Why do Americans need a gun to protect themselves??

southside

Maybe the reason we are so safe is that we are all armed. I have a Shepard and a Rottweiler that protect my home, if for some reason they fail me I have a 9mm and my shotgun for backup. I dont know what the big deal about owning a gun is, to me it is my right as an American. My guns dont leave my home, unless I am going to the range to practice. They do help me sleep better at night. How do you not know a gun owner? Do you guys not hunt over there? I am really curious, and Australia is me and my wifes dream vacation by the way.

ripperbravo6

You think our guns are for personal protection? How quaint. They are there to assure our government doesn't get any crazy ideas about not following the constitution.

credible_bulk

Because government has a way of encroaching on the freedoms of its citizens, or haven't you noticed?

x x

Read your crime rate since the Tasmania shooting spree. I bet they are hard to find.
America is the most unique place in he world. We trust our citizens (not subjects). The right to bare arms has much more meaning then just to defend yourself against criminals! That concept can not be understood by subjects of the crown or state.
Free men understand why we have the2nd Amendment.

gasket300

there are some really shady areas in big us cities. Thousands of ppl with nothing to live for on the outskirts of many cities. I dont have a gun, but I think i will own one before i'm 30. I had one pointed at me before i turned 20. you never know who has one.

TCSO

I'm not sure if the United States is the safest country in the world. We are quite stable in many ways, but I'm not sure about the safest.

Police in the United States are not obligated to protect citizens from all crime. There is no way the police can be responsible for all violent crimes, and there is no obligation to be everyone's personal bodyguard. In fact, a Supreme Court case decided the police are not and cannot be expected to protect everyone all the time. Therefore, guns are one option among many for individuals to protect themselves in the absence of the police. Each citizen is responsible for his or her own safety.

Also remember that plenty of criminals have guns, and most don't care if they are allowed to have it or not. Therefore, if regular citizens were not allowed to have guns, and the police cannot protect everyone, the criminals will have a great tool for threatening and terrorizing.

sammael_coh

Why don't we need guns to protect ourselves? Our constitution allows us to have them so under what ideal, morality, or authority do presume to judge us?

SGT. D

At least the USA insures its citizens right to own firearms before distributing them to other factions. http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/australian-guns-passed-to-png-criminals/2005/07/03/1120329325687.html

Now who was that other country that did that? Hmmmmm...... OH YEAH! It was AUSTRALIA!!!!

I'd really be pissed if my government took away my gun rights and then turned around and pulled a blunder like this. But then again, we don't consider ourselves sheep over here in the USA.
You should be careful who you point a finger at. That same finger could be shoved up your A...S.

NeighborLady

If I bring a knife to a gun fight, all the other victims will make fun of me. It's a clique thing.

Caleb R

because here in America we dont' believe that 120 pound women have the "Right" to get in a boxing match with 200 pound men. thats why.

Ryan5O

How else would you protect yourself, friends or family if they were in grave danger. The cops cant always protect you from becoming a victim, most of time they are responding to what has already occurred. What do Australians do when they are held up by a couple guys who want some money for drugs and decide that your wife would look better in their arms? As an American, my right to carry a weapon helps put me on a level playing field with the criminals, rather than just trusting the thugs not to harm myself or anyone I care about.
Maybe this right is what makes us one of the safest countries in the world.

Twisted Values

the statistics are wrong, this is not the safest country
there are the many street gangs in any metropolitan area
there are thugs, and organized crime, and a general threat to our nation from various religious fanatics
you see in this country the people empower the government
that is that the governments power is granted or maintained by the people . look its not just having a gun its your rights
the government cant change the constitution,
"when only the police have guns, then what you have is a police state"(author unknown) no offense to law enforcement.
they'll take our automobiles away before they get our guns!
now say a terrorist group got in here and say occupied a small city, where there's a limited number of police, and the army will take to long. let me tell ya they wouldn't succeed for long, we' would get them individually or in a group of hastily
rounded up citizen militia; we would smoke em, we'd lose some, but they'd pay

sinking_nokia_navyseals

Because Americans are smart enough to know that begging and crying doesn't work.

Is that an effective way of defending yourself against criminals "down under"?

sirbobby98121

I suspect that in a town of 60,000 in the US, armed crime is a seldom thing,too.
Realize that our Constitution gives those who choose to own a firearm the right to do so. Oz was established as a penal colony...guns were not on the table for many. I know that this was a LONG time ago, but habits and customs take time to establish.
Are your police armed? Why, if so ?
If they are, why should you be less well protected?

S P

Yes, but you have no neighboring land countries, or near any countries hostile to you. And how many factions are intent on 'destroying' Australia?

You don't know much about North American geopolitics do you, Elizabeth?

Elizabeth thank you for proving you don't know what you're talking about. Idonesia has ALWAYS been a greater threat to Australia than Mexico has been the the United States?

[Elizabeth] Have you heard of something called the Mexican-American War? Or Texas War of Independence? How about the Zimmermann Telegram? How many wars have Indonesia and Australia fought against each other? Hell even America and Canada went to war in the War of 1812. Take a course in American history or shut up. For someone who is a top contributer in history you sure are ignorant.

Flogale

Because, when crooks attempt to break into our homes or businesses armed with guns, it's alittle difficult to fight back or protect your family with a knife or club! That's just for starters. I've noticed that "skittles" is at least one good hand shy of a full deck

Ambivalence

don't worry about it, you are over there - I am over here...

Hello_there

Yeah, i know hey?! I'm an Australian too and America pisses me off because they allow guns!!! Its something to do with their constitution which is like 200 years old!!!
They should just ban guns like Australia!

Elizabeth

I know what you mean, it would be scary to live in the USA.

In reality it seems everyone needs a gun because everyone else has one. It would be good for someone to rationally explain why there is need for weapons in the home.

Instead there is such a lot of anger and insult.

Edit: I agree, Indonesia is and always has been, a far greater threat to us than either Canada or Mexico is to the USA this century.

Daniel

Mark. You are welcome for saving your behind in WW1 and WW2. You are welcome for fighting your wars and making you money as the colonies. You are welcome for being your ally. You are welcome for being the last great bastion for independence and freedom. YOU, Mark, are welcome even if you do not say thank you. You should also be very grateful that we are not akin to the French, who never saw a fight they would not run from.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: