The Debate.

[Nakisisa]

I've seen this on other sites and it's worked quite well, especially with an active community. All that needs to be done here is for someone to ask a question (maybe once or twice a week) and see where the answers take us.

Example:
question: why do we live?
P1: we live because god created us
P2: I disagree because ....

So on so on, time for the question.
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[s]First Question: Would banning guns cut down on murders/assaults/robberies etc?[/s]
Second Question (Courtesy of - FlipMode) 21/4/10 -Violent video games will influence kids to be violent / imitate what they have been playing in their childhood, when they are older (say 16+).. agree or disagree?

[Azdgari]

I personally believe that it would. I'm sure there are a million people that will say, "no way how can you say that we need to defend ourselves" but I just don't buy that. Let's take two scenarios here. Scenario 1: Everyone has a gun. Scenario 2: Only criminals and police have guns. Which scenario do you think has less gun related violence?

Let's face it, getting guns is easy. Basically any psychopath could get a license and a magnum with very little trouble. I realize banning guns doesn't stop them from falling into the hands of criminals, but it makes it a whole lot harder. And look at the statistics of gun deaths by accident. Guns owned by private owners end up accidentally killing people or being stolen much, much more than ever being used in self defense. And say you do use one in self defense; you killed someone. Wonderful for you. I see no place in the world for those pieces of metal that spit death. I realize banning them poses risks, but the less guns, the better in my opinion.

[Simba]

you don't have to kill someone to use it in self-defense, though. usually pulling out a gun gets them to back off pretty quickly. I know several people who would've been robbed if they hadn't came outside with a gun and told them to get off their property. you can say they could call the law, but by the time they get there the theives would've been gone with their stuff (not to mention you may never see it again unless the cops actually catch them still in possession of it, which isn't often). plus, if someone else has a gun or knife and is coming at you, isn't it better to shoot them and prevent not only your death but the likely death of others? and law enforcement misplaces guns and they're stolen from them too, so it's not that much more than the usual person. and everyone I know keeps theirs in a gun case/vault under lock and key to avoid theft and any kids getting hold of them. it's up to people to be responsible, such is the price of freedom. plus, guns are used to hunt with too. around here, there are plenty of deer and turkey, so much actually that if it were not for hunting season they might overpopulate and throw the foodchain off. plus, self-defense against animals in a rural area is also a wise reason to own a gun. sure, not everyone lives in a rural area, but I know first-hand that sometimes wild animals will come too close to homes and become a threat on occasion. especially in the case of bears and coyotes.

plus, the USA's Constitution gives us here the right to bear arms. I don't think the government should just throw our governing document out the door.

[YFWE]

No. Outlawing marijuana doesn't put a stop to its use, does it?

[Azdgari]

I see your argument and completely understand it, Simba. We're just going to have to agree to disagree.
@YFWE: That makes me want to have a legalize weed debate.

[simbafan]

legalize weeeeeed, bros...........

[Azdgari]

I would agree with that, at least in comparison to alcohol.

[YFWE]

Actually, in retrospect, mentioning what I mentioned may not have been the best thing to do; want to keep the thread kid-friendly if it's to stay open, after all. That might not be a good idea for debate.

[Azdgari]

Fair enough.

Kids, don't smoke weed or drink alcohol. They're both bad for your health, and you'll get kicked out of school and get your life majorly screwed up. Watched it firsthand four times. Stay away from that stuff, and if people offer it, say no. You don't want it, trust me. ^^

[simbafan]

he's right, I've tried it a few times, it's really not that good