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New Zealand banning assault and semi-automatic rifles

reuters.com

11–20 of 75 posts

Re: New Zealand banning assault and semi-automatic rifles

#11
I believe that writing legislation for assault rifles is trickier than for semi-autos, because the latter is a more properly defined type.

That is, we talk about assault rifles as if they were easily defined but they can be functionally the same as sport rifles but with different grips, and the larger default magazines.

Re: New Zealand banning assault and semi-automatic rifles

#13

Isn't that exactly what the shooter wanted? They're playing right into his hands. They skipped the step where you negotiate with the terrorists and went straight to accepting his demands. I guess that doesn't matter when you need to be seen doing something. Edit: I mean that the shooter wanted NZ gun control as a means to the end he seeks. Not that it is the end he seeks.

you think the shooter's intentions were to advocate for stricter gun laws?

Re: New Zealand banning assault and semi-automatic rifles

#14
post #7

(New Zealander here) I was surprised that these weren't already banned. How many bullets do you really need to hunt? Some clarification on NZ's new gun laws: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/21/explainer-how-... The rest of the world sees that the US constantly ties itself in knots over the gun issue, and the horrific loss of lives. Hopefully NZ's swift response shows that things CAN change.

> How many bullets do you really need to hunt? In the US, this is the question used to neuter the second amendment. It isn't there to protect us from deer. The 2nd is meant to be used against people. The right that exists is the ability to protect your rights, life, and property, through force if necessary.

Look at it this way: if you're going to lead an illegal insurrection to overthrow what you think is a tyranical government, why do you care what the gun laws are?

Re: New Zealand banning assault and semi-automatic rifles

#15
post #7

(New Zealander here) I was surprised that these weren't already banned. How many bullets do you really need to hunt? Some clarification on NZ's new gun laws: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/21/explainer-how-... The rest of the world sees that the US constantly ties itself in knots over the gun issue, and the horrific loss of lives. Hopefully NZ's swift response shows that things CAN change.

> How many bullets do you really need to hunt? In the US, this is the question used to neuter the second amendment. It isn't there to protect us from deer. The 2nd is meant to be used against people. The right that exists is the ability to protect your rights, life, and property, through force if necessary.

2nd amendment rights are in direct conflict with the right to be alive.

Re: New Zealand banning assault and semi-automatic rifles

#16
post #4

Thank God for the Second Amendment.

Its only modern purpose is to enable mass shootings and support gun owners pride.

Is 1971 “modern?” That’s when my home country had to fight for its independence from Pakistan by stealing guns from the other side. Having a Second Amendment would’ve saved a lot of lives. We do not live in a time past the end of history. Killing people has always been the last but necessary recourse in protecting freedom and self determination. A disarmed populace is free only at the whim of the people with arms.

Re: New Zealand banning assault and semi-automatic rifles

#17

Isn't that exactly what the shooter wanted? They're playing right into his hands. They skipped the step where you negotiate with the terrorists and went straight to accepting his demands. I guess that doesn't matter when you need to be seen doing something. Edit: I mean that the shooter wanted NZ gun control as a means to the end he seeks. Not that it is the end he seeks.

Perpetrator: "Joke's on you guys, I wanted to go to jail for the rest of my life!"

Judge: "Your wish shall be denied. Release this man!"

Re: New Zealand banning assault and semi-automatic rifles

#18
I guess I can see both sides of the argument. I own multiple semi automatic rifles and enjoy them very much. At the same time no one "needs" to own one of these. I think anyone attempting to buy any type of firearm should have to: 1) Attend a safety training course; 2) Present some type of proof that they have met with a trained counselor, psychologist, whatever, that says they are not a danger to themselves or society (tricky! I know, very, very tricky); 3) Limited to how many they can purchase in a given time frame; 4) Waiting period of 2 weeks or some definitive cooling off period.

That's all going to be very, very controversial. Personally, I don't want it, any of it, but as a responsible owner of high capacity, semi automatic rifles, I'm willing to at least meet the other side halfway. I love going out to the range and blasting away at old cars and crap, but I don't think an outright ban is the answer. We have to find a middle ground.

Re: New Zealand banning assault and semi-automatic rifles

#19
post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> How many bullets do you really need to hunt? In the US, this is the question used to neuter the second amendment. It isn't there to protect us from deer. The 2nd is meant to be used against people. The right that exists is the ability to protect your rights, life, and property, through force if necessary.

Look at it this way: if you're going to lead an illegal insurrection to overthrow what you think is a tyranical government, why do you care what the gun laws are?

Exactly, one can always rely on the general population to illegally stockpile guns and ammunition, just in case. That tyrant won't stand a chance!

Re: New Zealand banning assault and semi-automatic rifles

#20
post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> How many bullets do you really need to hunt? In the US, this is the question used to neuter the second amendment. It isn't there to protect us from deer. The 2nd is meant to be used against people. The right that exists is the ability to protect your rights, life, and property, through force if necessary.

2nd amendment rights are in direct conflict with the right to be alive.

There's a reason why the second amendment comes right after freedom of speech. If the government doesn't uphold your rights as citizens, the citizens have the authority to hold their ground. Imagine Venezuela, but the citizens having guns. The government couldn't do what they're doing over there if the citizens had guns.
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