Firearms. Yea or Nay?

[Cinder & Smoke]

... one county in my state has a law that states that
you must own a gun within your household or pay a fine.
The crime rate has dropped dramatically there.

From the cited website:

KENNESAW, Ga >>>

"He said the law in its final form has many loopholes,
so not everyone is required to own a gun.

"There are many outs," he said. "When you look at it,
almost anyone could fit into one of the exempted groups."

Kennesaw Police Chief Dwaine Wilson said
no one has ever been prosecuted under the ordinance.
Among those exempt are residents "who conscientiously oppose maintaining firearms
as a result of beliefs or religious doctrine."
Others exempt include the physically and mentally disabled,
paupers and those convicted of a felony.

The law contains no clause addressing punishment for violating the law."
Source: http://www.rense.com/general9/gunlaw.htm

[JenBKR]

From the cited website:

KENNESAW, Ga >>>

"He said the law in its final form has many loopholes,
so not everyone is required to own a gun.

"There are many outs," he said. "When you look at it,
almost anyone could fit into one of the exempted groups."

Kennesaw Police Chief Dwaine Wilson said
no one has ever been prosecuted under the ordinance.
Among those exempt are residents "who conscientiously oppose maintaining firearms
as a result of beliefs or religious doctrine."
Others exempt include the physically and mentally disabled,
paupers and those convicted of a felony.

The law contains no clause addressing punishment for violating the law."
Source: http://www.rense.com/general9/gunlaw.htm

Good to know. Sounds like such a strange law to me.....I was sort of wondering how they would enforce it.

[Puckstop31]

Good to know. Sounds like such a strange law to me.....I was sort of wondering how they would enforce it.

Indeed a tough one to enforce. Maybe not make it a law. Perhaps the city government could recommend firearm ownership?

Either way, it should be pretty safe to say that criminals might think twice before doing their deeds in such a place, no?

[JenBKR]

Either way, it should be pretty safe to say that criminals might think twice before doing their deeds in such a place, no?

I do agree with that. However, I also have to wonder about the stability of everyone in the town that 'has' to have a gun. Also, how responsible they are, if they actually know how to use a gun, etc. Would make me nervous to live there, that's for sure. I don't know if that law is a good answer to crime....then again, I really don't know what a good answer would be. As I said before, outlawing guns at this point would probably not do any good, since then only criminals would have them.

[Puckstop31]

I do agree with that. However, I also have to wonder about the stability of everyone in the town that 'has' to have a gun. Also, how responsible they are, if they actually know how to use a gun, etc. Would make me nervous to live there, that's for sure. I don't know if that law is a good answer to crime....then again, I really don't know what a good answer would be. As I said before, outlawing guns at this point would probably not do any good, since then only criminals would have them.

As much as I hate the idea of MORE laws, I would readily support one that requires a license to purchase a firearm. Not unlike a drivers license. This would NOT track the purchase or create a registry, but simply provide a way to get some basic training in before the purchase is made. I believe that education is the the key to preventing accidents AND treating the hoplophobia of so many people.

In most states you have to take a hunters safety course before you can apply for your first hunting license. It is a logical thing to do to expand that to people who want to own firearms, but not hunt.

I am for this because I see two things, way to often, that piss me off.

1.) People not treating ALL firearms as if they are loaded, at all times.

2.) People not being aware of where the muzzle is pointing.

[Edwina's Secretary]

I do agree with that. However, I also have to wonder about the stability of everyone in the town that 'has' to have a gun. Also, how responsible they are, if they actually know how to use a gun, etc. Would make me nervous to live there, that's for sure. I don't know if that law is a good answer to crime....then again, I really don't know what a good answer would be. As I said before, outlawing guns at this point would probably not do any good, since then only criminals would have them.

If I was a "bad guy" looking to get a bunch of guns I would sure know what town to go to for a little "B&E"!

[CathyBogart]

I would love to see a basic safety course, much like the ones available for motorcycles, recommended before people purchase firearms. Perhaps even a discount offered to people who had taken the course, as motivation. I don't see a problem with firearm ownership in general, but I DO have a problem with ignorant schmucks owning a tool with the potential to be so deadly.

[Edwina's Secretary]

I admit I probably don't think like a criminal....but how would I steal guns from an unarmed person.

Are they THAT stupid?

If I want to steal guns...I need to steal them from someone who has them.

[Puckstop31]

Ya know what? When we are not home, take anything you want. They are all just things. Things can be replaced.

When my family is home... Come into my home unwanted at your own peril. I love my family too much to put their safety in anybodys hands other than my own or my dogs. Period.

You all are free to do as you wish in this regard, please don't try to deny my RIGHT to do otherwise.

[Puckstop31]

If I was a "bad guy" looking to get a bunch of guns I would sure know what town to go to for a little "B&E"!

I'd think most "bad guys" are not THAT stupid. Criminals generally prefer unarmed victims.