SofaKing

That is the problem, the police decide suitability. Gee, how do you think the police will rule the vast majority of the time? Likewise with deciding if a person used "minimum force" in defending himself in his residence. If someone in government makes that threshold decision, too late to close the barn door.

@londonguy, in the last few years the United States Supreme Court has considered two lawsuits that implicate the exact wording of the Second Amendment regarding statutes that purport to limit private ownership of firearms. In District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago, 561 U.S. 3025 (2010), the Supreme Court essentially held that similar to the First and Fourth amendments, the Second Amendment applies to the national government and state governments. Similar to First Amendment jurisprudence that limits "fighting words" and defamation, and Fourth Amendment jurisprudence that allows warrantless searches in limited circumstances, such as incident to a lawful arrest and in exigent circumstances, the Supreme Court signaled narrowly tailored restrictions would probably be constututional. But the Second Amendment - " A well regulated militia being essential to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." - was held to guarantee an individual American the right to possess a firearm. The United States Constitution established specific procedures on enacting amendments. Perhaps it is a surprise, but President Obama cannot just wave a magic wand and negate the Second Amendment. Nor can Americans vote in a popular referendum to abolish part of the Constitution.

@londonguy, who decides if a person meets the required criteria? What exactly are the required criteria? Who decides if the firearm purchaser is of appropriate mental stability? What are the standards for appropriate mental stability? These are critical questions. Regarding freedom of the press, if a year long inquiry occurred, and some Lord dude thinks that a backstop should be put in place, then freedom of the press is in peril. Regarding defending one's residence, who decides what is "minimum force" that may be used against intruders? The fact that such an issue is considered shows the huge difference between UK jurisprudence and the law of self-defense in the United States. I could probably run a quick Google search on my smartphone and find numerous articles about UK prosecutions of private citizens for resisting invasions of their homes. Suffice it to say that here in the United States, we have many more freedoms than most of the world. Thank God for the Bill of Rights! I will die to defend it. Indeed, as an attorney, I have taken an oath in several jurisdictions to defend the United States Constitution.

Consistent with the quote that OP supplied from the 18th century dude, I try to talk with a woman to gain some insight into her personality. Then one can compliment her on her intelligence, or on her sense of humor, or on her smile, or on her eyes. Most women appreciate an individualized compliment, rather than just the ubiquitous "You are a hot babe, let's fuck!"

The United Kingdom restricts many other freedoms, in additions to severely restricting the ability of private citizens to own firearms. In the UK, the press has much less freedom of speech. The United Kingdom does not have any doctrine even vaguely resembling the 4th Amendment prohibition on unreasonable search and seizure. The UK taxes much more of one's income. Private citizens have been prosecuted for defending themselves in their own residences with bats, clubs, and other weapons that are not firearms against shitheads who invade their homes. In short, if the United States is so dangerous because a 22 year old fucktard can steal a semiautomatic rifle and shoot people, thereby breaking numerous laws, then put your tail between your legs and slink off like a little lamb to the UK. Me, I would rather have some freedom here in the United States, including the right to own a Model 1911 .45 caliber ACP, an AR-15, a 12 gauge pump action shotgun, and a .357 revolver, while I read the National Enquirer in my apartment and check out the latest pictorials on buck1690.com or read the latest crazy threads on tuscl.net To quote a great American, "Give me liberty or give me death!" Fuckin' a!