Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

discntnt_irny_srcsm

(18,605 posts)
13. Yeah, life does that
Sat Jul 2, 2016, 08:39 AM
Jul 2016

(No insult inferred )

I suppose I'm small-L on a some things one being guns. I look at gun laws being the answer to 'How can the government help a regular person to do something they think is right?'

Here's my example: Suppose Phil and Mary have a gun shop. They sell a variety of guns from revolvers to ARs to hunting guns. One day a guy shows up at the counter and asks to see their smallest pistol in .22 cal. They show a Ruger priced at $400. Mary gets the ATF forms while Phil gets a box .22 and the manufacturer's packing for the Ruger. Once the customer completes the 4473 and presents ID, Phil tells him that it's against the law for him to sell a gun to a Florida resident at his shop in New York. The customer looks upset but thanks Phil and leaves the store. Mary asks, "Why did you look so nervous telling that guy you couldn't sell him the Ruger?" Phil says, "Because I had an idea why he wanted the gun when I saw his name." Phil hands her the 4473 with the name Joseph Merlino.


Without a law to fall back on, what does Phil say to Skinny Joey about not wanting to sell him a gun that may be used in a mob hit?

IMO, ideologically, every law on the books represents a loss of liberty for each person subject to the law. I believe it's a good thing to refuse to sell weapons to convicted criminals that have a violent history.

The fact is collecting, hunting, target shooting and self-defense are all legal activities. Many folks don't like guns and maybe they have good reasons. I accept the idea that a property owner can dictate the weapons policy for his place of business or residence.

I'm sure there are some folks who would tell Mr Merlino, "Look, I can't sell you this gun on the books, but I get another delivery the day after tomorrow. Another gun of similar model may be "lost" or "never shipped". The price is $1200."

Accepting reality allows the law to focus on empowering the individual rather than inspiring each of us to accept being treated as children who need permission.

Fix the registry... Yeah, I don't see that going anywhere either. Both sides in the discussion need to accept the nature of politics being compromise.

Have a nice weekend/holiday.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

What gun-control really ought to do [View all] discntnt_irny_srcsm Jun 2016 OP
They tried the new name thing Duckhunter935 Jun 2016 #1
OK, you opened the door here. Jerry442 Jun 2016 #2
I infer you mean 'What gun regulations do I favor in addition to what we have?' discntnt_irny_srcsm Jun 2016 #3
quick correction gejohnston Jun 2016 #4
Dyslexia discntnt_irny_srcsm Jun 2016 #5
I agree with you on suppressors Duckhunter935 Jun 2016 #6
But we have a self-proclaimed sarisataka Jun 2016 #8
Then there are the other experts Duckhunter935 Jun 2016 #9
Sorry, real life intervened. Jerry442 Jul 2016 #12
Yeah, life does that discntnt_irny_srcsm Jul 2016 #13
When you have a few... discntnt_irny_srcsm Jun 2016 #7
He responded to your question. Why won't you respond to his? pablo_marmol Jun 2016 #10
So, here's my thought: pablo_marmol Jun 2016 #11
They ought to wise up Matrosov Jul 2016 #14
Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Gun Control & RKBA»What gun-control really o...»Reply #13