Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffk
The intended function of a gun is to damage or kill people or animals. A policeman, soldier, or citizen that carries a gun with them or keeps one in their home expects the gun to function this way. It is a deadly weapon and a machine gun more so than most.
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jeffk,
Most of what you wrote I agree with. However the above paragraph gives me a bit of trouble.
A police officer does not carry a gun to "damage or kill" people. They carry for self defense and when employed do not shoot to kill. They shoot to stop the person from doing what they are doing or about to do. The end result may be the death of the perp but that was not the intended result. LEOs are trained that if they have to employ deadly force once the threat is neutralized to render first aid to save the life of the person. The last thing a police officer wants to do is kill someone.
Second, you can not lump the solder into a group with police and citizens. Their job is to project power and yes to kill the enemy combatants.
Lastly, citizens (law abiding) own guns for many reasons. Sporting uses are but some of them. Some have them for self defense. I don't think they own them to "damage or kill" people but to protect themselves and others. Again the last thing any law abiding citizen wants to do is "damage or Kill" another person. If you were to ask anyone who had to use their gun in self defense, I'm sure they would respond that they were trying to protect themselves or another and not trying to " damage or kill."
ToW