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

[DarkRider]

America is a country where the people are ruled by corporations and pressure groups and lobbyists.

More reason to be armed!
And don't kid yourself, so is Europe and your wee colony...

 

[mitosis]

You obviously didnt read what I said, when I said I do not carry on the bike. You also didnt read where I stated that you cant just do it because your ******, there has to be some immediate threat to your life. Thank you for playing

Take some reading lessons of your own. Nowhere in my post is it suggested that you carry a weapon.

You could always make a preemptive strike - isn't that the american way.

 

[cucamelsmd15]

Take some reading lessons of your own. Nowhere in my post is it suggested that you carry a weapon.

You could always make a preemptive strike - isn't that the american way.

I dont need to read, you do.

I said:

No, you cant use it for someone who annoys you, and its obvious you dont know what youre talking about by your statement. Chances are, if youre carrying a gun (and I do, but not on the bike), you know how to use it, and use it quickly.

To which you replied:

IMHO, if you believe you have time to line someone up after being upset by them, while riding a bike, in time to shoot them, you are the one who has no idea what you are talking about.

Now, please take the time to read this time, and comprehend that I do not carry a firearm while I am riding my bike. You implied that I carried on the bike, and its obvious. And, for your information, if I really needed to take care of business and was riding, I dont doubt that I could sight someone and fire 2 rounds. Im a regular at the local IDPA and IPSC matches, and I can walk, fire, reload, and never miss a shot.

Pre-emptive strikes arent the American way, they are George W's way. Not all of us fall and worship at his feet like the world believes.

 

[DarkRider]

You could always make a preemptive strike - isn't that the american way.

Last I checked you guys and the other members of the former "British Empire" where down in Iraq kissing our ass, so I would hardly throw any stones thru that glass house!

I for one wish the UK and Austrailia had a set of balls to tell the US that "No we're not going to go in to Iraq with you... thank you." But no... They are part of our world wide "coalition"

 

[mitosis]

I dont need to read, you do.

I said:

To which you replied:

Now, please take the time to read this time, and comprehend that I do not carry a firearm while I am riding my bike. You implied that I carried on the bike, and its obvious. And, for your information, if I really needed to take care of business and was riding, I dont doubt that I could sight someone and fire 2 rounds. Im a regular at the local IDPA and IPSC matches, and I can walk, fire, reload, and never miss a shot.

Pre-emptive strikes arent the American way, they are George W's way. Not all of us fall and worship at his feet like the world believes.

So now I implied that you carried on your bike. It is obvious from reading my post, that I did not imply that you, personally carry a weapon on the bike.

You made the stupid attack. At least admit it when you are wrong.

 

[mitosis]

Last I checked you guys and the other members of the former "British Empire" where down in Iraq kissing our ass, so I would hardly throw any stones thru that glass house!

I for one wish the UK and Austrailia had a set of balls to tell the US that "No we're not going to go in to Iraq with you... thank you." But no... They are part of our world wide "coalition"

See, that's the sort of egocentric view you guys have.

We got involved 'cause you couldn't or didn't want to do it on your own. Bush did the **** kissing.

And since when has it been your coalition.

I for one wish the UK and Austrailia had a set of balls to tell the US that "No we're not going to go in to Iraq with you... thank you."

Me too.

 

[DarkRider]

See, that's the sort of egocentric view you guys have.

We got involved 'cause you couldn't or didn't want to do it on your own. Bush did the **** kissing.

And since when has it been your coalition.

yeah sure the worlds largest economy usually has to kiss the 23rd largest's ass to get anything done... what was I thinking?

 

[mitosis]

yeah sure the worlds largest economy usually has to kiss the 23rd largest's ass to get anything done... what was I thinking?

Well put. My case rests.

 

[limerickman]

I'll be the first to be a critic of American culture.. or lack thereof.. and I'll be the first to say how I hate how so many here have to drive oversized trucks and SUV's (I drive a Volvo XC and a MB Diesel which are as safe and a lot more efficient).. but the Swiss also have a weapon in ever man's hands and here in the US, the states with the most "gun friendly" laws that allow people like me to own a pistol or other type of legally purchased weapon also happen to have the lowest gun crime rates.. so go figure?

The fact is the US isn't a homogenious society, we have a LOT of people willing to raid your house or car-jack your car (with wife and kids inside) and if having a pistol in my car, or in my bedroom (locked safely in a gunsafe) keeps me that much safer.. than by God I'll have it, and I'll thank the framers of the US Constitution for having the wisdom to have specifically itemized this right, just behind freedom of speech and worship!

Only a Godless Commie would be scared of a law abiding citizen owning a gun for self defense.. JMHO

Moderator Role :

I have read some of your replies to some of your fellow members of long standing.
Members who have been here a lot longer than you, I might add.

I strongly advise you to tone down the rhetoric in your posts.

 

[DarkRider]

Moderator Role :

I have read some of your replies to some of your fellow members of long standing.
Members who have been here a lot longer than you, I might add.

I strongly advise you to tone down the rhetoric in your posts.

I participate on at least 1/2 a dozen forums, and in all of them I've been in political debates that were far more colorful that this one, and never have I had a moderator tell me that my tone was disrespectful, neither had time on the forum had anything to do with it... do you mind showing me what I specifically said, and where in the "TOU" or Terms of Use of this forum I broke those terms? Do you have a TOU here, or is it the arbitrary will of the moderators and whom they side with that dictates who's wrong?

Kind of sad that you feel that way since you are a fellow Palestinian sympathizer.... oh well, if I can't speak my mind here and be able to participate in an effective debate, then I'll just show myself to the door, I really don't need to be here, the other bike forums are better anyhow.

good day.

 

[limerickman]

oh well, if I can't speak my mind here and be able to participate in an effective debate, then I'll just show myself to the door, I really don't need to be here, the other bike forums are better anyhow.

good day.

You can speak your mind - I only asked you to tone down the rhetoric of your replies to your fellow members.

As to your view about carrying guns - that's your business and you're free to express the fact that you support the guns laws as they current pertain.

The only thing that concerns me is the tone that you've used in your replies to members here.

 

[mitosis]

yeah sure the worlds largest economy usually has to kiss the 23rd largest's ass to get anything done... what was I thinking?

On rereading my post I thought my comments might have been a bit too cryptic for you.

YOur post demonstrates the superior thinking that many from your country have about yourselves. You have supported my case. Thank you.

 

[Doctor Morbius]

Good grief, is this thread still alive?! This has to be the most successful thread I've ever seen, even if one doesn't care for it. Controversy always gets people's attention. That's why Jerry Springer has a TV show.

 

[dhk]

Doc, great analogy. I'll admit I've been tuning in here also. For those outside the US who haven't heard of the Jerry Springer Show, it's a trashy, sensational guest show which features lots of bad language and fighting guests. Typical subject: "I caught my boyfriend having sex with my teenage daughter."

As a US citizen, some of the pro-gun and pro-america stuff posted here is just as shocking and revolting to me, but for some reason I can't stop looking at it.

Mitosis, please know that many americans do not subscribe to the views posted here. Would be happy to share my views via email if you want to get another point of view from a US citizen. The Cycling Equipment forum isn't the proper place.

 

[OneRing]

Doc, great analogy. I'll admit I've been tuning in here also. For those outside the US who haven't heard of the Jerry Springer Show, it's a trashy, sensational guest show which features lots of bad language and fighting guests. Typical subject: "I caught my boyfriend having sex with my teenage daughter."

As a US citizen, some of the pro-gun and pro-america stuff posted here is just as shocking and revolting to me, but for some reason I can't stop looking at it.

Mitosis, please know that many americans do not subscribe to the views posted here. Would be happy to share my views via email if you want to get another point of view from a US citizen. The Cycling Equipment forum isn't the proper place.

Thank you for your balanced comments.

I know there are Americans who can look objectively at their own country's flaws especially those who have lived outside the states. For them it is quite a rude awakening to realise that the USA is not held in particularly high regard in Britian, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand Canada etc.(the other english speaking countries)

They also realise that their country has many shortcommings (as most countries do including my own). Unfortunalely American media is so ego centric that americans hear very little about the rest of the world.

Americans need to understand that most of the countries mentioned do not want to be like america. We find you lack of racial harmony, lack of socialised medicine & gun laws completely unpalitable.

That is not to say that we hate everything american, far from it. But we certainly don't love everything american. America is a country with good & bad point like all countries.
Most Australian, British, Irish etc realise our countries have flaws & what annoys us most about most Americans is their inabilty to see their own flaws.

It's not unpatriotic just realistic.

 

[limerickman]

Doc, great analogy. I'll admit I've been tuning in here also. For those outside the US who haven't heard of the Jerry Springer Show, it's a trashy, sensational guest show which features lots of bad language and fighting guests. Typical subject: "I caught my boyfriend having sex with my teenage daughter."

As a US citizen, some of the pro-gun and pro-america stuff posted here is just as shocking and revolting to me, but for some reason I can't stop looking at it.

Mitosis, please know that many americans do not subscribe to the views posted here. Would be happy to share my views via email if you want to get another point of view from a US citizen. The Cycling Equipment forum isn't the proper place.

D, let me assure you that many non-Americans are well aware that not all Americans advocate the retention of guns.
Like One Ring suggests, most people know that every society has good and bad points.

 

[deedubya]

Since this thread is at the top, I will answer the question contained in the subject. I don't carry a gun as part of my cycling equipment. I've thought in the past that my u-lock might make an effective weapon, if it was necessary to defend myself from an attacker.

 

[Doctor Morbius]

D, let me assure you that many non-Americans are well aware that not all Americans advocate the retention of guns.

Personally, I don't have any problem with "law abiding citizens" owning firearms. I do take issue with the ones that use them to rob liquor stores and shoot people. They are part of the big problem in our society along with the corrupt politicians (both sides of the isle) and the amoral wealthy class. We have elements in our civilization that are unfixable. I don't think too many people from other industrialized nations can appreciate that.

People, especially women, are terrified to be out at night alone. Many have become prisoners in their own homes. This has relegated them to being under voluntary house arrest or martial law through no fault of their own. And this is only going to get worse. The police are unable or unwilling to do much to put an end to the voilent elements. They don't have the resolve. Our political leaders (again, both sides of the isle) don't give a scheiße as they don't care what the middle and lower classes do or think as long as we're out of the way. We can't afford to buy them so they aren't going to do anything to improve the situation. What happens is we end up having to help ourselves when it comes to protection. That and we have to keep moving further and further away from where we work. The suburbs are no longer the safe havens they once were. Many people here are moving to small towns way outside of the large cities and commuting for hours a day just so they can raise their families in a better environment.

Trust me Limrickman, if I could move to Ireland and support myself and get out of this rathole of a country that is sliding further and further toward collapse I would already be there! The grand ol' lady known as the U S of A isn't what she used to be. It's a house of cards, an illusion. The middle class is under attack on several fronts. Eventually there will have to be a new social class for highly educated people who earn low wages (the genteel poor perhaps?) as that's what is taking place here. It isn't all roses to be sure.

So what are the answers? I don't know. I really don't think it can be fixed without major bloodshed (something akin to Bastille/French Revolution) because here Democracy is for sale and We The People can no longer afford it.

This may sound radical but just stay alive and pay attention and you'll see what I am saying is true. Already the U.S. is no longer a 1st World country. We're a 2nd World country that is on it's way to becoming a Banana Republic ... a Banana Republic with two languages!

 

[ProfTournesol]

Personally, I don't have any problem with "law abiding citizens" owning firearms. I do take issue with the ones that use them to rob liquor stores and shoot people. They are part of the big problem in our society along with the corrupt politicians (both sides of the isle) and the amoral wealthy class. We have elements in our civilization that are unfixable. I don't think too many people from other industrialized nations can appreciate that.

People, especially women, are terrified to be out at night alone. Many have become prisoners in their own homes. This has relegated them to being under voluntary house arrest or martial law through no fault of their own. And this is only going to get worse. The police are unable or unwilling to do much to put an end to the voilent elements. They don't have the resolve. Our political leaders (again, both sides of the isle) don't give a scheiße as they don't care what the middle and lower classes do or think as long as we're out of the way. We can't afford to buy them so they aren't going to do anything to improve the situation. What happens is we end up having to help ourselves when it comes to protection. That and we have to keep moving further and further away from where we work. The suburbs are no longer the safe havens they once were. Many people here are moving to small towns way outside of the large cities and commuting for hours a day just so they can raise their families in a better environment.

Trust me Limrickman, if I could move to Ireland and support myself and get out of this rathole of a country that is sliding further and further toward collapse I would already be there! The grand ol' lady known as the U S of A isn't what she used to be. It's a house of cards, an illusion. The middle class is under attack on several fronts. Eventually there will have to be a new social class for highly educated people who earn low wages (the genteel poor perhaps?) as that's what is taking place here. It isn't all roses to be sure.

So what are the answers? I don't know. I really don't think it can be fixed without major bloodshed (something akin to Bastille/French Revolution) because here Democracy is for sale and We The People can no longer afford it.

This may sound radical but just stay alive and pay attention and you'll see what I am saying is true. Already the U.S. is no longer a 1st World country. We're a 2nd World country that is on it's way to becoming a Banana Republic ... a Banana Republic with two languages!

I suppose the problem that I have is that when some citizens in the US see carrying a gun for self protection whilst cycling as 'the natural order of things' and a 'right' (as in a good thing), then the I and much of the rest of the world can only shake our heads in amazement. Cycling (to me) is about freedom and fun, and if I had to carry a gun to protect myself in the neighbourhood I lived in, not only would I not see the point in cycling, I'd be doing some serious soul searching about the type of civic society that I was living in and contributing to.

 

[wolfix]

I have been involved with cycling more then 32 years and have never seen any cyclist carry a gun. Other then a few places in urban areas , I doubt any cyclist actually needs to carry. Maybe mountain bikers that ride in grizzly country, but that protection is not what anyone is talking here.
The gun issue here in America is way overblown by certain people in this country leading to a unreal image of America in other countries.