Can DU, can this nation have a sensible discussion about gun violence

[spin]

116. You suggest what I feel is a fair argument ...

and at least you describe the firearms you wish to discuss by using the correct terminology.

The title of the original post that started this thread was Can DU, can this nation have a sensible discussion about gun violence. I will also agree that it's fair to label individuals who run amok and kill many other innocent people as "freaks".

Why don't you start a thread on this subject either in GD or even in the Gungeon. If you wish a more polite discussion on this topic, I would suggest also that you eliminate the emotional term "meatgrinder toy." You should get at least some rational replies from people who have some knowledge of firearms to consider from both sides of the issue. You might be surprised but I suspect you would actually have support from some gun owners.

If your arguments for restricting the ownership or even banning the ownership of semi-auto assault style rifles or all semi-auto weapons are valid you should be able to hold your own against any who oppose your ideas without using emotion or exaggerating the lethality of the class of firearms being discussed. If you encounter a strong counter argument than rather of resorting to insults, do the research necessary to effectively reply. Carefully consider all responses and be willing to change or modify your views if necessary.

This is exactly what I would do if I was a supporter of stronger gun control. One of the best arguments for that side is that semi-auto rifles with a detachable magazine are far more lethal than other firearms.

Send me a PM if you do start such a thread so I can participate. This is the type of discussion that I would love to see on DU. At one time I used to post about firearms on far more conservative boards. It was somewhat entertaining as everyone agreed with my views on firearms but often I was so disgusted by the irrational negative comments about Democrats and liberals that I felt like taking a shower afterward.

I found DU to be a far more interesting place to post as I found my views on firearms challenged and I had to learn a lot more than I would have ever expected to respond effectively. My basic views on the subject haven't changed significantly but I have modified them. I also was able to read and respond in many other areas of discussion that I found interesting. Since I am a Democrat I found the DU experience far more enjoyable than when I was posting on more conservative forums.

The only problem with posting here in favor of RKBA is that often I have to suffer unnecessary insults. I realize that most liberal Democrats (not all) hate firearms and are very emotional often for good reason. Being on the pro-gun side of the debate on DU reminds me of when the Steelers have a football game with the Browns in Cleveland. The bleacher section of the Cleveland Browns stadium is called the "dawg pound" and is populated by some extremely zealous fans. DU is the home turf for many very progressive and liberal Democrats so I expect to get some crap thrown at me when I post in favor of gun rights and RKBA. I am not playing on the most friendly field for this subject.