I haven't read the thread since my last post, I got fed up of it, and I have only quickly read Oakleaf's posts on this last page.
Personally I have two issues.
I don't want numpties with guns. End of.
but.... I don't want to see the ability to own and use guns removed from ordinary people.
That's the bit that too many just don't see; just refuse point blank to take on board.
That's the issue that not only folks like me are struggling with, but that the politicians, that we elect, are struggling with.
In some ways the OTT NRA hype really, really, does the shooting fraternity (and when did it become a fraternity, when did it become de rigeur to follow the party line ? Most of the folks I know who shoot, just quietly get on with it; they don't want any hassle about it; just dinner after a good walk) no favours in this country.
Neither does the perception that it's an exclusive 'sport' for the wealthy. Both those make the shooters into minority interests, so of course the majority win the vote.
I keep saying it; the only way is education, is in making it not only accountable but available.
Otherwise, tough, they'll have you counting pellets before you know it, and it'll be catapults next
Talking of which, I found the 1/4" square rubber in the shed yesterday
and I know where there's a quarter pound of mint imperials
Cheers Oakleaf
I think in someways our agree to disagree is the only civilised way to deal with this thread
Your arguments are well thought out and explained, but I think the writing is on the wall with this issue of licences.
I do think the English need to start accepting that if it becomes an issue down south, from any other incident where someone is hurt, then they'll be on a back foot re licencing there too. They need to encourage best practice, now; they need to encourage teaching, active participation and some kind of restriction when it goes wrong with the numpties....because as sure as eggs are eggs, there will always be a numpty who behaves badly with a airgun, and society as a whole, especially when the media hype and high dudgeon get involved, don't own airguns and are frightened of the numpties using them.
Urbanised society in the main, and that's not a countryside/town split to the matter. I know that the folks in the country would have conniption fits if folks were only allowed to shoot in the country because all those townees would then feel vindicated in taking their guns to the countryside to shoot.....wonder how long that would go peacefully ?
I said it before, and I'll say it again. With rights come responsibilities. When those who claim the right behave irresponsibly, society will act to restrict. The biggest issue is how to restrict without removing rights from all.
atb,
Mary