There’s a world of difference between “enthusiast” and “fanatic,” Nukeman. Even if I accept your definition of fanaticism, can you be so kind as to show me where my “mistaken or excessive enthusiam” is? My statement concering your grasp of the English language stands. My source of definitions, by the way, is the American Heritage Dictionary.
I also never claimed to be unbiased on the issue of gun-control laws, I merely showed where your bias lies. Of course I have a reason for opposing restrictive gun laws, I’m a gun owner. You think guns are inherently dangerous, that’s your prejudice. In that light, your claims of having no bias, merely because you don’t know anyone killed by a gun, make no sense.
Please show me where I said America is a violent country. I stated earlier that you’ve bought wholeheartedly into the British media’s contention that America is a violent place. I didn’t say America was violent. Northern Ireland, in my opinion, is violent. Or do you feel, as your Prime Minister did in 1992, that the violence in Northern Ireland was at an “acceptable level?” Even though there were weekly reports of bombings, shootings and stabbings? I feel the level of violence in America is at an acceptable level.
My statement agreeing with your assessment that “many, many people” share your view makes perfect sense. I am saying, “Yes, many people agree with you.” My contention is that just because, “many, many people” agree on something, that doesn’t necessarily make that something correct. Think about it.
I don’t use the Guns Vs. Cars argument; I think it’s a lousy analogy for this simple reason. Gun ownership is a constitutionally guaranteed right in this country; Automobile ownership and use of that auto is not; it’s a privilege granted to individuals. A driver’s license is a contract you enter into with the state.
I apologize if I jumped to a conclusion about your cousins and alcohol, but you seem to be implying now that these guys have a history of violence. Banning firearm ownership from that type of person is exactly the kind of firearm restrictions I advocate. Attempts to prevent peaceable law-abiding citizens from exercising their constitutional rights is what I abhor.
So firearms and shooting happen to be a hobby of mine. I really don’t give a damn whether you care about my hobbies or not. I’ll thank you to not misrepresent them though. Sorry to bore ya. And I think you mean .357, not .375.
Now, I’m sending this thread to GD. If you wish to continue the argument, I’ll see ya there. If not, then I guess you don’t feel bothered to back up your allegations, since your opinions mean that little to you.
[Edited by UncleBeer on 09-18-2000 at 04:45 PM]
