Milk_and_Cereal gun speech at Richmond, Virginia

[MaC]

Hello my fellow mideasterners, I have come here to discuss a vitally important issue-gun ownership.  Although I may bend to accomodate some issues brought up in the senate, one issue I will never stray from is the Atlasian's right to keep and bear arms.

Gun ownership is a right.  It is not a privilege.  What this means is that nothing can revoke this right since it is protected under the Constitution.  You do not need a permit to carry a gun.  If this happens, your right becomes a privilege given to you under the Atlasian government.

One concern of gun control advocates is that guns have the power to kill somebody and therefore should be outlawed.  I would tell them that it may not necessarily be a bad thing if somebody tries to deprive your right to life or property. 

The fact of the matter is depriving people of guns has two main consequences:
1) it renders victims defenseless against their attackers:
Now if guns were ever completely banned, this would empower criminals to take advantage of the fact that citizens cannot protect themselves.  A criminal isn't going to think "oh, I guess guns are outlawed, I'm not going to use one". NO! He's going to ignore the law because he's a criminal and will use the gun to commit a crime against those whom he targets.  You don't even need to carry a gun, or a knife.  Just the simple fact that you COULD be carrying a weapon is enough to scare off many dangerous criminals.
2) it's another opportunity for government to gain control and citizens to lose control of their lives.  How can we trust government to know that this course of action is right for us? 

As a given rule, the looser the gun restrictions in an area, the lower the crime rate.  Even those who disagree with me, cannot deny the evidence of the direct relation to gun control and high crime rates.

Many people are concerned with terrorism.  I say the best thing we can do to prevent terrorism is to allow for an armed populous.  If terrorists launch an assault to invade America, they should expect a bloody welcome by Atlasians who will fight to keep our great nation safe.

My opponent voted for the right to own firearms and small explosives.  I agree with him on this one.  I think we can do more, however.  If elected, I will propose a bill to nullify any gun-free zone in public.  Private property is another matter.  I respect the rights of individuals who own an establishment to care for it as they see fit.  However, there is no reason to keep schools or airplanes unsafe.

Vote for individual liberty!
Vote for absolute gun rights!
Vote for Milk_and_Cereal for senator of the Mideast!

Good night, and God bless.

(cheering, applause)
(Milk and Cereal song playing as I exit)

[Akno21]

Do you think kids should be able to bring guns to school?

[MaC]

yes, and it's a parents responsiblity to teach kids respect for firearms.  I can only imagine how many deaths would be prevented in cases like Columbine if a student in the hall intercepted the ones who started the trouble.

[2952-0-0]

maybe the government should give out guns for free to every rational and law-abaiding citizen.

[Akno21]

yes, and it's a parents responsiblity to teach kids respect for firearms.  I can only imagine how many deaths would be prevented in cases like Columbine if a student in the hall intercepted the ones who started the trouble.

Wouldn't that just result in an even deadlier fight, since now more people are firing?

[MaC]

If someone acted quickly, it would result in less deaths.  Consider not every kid would have a gun, rare it would be that parents would ever allow it.  In this case however, the one in a hundred people who are armed could confront the killers and would be less deadly than having fourteen kids as sitting ducks

[Alcon]

Woah woah woah. I'm a public school student and having guns at school would be a horrible, horrible, horrible idea. Some kids just would never learn responsible guncare. Adding guns to the mix in an environment like that is not a good idea. I would no longer feel safe at school.

[MasterJedi]

Everyone allowed to have guns? Yes that's a very good idea.

Taking guns to school? Terrible TERRIBLE idea! Do you have any ideas how many deaths would and could start happening a year?

[Bono]

Everyone allowed to have guns? Yes that's a very good idea.

Taking guns to school? Terrible TERRIBLE idea! Do you have any ideas how many deaths would and could start happening a year?

You imagine the shootings that would start in the safe envorinment our schools have been until now... oh, wait.

[MaC]

from my stance on ____ thread:
pro free market education:  this is not the same as a voucher system where allowances are doled out by the state and you still must choose their schools.  I think that schools should run like a business and in a capitalistic society a need is met where it is found.  Rather than the government monopoly we currently have, schools should compete for academic excellence.  Children graduate smarter because their not just being passed along and the standards of learning are not state controlled.

If we abolish public schools and they become private, that sets up terms for which the owners of the schools can decide the weapons policy.  It would be extremely rare that any business official would allow for more than a handgun by someone in the administration.

[Joe Republic]

maybe the government should give out guns for free to every rational and law-abaiding citizen.

We tried that here, and it failed.  I don't think many libertarians will see the point in extending government taxes to cover socialized gun distribution.  Except Philip, that is.

[A18]

WTF? Since when do I support socialized gun distribution?

[Joe Republic]

WTF? Since when do I support socialized gun distribution?

Since you voted to keep the socialized gun distribution clause in our concealed carry law last weekend.

[A18]

Damn, I didn't read that carefully enough. I thought it was the right to carry a handgun.

[Joe Republic]

Heh heh, that's why I called it the "Read the Whole Damn Bill Before Voting" Statute.

[Jake]

I would assume that before bringing a gun to school, parental permission and lengthy training would be required in addition to pyschological exams. 

[Ebowed]

I would assume that before bringing a gun to school, parental permission and lengthy training would be required in addition to pyschological exams. 

Who pays for all of that?

[Gabu]

Everyone allowed to have guns? Yes that's a very good idea.

Taking guns to school? Terrible TERRIBLE idea! Do you have any ideas how many deaths would and could start happening a year?

You imagine the shootings that would start in the safe envorinment our schools have been until now... oh, wait.

Uncontrolled school shootings would maybe cease, but wouldn't having guns as completely permissable kind of make bullying even worse?  The people who are targets of bullying are likely not the type to want to defend themselves with a gun.  It seems to me that the only way that guns would made the schoolyard safer is if every single kid was completely comfortable with using one.

I know that I would not feel safe at all if I knew that any guy next to me in the school hallway might have a gun on him.