So today America is facing yet another horrific school shooting in a country which has seen about 1 per week for the last 4 years. This one is a big one with 16-17 confirmed dead.
What personally hit me at the core is that it was in the the town ranked the 3rd safest in Florida. When we were living over there I was lucky and had a job where they let me live wherever I wanted in the country, as long as I was within an hour to the airport if I was needed onsite at a customer. So one of the main things we done was looked at City Data for each town we were considering. After choosing the type of environment we wanted (ie beaches/mountains/big city/location to International Airport etc), Safety and School ratings were the 2 single biggest factors. Because your kids MUST go to a good school in the US or you make life so much harder and your house has to be zoned to the school or you are out of luck and of course safety, because... well if you have ever been around suburban USA you will know how important this is and how much difference 5 minutes travel can make.
So here you have a town that would have certainly met the criteria for us (ie I wanted to live near a beach, though wife was hell bent on Colorado), was safe and had a greatschools rating of 8/10.
It is not the first time of course as both Littleton (Columbine) and Newtown (Sandy Hook) are affluent suburbs above the state average levels.
So it is clear that I was as delusional as anyone else when there that you have to just do the best you can do, because even that doesn't cut it.
When will Americans ever put their kids before the right to own a ridiculous firearm that by being allowed to own, they also allow the person down the street with untold mental issues to own? When will they give that crap up for the safety of everyone?
I know it is NEVER, but it just seems so insane
I agree with you. Some cultural habits and expectations are so entrenched, it's like moving heaven and earth to effect change.
Obviously, these things should never happen anywhere, but if they are going to happen, they will happen in the US, which in my view, is paradoxically the very best and the very worst the world has to offer, all rolled into one.
These senseless massacres are so common in the US (apparently this is the 19th mass shooting of 2018) that it’s becoming harder to feel sympathy for the victims and their families.
I can imagine people bleating that it wouldn’t happen if the school had armed guards ::)
If they had real leaders, the problem would be addressed.
These senseless massacres are so common in the US (apparently this is the 19th mass shooting of 2018) that it’s becoming harder to feel sympathy for the victims and their families.
I can imagine people bleating that it wouldn’t happen if the school had armed guards ::)
If they had real leaders, the problem would be addressed.
That line has been trotted out previously. It obviously fails to acknowledge the root problem, which the rest of the world and maybe 40% of the US can see it also, but the rest of the US and importantly those that make the decisions can't and/or are way to afraid to challenge the extremely powerful NRA.
As for feeling for the victims, I hope that never leaves me personally. A tragic loss of a life is a tragic loss and kids should be able to go to school in Syria, Nigeria, Afghanistan, the US, UK, Australia all the same. Regardless of decisions their parents support, also it is still tragic if someone who opposes gun control is senselessly murdered.
I hope they find a way to sort this out, because you are right Paul, it is the best & worst in that society. I love the US, I found the people some of the friendliest I have met anywhere in the world, it would just be a million times better without the gun problem
Interested to read recently about the US constitution which is very strong on protecting the people from oppression and tyranny, including that which could arise from the government. The scarring experiences suffered during the George III regime shaped such a distrust of government that the right to bear arms for citizen protection became paramount. Today of course this seems rather pointless in view of the weaponry the government could theoretically deploy against the populace but it is not going to be given up easily. I can't see things changing any time soon.
It seems that it is the 29th mass shooting of 2018, not 19 as I stated above. I wonder what it will take before the ‘right to bear arms’ is addressed?
It seems that it is the 29th mass shooting of 2018, not 19 as I stated above. I wonder what it will take before the ‘right to bear arms’ is addressed?
I wonder what it will take before the issues within their society are addressed? Symptoms and causes.
I wonder what it will take before the issues within their society are addressed? Symptoms and causes.
A nuclear bomb and a fresh start.
Anything short of that and we won't see a change in our lifetime. Too ingrained in their culture.
The Decline and Fall of the American Empire?
Rotting from within?
The Decline and Fall of the American Empire?
Rotting from within?
I have thought that for awhile. America's legions will soon enough come home.
Without wanting to sound completely insensitive, this seems like old news.
Nothing changes, everything stays the same.
I wish it didnt happen, but its not a matter of if, but when it happens again.
Very sad. I sometimes think that the world would be a much better place without humanity.
Interested to read recently about the US constitution which is very strong on protecting the people from oppression and tyranny, including that which could arise from the government. The scarring experiences suffered during the George III regime shaped such a distrust of government that the right to bear arms for citizen protection became paramount. Today of course this seems rather pointless in view of the weaponry the government could theoretically deploy against the populace but it is not going to be given up easily. I can't see things changing any time soon.
The only reason of the right to bear arms, was because the young US was broke, and couldn't afford a standing army. The minute men were successful in the War of Independence so they relied on armed citizens. It should have been repealed once the US could afford an army.
The only reason of the right to bear arms, was because the young US was broke, and couldn't afford a standing army. The minute men were successful in the War of Independence so they relied on armed citizens. It should have been repealed once the US could afford an army.
May have been one of the reasons but the constitution was written to ensure division of governmental power and the protection of citizens from potential tyranny by the government. The second amendment ensured "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a
free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." There is a strong argument put forward by some in the US that abolishing the right to bear arms imperils that freedom and that gun crime is part of the price for that. It does seem like an alien concept to us but I can't see it changing anytime soon, and certainly not without a massive fight. Much easier said than done.
May have been one of the reasons but the constitution was written to ensure division of governmental power and the protection of citizens from potential tyranny by the government. The second amendment ensured "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." There is a strong argument put forward by some in the US that abolishing the right to bear arms imperils that freedom and that gun crime is part of the price for that. It does seem like an alien concept to us but I can't see it changing anytime soon, and certainly not without a massive fight. Much easier said than done.
When the second amendment was passed, "arms" were smoothbore muzzle loaders that the average Joe could fire once every 60 seconds and, with a bit of luck, hit the side of a barn at 60 paces. While that illustrates the folly of being bound by statutes written in another time, I wonder whether it would be possible to define "arms" as "smoothbore muzzle loaders" or perhaps single shot, low powered rifles. Many states have successfully banned assault rifles so it shouldn't be too hard.
I note that the POTUS spoke about addressing mental illness in his response but didn't mention gun control (or guns I believe). Addressing mental illness is an important point but equally important is removing firearms that are designed specifically for human targets.
When the second amendment was passed, "arms" were smoothbore muzzle loaders that the average Joe could fire once every 60 seconds and, with a bit of luck, hit the side of a barn at 60 paces. While that illustrates the folly of being bound by statutes written in another time, I wonder whether it would be possible to define "arms" as "smoothbore muzzle loaders" or perhaps single shot, low powered rifles. Many states have successfully banned assault rifles so it shouldn't be too hard.
I note that the POTUS spoke about addressing mental illness in his response but didn't mention gun control (or guns I believe). Addressing mental illness is an important point but equally important is removing firearms that are designed specifically for human targets.
It will tax far superior legal intellects than mine DJC. The NRA is a very powerful group and political donor and it has been very vocal in its opposition to change. The Dems may have thought about it but the GOP do not appear to have shown a lot of interest. In my, albeit pessimistic view, don't hold your breath.
We're wasting our breath and wearing out the keyboards.
They are never gonna change their thinking.
They get quite indignant when other nations suggest there is a better approach and they argue more would be killed if the 'good guys' didn't have guns.
In fact the more we condemn them the more many Americans seem to dig their heels in demonstrating a "We know best!" attitude.
While we recognise the stupidity of that line of thinking it goes over their heads.
There are sensible people with a will to change, but they're a bit like King Canute ordering back the waves. They know they face an impossible task.
We're wasting our breath and wearing out the keyboards.
They are never gonna change their thinking.
They get quite indignant when other nations suggest there is a better approach and they argue more would be killed if the 'good guys' didn't have guns.
In fact the more we condemn them the more many Americans seem to dig their heels in demonstrating a "We know best!" attitude.
While we recognise the stupidity of that line of thinking it goes over their heads.
There are sensible people with a will to change, but they're a bit like King Canute ordering back the waves. They know they face an impossible task.
That right there sums it up perfectly. Lets focus on making our own back yard better than it already is and learn from the mistakes of others like the US. I have said this countless times, I am a sporting shooter/hunter but the best thing Howard did was to have the cahones to get rid of semi autos and assault rifles. If it were up to me, I'd be seriously considering getting rid of hand guns also once and for all.
How inevitable that the suggestion would be to arm the teachers.
You have the worst school shootings in the world and rather than look at why the rest of the world don't have them, you look to add more guns.
It will eventually be the students that drive change, doing away with a retched situation their parents were to gutless & selfish to address, as it has been in other countries and situations throughout time.
It makes me physically ill to think about how parents there actually have to worry their kids might just get shot & killed going to school. Something completely unimaginable here.
Not sure how arming the teachers helps, but it is the US after all. Way back in the 80's when Peter Garrett still had some cred, he said something like "guns are the American solution to everything."
The stupidest ever idea would be to arm teachers.
They're the last group of folks you would want armed given the pressures and confrontations with students some of them face.
Will never happen. They'll tighten some regs about background checks, which the states will ignore, and this will all happen again in a month or two
Will never happen. They'll tighten some regs about background checks, which the states will ignore, and this will all happen again in a month or two
Unfortunately I think you are right. Born out by Joe Hockey interviewed on 7:30 last night.
I watched some of the coverage on CNN today, powerful stuff. But what Americans don't question, don't prioritise, is to me the number one question that should be asked. Even if we accept the second amendment concept for the right to bear arms, and if we concede that they should have the right to defend themselves with a gun, and they have the right to go out hunting defenseless animals with a gun, even if we accept all that, why do they need to do that with a semi-automatic assault rifle that is designed for one purpose only, and that is military applications to kill as many humans as possible in the shortest possible amount of time
I watched some of the coverage on CNN today, powerful stuff. But what Americans don't question, don't prioritise, is to me the number one question that should be asked. Even if we accept the second amendment concept for the right to bear arms, and if we concede that they should have the right to defend themselves with a gun, and they have the right to go out hunting defenseless animals with a gun, even if we accept all that, why do they need to do that with a semi-automatic assault rifle that is designed for one purpose only, and that is military applications to kill as many humans as possible in the shortest possible amount of time
????????
I watched some of the coverage on CNN today, powerful stuff. But what Americans don't question, don't prioritise, is to me the number one question that should be asked. Even if we accept the second amendment concept for the right to bear arms, and if we concede that they should have the right to defend themselves with a gun, and they have the right to go out hunting defenseless animals with a gun, even if we accept all that, why do they need to do that with a semi-automatic assault rifle that is designed for one purpose only, and that is military applications to kill as many humans as possible in the shortest possible amount of time
How can you fight back against an oppressive government if you don’t have weapons that are designed to kill people? Of course, that’s assuming that a bunch of raggedy-arsed rednecks with assault rifles and the odd machine gun can take on and defeat the most powerful army, navy and air force going around ::)
It really is freaked up thinking but I think that the youth movement that has sprung up after the most recent massacre has the potential to drive change.
It’s unfortunate that the present POTUS is such a dog whistling, corrupt, populist bag of wind. I wonder how different he’d be if he failed to avoid the draft :-\
I'm sure there is great desire within strategic circles in the US to remove the weapons from the populace but sadly there are many in the populace who genuinely believe that this would be a direct assault on their "culture" and way of life and an act of tyranny by the government. That is the type of thinking that needs to be dealt with before progress can be made but no evidence of this atm.
The stupidest ever idea would be to arm teachers.
They're the last group of folks you would want armed given the pressures and confrontations with students some of them face.
Its like they speak for the sake of it without considering the repercussions.
I.e. Lets consider the outcome for the moment, of a teacher actually shooting a student. Before we even consider the how, what, where, when and why, think about this. An adult has shot a likely teenage student.
How daft can people actually be to think that this won't end in tears, and the teachers will have no leg to stand on? As least the students can argue that they aren't adults and teachers should know better.
Not to mention the other combinations (white teacher, black student or vice versa).
IF the Americans are supposedly the worlds super power, they are absolutely going backwards very quickly over the last 20 years and will surely be knocked off that perch very quickly.
The stupidest ever idea would be to arm teachers.
They're the last group of folks you would want armed given the pressures and confrontations with students some of them face.
I did some work for a expensive religious college and while the teachers were not armed they had security on the private school bus that were, the entrance security staff were also armed.
They were concerned about kidnapping's and terrorism ....
I did some work for a expensive religious college and while the teachers were not armed they had security on the private school bus that were, the entrance security staff were also armed.
They were concerned about kidnapping's and terrorism ....
Armed security staff is a very different proposition than a teacher having a weapon.
They aren't interacting with students unless they pose a security issue and even so, they deal with them once and move on.
There is a different dynamic once an established relationship is involved whilst security only have to be an authority/police officer of sorts.
[flash=400,200]https://www.youtube.com/v/giN_vioeg6g[/flash]
Just a personal opinion with no real figures to back it up but....
I don't know whether there are any figures for "gun ownership by profession in the USA" floating around but I would hazard a guess that "teachers" would figure at the lower end of any such chart.
In terms of gun control advocates they would probably figure prominently and most would vote or favour Democrat candidates.
They wouldn't want guns.
Just a personal opinion with no real figures to back it up but....
I don't know whether there are any figures for "gun ownership by profession in the USA" floating around but I would hazard a guess that "teachers" would figure at the lower end of any such chart.
In terms of gun control advocates they would probably figure prominently and most would vote or favour Democrat candidates.
They wouldn't want guns.
The NRA logic is so flawed. Giving School Teachers guns should work well until a crazed teacher shoots all the kids dead on a hateful Monday!
They think people doing the shootings are "The Bad People" that can be identified and weeded out of gun ownership by some multiple choice questions. Most of the shooters though are just Joe Average who lost their crap for some otherwise unknown reason.
The FBI and NSA can find the real crazy people so easily, most of them are on the TV or speaking at NRA rallies! But they are not the ones doing the shooting.
I'm not anti-gun, in fact in years gone by I was a sporting shooter which I gave up when I had kids. Kids and guns in the house do not mix. But there is no natural need or right that states people need assault rifles or concealable semi-automatic pistols.
The rights the NRA refer to are not God given, they are man made! When an NRA nutter stands up and states it's his God given right to own a weapon, he's technically blaspheming!
America is quickly becoming the worlds most powerful moron! They've got the bomb, as the keep reminding us, but even that they got it with the help of a bunch of communist double agents! ;D
I really hope these kids that are making a lot of noise at the moment get some traction and enact change, but I am very doubtful, they are trying to change a culture that is so ingrained. I lived in Phoenix Arizona for a couple of years in the late 90's, real cowboy country. I still shudder recalling a news story I saw when I was there about the leading causes of death in children under 5 years old. Number 1 was drowning. Now Phoenix is in a desert, seriously hot and dry, so everyone, and I mean everyone, has a pool. Pool fences were encouraged, but you did not have to have one by law. Most apartment complexes, like the one we lived in, had a fenced pool (because the owners didn't want to get sued), but I went to a number of private houses where the pools were beautifully landscaped, but no fence. Second leading cause of death was gun shot wound. Almost always it was a sibling or playmate, in the family home, found a handgun in a draw, playing cowboys and Indians, shot their mate/brother/sister dead. This was glossed over in the news story, which went on to focus on how fantastic the USA is, how great their health care system is, in a lot of the rest of the world the leading cause of death in children under 5 is diarrhoea, or malnutrition, or malaria, but the USA is so great that these things don't happen in Arizona. It still makes me cringe
In too many ways, America is as extreme and fundamentalist as the countries they claim as their enemies.
Just a personal opinion with no real figures to back it up but....
I don't know whether there are any figures for "gun ownership by profession in the USA" floating around but I would hazard a guess that "teachers" would figure at the lower end of any such chart.
In terms of gun control advocates they would probably figure prominently and most would vote or favour Democrat candidates.
They wouldn't want guns.
Looks like you're right lods.
http://www.smh.com.au/world/teachers-demand-trump-arm-them-with-education-resources-not-guns-20180223-p4z1gl.html
In too many ways, America is as extreme and fundamentalist as the countries they claim as their enemies.
So spot on, Durante Koala. I recall when I visited the US some time ago that I was in a country of extremes. The best and worst of human nature was on show. The fundamentalism/fanaticism/patriotism is right up there with any other such nation. Yet friends over there and friends of friends offered me every generosity you could imagine.
I recall a Yank friend (who is on the international talk 'circuit') informing me, when I pointed out this paradox, that the US was settled by religious zealots and much of that fundamentalist extremism still remains - as evidenced, in just one example, by their deep reverence for authority - do and believe whatever 'the man' tells you. He also pointed out that Aust was settled, predominantly, by convicts (minor offenders in the main) hence our deep suspicion of authority! I might point out that of all the countries in the world he visits, we're his favourite by a long shot.
So spot on, Durante Koala. I recall when I visited the US some time ago that I was in a country of extremes. The best and worst of human nature was on show. The fundamentalism/fanaticism/patriotism is right up there with any other such nation. Yet friends over there and friends of friends offered me every generosity you could imagine.
I recall a Yank friend (who is on the international talk 'circuit') informing me, when I pointed out this paradox, that the US was settled by religious zealots and much of that fundamentalist extremism still remains - as evidenced, in just one example, by their deep reverence for authority - do and believe whatever 'the man' tells you. He also pointed out that Aust was settled, predominantly, by convicts (minor offenders in the main) hence our deep suspicion of authority! I might point out that of all the countries in the world he visits, we're his favourite by a long shot.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/865936.Deer_Hunting_with_Jesus
Baggers have a read of this if you have the time and inclination. A confronting study and account of some aspects of life in the declining American Empire. Quite confronting in parts.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/865936.Deer_Hunting_with_Jesus
Baggers have a read of this if you have the time and inclination. A confronting study and account of some aspects of life in the declining American Empire. Quite confronting in parts.
Thank you, Fluffy One, I will. Read the shpeel and it sounds like a good read.
Don't you love the paradox of loving Jesus and guns! Who was the Native American who famously said, 'The white man came with a bible in one hand and a gun in the other!' A nation of contradictions... and in slow decline, along with strong denial.
this bloke make a few good points....
https://www.facebook.com/AustralianDemocraticSocialists/videos/1416826235100174/?id=100009384607591
People will start arming themselves here with all the crime we have had in the last couple of years.
People will start arming themselves here with all the crime we have had in the last couple of years.
Really???
Are they going to buy them legitimately on the black-market, because it's not so easy to be a licensed shooter anymore?
Legitimately you have to have gun safes separating firing mechanisms and ammunition from the barrel. You also have to submit to regular inspections from the police, not that I've heard anyone getting inspected but once you have weapons on-site they are permitted to do so.
Illegitimately I've heard that the typical black-market price of a gun started beyond $50k, and you basically have to unambiguously identify yourself to very undesirable types who trade in such weapons! That's a very high price to pay, and I've also heard some of those recent home invasions are to get hold of weapons(legit or illegal) for use in crime! :o
So getting rid of guns might discourage some of those home invasions, and if they are robbers it would be cheaper just to get robbed!
Really???
Are they going to buy them legitimately on the black-market, because it's not so easy to be a licensed shooter anymore?
Legitimately you have to have gun safes separating firing mechanisms and ammunition from the barrel. You also have to submit to regular inspections from the police, not that I've heard anyone getting inspected but once you have weapons on-site they are permitted to do so.
Illegitimately I've heard that the typical black-market price of a gun started beyond $50k, and you basically have to unambiguously identify yourself to very undesirable types who trade in such weapons! That's a very high price to pay, and I've also some of those recent home invasions are to get hold of weapons(legit or illegal) for use in crime! :o
So getting rid of guns might discourage some of those home invasions, and if they are robbers it would be cheaper just to get robbed!
Not quite right LP; ammunition must be stored separately but there is no requirement to render firearms inoperable. Inspections are conducted regularly and there is no discretion if the security requirements aren't followed; the shooter's licence is cancelled and firearms confiscated on the spot.
As for people arming themselves, there's never been a safer time to live in Victoria and, as my defence tactics instructor was fond of saying, if you arm yourself, it's likely that the baddies will take your weapon and use it against you.
Never been a safer time? LMAO!
Not quite right LP; ammunition must be stored separately but there is no requirement to render firearms inoperable. Inspections are conducted regularly and there is no discretion if the security requirements aren't followed; the shooter's licence is cancelled and firearms confiscated on the spot.
As for people arming themselves, there's never been a safer time to live in Victoria and, as my defence tactics instructor was fond of saying, if you arm yourself, it's likely that the baddies will take your weapon and use it against you.
Cheers DJC, it's a long long time since I looked into all this stuff, more than 20 years.
This unsafe perception is caused by the media and social media, it should be made accountable for reporting untruths or selective reporting. The statistics are pretty clear that crime in general is down despite the media sensationalism.
Not quite right LP; ammunition must be stored separately but there is no requirement to render firearms inoperable. Inspections are conducted regularly and there is no discretion if the security requirements aren't followed; the shooter's licence is cancelled and firearms confiscated on the spot.
As for people arming themselves, there's never been a safer time to live in Victoria and, as my defence tactics instructor was fond of saying, if you arm yourself, it's likely that the baddies will take your weapon and use it against you.
There was an article in The Hun a week or so ago about the spate break ins occurring on farms and thefts of firearms from them. There was a suggestion in the article that many believe the crooks are getting inside info about properties and the types of guns stored there. One farmer found it very coincidental that he was robbed of his firearms shortly after a routine inspection. This is the type of stuff I am really concerned about.
My Daughter who lives out West in Melbourne has just called us to say there was a home invasion a street away from hers, Sudanese young blokes with base ball bats and crow bars. Given the police are 20 mins-30 mins away and usually flat out some of the neighbors in the street are suggesting its not so safe in Victoria and arming themselves might be an alternative. She already had an issue another time with a couple of similar types hanging around her car which was parked in the driveway about 9pm at night, they ran away when her partner and their two German Shepherds appeared after having their evening walk.
They found out later they had smashed a couple of other cars in the street and tried to steal a few as well....the police of course rocked up after the event.
Its like being in South Africa in some areas rather than Australia and its only a matter of time before someone does shoot at these scum who think terrifying people in their homes is acceptable.
My Daughter who lives out West in Melbourne has just called us to say there was a home invasion a street away from hers, Sudanese young blokes with base ball bats and crow bars. Given the police are 20 mins-30 mins away and usually flat out some of the neighbors in the street are suggesting its not so safe in Victoria and arming themselves might be an alternative. She already had an issue another time with a couple of similar types hanging around her car which was parked in the driveway about 9pm at night, they ran away when her partner and their two German Shepherds appeared after having their evening walk.
They found out later they had smashed a couple of other cars in the street and tried to steal a few as well....the police of course rocked up after the event.
Its like being in South Africa in some areas rather than Australia and its only a matter of time before someone does shoot at these scum who think terrifying people in their homes is acceptable.
Just been reading about the situation in Italy where some of the African migrants are beginning to get distinctly nervous as the anger and antipathy of the locals rise. The recent case of the murder of a young woman by an African migrant has highlighted this. It triggered a revenge attack by an Italian man that has been praised by some, especially by the girls parents. Very very concerning imo as to how subsequent events may unfold.
One farmer found it very coincidental that he was robbed of his firearms shortly after a routine inspection. This is the type of stuff I am really concerned about.
I've heard that Vicpol is keeping the theft of firearms quiet as they search for the culprits.
I'd also heard a rumor a while back that there is a possibility that the licensing database had been hacked but that the claim is the data is/was encrypted. Maybe it has been hacked and the data is wide open! :o If true then the problem isn't some bunch of immigrant kids, it has to be organised.
There are some rumors floating around about "Eastern European" types, I'm reading this as Russian organised crime, recruiting drug addicted teenagers some of which will be African immigrants.
I've heard that Vicpol is keeping the theft of firearms quiet as they search for the culprits.
I'd also heard a rumor a while back that there is a possibility that the licensing database had been hacked but that the claim is the data is/was encrypted. Maybe it has been hacked and the data is wide open! :o If true then the problem isn't some bunch of immigrant kids, it has to be organised.
There are some rumors floating around about "Eastern European" types, I'm reading this as Russian organised crime, recruiting drug addicted teenagers some of which will be African immigrants.
Romania is where the trafficking of guns starts for Australia........a lot of collectors have working WW11 weapons etc, in America its worse, the collectors could start a small war...you look on youtube and you see these weekend Ted Nugent clones/warriors playing with their MG42's etc ...
Just been reading about the situation in Italy where some of the African migrants are beginning to get distinctly nervous as the anger and antipathy of the locals rise. The recent case of the murder of a young woman by an African migrant has highlighted this. It triggered a revenge attack by an Italian man that has been praised by some, especially by the girls parents. Very very concerning imo as to how subsequent events may unfold.
A lot of people focus on Trump, but world politics has been moving to the right for a good while. Racist, tit for tat revenge attacks solve nothing.
Just been reading about the situation in Italy where some of the African migrants are beginning to get distinctly nervous as the anger and antipathy of the locals rise. The recent case of the murder of a young woman by an African migrant has highlighted this. It triggered a revenge attack by an Italian man that has been praised by some, especially by the girls parents. Very very concerning imo as to how subsequent events may unfold.
Read same and also about the homeless in Italy including the elderly....cutting Italian pensions to pay for the influx of illegal migrants hasnt helped the mood either....
Watched a doco about Sweden and was shocked to see they have similar problems with the police unwilling to go to certain areas of the bigger cities due to the fear of being attacked by African migrants....this is where you get local nutters taking things into their own hands and starting trouble...
Got to be very careful about what you read, a lot of these stories are deliberately highlighted for political purposes.
I was in a location a while back that was being reported on Melbourne news as being in lock down due to rioting locals. My missus called worried by the news because she knew I was close to the site, in fact I could look out my hotel window right at the central park which was supposed to be a riot zone. I saw blue skies, green grass and people walking their dogs! ;)
I have no idea where the footage reported in Melbourne came from but it wasn't from where they reported. It's no accident those stories were being run at the same time the local media were pushing the anti-immigration angle.
Read same and also about the homeless in Italy including the elderly....cutting Italian pensions to pay for the influx of illegal migrants hasnt helped the mood either....
Watched a doco about Sweden and was shocked to see they have similar problems with the police unwilling to go to certain areas of the bigger cities due to the fear of being attacked by African migrants....this is where you you get local nutters taking things into their own hands and starting trouble...
Apparently Malmo is particularly bad but few reports come through the MSM. Also plenty of similar trouble going down in parts of Paris but again few reports in the MSM.
Looks like the Swiss have everyone covered again, tennis, firearms they lead the way...
https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/switzerland-stunningly-high-rate-gun-042600482.html
Looks like the Swiss have everyone covered again, tennis, firearms they lead the way...
https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/switzerland-stunningly-high-rate-gun-042600482.html
Hmm, clearly culture and attitudes play a big part in the differences between the 2 countries. I suspect socio economic factors also play a part.
I still don't like the idea of mass gun ownership, irrespective of the maturity, common sense or wealth of the culture.
Hmm, clearly culture and attitudes play a big part in the differences between the 2 countries. I suspect socio economic factors also play a part.
I still don't like the idea of mass gun ownership, irrespective of the maturity, common sense or wealth of the culture.
Take your point on mass gun ownership but a Homicide rate of zero is hard to argue against....Swiss are also very fussy who they let into their
country on a permanent basis, no doubt a culture for the more well to do who dont like change..
Looks like the Swiss have everyone covered again, tennis, firearms they lead the way...
https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/switzerland-stunningly-high-rate-gun-042600482.html
Without reading the article there are some issues that highlight the difference between the US and Switzerland.
Switzerland has a high level of gun ownership because it has mandatory national service for men and everyone gets to keep the rifle or small arms they were issued with after service is complete. Many homes have a gun of some sort, just one usually. In a time of conflict they can be called up to service at any time, until they are middle aged at which time they may be required to form the home/national guard in times of war.
Secondly the weapons they are issued with are generally single shot sniper type rifles or small arms, they are not all issued with SIG semi-automatics. I believe there has been a change, or proposed change, to disallow the retention of the semi-automatic weapons at the end of service.
Thirdly, you cannot carry firearms in public concealed or in the open, in Switzerland it's illegal to carry firearms of any sort in public. In the US I've sat in bars were people are wearing handguns like Hollywood cowboys or shoulder holsters like Dirty Harry!
Swiss police, care of national service, are all heavily trained, do not wear sunglasses at night and are respected by the general public!
Perhaps the US should introduce national service as a pre-requirement for gun ownership!
Take your point on mass gun ownership but a Homicide rate of zero is hard to argue against....Swiss are also very fussy who they let into their
country on a permanent basis, no doubt a culture for the more well to do who dont like change..
Yes, I guess a 0% rate is hard to argue against, but it still feels like a ticking time bomb to me......
The other point re letting or not letting people in is a huge, meaty topic that too often veers into easy racism, so I say proceed with caution.
Without reading the article there are some issues that highlight the difference between the US and Switzerland.
Switzerland has a high level of gun ownership because it has mandatory national service for men and everyone gets to keep the rifle or small arms they were issued with after service is complete. Many homes have a gun of some sort, just one usually. In a time of conflict they can be called up to service at any time, until they are middle aged at which time they may be required to form the home/national guard in times of war.
Secondly the weapons they are issued with are generally single shot sniper type rifles or small arms, they are not all issued with SIG semi-automatics. I believe there has been a change, or proposed change, to disallow the retention of the semi-automatic weapons at the end of service.
Thirdly, you cannot carry firearms in public concealed or in the open, in Switzerland it's illegal to carry firearms of any sort in public. In the US I've sat in bars were people are wearing handguns like Hollywood cowboys or shoulder holsters like Dirty Harry!
Swiss police, care of national service, are all heavily trained, do not wear sunglasses at night and are respected by the general public!
Perhaps the US should introduce national service as a pre-requirement for gun ownership!
Interesting points.
Looks like the Swiss have everyone covered again, tennis, firearms they lead the way...
https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/switzerland-stunningly-high-rate-gun-042600482.html
According to Planet America, the USA makes up 4% of the earth’s population yet 48% of the privately owned firearms on earth are in the USA. I reckon that smashes the Swiss effort. Firearm ownership in the USA is limited to a relatively small percentage of the population but gun owners often have many firearms.
And I have to comment on the claim by the POTUS that he would have charged into the school even if he was unarmed :o Strong words from a bloke who had strings pulled to avoid the draft and Vietnam. ::)
According to Planet America, the USA makes up 4% of the earth’s population yet 48% of the privately owned firearms on earth are in the USA. I reckon that smashes the Swiss effort. Firearm ownership in the USA is limited to a relatively small percentage of the population but gun owners often have many firearms.
..........................
Interesting. Thanks for posting.
And I have to comment on the claim by the POTUS that he would have charged into the school even if he was unarmed :o Strong words from a bloke who had strings pulled to avoid the draft and Vietnam. ::)
He nearly fainted when a guy charged the stage during his election campaign.
The Trump media spinners tried to paint it as him not flinching in the face of danger, but that is the opposite of what tough guys do, they usually are people lacking empathy who act without thinking about the risks to themselves or the pain they might suffer.
Reality is Trump was frozen, a rabbit in the headlights and in shock, he would have been cleaned up like a bug hitting the front of a bus! ;)
According to Planet America, the USA makes up 4% of the earth’s population yet 48% of the privately owned firearms on earth are in the USA. I reckon that smashes the Swiss effort. Firearm ownership in the USA is limited to a relatively small percentage of the population but gun owners often have many firearms.
And I have to comment on the claim by the POTUS that he would have charged into the school even if he was unarmed :o Strong words from a bloke who had strings pulled to avoid the draft and Vietnam. ::)
Lot of collectors in the USA, they have enough stuff to start a war......you see some of the types who own this stuff on youtube and you start to worry....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA4tlvpHhh0
Just one of the things we need to be a bit careful of in this debate is a blanket description of Americans.
We're a pretty homogeneous nation.
Apart from an argument over "Scallops" and how to pronounce "castle"...and a slight difference of opinion over football codes there's not a great deal between folks from the various states.
Yes.... we have a city/country divide but with most people living in the big cities or large regional centres we're a pretty standard folk.
Moving between states doesn't take a lot of adjustment.
The USA is quite a different proposition.
Apart from the fact they share a common language, in some respects it's more like 50 different countries.
Ironically the states with the least level of gun ownership include many of the original 13 colonies whose representatives were involved in the framing and approval of the very amendment that enshrines gun ownership.
Just one of the things we need to be a bit careful of in this debate is a blanket description of Americans.
We're a pretty homogeneous nation.
Apart from an argument over "Scallops" and how to pronounce "castle"...and a slight difference of opinion over football codes there's not a great deal between folks from the various states.
Yes.... we have a city/country divide but with most people living in the big cities or large regional centres we're a pretty standard folk.
Moving between states doesn't take a lot of adjustment.
The USA is quite a different proposition.
Apart from the fact they share a common language, in some respects it's more like 50 different countries.
Ironically the states with the least level of gun ownership include many of the original 13 colonies whose representatives were involved in the framing and approval of the very amendment that enshrines gun ownership.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNZO30lPGm4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCppmoZiXUY
Florida and Arizona seem fairly compatible....good luck banning automatic weapons, I like the machine gun rentals sign....like that finnish anti tank gun too.....
Firearms, freedom and the constitution.....
Check out these rocket scientists...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwElLPSt0vY