Originally Posted by jmcrae
Right.
But in countries that restrict the use of guns for self defense, that aspect is a significant deterrent. When you obtain something for a specific purpose, there then exists an expectation that you will use it for that purpose. The intention to use lethal force is not a response to an actual threat… it precedes any threat at all. Now in a warzone, that is a reasonable precaution, however true peacetime is highly dependent on the
expectation of safety and security and forgiveness.
Why would you think that people outside the US are happy to live with gun control? Surely there is not a huge difference in the types of peoples in different western countries? The reason is that that
expectation of safety, security and peace is as important or even more important than any outcome. Just as war begets war… peace begets peace. That is why the gun restrictions are valued so highly in other countries.
That intention to use lethal force that is represented by owning a defense weapon, is an indictment on your neighbour simply by its existence. It is a barrier to peace and unity among countrymen.