Posted on 10/17/2005 8:21:48 PM PDT by neverdem
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Dire campaign ads warning that Brazilians could be made defenseless against any Nazi-like tyranny have not budged Lourdes Lima in her plan to vote to ban gun sales in a national referendum.
"I'm sick and tired of guns, we see them or hear them every day. I made up my mind and will vote to ban them," the 54-year-old street sweeper said, crumpling a leaflet warning of the dangers of disarmament by showing Hitler giving a Nazi salute. "I don't know who's this guy anyway."
Brazil's Oct. 23 vote on whether to ban gun sales, which the government says is the world's first nationwide referendum on firearms, is being watched closely by gun makers and opponents across the globe as a referendum that could set a precedent for campaigns in other countries.
Brazil has the highest number of gun deaths in the world, with 36,091 people shot and killed last year, according to government figures.
Over 120 million people are expected to vote on the bill in Brazil, where voting is compulsory. Television and radio ads financed by groups on both sides of the debate have bombarded Brazilians.
"Those who want disarmament, raise your right hand," read the pro-gun leaflet, alluding to Nazi Germany's decision to ban guns for civilians in 1938.
Since the media blitz started several weeks ago, support for the ban has fallen and it now looks like voters are increasingly split on the issue.
Just two months ago, polls showed 80 percent would vote for the ban. A survey released on Friday showed that number had plummeted to 45 percent.
Even the government is divided. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva endorses the ban. But his vice president and defense minister, Jose Alencar, says the ban would encourage criminals.
VIOLENT CRIME
Human rights groups endorse the government-proposed ban, dismissing as absurd claims it would be a threat to democracy. But some groups acknowledge the prohibition of legal gun sales would not reduce the arsenals held by dreaded drug gangs and other criminals, as Lima hopes.
Almost 60 percent of an estimated 17 million guns in Brazil were obtained illegally, said human and social rights group Viva Rio.
Over the past year, violent shootouts between drug gangs armed with assault rifles have often shut the scenic ocean-side road connecting Rio's famous Leblon and Sao Conrado beaches.
"The population is unprotected, left at the mercy of armed thugs, while the government is not investing in security," said Alberto Fraga, a legislator who leads the gun lobby. "This vote doesn't disarm the criminals," he said.
If Latin America's largest country votes in favor of the ban, all sales of guns and ammunition to civilians will be halted, leaving those who already have registered firearms without bullets.
Police, judges, firefighters and security firms will be able to buy guns for private and official use, sales that are likely to sustain local manufacturers like Forjas Taurus whose pistols are also popular in the United States. Taurus exports rose 41 percent last year.
Brazil's gun control laws, which were tightened in Dec. 2003, are already very strict. They require psychological and gun-handling tests, a clean criminal record and high registration fees that are too costly for many Brazilians.
The government says the tough legislation helped cut gun deaths last year from 2003, when they totaled over 39,000 -- the first drop in 13 years.
Colossal stupidity.
Just watch the libs try and pull that here... Well if the revolution ever come lets remember which side owns the guns..(sarcasm)
that should read if the revolution ever comes
60% bought illegaly...so lets ban the legal ones...LOL
But...but...the left always tells us WE do!
She's going to get even sicker of the consequences of trying to ban them.
Oh, and how does a referendum get started by a street sweeper? Do they have anyone smarter there?
Sounds like a good reason not to buy a Taurus.
I had one once. Good shooter but poorly made. After one shot I felt something hit me in the face.
It was the hammer. It broke in half and the part that broke off flew up and hit me.
Guess which way the criminals will vote.
This Lula guy would probably like to impose it himself but he's been distracted a bit by the opportunity to do a bit of looting of the national treasury!
Law-abiding Brazilians should disregard these requirements and buy their firearms discreetly. Rather be judged by 12...
In other words, if you violate the law by not voting, then government men with guns will come and get you?
she will find out about the sweet smell of burn almonds just before she showers
> Even the government is divided.
> ...
> Almost 60 percent of an estimated 17 million guns
> in Brazil were obtained illegally, ...
Here's a hint for the undecided:
People who comply with firearms laws are not the problem.
There's lots of gun makers in Brazil, Taurus the biggest. This will be a huge hit against their balance sheets (if they survive).
The Lula regime smiles and approves as violent socialist "land reformers" are confiscating properties.
Disarming the law-abiding will make such "land reform" much safer for the govt sanctioned mob armies.
Someone might know for sure, but I was under the impression that if you get your licenses (and pass all those tests) other Brazilian laws get you off the hook should you shoot someone.
Great article and comments following, about the state of socialist "land reform" in Brazil.
http://www.brazzil.com/content/view/9276/
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