When will Americans Learn?

So what amazing cure all gun laws do they have in canada........

 

Oh Jamie...gotta reply...lol.

You guys really don't have a lower assault stat then the rest. The numbers get so skewed. The laws and tolerance levels differ. Assault, in Canada, can mean a girl shoved the shoulder of another girl in an argument. Stupid? Yep. But the cops will show up, if called, and press charges and it's a court case and a record. I've seen it. Our tax dollars well spent...lol.

 

Canadian here. I'd like to make a couple of points.

Americans have had a far more violent past than us. They have actually only had something like 35 years in their history where they have not been at war. (You have to count all the Indian wars). Guns are much more a part of their culture.

Another major factor that I learned recently. Canada has 187 police officers per 100,000 people. Britain has 250, including all ranks. America has 2.7 officers per 100,000 people! It can take a really long time for cops to respond to a 911 call, and I'm sure that contributes to their feeling the need to be able to defend themselves.

Personally, I am very grateful to live in Canada and have a safe environment for my family, in comparison. I would wish my American friends could feel as safe but I can't see how it could happen. So many guns out there now. If you pass laws to make them illegal but you have to know only the law abiding citizens (and not all of them) will comply.

American history is fascinating to me. The Constitution and Bill of Rights is a work of art. There are lots of misconceptions, as well, in the romantic version of history. For instance, the Boston Tea party and the American revolution. Ben Franklin was ambassador to Britain, he was a loyalist at the time, and assured them that Americans loved them and were loyal. The Crown imposed a 3% tax but had no intention or mechanism of enforcing it. They figured they would be happy with whatever came their way and were completely shocked by the revolution.

Nevertheless the historical record, taught to Americans, has instilled a mistrust of government and tyranny. They feel a strong need to be prepared to defend themselves against it.

Americans are facing some of the greatest challenges in their history these days. They have given the world many of the greatest advancements. Their military presence throughout the world is far to great (in my opinion) but at the same time they are the first ones to come to the aid of anyone in need when a disaster strikes.

I can't imagine any other nation having the power they have that would be better. China? Russia? No thanks!

Some of my best friends are Americans. I wish you all safety, prosperity and happiness.

 

i beg to differ with you


Under the criminal laws of Texas, assault can be charged if you:

1. Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause bodily injury to someone else, including your spouse.
2. Intentionally or knowingly threaten someone else, including your spouse, with imminent bodily injury.
3. Intentionally or knowingly cause physical contact with another when the person knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative.

That means not only can you be charged for punching, kicking or choking someone during a fight, but if you tell someone you are going to beat them up, and that person has a reasonable fear that you are able and about to do it, you can be charged with assault.

 

Yes... Even spitting on someone in the US is assault...

 

Bruce, I have to agree that here in the US we are a nation that has been borne of violence and the gun has been the primary weapon of choice. As was mentioned we also have a severe shortage of police which gives us more of a reason to want to protect ourselves.

I think there is a third factor in our Desire to own and use firearms when necessary. We have entire generations of people in the US that feel they are entitled to what others have. They feel they are entitled to what others have just "because" and that they should not have to work to get what others have. If that means taking from those that have to give to those that feel they are entitled, then in their minds, the end justifies the means. For many, the ownership of a gun is one way to keep what property one has worked for from those who feel they are entitled to take that same property.

 

I work with the criminally insane and very few used guns as a weapon of choice

 

I work with the criminally insane

You'll feel right at home at TTR.

 

From what I have read the likelihood of actually being charged for these offences is a lot hgher in Canada and Britain. I'm guessing that is directly related to the number of police officers per population?

 

Interesting. There is a lot of talk these days that dealing with mental health issues will help reduce gun violence.

We have all tied our own hands to some extent with political correctness. I think it would extremely valuable to be able to openly categorize gun violence.

What are the racial percentages? Age? Gender? Urban vs. Rural? Social and Economic Sectors? Education? What are the motives determined?

To effectively deal with a problem you need as much information as you can get.