# Oh, for fuck's sake. Are you gonna ban rocks next? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 18, 2003, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971 "2003-08-18T14:51:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Burnt\_Sugar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee59a6/32.png) [@Burnt\_Sugar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Burnt_Sugar)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2003, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/101 "2003-08-19T23:24:23Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by UnwrittenNocturne \* > \*\*Get mugged? Guy tried to mug me earlier this year. He was armed. Now, I am not suggesting we all carry swords or such in public, but our wonderful govt has been removing any means of self-defense for a long time now. Check around and people will tell you that they do not feel all that safe. \*\* I’ve never ever felt scared here. (Brisbane) I feel safe all the time (other than when I’ve just watched a horror movie and think some evil murderer is coming to attack me. ;)). I have no problem walking around the city at 2am. Didn’t know people feel like that in Tassie! Always thought it was a quiet unassuming kinda place!! ---
**Author:** ![catsix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e19b73/32.png) [@catsix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/catsix)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2003, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/102 "2003-08-19T23:44:20Z")
What the _fuck_? I asked for information, I got insulted and called an ‘Aussie Hater’. I responded by saying it’s an over reaction and my post doesn’t deserve to be ‘dignified’ by a response? What the hell is going on? ---
**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/103 "2003-08-20T00:06:53Z")
I dunno, I asked a question saying that I was curious, could someone explain the logic behind something, and now I’m asking in an inflamatory way. Beats me what I said that’s inflamatory ---
**Author:** ![Shaolinrabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Shaolinrabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shaolinrabbit)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/104 "2003-08-20T00:24:42Z")
Well, I had some curiosity myself, but I think I’ll take it to Google instead. I think it’s safe to assume at this point that Aussie gun control laws stem from their inability to handle straightforward questions. [quote] “Excuse me sir, but could you tell me what time it is?” _BANG!_ [\quote] I know, I know, it’s inflammatory. But Hell, it’s page three and everybody’s flaming already. It’s a tad late to jump in with innocent questions. 😃 But, if anyone’s still up for discussion, all kidding aside…Does anyone know how many sword and crossbow deaths there have been in Australia? I mean since the proliferation of firearms of course. ---
**Author:** ![Shaolinrabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Shaolinrabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shaolinrabbit)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/105 "2003-08-20T00:26:55Z")
Well, my intellectual prowess has been shot by my inability to use quote tags. Now you can ignore my question and make fun of me. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![BF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5ac83/32.png) [@BF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BF)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/106 "2003-08-20T02:23:04Z")
**catsix** : [quote] What the fuck? I asked for information, I got insulted and called an ‘Aussie Hater’. I responded by saying it’s an over reaction and my post doesn’t deserve to be ‘dignified’ by a response?\*\*I’m curious too. I can’t seem to find a logical thread through **Mullet** ’s rantings, other than he seems to have some issues with the NRA. Perhaps too many viewings of BfC or an overload from hanging out at the Brady Bunch’s web site? ---
**Author:** ![BF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5ac83/32.png) [@BF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BF)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/107 "2003-08-20T02:26:22Z")
Arrghh… With correct code. **catsix** : > [@](#): > > What the fuck? > > I asked for information, I got insulted and called an ‘Aussie Hater’. I responded by saying it’s an over reaction and my post doesn’t deserve to be ‘dignified’ by a response? I’m curious too. I can’t seem to find a logical thread through **Mullet** ’s rantings, other than he seems to have some issues with the NRA. Perhaps too many viewings of BfC or an overload from hanging out at the Brady Bunch’s web site? ---
**Author:** ![Apollyon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/apollyon/32/4238_2.png) [@Apollyon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apollyon)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/108 "2003-08-20T02:31:01Z")
**Copaesthetic** , it may be hard to answer the number of sword and crossbow deaths question as the manner in which bladed weapons at least are categorised appears to be inconsistent between jurisdictions. For example ACT “defines a _knife_ as a knife blade, a razor blade, and any other blade. In other states such as Tasmania, specific instruments are not identified; rather, an overall definition of _offensive weapon_ is used”. Australian Institute of Criminology, [Knives and Armed Robbery](http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/ti159.pdf). (note: pdf) ---
**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/109 "2003-08-20T05:24:25Z")
Yes, but I think the question about the mullet man is valid. He attacked catsix out of the blue, for no reason, why? It’s a good thing we have a strong contigent of OZ dopers already, if he was the only example, we 'Mericans would be convinced you Aussies are nuts! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mullets](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/aeb1de/32.png) [@John\_Mullets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mullets)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/110 "2003-08-20T06:27:36Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by catsix \* > \*\*What the _fuck_? > > I asked for information, I got insulted and called an ‘Aussie Hater’. I responded by saying it’s an over reaction and my post doesn’t deserve to be ‘dignified’ by a response? > > What the hell is going on? \*\* Well, no offense. You know what? Fuck it. Tons of offence intended. You see, I don’t believe you need pistols/shotguns/rocket launchers/nuclear missiles/etc. to protect yourself. Whenever I talk to an NRA guy I get the same old shit they heard from whoever happens to be in charge now. “Australia has billions of murders a year! We need to defend ourselves! In Australia crooks walk around with AKs!” Blah, blah, blah. Personally, I don’t enjoy having lies about my country used to push your agenda. Now, I know for certain that the buy-back has done little if nothing to the crime rate. Now, listen to your screaming and bitching bullshit, I am shot at by people with rocket launchers every day and the streets are warzones. Fact #1: The NRA statistics on our crime rate and the effect on the gun buy-back are bullshit. Now, that hasn’t summed up just quite how angry the NRA lies have made me. Okay, imagine this. Imagine if someone said that everyone in America beats their wife and are all a bunch of rednecks. Now imagine everyone else in the world thinks all Americans beat their wife and are rednecks. These people are seriously stubborn, if you tell them this isn’t they scream “XYZ tolds me so, you’re wrong!” Now imagine an international “America should stop being rednecks and beating their wives” council. Now imagine this council want to pass laws killing all women so as to stop the Americans beating their wives and being rednecks. That doesn’t even compare to just how fucking angry your filthy lies make me. Now, lets look at America’s crime-rate. Last I heard, it was about 80% higher than Melbourne’s. Then you claim we are full of crooks. Now, it’s all well and good you love your country. Fuck it, I love Australia. But do you think to be a patriot you have to put shit on other countries? I’m just losing patience with you morons. The NRA are liars, plain and simple. How long do I have to beat this information around your head until you believe it? And your last post was no more than “I know you are, you said you are, so what am I?” Is it that suprising it annoyed the living shit out of me? > [@](#): > > At least we can always count on the Australian government to do our bidding. What’s it like being a lapdog? Okay, I don’t even care if you apoligised. You may as well have asked why niggers are so lazy and dune coons smell so bad. Seriously, you wonder why everyone seems to hate the yanks with arseholes like you living there? > [@](#): > > I think the label ‘paranoid’ fits much, much better for people like you who live in abject terror of what you think a group that’s statistically far more law-abiding than average (legal gun owners) is going to do to you. “Oh my gosh, he owns something I’ve got an irrational fear of. Quick, let’s ban it!” certainly sounds like a paranoid moron to me. What’s that sound? Sounds like someone jumping to conclusions! Ironic that so many Americans seem to give me that “knee-jerk” shit when they are so accepting of bullshit like the “patriot act.” Though I’m sure the patriot act is not restricting of your freedom, well, as long as you don’t wear a turban. “Knee-jerk?” Of course not… And people wonder why I’m so anti-social… ---
**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 6:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/111 "2003-08-20T06:52:11Z")
OK, we can all agree on this: John Mullets is an idiot, divorced from reality to bang his looney drum. OZ dopers, you’re better than this, please put this asshole where he belongs. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Kumquat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/4491bb/32.png) [@Gary\_Kumquat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Kumquat)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/112 "2003-08-20T08:07:45Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by The Great Unwashed \* > [B **Gary Kumquat** , go fuck yourself, all right? What caricaturing am I guilty of? Do you not also see the paradox that if one feels obliged to arm oneself for self defence and one calls this “liberty”? \*\* I see your “Go fuck yourself”, and raise you an “Away and shite, you arsehole”. Isn’t this swearing thing such fun? Now, in the interests of your education, let me point out a couple of things: 1. You don’t seem to know what caricature means - “exaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or characteristics”. If you’d like an example of such ludicrous distortion have a look at: “many Americans seem to be afraid in their own homes…Maybe a better solution than arming yourselves to the teeth might be in the prevention of crime.” 2. You also don’t seem to know what liberty means. It is not synonymous with safety. For example, look at Franklin’s rather wise "they that give up liberty for safety deserve neither ". In other words, no, there is no paradox. ---
**Author:** ![Shaolinrabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Shaolinrabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shaolinrabbit)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/113 "2003-08-20T10:36:30Z")
I think it’s safe to say that **John Mullets** has some previous gun control discussion history with **Catsix** , and isn’t just losing his mind in this thread. Although FTR **John** , it would be helpful if you mentioned that and perhaps included a link to the previous thread so it doesn’t look like you flew off the handle over an innocent question. It’s just a good idea to frame your flames that way, so we can all be on the same page. Thanks **Apollyon** , your explanation helps. It also brings up an interesting point, why not limit the purchase of knives? According to the article, knives are actually used for a lot of armed robbery and whatnot. Someone had previously made a joke about **Airman Doors** and surprise ninja attacks, which I found somewhat humorous, but the same can be applied to sword control legislation as well. How much Samurai Slaughter is going on down there? Is my understanding warped, or are we talking about limiting the purchase of large _sharp things_ so that people don’t _hurt themselves_? ---
**Author:** ![The\_Great\_Unwashed](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_great_unwashed/32/4791_2.png) [@The\_Great\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Great_Unwashed)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/114 "2003-08-20T11:33:25Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Gary Kumquat \* > \*\*I see your “Go fuck yourself”, and raise you an “Away and shite, you arsehole”. Isn’t this swearing thing such fun? > > Now, in the interests of your education, let me point out a couple of things: > > 1. You don’t seem to know what caricature means - “exaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or characteristics”. If you’d like an example of such ludicrous distortion have a look at: “many Americans seem to be afraid in their own homes…Maybe a better solution than arming yourselves to the teeth might be in the prevention of crime.” > > 2. You also don’t seem to know what liberty means. It is not synonymous with safety. For example, look at Franklin’s rather wise "they that give up liberty for safety deserve neither ". In other words, no, there is no paradox. \*\* [_“Crime and the fear of crime have permeated the fabric of American life.”_ (1981) Warren E Burger, Chief Justice, US Supreme Court](http://www.bartleby.com/63/88/1888.html) [Texas massacre, fear of crime spur concealed-gun laws](http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/nation/guns/part2/gunside1.html) And, _a propos_ **this** very thread, right from the horses mouth: > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Airman Doors, USAF \* > \*\*I used to have several edged weapons, and a few blunt ones, at the ready in my place. That went away with Aaron’s arrival. > > I guess the way I said “you’re trying to take away what little weaponry is left that they can use to protect themselves” was rather vague. You guys have left the ability to protect yourself on the street to random luck or fortunate accident. At least with an edged weapon of that size you have a fighting chance at home. Or a legal projectile weapon. For now. \*\* So is _“many Americans…”_ a caricature, or a simple fact? I must admit that \*“armed to the teeth” \* was my bad, it is caricaturing and I withdraw it, what I should have said was [in the United States… private citizens own a quarter-billion guns.](http://www.bowlingforcolumbine.com/library/fear/02.php) Fuck! Nothing but a boy-scout picnic! ---
**Author:** ![wring](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@wring](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wring)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/115 "2003-08-20T12:45:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Weirddave \* > \*\*I dunno, I asked a question saying that I was curious, could someone explain the logic behind something, and now I’m asking in an inflamatory way. Beats me what I said that’s inflamatory \*\* you don’t see “why do criminals have more rights than non criminals” as inflammatory??? wow. that’s impressive. ---
**Author:** ![catsix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e19b73/32.png) [@catsix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/catsix)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/116 "2003-08-20T14:46:22Z")
You gotta be shitting me. Until this thread, I don’t even remember ever seeing **John Mullets** post about guns, I certainly don’t quote NRA statistics when I do have gun debates, and the poster I have engaged most often in gun debates is **minty green** over in GD about the meaning of the Second Amendment. If I quote any statistics at all, they typically come from sources other than the NRA, like the Cato Institute, the Kellermann study and John Lott. I have no idea what ‘history’ you assume there is, because I sure don’t remember it existing, or why you assume I must be some kind of shitbag. ---
**Author:** ![Neurotik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/91b2a8/32.png) [@Neurotik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neurotik)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/117 "2003-08-20T15:16:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by The Great Unwashed \* > \*\*So is _“many Americans…”_ a caricature, or a simple fact? > \*\* It’s a caricature, unless you are using the phrase “many Americans” in the terms of hard numbers rather than proportion. For instance, many Americans could mean anything from 100 people to 200 million. From your own cite, 2.4 million Americans carry concealed weapons for protection. So more or less 1% of the American population carries a weapon for protection. Is that many Americans? Well, in absolute numbers, sure. But it’s not when you consider proportionality. Is 1% of a country’s population an accurate indication of a general attitude? Um. No. And to confirm it, you have one guy’s post on an internet message board? Riiiiiiiiiiight. So to counter **Airman** , I will tell you right now that I live in DC. I do not carry a gun, nor do I own one. I don’t feel the need to carry any sort of weapon for protection in the city, even when I walk around by myself at night. Sometimes drunk. I have never been mugged or assaulted in my life, nor have any of my friends. In fact, my two roomies and I feel so safe that we sometimes forget to lock our door at night. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Great\_Unwashed](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_great_unwashed/32/4791_2.png) [@The\_Great\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Great_Unwashed)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/118 "2003-08-20T15:34:29Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Neurotik \* > \*\*And to confirm it, you have one guy’s post on an internet message board? Riiiiiiiiiiight. > \*\* In a thread about “dumb weapons laws”, when that one guy was the OP? Yes. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Great\_Unwashed](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_great_unwashed/32/4791_2.png) [@The\_Great\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Great_Unwashed)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/119 "2003-08-20T15:38:17Z")
Oh, yeah, PS: Did you not see the _W. E. Berger_, Justice of the Supreme Court quote I also cited? ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2003, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971/120 "2003-08-20T15:41:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Libertarian \* > \*\*RT > > With due respect, I’m addressing you because you cited the words in making your point. In debates, I cite people whose words I agree with, disagree with, or somewhere in between. Take it up with someone else, and have a pleasant day. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971.md?page=7)