Opinion,

"America will never get guns off the street simply because it is every American's right to take the law into his or her own hands."

That is an outright untruth.

It is every American's legal right to defend themselves, just as it is every Australian's legal right to do the same.

Hi Mopi and Issy

You're both right.

"Right to defend ourselves" via gun ownership it too ingrained in America's 1700s War of Independence militia and 1800s cowboy history/mythology.

Biden might attempt to limit some aspects of gun ownership, maybe limiting handgun, Assault Rifles and machinegun ownership http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_positions_of_Joe_Biden#Gun_policy

But he would realise actually repealing the Second Amendment:

- is too ambitious,

- would invite a growth in extremist reactions, and

- drive, even moderate voters towards the Republicans, especially before the 2024 elections.

plantagenet,

"America will never get guns off the street simply because it is every American's right to take the law into his or her own hands."

Surely you don't think that that piece of idiocy is right?

As I posted earlier the right to self-defence is almost exactly the same in Australia and the USA, it has nothing to do with gun ownership and in both countries, a firearm may be used for such a purpose and the legal position is still much the same.

Is Mise,

In other words, you're saying that people may - may - be able to buy a firearm in the US, but - no more than here - cannot use it for improper purposes ? Reasonable self-defence may be one legitimate purpose, but that would be very restrictively defined ?

Joe

Is Mise,

OK OK you win. Just for you I'll change that to:

"America will never get guns off the street simply because it is every American's right to shoot someone indiscriminately."

There, happy now?

Hi Issy

We could debate American gun issues till the cows come home. Note my contribution http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_positions_of_Joe_Biden#Gun_policy

Fortunately we in Australia are not like them legally, historically, mythologically or politically.

Cheers

Pete