From: altheimm@nextnet.csus.edu (Murray Altheim)
Subject: Assault Weapons [Was: a few words about election results]
Organization: California State University Sacramento
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1992 18:32:46 GMT

In article <gate.2gi1TB1w165w@pil.UUCP> alizard@pil.UUCP writes:
>> From: altheimm@nextnet.csus.edu (Murray Altheim)
>> Newsgroups: alt.pagan
>> Subject: Re: A Few Words About Election Results
>> to no avail. The Democratic platform does not call for a ban on handguns,
>> only a ban on assault weapons. I have yet to hear a rational argument on
>> why a private citizen should be allowed an assault weapon. The other part 
>> is a waiting period. Do you have a big problem with a one week waiting
>> period? Just can't wait to kill someone? There has been no mention of 
>> a complete ban on handguns anywhere, except maybe the ranting of some
>> NRA lobbyists.
>
>As for assault weapons... I think it's time to find out what people are being
>hysterical about, the descriptions of the power of assault weapons I've seen
>around here look like science fiction death rays, not any product of
>Kalashnikov, Colt, or any other firearms company I ever heard of. So before
>you discuss why people should or should not own assault rifles, define the
>damn term?
>Waiting period... if you or a loved one ever get a death threat based on
>your religion or for any other reason, you will suddenly discover why I don't
>support a waiting period. (matter of fact, that's how I became a gun owner)
>
>Statements supporting outlawing of private gun ownership from NRA members
>are generally direct quotes from prominent members of anti-gun organizations.
> 
>blessings...
>                                                 A.Lizard

A.Lizard, (is your first name Al?)
I hope I'm not sounding hysterical. I have no particular belief in the
death ray theory. As discussed at some length in my earlier post, I have
a problem with two parts of "assault weapons": those that are automatic
weapons (or are easily modified to be automatic), and large magazine 
capacity. Neither are necessary for hunting, nor are appropriate for 
defensive purposes in an urban environment. And yes, I do understand how
a death threat can "necessitate" an immediate purchase -- in my current
relationship the possibility of a previous violent partner is a possibility,
and I assume he is armed. Waiting a week would be difficult. 

But on the other hand, if I piss off my neighbor, he can go down to the
store, buy a gun and come back home and shoot me. All in one afternoon.
This of course assuming that he doesn't already own a gun. Here in 
Sacramento we have shootings every few days. In Los Angeles it happens 
even more frequently. I think the problem most people have is that gangs
have access to military-style semi- and automatic weapons, and as these
are hardly necessary for home defense, a lot of us would like to see 
these weapons taken off the streets. 

Blessings,

Murray

-- 
Murray M. Altheim      "Ils ont l'orteil de Bouc, & d'un Chevreil l'oreille,
Instructional Consultant    La corne d'un Chamois, & la face vermeille
CSU, Sacramento          Comme un rouge Croissant: & dancent toute nuict
altheimm@csus.edu       Dedans un carrefour, ou pres d'une eau qui bruict."
Newsgroups: alt.pagan