another school shooting in U.S. of A. :(

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Originally Posted by nigelred5

Do I believe I should automatically forfeit my rights because I am diagnosed with depression? .

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Do you know in what way that depression may manifest itself should you suffer from it?

I've seen first hand the effects of depression - my father unfortunately suffers from it. I've accompanied him to his GP where he had to beg to be admitted to hospital for treatment, as he knew how much worse it would get if left untreated.

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Originally Posted by schmenke

Watching the evening news last night I was shocked to learn that the rifle used in the school killings was available for purchase from Walmart on-line :s

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A Bushmaster is nothing more than a semi automatic single fire( one squeeze, one shot, no capability of burs or fully automatic fire) rifle that uses the basic architecture of a military rifle. I can also buy a .50BMG cal rifle that delivers an exponentially more devestating round from 3x the distance. A bit heavy but takes a moose down quite nicely. It also holds the record for a long distance kill shot by a military sniper, yet it does not carry the same restrictions as an AR15.

It can be purchased online SOME PLACES, but it is still a federally regulated firearm and all federal and state laws regarding long arms and semi automatic weapons apply. You can't just click "Buy" and walmart will ship an AR15 to your door in 3 days. There are hundreds of online stores where an Ar15 can be purchased, and all of the same federal and state laws apply as if you walked into a store. You still have to complete Federal background information and complete an online purchase still has to be shipped to a licensed FFL in my state, including a bushmaster brand AR15. Walmart was selling what is called a post-ban firearm. semi automatic, no bayonet lug, no flash supressor, non threaded muzzle.. etc.
Kind of like a civilian HUMMER vs a military HMMWV. They look alike, but are very different in some very key differences.

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Originally Posted by schmenke

It demonstrates a tendency to blatantly violate laws.

I would go so far as to suggest that the single background check be validated on a regular basis; a mandatory update every couple of years (or is this already the case?).

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I honestly have no problem complying with registrations, even though it is an infringement legally. I am a law abiding gun owner. I can't speak for the other 49 jurisdictions, but in my state, if I am convicted of a felony or hospitlaized for MI, the convicted felon has to surrender all firearms IIRC. It also only applies to the registered owner. It doesn't matter if I have ten familiy members that are markedly affected by MI or are felons. Yeah, I already know the counter argument... weapons shouldn't be in that home PERIOD. That is part of RESPONSIBLE ownership. There are databases that are checked and cross checked in my state, but i am a highly restricted state. IIRC, an EP is crosschecked with the registry of firearms owners as well. Not all states have these laws though. My limited understanding of Connecticut though is it is a moderately strict state in which to own firearms. It is HIGHLY unlikely The mother bought her bushmaster online absent any government knowledge. She was also a legal licensed owner of both handguns. IIRC, Connecticut also has clear laws regarding gun locks, locks required when minors live in the home, and strict laws on transportation of weapons. In the case of the CT shooter, he and his older brother were well known to accompany his mother to the gun range. Not at all suprised to hear that. The kid knew how to run an ar15, that is clear. He also obviously had access to the weapons. My keys go to work with me. I can't control what my kids would do when I sleep, but they can't shoot me wiht my own gun, that I know.

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Originally Posted by nigelred5

It doesn't matter if I have ten familiy members that are markedly affected by MI or are felons.

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Is there a point to to gun legislation then if this not insignificant aspect is ignored?

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Originally Posted by nigelred5

A Bushmaster is nothing more than a semi automatic single fire( one squeeze, one shot, no capability of burs or fully automatic fire) rifle that uses the basic architecture of a military rifle. I can also buy a .50BMG cal rifle that delivers an exponentially more devestating round from 3x the distance. A bit heavy but takes a moose down quite nicely. It also holds the record for a long distance kill shot by a military sniper, yet it does not carry the same restrictions as an AR15.

It can be purchased online SOME PLACES, but it is still a federally regulated firearm and all federal and state laws regarding long arms and semi automatic weapons apply. You can't just click "Buy" and walmart will ship an AR15 to your door in 3 days. There are hundreds of online stores where an Ar15 can be purchased, and all of the same federal and state laws apply as if you walked into a store. You still have to complete Federal background information and complete an online purchase still has to be shipped to a licensed FFL in my state, including a bushmaster brand AR15. Walmart was selling what is called a post-ban firearm. semi automatic, no bayonet lug, no flash supressor, non threaded muzzle.. etc.
Kind of like a civilian HUMMER vs a military HMMWV. They look alike, but are very different in some very key differences.

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My point is that I was shocked to learn that firearms are available for purchase from stores in the U.S. that around here are normally associated with household items like toilet paper, dog food, etc. :s

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Originally Posted by nigelred5

I honestly have no problem complying with registrations, even though it is an infringement legally. ....

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How are registrations an infringement?

You still have the right “to bear arms” and indeed own several firearms despite the strict regulations in your state.

Regulations are imposed to ensure that the right is abided by responsible citizens. If a citizen cannot demonstrate responsibility, then he/she poses a potential risk and thereby forfeits his/her right :mark:

I'm a bit conflicted about restrictions for former felons as in many states it's also used to permanently deny the right to vote. Once someone has completed their sentence and probation (or successful treatment of mental concerns for that matter) they should have all the rights and responsibilities of citizenship again.

Permanent stigmas really aren't the American way, with the possible sad exception of race.

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Originally Posted by schmenke

My point is that I was shocked to learn that firearms are available for purchase from stores in the U.S. that around here are normally associated with household items like toilet paper, dog food, etc. :s

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The gun industry hauls in $30 billion annually. There are places in America where you can walk into a store, purchase an item, and walk out with a gun as an incentive.

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Originally Posted by nigelred5

People are friggin morons.

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precisely !

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Originally Posted by BDunnell

It beggars belief, as far as I'm concerned, to suggest that guns are primarily at fault. You're just searching around for excuses, scapegoats and ways of avoiding the real issues. GUNS are not the problem; on occasion there may be warped uses of them, but this in itself is not reason to legislate. There's enough prurience and over-caution about what's 'suitable' for people to buy as it is. And it is also legitimate to ask whether or not these forms of entertainment have their roots in a society that's violent enough in any case. These things don't exist in a vacuum.

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Works just the same with my changes.