Vanders9,
Just for the record, my first sentence expressed sympathy for all concerned in this horrid event. As always, it seems that those killed were decent folks with loved ones left behind. Furthermore, it seems Cumbria is generally rather peaceful, so this event is even more shocking. Neighbors will mourn the loss and then have vague feelings of worry about the strange fellow across the way. It’s a lousy situation.
I agree that any attempt to put draconian gun control laws on the yanks would be:
1) Challenged up to the Supreme Court
2) Ignored
3) Forcefully resisted, if it got to that point
I also agree that the Cumbrian event will be used to tighten UK controls further. If you recall me mentioning the history of UK control, this is part of a pattern. It does not work as loons, criminals, etc will always get them if they are desired, although being an island, you’ve a bit easier time of stemming the flow.
I think what some of us were pointing out is that permitting more people to own them, including concealed carry permits [with appropriate background & safe operator checks] might well encourage even nutters like this chap to stay home. At some point, I suspect he wanted the satisfaction of blowing other people away. Even nutters can reason and if you think it unlikely that you’d barely be able to get one shot off, maybe you just stay home or take a long walk in the woods?
After the community heals as best it can, I wish you luck in persuading your countrymen and women to not over-react. Should you desire, I would guess that there are a lot of fellow freepers who could provide links to useful data and information.
Best to you and the good people of Cumbria.
I think we will have to disagree on this. I dont think any level of gun control or gun freedom stops guys like this. The guy has flipped his lid and he is simply not rational. Whether concealed carry would help prevent run of the mill crime where criminals are armed (which is far more common after all) is a completely different argument. I personally think that as violent crime accelerates in the UK the case for carrying firearms is more justifiable. But its something I regret. I would prefer it didnt have to happen.