Cyprus-Forum.com

[Niki]

32 students killed in a frenzy of hate in Virginia.

The killer had suspected Autism and a history of violence but that didn't matter when he paid his money for his beloved guns. Anybody can buy them!

A week later the gun shops are open for business in Virginia selling the same gun used on these innocent people. A powerful rifle can be hired for $20. How must the families of the victims feel about this?

I just don't get why this is allowed. Getting through customs at the US airports is the most stringent I have experienced but as soon as you're through just walk into the local town and you can buy a gun!!!

Quote:

AP, WASHINGTON
Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007, Page 7

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Grappling with the deadliest shooting spree in US history, lawmakers said on Sunday they wanted to eliminate a gap between state and federal laws that can allow someone with a history of mental illness to buy guns.

Members of Congress have shown little political appetite, however, for attempting to expand federal gun control in response to the massacre at Virginia Tech.

Cho Seung-hui, who gunned down 32 people on campus and killed himself last Monday, was evaluated at a psychiatric hospital in late 2005 and deemed by a judge to present "an imminent danger to himself as a result of mental illness." That should have disqualified him from purchasing a gun under federal law, experts say.

But Virginia court officials insist that because the judge ordered only outpatient treatment and did not commit Cho to a psychiatric hospital -- they were not required to submit the information to be entered in the federal databases for background checks.

Lawmakers pushed on Sunday to eliminate such breakdowns. They called for uniformity between state and federal reporting to make background checks more dependable.

"I think everybody would agree that somebody with a psychological problem should not be allowed to purchase a weapon," Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy said.

Republican lawmakers appearing on the Sunday news programs agreed.

"There was a definite failure of communication and that ought to be changed with federal legislation," said Senator Arlen Specter.

Democratic Senator Charles Schumer and Representative Carolyn McCarthy announced legislation on Sunday that would require states to upgrade their reporting of mental health records to the federal database. The bill would provide new money to states to help them automate their records, but also apply financial penalties on states that do not comply.

McCarthy, whose husband was fatally shot by a deranged gunman on the Long Island Railroad, is working with Representative John Dingell, a strong gun-rights advocate, to get legislation through Congress.

Meanwhile, Leahy said he would hold hearings on guns in response to the Virginia Tech shootings.

But Democrats, who now control both chambers of Congress, have shown little eagerness to toughen existing laws -- or little confidence such efforts would advance. Such efforts have been unpopular with voters in rural or swing districts in the past.

[Sotos]

I think the laws about guns in the US are wrong. Only police and army should have guns and maybe some not very powerful ones for sports. This is not the first time such thing happens. And the way the media showed off his video and photographs I am sure many other crazy ones will want to imitate him now. There are many crazy losers out there and for them becoming famous in that way is probably better than the boring pathetic life they have.

[aussiedrillerman]

Every country that I have been to where it is easy to get firearms the homicide rates are astronomical

[devil]

Every country that I have been to where it is easy to get firearms the homicide rates are astronomical

You obviously haven't been to Switzerland.

[villawagen]

its to late for America, the place is full of guns, due to the general lack of gun control they have had over the years
the politicians have been to scared of the nra (national rifle association) who keep plugging on about that it is an Americans right to carry a gun

why is that then madness in my opinion

[devil]

The Second Amendment has been distorted beyond recognition. It was originally meant ONLY for the militia in the course of their duties.

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

The original intention of James Madison was for this amendment to be the basis for the militia but several changes in diverse passages through the House and Senate drew the teeth out of it and distorted the intention. Did you know that Madison's draft originally allowed for conscientious objection, nearly 80 years before it was permitted? In the Civil War it was permitted on religious grounds on payment of a fine of $300-500 to pay for a substitute.

The second amendment does not give anyone the right to use an arm except for the defence of the Country. It does not give any right of self-defence.

[Sotos]

Every country that I have been to where it is easy to get firearms the homicide rates are astronomical

You obviously haven't been to Switzerland.

SO it is easy to get guns in Switzerland?

[devil]

Yes. Nearly every household has a gun and ammunition because the army is a militia. This is a common sight:

Number of guns in circulation

In some 2001 statistics, it is noted that there are about 420,000 assault rifles stored at private homes, mostly SIG 550 types. Additionally, there are some 320,000 assault rifles and military pistols exempted from military service in private possession, all selective-fire weapons having been converted to semi-automatic operation only. In addition, there are several hundred thousand other semi-automatic small arms classified as carbines. The total number of firearms in private homes is estimated minimally at 1.2 million; more liberal estimates put the number at 3 million.

And this is for a population of 8 million

And the gun-related homicide rate is amongst the lowest in the world.

[aussiedrillerman]

No I haven't been to Switzerland - but I would think the low rates are an exception to the rule

[Sotos]

What the feck! Why is that guy walking around with a rifle? Switzerland had not been invaded for 500 years and they are acting as if they are about to be attacked!! What about gun related accidents involving children?