Well, I think I've spent just a bit too much time wrestling with the pigs here. You guys seem to like it, and I feel just a little dirty for the effort. Before I adjourn, I would like to thank you for having this discussion with me. It was enlightening.
To summarize:
Citizens should be afraid of a corrupt government, so it's better to do nothing than to include them in the process. Criminal activity can't be curbed, so we shouldn't waste money trying. Either allow violent criminals and the clinically insane full access to guns, or lock them away forever, otherwise there's a risk that individual's rights could be infringed. And, a person doesn't have any responsibility, or duty to society, in regard to preventing gun violence, if doing so could infringe on individual rights. And, I'm sure I've missed another couple of big points. I'll have to go back and read this all again when I get a chance.
In this thread, I've heard all of these statements presented as reasons to oppose those who would try to force any more gun restrictions on the American People. A few of these arguments were well presented and logical, but lacked much substance; many were seething with as much emotion as the arguments of the anti-gun advocates. And several were either just simple and pure ad hominem attacks on the the messenger, or entirely off topic.
The point is that very few were actually effective in presenting the poster's positions, and fewer still were able to provide a reasonable expectation that somebody's mind could be changed. It's disappointing, really. I was hoping to see a more cohesive and united front, one that could actually make a strong voice heard, instead of a cacophony of voices all trying to be the loudest. In that regard, I think the pro-rights, pro-gun community needs to rethink its strategy, and pick a couple of really strong positions to build on. Because, the other side of this argument has already done just that. And the stakes for losing are so very, very high.
Think about it. Go back and read your posts. Dissect what happened, and pull the best parts of your arguments out from the rest. Then use these bits of truth to forge a stronger, more fluid attack strategy. This battle is far from over. We're going to need all the strength we can muster.
For the record, I am a staunch supporter of the 2nd Amendment. My grandfather (rest his soul) was a decorated War Veteran. I own multiple revolvers, semi-auto pistols, bolt rifles, semi-auto rifles, single shot rifles, pump shotguns, semi-auto shotguns, single shot shotguns, and some other stuff I probably shouldn't admit. I am also a Professional Engineer that likes to pick things apart just to see how they work. And, I absolutely believe that the Federal Government has overstepped its authority on many fronts, not the least of which is its relentless battle on the 2nd Amendment; the only means by which the remainder of the Constitution can continue to stand.
Soldier on fellas.
And, thanks again for participating in the discussion.