The recent discussion on guns in restaurants rather suprised me in how many Americans see keeping a gun as a normal thing to do, as I've never lived anywhere where keeping guns is the normal trend. So my question is two fold:
If you are American would it worry you to travel to a country where you wouldn't be able to take your gun along as protection? Obviously if you are an American who does not routinely keep a gun would you like to be somewhere without guns being carried as standard?
If you are from a country which does not have guns as the norm would you be worried about visiting a country where guns are routinely carried?
[question posted by thea09]
responses and comments:
I think carrying a gun is ok. N to the last question, there's no reason to worry, as ppl don't carry guns to just shoot at others.:) [Starchaser]
Hi starchaser, I take it you must be from a country where carrying guns is routine then. I realise the argument that people carry guns for protection but I'd be worried that if something made them a little jumpy they might lose caution. [thea09]
Hi thea, I will really think twice or thrice or a million times before going to a place where people kept guns routinely with them. In my country usually the police carries gun and even sometimes they also do not carry one and are often seen charging at some thief with a stick.ninja I have never seen a real gun up close. So, the thought of people roaming around with guns really freaks me out.blush [sagnik42]
Yes, tingtong, that is true. We only hear about shooting, when the army has a fight with terrorists or something. Police never shoots anyone. We live in a peaceful country.whistle [sagnik42]
I don't own one and I don't think about it. Hey, but what about the Swiss? Aren't they required by law to own one? [dawnald]
I meant Switzerland not Sweeden, Swedes routinely carry DAIM bars and bottles of gloop. [thea09]
Hey, Thea. I'm sure you know by now, but Taskr just put up a similar discussion. Still, enough differences are here to answer you. If I were to go to England again, given how bad the militant Muslims there have become, I would definitely be nervous, & it was almost as bad the last time I went (a couple of decades ago--when the guards searched purses before allowing folks to enter the Tower of London). Since the complete gun ban there went into effect nearly a decade ago, the proof is out, now--crime has shot way up to 80-something percent (I hadn't planned on talking about this just now, or I'd have the stats in front of me, sorry). If I could take a gun into a country free to arm itself, I'd feel just fine about it. I'm not sure I understand you query, however, "Obviously if you are an American who does not routinely keep a gun would you like to be somewhere without guns being carried as standard?" If I were (& I'm not), then why would gunless countries bother me? Am I missing something, or just misunderstanding something? Anyway, history has repeatedly shown that--especially in urban areas (though not entirely), when guns are removed from the populace, not only does crime rise, so do dictatorships. That's why our Founders put it in the Rules (the second Amendment). Guns equal freedom, & safety. Maggiepie "SAY 'MERRY CHRISTMAS!'" [Maggiepie]
Yes, this one isn't about the rights to own guns under the American constitution, but rather in your case if you would feel wary travelling abroad without the right to carry one, which you said would worry you in the UK. Having lived there most of my life I can assure you though that keeping guns there was not in anyway a standard thing at all, just for the hunting set which most of us want to see the back of anyway. Crime has risen there but the only people using guns generally are gang members hopefully just on each other. Although I worried there about leaving work after dark in the city it was never a worry about someone having a gun at all but more likely one of the types who were asking for money on the street and could become obnoxious when they were ignored. But the general rise of crime there was due to yobs showing no respect for other peoples property whilst trying to satisfy their drug habits. I was just about to type my solution but that could be another discusson.rolleyes [thea09]
no,i'd rely on the local police.last thing i'd want to do is be caught out of my own country with a gun on me.no way. as far as others carrying it..yea,of course i'd be nervous. but i think that's natural with anywhere.we've had a cop or two in my own town that have shot themselves in the foot being trigger happy. [scarlet_woman]
Scarey. thumbdown [thea09]
Well here in the UK we are not allowed to carry Guns I think it would worry me and scare me going to a Country where People carry Guns round with them as it would be so unusual for me to see that To me it is danger lol [gabs8513]
I've three other places on the wish list first and not sure if I'd need a gun myself in Mafia land. Scicily is top. [thea09]
Hi Thea, in my time living in Milwaukee I never felt the need to carry a gun. It never actually crossed my mind that I needed one, did not seek to buy one (if they would have sold one to me as a foreigner), nor did I feel any more safe or unsafe in the fact that I did not have one - the subject never crossed my mind franklyconfused. Back in Europe, why would I need one? Crime in Germany exists, but the chances are that the only criminals who will cross your path are pickpockets and other sneak thieves (my wife once had her purse snatched from her bag for examplethumbdown). I do not see the point of getting paranoid about the criminal population. The police do a good job generally and I will gladly leave them to carry any guns that are neededwhistle. [astonysh]
it is - i've checked. obviously with big differences between states but overall, yep. [jb78000]
I don't see OK at all carrying a gun. I wouldn't feel safe in a country where I know that anyone canbecome crazy and begin shooting people with his or her gun just "to protect his/her safety". Where I live civillians can't carry guns and I'm happy with that. [madteaparty]
Hi madteaparty, I think that's a good attitude and agree that there is no need for civilians to go round carrying guns. Can you imagine the sudden mayhem in countries where it hasn't been routine if we were all suddenly issued with them? [thea09]
I have a phobia about guns. I have witnessed a friend of mine shot in the head in front of us. And in the first place, the gun was pointed at me because my friend is standing behind me. So everytime i see guns, I started becoming so wobbly. [ybonjoc]
I'd agree with you on that one ybonjoc. I don't think I'd be convinced by arguements let people carry guns. [thea09]
Hey there thea, you know that in India we cannot own guns, and owning a gun is next to impossible. But I will not be worried to go to a country where guns are routine and it is a way of life. It is not that, people who carry guns, will start using it, if there is any argument or for a small fight. [rameshkumaar57]
Hi ramesh, excellent, you answered the question Also a very sensible answer. It had never occured to me until the other discussion to ever give a thought or worry to it if travelling to the states one day but when I read of people routinely carrying guns to restaurants it started to sound such an odd thing to do. [thea09]
Hi thea.In India it is very rare to see a gun in someone's house.But as you mentioned it is very much common in America.Obviously I would be very uncomfortable at first but I believe that I will get used to it now that I have seen them for so many times over television and movies.And I think with the crime rate there it is important for them to keep one.Anyways have a nice day .. --dohshamesdoh-- [Shames]
Hi Shames, I'm glad to hear again that India is a country without widespread use of guns. We've all seen the guns in America on the televsion but I was rather suprised that people were actually carrying them around with them rather than just keeping them next to the bed for protection. [thea09]
Hi Thea. I guess you already know that it is illegal not only to carry, but to possess a gun of any sort here in Australia. It is possible, after a lot of paper work, to obtain a licence for a firearm, but very strict rules apply. The weapon itself must be non-visible, locked in a cupboard (obviously not a glass front) The unloaded weapon has to be secured as well as the cupboard being locked. The ammunition has to be locked in a SEPARATE place. It is also illegal to carry a knife or blade of any sort. Years ago we never saw our police wearing a gun, but they have done for years now. While it is true that the crime rate has risen in recent years, it is also highly likely it would have risen anyway. I'm not sure how the crime rate is decided, but our population has doubled and I think that must have a bearing. I wouldn't like to live in a city where people were allowed to carry weapons. [cloudwatcher]
Well on the discussion which made me start thinking about this issue the Americans who believe in carrying guns were advocating that those teenagers deemed responsible should be able to take guns into schools. Can you imagine. When there are groups of youngsters hanging round on streets till late at night it becomes more accepted for some reason. I once had the misfortune whilst settling in a new city to rent a flat for a short while in an area I didn't know and it was terrible. The groups of ten year olds hanging round on the streets were intimidating. I only started locking the car door 3 years ago when the first signs of change were seen but it is an identifiable group here who are the ones responsible for any crime and if caught get deported. I know its different in the cities but here it really is still rare to hear of crime. [thea09]
Hi Thea. When i lived in Canada, I visited the States several times, at least 3 times a year...for business/ to see friends and/or to shop or see a baseball or hockey game. I was never concerned about going over there because of guns.. I trust the folk.. they are, as you and I, and a wonderful goodhearted bunch.. very open and kind too and, I kid you not.. I remember one time feeling lost and in downtown Detroit finally thought to ask a gentleman who's size and seriousness was enough to get my respect as he stood as a guard or watchman in front of a building. I approached him and apologetically asked him a question related to direction to locate a place I was almost late getting to.. He looked at me , turned his head and arm and started talking with his mouth and his hand how I was to get there and there and there exactly.. I got the first 2 'theres' and thought I could wing the rest, so grateful I was that I automatically smiled and put out my hand to shake his. He smiled the biggest white grin against his beautiful black face and took my hand and shook it hard and warmly. And as I walked away, his face turned to the seriousness of a guard at the door. THAT I never ever forget, thea.. no matter what all else there is to say. I am cautious in any neighbourhood where I myself think there is risk of theft or quarrel, no matter what country I go to. DO I think their laws should be changed?.. They have their own messes to sort out as do we here. In OUR countries the majority do not have small arms but still we have access to hunting guns. But I wish there were no guns at all except for those who uphold the law,, the police or military, who are properly trained. It is a huge issue and as long as there is a huge criminal element because of drugs and money smuggling and prostitution, right nest door or down the street, then I say, let them work it out, just don't let them bring their guns over any boarder! [fjaril]
Well I didn't think anything was going to put a smile back on my face today but you've managed it. Obviously I don't go leaving my son behind and his passport has expired so no foreign climes for us, though Turkey would have been nice as I've only been further south and one day would love to haggle in the bazaars of Istanbul. Turkey is the best country ever for shopping you know. You don't need to know that obviously as you're a man thus not conditioned to shop. But spices, leather jackets, jeans and bags are a snip of the price or were. And I have to say the most welcoming people ever, whether that would be the same in the grand metropolis I wouldn't know but if that's where I supposed to be spending christmas then I'm opting for Istanbul. Wonder if I can add on a week in Cappadocia, another place I've always wanted to go, a small town of underground houses - google it, it looks wonderful. [thea09]
Hi thea, I am from India. Here we cant own guns - legally. :) Now, would I worry about guns being held in countries like America? I dont think so. I am very law abiding peace loving person, so the chances of anybody wanting to fire at me are remote. :) If that has to happen, it can happen anywhere. Look at it like this, we are not supposed to have guns here, but we do have dacoits, and robbers who have such guns and other weapons. So I could be a victim of such people here as well. Therefore, going to a country where such things are common would not make me insecure. [vandana7]
Hi Vandana, of course you're from India and you're the fourth respondant who has said guns are illegal there. It's good to know that travelling in lands where individuals had the right to carry guns wouldn't worry you. I'd always presumed the guns were locked up safely at home in places like America but I was wrong. There are still certain parts of the States though which I'd like to visit one day, but they aren't top of the wish list of want to go places. [thea09]
hi thea, Honestly I have never seen a real gun before. It is illegal to carry a gun or pistol in my country without a valid license. Applying for a license to own a gun is not easy as most think. The authorities will not easily approve anybody who apply for guns as one need to go for many interviews. I will never feel peaceful visiting a country where guns are freely carried around. I don't want to risk my life being hit by stray bullets.lol [zandi458]
Hi Zandi, thanks for reading this as it was intended. I don't actually know of many countries where it is legal to carry a gun but I know that personally I'd feel safer knowing that just the policmen had them. That's the only time I've seen a real handgun too, on an armed policeman who is there to protect us. So a visit to the States may cause a little concern to you. [thea09]
I don't have a gun nor do I want one. I live in a big city (about 1/2 million) and there is a lot of crime, violence and gangs I don't twice about not owning a gun, when it's my time to die I will LOL I would not be concerned about traveling to a country without guns, if one exists. Exactly, what could a gun do for me that my own common sense would not do? lol [ZephyrSun]
Hi Zandi, well a gun could shoot a hole in your foot in your hands and your own common sense couldn't do that.lol The first time I saw a group of Greeks up a mountain with their shotguns out I did wonder what was happening but they go up there to shoot birds, a certain type, which they then take to the taverna and get the owner to cook. They don't walk round the middle of town with them though. Anyway I'm glad to hear you haven't got a gun around with your children in the house, otherwise the turkeys may have something to really worry about.lol [thea09]
In Australia we do not carry guns and I am glad about that because although I appreciate why some people do it I am not comfortable with it. I am not sure if it would stop me from travelling, although it would depend on the country, America would be fine as I don't expect the people there to all carry weapons and use them at random! I don't like guns as a rule and it saddens me that we live in a world where people feel they have to protect themselves with a deadly weapon. [paula27661]
Hi Paula, I don't really see the point of having them either and can't see them being a lot of use as protection. I'm sure you're right about America too and only likely to encounter one if you take a wrong turn and end up in the bad side of gang land. [thea09]
i DON'T OWN A GUN & i know noone that carries one. My sons have guns but they don't wear them like it was the wild west here. [ANTIQUELADY]
Hi Aunty, I grew up on western films where the goodies had the guns to shoot the Indians, at least thats how it was portrayed then, plus the card players leaving the saloons and shooting each other outside. Then of course Pa had one to hunt with and protect the family. But then the place was far less populated. It wouldn't have stopped me travelling then though, I love those old stories. [thea09]
Hi Thea, I get a little surprised myself about the places some Americans think it okay to carry a gun. We or actually my son has a couple of rifles and shotguns because he hunts and shoots competitively, but no handguns and no loaded guns in our house. My kids were never allowed toy guns when they were little. I wouldn't even consider taking a gun with me for protection. Not anywhere. My husband is currently working in Trinidad and he finds it unsettling that there are so many police that instead of holstered side arms, carry automatic rifles and sawed off shotguns openly in public. I find it unsettling that he is there in that situation and would think twice before I visited there. [jewels49]
Hi Jewels, now that'e really the first response which covers both sides of the issue. I certainly didn't realise the situation with the police in Trinidad, mind you I wouldn't have a clue what a sawn off shotgun looked like. It sounds rather akin to the situation Cynthiann describes in Jamaica. I like your stand too about not carrying guns for protection, I'm sure they's be less than useless if someone actually was robbing you at gunpoint or something of if your gun got into the attackers hands. [thea09]
See most of the countries in the world don't allow u to carry guns............ so if u worry about that........... u better stay in ur homeland.............. regarding ur 2nd question yes i wll be worried because in a place where carrying gun is a normal thing u never know when a crazy guy comes from nywhere and blows ur head off with his hand gun.................... [goodday007]
Hi goodday. I think its good policy that most countries don't routinely allow people to carry guns and thus we don't need to think about such things when travelling. [thea09]
thea.....Canada has unbelievably STRINGENT Gun laws...much too many for me to mention, and it is illegal to own a gun without an FAC (Firearms Acquisition Permit) which is extremely expensive...and totally dictorial as to which weapon is allowed..NO automatics...NO semi-automatics..list goes on an on! I am in FULL concurrence...and NOT fond of the proliference of guns in many parts of the world, where it is a way of life. This will be the last discussion I answer today...I have 3, yes 3 FULL Pages of NEW DISCUSSIONS with everyone jumping on the bandwagon.......and myLOT is extrememly slow. Finally got my town trip in yesterday...gone 15 hours..so there is a humungous work to do! Happy Holidays ... an HUGZ! [pergammano]
Hi Shirley, well I've only put the one uphappyand I think today has rather shown a bit of desperation with the huge proliferation of one liners from many previously articulate friends. I'd be deleting at random if they had a full week of this. I'm glad you got across to the mainland at last. Tomorrow, weather permitting, my olives will be done and I'm looking forward to seeing how much oil I get and watch it run fresh and green from the press. Don't work too hard now, hugs. [thea09]
I live in Texas, USA. That said, nuff said. LOL! We grew up with a shotgun leaning behind the back door and another rifle leaning behind the front door. They are GUNS..for hunting, killing snakes, and protection if needed. I'm 44 yrs old. I have yet to witness or even know of someone who pulled their "gun" and shot another individual. Us country folk don't "play" with our guns. They aren't toys. I never once even remember thinking of a gun as a toy. My brothers did have play guns but the real ones were for hunting, mainly. They killed plenty of venomous snakes too! Thank God...I HATE snakes. I can remember a discussion, similiar to this, back last year sometime. I recall the OP saying this, "I live where the only people that have guns are the police and the criminals!" Man...I don't think I will EVER forget that statement....EVER! Personally, I'm glad I live where I do. [Irishfrndly65]
Yea...but many people think that ignorant means stupid......lol [Irishfrndly65]
Hello my friend Thea. In my home country it is illegal for an ordinary person to carry or possess a gun. People that have a gun must be registered to do so. It is very difficult to get a gun for the average person. I am very keen on traveling to different countries. I have seen guns in some other countries. It makes me feel a little scared because I like peace. I went to Israel and sat next to people with a gun. I realized that all army personnel in Israel have to carry a gun. In Malaysia I have seen gunmen outside a bank. I have been to the USA three times. I know that some people there have guns and it bothers me that ordinary people are allowed to have guns. I know that many police forces have guns and that is more normal than letting ordinary people have guns. I don't like guns to be used in unlawful ways. I heard about some guns shotting in a jail in Venezuela. I think that sort of play is really dangerous and silly. If it became legal I would not go out a buy a gun. [maximax8]
Hi maximax, I'm glad its still illegal to hold a gun in the UK even though the gangs seem to be getting hold of them, but I rather think thats just to kill each other with. I've felt protected when I've seen the police abroad with guns but I've never seen them on ordinary people. [thea09]
perosnally for me, no this would not be a problem, but for my father it would be. Granted, my father is a police officer, so that puts him in a slightly differnt category, but i know for a fact that he would be/is very uncomfortable when he cannot have his firearm on him. In fact, in my entire life, i can really only think of a couple of times that i have ever known my father to NOT have a gun on him, whether carried in a holster on his hip, in a shoulder holster under his jacket, or at the very least his small back-up weapon in a holster around his ankle. Once was when he and my mother and brother flew across the country to be at my wedding. Granted, being a police officer and having all the right certifications and what not, he could have arranged in advance to have his weapon stored while on the plane, and then had it while he was here, but their coming out was kind of a last minute thing (they didn't think they were going to be able to afford it, but at the last minute a good friend helped them out with the ticket costs) So he didn't have time to arrange this. that was the longest i have known him to go with out his gun. The other times i remember were for short periods such as when he was dropping me off at the airport, and he would leave it in the trunk of the car while taking me into the terminal and seeing me off. Other than that..it was ALWAYS there, school funtions, church, shopping trips, movie theaters, resturaunts....even at home he always had one near by him if he wasn't wearing it. As i said though, him being a police officer puts a slightly differnt slant on things. But i can honestly say, he would be very reluctant, or at least very uncomfortable to do traveling to any place where he COULDN'T carry a firearm. [fruitcakeliz]
Well our policemen weren't armed when I grew up in the UK but most people still had respect for the police then and I had family members in the force too. It used to be that the police were the good guys and the criminals were the bad guys but the criminals were more honourable (well sort of). I don't know why that kind of respect suddenly vanished though certainly a lot of publicity about the bad apples in the states hits the outside world which obviously isn't representative of the police on the whole. Of course our local police are called for mainly nothing but inconsequential things but are obliged to check out ever complaint, so all the Greeks phone them to complain about the neighbours who they've just fallen out with. They don't enjoy some of the ridiculous things they are expected to do like handing out fines but they don't have enough authority to deal with what they need to do regarding illegals. I was disturbed though by the other discussion talking about arming responsible teenagers in schools etc and I expect your father would think that a bad idea too.happy [thea09]
I don't arry a gun myself, mostly because of financial constraints, a good hand gun can be costly and I live in an area where I feel pretty safe with out one and I don't hunt... so it was never considered a nessesity for me. If I ever get an extra 300 bucks burning a hole in my pocket, I may get one, I do enjoy target shooting and have gone with friends in the pastm they were kind enough to loan me one for the afternoon to use. All that being said, I have travled to Canada a lot, where it is much more restrictive, but I never felt safe with out one. It is pretty much as civilized as it is here in the states, so I never really felt unsafe with out one. It isn't about the gun or lack of that makes me feel unsafe, it is the nature of the society that does that. I live in a state where people do routinely carry guns, usualy conealed, yet I have never witnessed anyone draw a gun on someone, let a lone some shooting someone, either in defense or in a crime. I have never witnessed anyone pull one out even to show it off (that is simply not good gun ethics or practice). [xfahctor]
Yeh, black on black gang crime. Happens a lot, you can bet those aren't legal guns owned by law abiding folks. [xfahctor]
It is a safe thing to do, many people take advantage and rob places because they know you have no self defense, so yea having a gun is a good thing to do, just try to use it right. [lilgold]
Hi lilgold, I wasn't actually asking about the right and wrongs of holding a gun but if you would feel safe travelling abroad without one. I agree though that in really unsafe areas where retailers are constantly held up at gunpoint the owners should have some means of defence if they can't rely on the police force. [thea09]
In America everybody has a gun and caries it with them everywhere? [C0sty91]
Not necessarily. I do think people are getting worried because Obama looks to be trying to make it harder for the average honest citizen to get and carry a gun - and buy ammunition. I think this is whacked, we need some way to protect ourselves from idiots and vigilantes lol. Even just knowing someone has a gun may be enough to dissuade some shady individuals - such as from breaking in your home or workplace. [mommyboo]
I had a friend who carried a concealed weapons permit and I assume he did carry a gun - in his car, at work etc. I asked him about it once when we were out at a club or dinner or something and he joked that he had never had to pull it on anybody but just in case.... I don't carry a gun and I sure hope I don't ever have to - HAVE to being the operative phrase here. If it ever DID become necessary from a protection standpoint because society was starting to fall apart so badly, then I suppose I would need to go take a class and learn proper safety and how to shoot properly so I had a chance in hell of surviving if I had to shoot someone before they shot me. Actually if nobody had guns because it was under such strict control, then perhaps I would be okay. No guns doesn't mean no mace or no other forms of self defense. That doesn't take into account though the folks who are 'above the law' and would pack a gun anyway. I assume that I am likely around people every day who may be carrying guns and I don't even realize it. Is that thought a bit creepy, yes. I'm more concerned that I would be in a home with a gun not properly stored and/or locked up and somebody's kid might get ahold of it. [mommyboo]
"I'd have been arrested if I threw pepper into a muggers eyes and the mugger would have been given a government grant to go on a nice holiday" you see, that is the exact path I am loathed to see my country go down and tighter and tighter control of citizen defense and weaponry takes one right down that path....the very thought is abhorent to me. I see your point abut training and having things come down to actually using the weapon. No one really knows how we will react in such a situation. the same could be said fro the first time a soldier goes in to battle, the first time a cop steps on to a beat, etc. We just don't knwo and it is different for each of us. Fall back on the training is all we can do. [xfahctor]
I am an American, but I do not carry a gun around with me for protection. I do know how to use one, though, and I learned at a very early age how to do so properly. I have never fired one at a living being, but I am a good shot and feel that I could do so safely if I really needed to in order to protect my family. Hopefully, I will never have to test this theory,though. I could not imagine carrying a weapon with me when traveling, especially to a foreign country. If I felt the need to carry a weapon, then I probably would not want to visit that country, because I would not feel that it would be a safe place for me or my family to visit. I would not be uncomfortable if the country did not allow people to carry weapons nor do I think that I would be uncomfortable if the country did allow its citizens to carry weapons. In fact, that is not really something that I would even think to investigate before I went there. Now that I am reading and thinking about this discussions, though, it might be something to look into before traveling to a different region. If citizens were required to carry weapons in a particular area, then I would definitely have to find out why this requirement was in place before I decided whether or not I would want to travel to that place. [purplealabaster]
Hi purple, you got the point. The discussion about guns in restaurants set me off thinking about the whole thing too as I know I would feel safer in places where just the necessary police were armed rather than everyone else. I would presume its one thing to keep a gun at home to protect the family but quite another to be roaming round with one not really thinking about ever having to use them. If I was in the States I'd want a list of no go areas, just like I did the first time I moved to a city in the UK. happy [thea09]
happyHi, thea, Guns? I never saw a real gun, all my life. I don't think people here carry guns. We don't need to. There is not so much crime here as many other countries. And people or even police don't kill the thieves or criminals. Even for self defence we don't carry a gun. Even the thieves don't have guns so we don't have the fear of getting shot. I'm not afraid to go to a country where people carry guns. I'm sure they won't shoot me without any reason. wink [tingtong]
Hi tingtong, it's good to live where its safe enough that none of these things become an issue isn't it. I've seen real guns carried by police but not by anyone else. Having thought about it now if I was travelling to the states where people routinely carry guns I'd just get prewarned where the no go areas are. [thea09]
I don't carry a gun and I travel alot....so I am not worried about carrying one....It would be a worry though to wonder who had one! [jillhill]
Hi jillhill, same here, I don't carry a gun either and never worried about not having one. I'd be more worried if I had one as can't imagine having to shoot someone unless they'd really annoyed me. It would be complete disaster here if people had them in the banks on Monday mornings when the queues go into hundreds. [thea09]
I am comfortable with guns but only if it is hidden away, and only usually for hunting. I wouldn't want to go to a country where people have guns in their homes, but only because I'd be afraid that they may be more trigger happy then I would know... Let's just say, i wouldn't want the guns to be displayed UNLESS they were for hunting, and then I'd feel safe... [SomeCowgirl]
With guns being used strictly for hunting in Greece, are there many laws that the hunters must follow or are they more slack then what you would imagine? [SomeCowgirl]
No, I can say in all honesty that I probably wouldn't be worried if I couldn't carry a gun on me in foreign countries or while traveling/abroad. Because I'm sort of a pacifist (well, not really, but still) and I don't own a gun as it is in my home country. I would of course take the necessary precautions to avoid being stuck in a bad situation like that (carrying pepper spray on me, not walking alone at night, being mindful of my surroundings, etc) but I couldn't imagine actually taking a gun with me to a different country. *shrugs* [maezee]
Hi maezee, well you'd need to check on the pepper spray before you carry it abroad as it is illegal in many countries. I'm very glad to hear you don't personally own a gun. [thea09]
It's never been an issue for me, Thea. The only ones I ever see with guns in public places are the cops. My ex-husband has a permit to carry a gun...it has to be in view...he cannot carry a concealed weapon. He would never carry his weapon into a public place...he has to have a weapon for his job. I don't think it is the norm to carry weapons into restaurants, stores or whatever...in all my years of living, I've never seen it. Many of Americans have guns and shotguns at home for protection. Many people here go hunting and carry rifles for that purpose. My ex husband had traveled with his gun in the car, but he never took it with him when he left the car. I wouldn't feel the need to carry a gun...and if I were ever in the need for one, it's probable that I would end up hurt or dead. I think I would just not travel to unsafe places. [OreoCookie3]
Hi Oreo, well this is why the disussion about guns in restaurants made me think more about guns, as I'd always presumed they were just kept away at homes for protection apart from as you say, people needing them for their jobs. But in that one they were talking about it being routine for Americans to carry them around, take them in bars and even suggesting arming college teenagers with them. I thought the whole scenario sounded really odd. I agree with you totally about your point about being the one winding up dead if you carried a gun. I think unless they are carried by professionals with guns they are much more likely to be used against one. [thea09]
Hi thea: I live in a country were it's not normal that everybody wears a gun and I think that I'd be afraid in a country were guns are seen as a normal thing and that's because, everytime I see a gun, even in a policeman, i'm afraid that the gun will be shot in every moment, and that's scary to me. You know, guns can produce accidents even with professionals. Thanks for starting this topic. I think I'll read some answer from American and non-American members just to know their points of views. This topic will be very controversial I think. Hope you are having a nice day. Merry Christmas/ Happy holidays. -Alvaro. [starsailover]
Hi starsailor, my inclination too is that guns cause too much trouble and I'd find it worrying knowing that people could be routinely carrying them. I don't know if you have much gun crime in Mexico or not. I was trying to keep this one uncontroversial as thougth that the one about Americans taking guns into restaurants already was. [thea09]
hi thea I do not think that there are that many Americans who see keeping guns as normal, maybe the Texas rednecks but they are just a small proportion of our population. I know myself and all my friends would not be comfortable having a gun in our home. too many children have been killed by finding dad's gun and playing with it. horrible thing to happen. We did have two shot guns on the farm but thats a lot different. In South Dakota they hunted for grouse, ducks, pheasants and deer thus the shot guns, but we kids were well trained not to touch these big shotguns. they were only used for hunting. In the city I would never want to have a gun on the premises. our police tell us that too many people are killed who keep guns in their homes and think they can protect themselves against a criminal, as the criminal just took the gun away from the shaking home owner and shot him or her. I sure do not want to be in a home where a gun is kept. Merry Christmas thea to you and yours and a Happy New Year. [Hatley]
Hi Hatley, now you paint a sensible picture there as the other discussion really had me thinking that the American view was the right to own guns and their use ownereship was seen as nothing but safe. It's interesting that you state that the police advise against keeping a gun in the home. Merry christmas to you and your son too Hatley, and say the same to roomie from me. She's given me a few laughs in the last few months.lol [thea09]
Hiya Thea.. as you know, in Sg, we don't practice the usage of gun control. So, I'm pretty much foreign to this idea. But if on a broader perspective, I'd say out in the wilds, homes definitely need guns for say wild boars suddenly terrorizing the home areas and stuff like that. These guns can be used to scare them away. I would be kind of worried traveling in a country with guns allowed, but I shall respect that policy and perhaps I'll just stay in the hotel resort and enjoy myself. LOL..you wouldn't see me becoming a hitchhiker anytime soon then. [zed_k4]
Oh, I see! LOL... I kind of guessed you were referring to the word bracelet. Hehe... Plastic bracelet, that must be painful! But not as painful compared to the metal one.. [zed_k4]
I wouldn't want to go to a country where they can carry guns and if they are civilians. would be scary if you didn't have something to protect yourself. I know in Texas they can care guns and not only that but if you go on their property I think they are aloud to shot on site. hmmm, I am from new york. you can have rifles but no pistol. with a permit for the pistol. imagine in a country and they have AK-47's waving them around like they are toys. freaky. I don't think I need a gun if there ever was a war on our soil I would want to mount high and snipe any enemy's that come near, plus they wouldn't see me coming ^^ [hoodwinks]
Hi hoodwinks, I'm still understanding here which states do and don't allow guns as I thought that with the right to carry arms it applied everywhere but now you reveal you can't routinely do it in New York. That's good to know. That's a bit scarey if you're right about Texas. [thea09]
I am from a country where guns are not routinely carried around. I wouldn't feel safe visiting a country where the citizens are walking around with firearms because they could accidentally fire one and injure somebody. [nijolechu]
Hi nijolechu, I think on the whole I'd expect the criminials to be the dangerous ones with the guns in the countries where they are routinely carried but there have been enough examples of people who are deemed safe enough to carry a legal gun having had a mad moment and turning them against others that I wouldn't be too happy about the situation either. [thea09]
In my state, we can only keep guns in house. So i feel safe to walk around. And i think, not only guns could kill you, knifes, sticks etc. everything you could mentioned is possible to get us kill. So do we need to worry about all kind of stuff? [davissiu]
Hi davissiu, I hadn't realised before that all the different states each had different laws about carrying guns. I thought Chicago was a pretty dangerous place or have I been watching too much ER? [thea09]
Here it is illegal to have the guns. Only the policemen can have the guns. I am not worried so much to visit a country which is legal for the people to have guns. If you want to worry, there are many things to worry about. Such as the car crash, plane accidents etc. So perhaps it is safe to stay at home forever. I personally think it is better not to let the people to have guns. Even if you say you can use it in a right way, but what happen if the bad guys have the guns? It can misuse. People will not be safe because everybody has guns. Try to imagine if someone goes mad suddenly, then he has the gun. The result can be terrible. I love China [youless]
Hi youless, I didn't know what the gun policy was in China so its good to hear that people there don't carry them. Everyone keeps saying how safe and responsible it is for people to carry guns in America but there are so many inicidents reported of teenagers causing mayhem there with guns or snipers on the loose that that it sounds a strange policy to defend. [thea09]
I own a gun and occasionaly carry it, but I also believe it is my job as a gun owner to make sure that where I carry my gun, I am allowed to do so. I am allowed to carry my gun in my state and many others as long as it isnt posted "No Weapons". If I am going somewhere new, I get online and check to see if they have it posted. Do you have Buescher Saxophones? I dont carry it so I can shoot people if I feel like it, but If Im driving down the road and someone decided to threaten me and my kids I am ready to do all I can to let my kids see tomorrow. You can't forget your Bullet Proof Protection.There are many people out there who think they can take what they want from who ever. I would not want someone to take my car and drive off with my kids. I guess for the most part I carry so that if the unthinkable happens, I have the chance to do all I can instead of being a helpless victim. [happythoughts]
When i said big cities X I was meaning more along the lines of Washington DC, Chicago, New York. The ones which tend to hit the news more with crime. Personally I'll stick with the hairspray if we start to get crime round here and if I end up in a crime ridden city I'll take the Greek with me for protection.happy [thea09]
I live in Canada 7 months, and Texas 5 months of each Year. As a Canadian I have never owned or carried a hand gun as they are outlawed in Canada. I never think of guns no matter what country I'm in. However when our Texas neighbors were planning a trip to Canada, we advised them against bringing their gun along. If Canadian Border Security finds a gun in your car, or in your possession, You won't even get a chance to kiss your gun "Goodbye!" [barehugs]
Gun control laws are stiffer in Canada, and many claim this accounts for the murder rate being lower in Canada than in the United States. 65% of US homicides were committed with firearms, versus 32% in Canada. [barehugs]
Well, guns are a scary thing. When I was young I used to carry a gun that my fiance at the time had given me because I worked in nightclubs and traveled a long distance back and forth from work. He figured it would assure my safety. However in an altercation with my boss (he had followed me out of the club and frightened me with his persistence of the argument), I found myself reaching for the gun. At the last minute I stopped myself before doing something I would have regretted. I realized then how easy it is to use a weapon if you are carrying one. While I understand the fear many have of crime, I was a victim more than once without a weapon and managed to fight off my attacker. I prefer to take my chances then carry a weapon that I may use in a moment of panic or anger do someone fatal harm when a way out less violent may have presented itself. How do I feel about others carrying a concealed weapon. I really do not give it thought. There are many things we may or may not encounter. I have Buell Choppers. I do not live in oblivion but I do not concern myself with things I may never encounter and chose to approach that subject when it occurs. So I guess I do not think about who or where guns may be carried. Although a weapon is easy to use, the average person carrying a weapon these days are probably doing so out of fear for their own protection and I do not feel unnecessarily threatened. [paintswithwords]
Hi paintswithwords, that's interesting that having carried one you feel safer without one than with one. I could never carry one as sure that it would be more likely be used against me. I've never had a violent moment in my life so couldn't imagine using a weapon of any kind, except handbagging someone.happy I've never had to think about anyone nearby having a weapon either though I do know that some of the illegal immigrants carry knives but I've only heard of them using them against each other and not against anyone else. [thea09]
I would like to take a gun with me everyday ,Butit was forbided to owner the weapon in our country. [Tigerzhang]
What a very strange statement to make. Would you like to have it to use it or do you think it would just make you feel safer? [thea09]
I have watched CSI for many years, and most of the peoples were killed by gun. Sometime, the gun doesn't protect people, but in stead hurting people easily. that is my i am so scared to see someone with gun. You should really check out Buck Rogers Collectibles. Fortunately, People is not allowed with gun here. I fell safe. :) [candycaddice]
Well, you should stop getting your knowlege of our country from tv crime shows then, that's tv, not reality. [xfahctor]
i don't think carrying a gun is a good idea. i certainly would not like to go to a place where carrying gun is considered normal. if they feel insecure enough to carry guns then that place is definitely not safe to visit. however i find it really strange that a country that spends an enormous amount for its 'national security', the people of the very same country feel so insecure. [sunny68]
even i have heard that every state formulates its own law but i presume that the basic purpose would be the same. [sunny68]