wolfix said:
It's a little hard to compare Ireland and the US.... Consider the fact that Europe in whole is only slightly larger then the US. I think a fair comparision is my state of Iowa to Ireland. I think we are close to being twice the size. It would be a fair comparison because we are made up of mostly German, Irish , and English immigrants.
The last house I lived in for 20 years I did not lock my doors either. Even when I was not home...[ Except when I got a divorce, I locked my ex-wife out. Does that count? ]
We do see some violence occasionally, but it is not usually gun related. And yet, because bird/deer hunting is a rite of passage here, gun ownership is high. But as a tool for hunting, not aggressive behavior.
But since we are bashing .......Let's compare Europe[ Bosnian] and my state. Let's see...... ethnic cleansing and warfare. At least that is what my Bosnian friends who came here from Europe to escape the violent climate they faced in Europe tell me. They feel safe here.
American violence is highly concentrated in large urban areas. But I can understand why Europeans see America as violent when they watch MTV and see the gangsta rap..... But you have to realize that mentality is contained in a very small group in America. It does not represent America.
G,Day Wolfix,
You sound way to sensible I was hoping to get the lunitic fringe fired up.
Look I know it's not all like the movies & there are planty of guns in Ireland. But primaririly owned by farmers to shoot foxes etc. Which sounds pretty similar to what you are talking about in rural area in the states.
It's people using guns on each other which is the problem.
In fact I think I could go down to the local hunting/fishing store here & buy a riffle with little or no formalities. But it's impossible to buy any type of semi or automatic weapon or handgun.
It's people using guns on each other which is the problem.
I agree with you that the MTV 'bust a cap in yout ass' culture has alot to answer for.
But you must admit somehow patriotism & gun ownership has got somwhow mixed up in the USA.
I think your example of Bosnia is a bit extreme as they were in a state of civil war. Moreover, Ireland is right at the other extreme being probably one of thw safest countries on earth. But the fact remain that you have the highest incidence of gun crime in the civilised world.
My home country Australia is somewhere inbetween Ireland & the USA but it's one of the reassons I prefer to live in Ireland as no chance of the 'I fired 3 warning shots into the suspects head' senario with the police or anyone else for that matter.
I guess my point is that this issue is something Americans need to address as it would vastly improve the quality of life for Americans.
I copuld get into the issue of capital punishment in the hope of getting things stired up a bit more.