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 Gibson’s 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. It’s 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 Scotland’s first minister, Jack McConnell. He’s trying to get legislation passed that would slap restrictions on knives and swords.
According to The Scotsman online newspaper, McConnell’s 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 it’s tempting to dismiss the proposal as a goofy response to a serious problem — violence — it must be taken seriously by defenders of an individual’s 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 McConnell’s 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? It’s 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 Kingdom’s experience with gun control shows that felons will simply change weapons when their favorite is outlawed. We wouldn’t be surprised to learn, should McConnell’s proposal become law, that Scottish thugs were carrying clubs and brass knuckles. What then?
No matter if we meet or not, we already are on the same side....:)
I've seen that phenomenon before.
It's the dreaded Celtic Cone of Power.
Fear him.
;)
Glaswegians are threatening to knick me with broken beer mugs.
When will they be outlawed?
[does Dixie Cup make pint sizes?]
Long before "Braveheart" brought the concept of it into common consciousness, I've had a 6 inch spike buck antler on my keychain.
[an homage to the *last* de-swording of the Scots]
When will that be outlawed, do you suppose?
"All the Scots that would have gotten that gaff are probably dead.. pity..
The Welsh are pussys and servile...
And the Irish are organized criminals.."
Damn.
I'm Scots/Irish/Welsh [and a bit of Danish]
No wonder I've always been so confused when choosing a "career path".
What "Weegie" fails to see is that all of this "picking" has good purpose.
It's the cyber equivalent of "lighting the fiery cross" or "waving the bloody flag/shirt".
No one is kicking Weegie or the Scots, per se.
All of this is an exhortation to get their collective backs up and -do- something about it before it's truly too late.
Fear him.
Believe me, I do.
;))
Interesting. Thanks!
The logical conclusion of these laws is that anyone who is not a 'Rat homo will be required to have one arm tied behind their back....Still won't be a fair fight.
Hubby was once robbed at swordpoint.
But if you don't have a gun, you don't need one to mug someone anymore -- a knife works just fine there now.
Great Britain will be overrun within 2 generations. Sad, that they are disarming their subjects.
Any Scot who would wear a "safety" sgian dubh has forgotten why they are worn to begin with. They probably have rubberized nappies under their kilt, too.
A little "aye" candy for the ladies?.....;)
Also, as previously stated, for traveling in highland wear.
NEW: Man accused of sword (and pipe) attack on roommate
Web Posted: 03/14/2005 10:19 AM CST
Mariano Castillo
(San Antonio)Express-News Staff Writer
A 36-year-old man was in jail this morning, accused of attacking his roommate with a sword and a pipe on Sunday morning.
Myles Hammon was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and held on a $20,000 bond.
According to a report by Live Oak Police, the man who called them to the 12100 block of Wright Patterson had two puncture wounds on his chest and several bruises.
The victim told police that his roommate, Hammon, awakened him and accused him of cashing his check.
Police said the victim told them Hammon then hit him with a metal pipe before picking up a homemade sword with a doorknob attached to the hilt.
The victim defended himself with a 2-by-4 board and fought back until he could call police.
The victim claimed the sword never actually struck him, and he suffered only minor injuries.
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