Mick...I went to bed before you posted....but


"Bill, all of the points you make are simply gratuitous assertions on your part. I own weapons, they don't make me feel powerful. They also don't have a mystique except to the deluded."
I carefully SAID "gives a feeling of power for many",...and they only NEED to have that mystique and give a feeling of power for a few.

" I would contend they have many everyday, legitimate uses. You know it too, or do I need to enunciate them."

Nope...they are handy for trained, legitimate law officers & security personnel, who often need them to confront kids on the street who have them illegally.



"As to the contention that you would rather deal with bombs, would you? It was silly of you to say so, buddy. Ever seen what about four bags of fertilizer will do?"

Yes...but you read far too much into what I said. I do not anticipate kids holding up 7/11s with bags of fertilizer. *IF* all I had to worry about was that a kid with a grudge would go out and try to buy fertilizer, I'd be relieved....(and insert several other counter examples here).

" Virtually no one I know ever treated guns in an irresponsible way, nor have I ever seen anyone among the people I have known who ever considered going for a weapon to address a problem or grievance. I have a lifetime experience, Bill, and haven't seen it outside of military life."

But the stories of those who DO are in the news every day! YOU, Mick, hang out with more sensible folks, I guess. But you also know very well that there are multiple thousands of weapons out there in the hands of those who do not have the same attitude as you. You have lived in large, dangerous cities....you KNOW that there are places where you would need to be very careful, lest you meet the kind you prefer to ignore in your argument.

Sorry, Mick...but you compliment me on my debating skills, then you throw me big, fat blooper pitches. As I say...show me how to limit gun ownership possession to those who are sane, and I will shut up.