Re: Gun Story

[Marc <cram3813@uidaho.edu>]

At 09:26 PM 11/19/99 -0800, you wrote:
>Let's see, there are licensing laws.
>There are auto registration laws
>There are laws dealing with legal age to drive
As with guns

>There are laws governing speed
After about 4000 fps you get way too much barrel fouling.  It's a
self-regulating speed limit.

>There are laws governing drinking and driving
Same with guns.  Stupidity in any form should be severely dealt with.

>There are laws requiring safety features on vehicles
Same with guns.

>There are laws that permit confiscation of a vehicle
You got me here.  They usually confiscate them illegally.

>There are laws that allow implied consent.
>There are laws dealing with environmental issues.
You would probably not agree if I said I would be happy to put a muffler on
my pistol.

>There are laws requiring insurance.
>There are laws that insure proper traffic flow.
>
>No they haven't prevented all deaths, but consider how much higher they
>would be if we considered driving a right (as in the case of guns) rather
>than a privilege.


I just can't resist!  (Giggles of glee.)

If you have noticed, I do not equate gun laws with firearms laws.  This
path is fraught with problems.

First, a firearm is a tool to be used as a last resort against a tyrranical
government.  This is why there is a right to own one.  

Second, cars are licensed and taxed ONLY for driving on public roadways.
You can drive your car all over private property without licensing it.
Also, the funds help pay for the upkeep of these roads.  And the
enforcement of laws concerning the use of these roads.  Are you saying that
you would have no problem with me having a M-60 in my yard?

And, lastly (for this posting anyway), I would LOVE to have a license to
take and use my gun in any city, county, or state in the country.  Just
think--once I get my license I can go anywhere.  And it is good in Canada,
even.  And with my personal (shooter's) license, I can take any licensed
gun in any state anywhere I want.  I won't even have to be tested in that
state.  Renewals could be by mail.  This would be an interesting system,
indeed.  But don't forget, these are only aplicable to guns used off of
public property.

So do you really want to apply vehicle laws to firearms or only a select
few?  

Marc
Still driving a stock Colt 1911.