How many of you carry a gun as part of your cycling equipment?

mitosis

I wonder what proportion of meat on table across the world is killed using firearms. I can just imagine the french shooting snails.

Anyway you are skirting around my point. Is the normal use of a car to kill or maim?

cbjesseeNH

Well, the funny thing about analogies is that they are used to make a specific point. They are not intended to be a full parallel model. Finding an extension of YOUR use of the analogy doesn't disprove MY use of the analogy.

I could misuse YOUR use of the analogy by suggesting that suspending the drivers license of a improper driver is like making gun ownership by criminals illegal - the denial of a license does not alter intent, opportunity or ability. When a gun is used improperly, it seems another futile and meaningless gesture is called for by government, as a useful action against criminals is difficult, costly, lengthy and doesn't win elections.

You base your arguement on the premise that as guns are "destructive" as they are made to poke holes in people, animals, paper. OF COURSE the modern handgun is purposed toward killing. Any other use is superfluous (hobby, hunting, etc.) Self-defense IS considered a constructive use of handguns here in the US. Hence, taking away cars or guns due to misuse would eliminate substantial CONSTRUCTIVE uses of either in the US. We tolerate misuse of both while attempting to minimize distructive uses by means that don't impair constructive uses of both. We've done much better with guns than cars, swimming pools, ladders, etc., but the vocal minority still wants to attack the much lesser issue of guns out of some emotional thing.

Because a jackhamer doesn't have the inherent ability to assemble bits of pavement, and only dissembles pavement into bits, doesn't make the jackhammer "destructive" in a social value context. Granted, in the UK, self-defense has greatly diminished as a justification for use of deadly force, so by such standards sacrificing the few for the good of the many is the policy. In such a context, self-defense use of a gun is indeed considered "destructive" by government, even if not by the individual. And you know we are all about individual rights here in the US - a notion legislated and bred out of the flock elsewhere.

MY POINT is that when a crazy person uses an inanimate object (gun, knife, car, bat, etc.) incorrectly, the person is at fault, not the manufacturer, seller, regulatory system, etc.

Akadat

Snails and all kinds of shell type animals are best boiled alive. The meat that you eat is killed by airguns that punch a retractible 'bullet'. The alimal is highly stressed beforehand and who cares if it is really dead before it proceeds through the processing conveyor. Elsewhere throats are cut and ritual mutilations are essential.

The animal that is hunted and shot by a real gun is fortunate indeed. It's death is the most humane and the meat is better for you.

Cars are not designed to kill but they kill very efficiently. The Australian media focus on the victim in a car killing who is described by age, sex, marital status, and number of children. Car killings are accepted as an unfortunate and regrettable fact of life, yet gun killings are horrifying and preventable at all costs. Very strange.

mitosis

I am fully aware of how animals are slaughtered.

The poster who mentioned a constructive use of guns as protection is still wrong. If you are going to "protect" yourself with a gun you must fully intend to shoot someone with it. The protection claim is a furphy.


Whether more people are killed by cars than guns is irrelevant. People who are killed by cars are killed as a by product of their legitimate use. People who are killed by guns are killed when the person firing it is following the intended use.

kdelong

It is probably a good thing that private gun ownership is banned in Australia. If your line of thought was shared by other Aussies and private gun ownership were legalized, it would be a veritable blood bath.

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stevebaby

Private gun ownership is not banned in Australia.

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mitosis

Well you could always carry a sign too that says that although you are carrying a gun you don't intend to use it. That might work.

And, like S'baby says, I can own a gun if I want. Paranoia is not big here.

Akadat

I fire about 5000 rounds per year and there are a few thousand nation wide doing the same. The intended use of the guns is personal discipline, good competition and a great sport. There are no injuries or deaths as a by-product of the LEGITIMATE and INTENDED use of these guns.

If you need to kill someone, sure a gun is up there at the top of a huge variety of options. If you need to get away with murder then a car is the weapon of choice.

dhk2

Exactly. Anyone wishing to take us out on the road only needs to use his vehicle. Statistics here bear out that many times more cyclists are killed by inattentive or hostile motorists than by armed assaults.

What's worse, often the motorist gets away without even a traffic citation, since there is still a prevailing attitude that bikes really don't belong on the streets and that they should have gotten out of the way. After all, gas is less than $4/gallon here, everyone drives 10 mph over the posted limit (at least) while talking or texting on their cell phones. From the elevated viewpoint of their 3 ton SUV or pickup, it's hard enough to see small cars.... let alone bicycles

stevebaby

And although "everyone" is criminally irresponsible in a vehicle...you want them to have weapons too?

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stevebaby

Not in Oz you don't,unless you are a criminal.Ask Kdelong...guns are banned downunder.

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stevebaby

Would one of the seppos please enlighten me...is it true that in the land of the free....you have to register a bicycle and carry number plates?I don't believe that anyone would be such a sheep as to go along with that one...

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artemidorus

I'm not a Seppo, but I don't recall a plate on my friend's bike in California, which I took for a few spins around town and country. Of course, I felt a bit naked without a piece in my jersey pocket...

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Akadat

True, and there is some misunderstanding. Guns can be owned in Australia for approved purposes only - sport and hunting, and there is a lot of paperwork and disincentives for doing that.

Self defence is specifically ruled out as a reason for owning a gun, carrying a gun for self defense in Australia will attract the most severe punishment.

Semi-auto rifles and shotguns and pump-action shotguns are banned except for commercial hunters who can get an exemption. Pistols cannot be more than 9mm/.38 calibre except for silhouette and cowboy action, and magazine capacity is limited to 10 rounds. Heavy punishment awaits those who fail to obey.

That's how it is in Oz.