Posted on 03/08/2005 11:38:00 AM PST by SwinneySwitch
Scotland has long been thought of as a wild land, peopled by independent-minded warriors, herdsmen and farmers. For centuries, its remoteness has fostered the spirit of self-sufficiency and independence that brooked little interference from the outside world.
Scots fought many wars to safeguard their freedom. Who can forget Mel Gibsons William Wallace shouting out the word "freedom" as he was being tortured to death in the closing scene of the movie, "Braveheart"?
Modern Scots, however, are seeing that spirit of freedom legislated away in favor of more state control of their lives.
Many Americans are aware of the strict gun-control laws in the United Kingdom, of which Scotland is a part. Its nearly impossible for the average U.K. citizen to own a firearm, much less carry it for self-defense.
A couple of indicators seem to show the ban is doing its job but having unforeseen effects: violent home invasions are increasing because felons know the odds of encountering an armed homeowner are nil; and the number of knife murders are rising.
That last one is of particular concern to Scotlands first minister, Jack McConnell. Hes trying to get legislation passed that would slap restrictions on knives and swords.
According to The Scotsman online newspaper, McConnells proposal would license shops selling non-household knives, ban the sale of swords, make it illegal to carry a knife or sword and double the sentence for carrying a knife to four years. Proponents of the measures point out that carrying a sgian dubh, a small knife tucked into the top of a stocking as part of traditional garb, would be exempt from the ban. Carrying most other knives, however, would be illegal.
Although its tempting to dismiss the proposal as a goofy response to a serious problem violence it must be taken seriously by defenders of an individuals right to self-defense. Thomas Jefferson summed up that right in the Declaration of Independence: that men (and women) are born with "certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Implicit in those rights is the right to defend oneself from outside attack by other people or the government. It is that natural right of all men that McConnells idea attacks.
The Scotsman quoted McConnell as saying, "The sale of swords in Scotland today is fundamentally wrong. There can be no reason for people buying swords off the street for use or to have in their homes."
Sound familiar? Its nearly word for word the same argument used in this country by those who would ban the sale and possession of firearms.
Will these people ever learn that the way to address violent crime is by taking and keeping felons off the street, not simply restricting the tools of their trade?
The United Kingdoms experience with gun control shows that felons will simply change weapons when their favorite is outlawed. We wouldnt be surprised to learn, should McConnells proposal become law, that Scottish thugs were carrying clubs and brass knuckles. What then?
there, that's better :)
And if it IS Scottish, the sheep run AWAAAAAAY!
oops, make that: "rrrrrun AWAAAAAAY"
"And just to fair, there are probably a lot of ballsy Scots left in Scotland.
Why they're doing nothing to put a stop to tyrannical acts against them is beyond me.
Personally, I want to know how the -Highland & Island- people feel about all this"
Actually the ballsy ones (like my Dad) left and came here, or (like his brother) to Australia.
I made that point and was invited to a Glaswegian bar fight.
Where the men are men and the sheep are skittish....:)
BTTT
I was wondering what Connor MacLeod would have to say about this. I can't imagine he's pleased. ;)
"You have the manners of a goat. And you smell like a dung-heap! And you have no knowledge whatsoever of your potential!" (Actually, that's Ramirez, but it's my favorite line in the whole movie.)
Too many folks have had experiences like yours when traveling by air.
Rrrrrun aawaaaaay!
Tell that the the Royal Marines; the Brigade of Guards; the SAS;
Tell it to all our brave service men and women serving in the Gulf.
How many effete English fascists do you personally know.
ROFL!
[that's why the farmers wear those tall rubber boots, ya know]....;)
Not worn as often as the
but intrinsic, just the same.
Personally, I favor a
but that's just me.
I sorta have a thing for double-edged daggers.....:)
As usual lets take the weapons from Law Abiding Citizens.
When will these morons learn that a criminal can and will get a weapon no matter what. They are not going to obey any laws. Well now they will ban knives what will be next, rope for people who strangle others, hammers, the list goes on and on.
The Crime statistics in England and Australia since guns were taken away from people have shot up and will continue to go up.
LOL!
Must be the BBC has brain washed them all.. completely..
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.