Yep, I tend to be pretty indifferent to gun control. Gun control largely works in Canada and I don't think we should change. I see no way to implement gun control in the US either, so not much point in trying to change that either.
My impression is that a large part of the US has a bit of a libertarian culture, and owning a firearm to defend yourself is just part of being able to look after yourself. I can understand the folks on this forum who have their own weapons, and practice with them and store them safely. I'm a big believer in self-sufficiency. One of the things Robert Heinlein wrote that I actually agree with is:
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
I don't understand why society would tolerate someone with a handgun who does not behave in a safe manner. This person is a danger to themselves and everyone around them.
This story here
http://www.wibw.com/content/news/Topeka-Police-respond-to-stabbing-at-East-Topeka-Walmart-413500003.html exemplifies the problem I have with private citizens carrying firearms around.
This incident seemed to work out well, but it could also have gone very wrong:
- the 3rd party CCW could have shot one or both participants in the altercation. Not only would he have to deal with the legal repercussions, he would have to deal with the mental stress of killing someone.
- one of the two men fighting could have seized control of his pistol and the violence in the situation could have escalated.
- the weapon could have been discharged and hit a bystander
of course if he had no firearm, the confrontation could have escalated and one of the participants could have been badly injured or killed. So I don't see a 'right' answer to the scenario.
It's just my opinion, but if someone is going to use a pistol this way, I think she needs to be trained and licensed to do so. There's no way I'd want someone without regular training brandishing a weapon in public to try and control a violent situation.