group is pretty small. I guess with a lot of people it depends on the likelyhood of being caught rather than whether it's illegal or not.

Sure, it all plays a role in it, it's definitely a percentage thing for some folks.

[Sousuke 1,214]

Who's being penalized?

I think its the notion that outlawing something that harms maybe 150 people a year (I'm using the 2012 stat which is all rifles and then drawing a conclusion that less than half are AWs) is penalizing the people that want them and use them safely.

Edited September 15, 2014 by Sousuke