Why is the government trying to ban legal handguns but not alcohol. Alcohol historically kills more each year.

Question

Drunk drivers kill more than both legal and illegal handguns combined. Yet drunk drivers get new licenses and alcohol is not overly regulated.

I don't get it.

Answer 1

Actually, the greatest killer by far is foods that contribute to cardiovascular disease. I'm for sticking the Colonel in the pokey!

Answer 2

There is a big problem here, and yes, you are right that this doesn't seem fair.

Guns suffer from a very severe PR problem, and part of that has historically been the messengers. All too often, the people who have been the most vocal in defending gun ownership have been so angry and so demeaning that they have appeared completely uncontrolled and part of a dangerous lunatic fringe. Even the first President Bush cancelled his lifetime membership in the NRA when he received a flyer referring to federal law enforcement as 'jack-booted thugs.' For the most part, when you think of gun owners, you do not think of responsible or even good-looking people (yes, image is EVERYTHING), but instead you think of loud and overweight men who tend to wave their guns around irresponsibly (the thought of alcohol being involved doesn't help either). Let's face it, when Moses (Charlton Heston) as the head of the NRA announced that he was an alcoholic and clinically depressed, the message was not terribly happy. When the VP had his accident and it was followed by four days of changing stories that made Bill Clinton seem forthcoming, well...

On the other hand, the marketing representative to the public of alcohol is always tremendously appealing and sells not irresponsiblity but FUN. (note: the Swedish Bikini Team, Spuds McKenzie, 'Duffman!', the Bakardi and Coke guys, etc).

In a democratic society, marketing is EVERYTHING!

Answer 3

I don't think it's fair to say that "the government" is trying to "ban" handguns - show me a bill in the legislature that would ban handguns outright.

I suppose the philosophy for the conflict you note is that a greater *percentage* of alcohol use is non-deadly, compared to handguns. I don't even know if that's true but I would guess that it is.

Perhaps a better question is why to allow alcohol but not marijuana.

Answer 4

They tried banning alcohol. (see 18th amendment. Period began Jan. 16th 1920). It was later repealed by the 21st amendment. I believe both of these laws would be unconstitutional. Regardless, of how we feel about either, I am sick of losing more and more of our basic rights as a free nation. I agree that alcohol is a dangerous drug. I don't see much wrong with guns, as long as they are not issued to felons or dangerous individuals. I know we have some laws that attempt to do this, though they are not easily enforceable. I have no real answer for you. I just wanted to share my views. Thank you for the opportunity.

Answer 5

The 18th Amendment and Volsted Act that brought on the prohibition of alcohol didn't work and was repealed. Problem is, politicians in their 'infinite wisdom' seem to think it will work with firearms and drugs. It's not and never will, given human nature. A different approach is needed and there isn't enough space here to debate it. But very good question.

Answer 6

I'd rather face a drunk any day.....some wacko with a gun is unpredictable. I don't think handguns should be outlawed, but why can't we insist that owners are registered and licensed to use guns just as they are registered and licensed to drive a car?

Answer 7

The gov tried that once with alcohol. Too many drunk Americans protested

Answer 8

The Leftist want to disarm Americans. So does the UN.
Gun Control is the first step in a totalitarian government.

Answer 9

because if they take all the handguns crime will escalate into a nightmare, this will give this will give the goverment an excuse to impose martial law and have better totalarin control over everyone//my feelings is everyone except convicted crimnals can have any kind of gun he or she wants but if you commit a crime with it automatically 50 years in sing sing no parole no appleas,no tv,health care 12hr forced labor on Sunday and 16 hrs all other days on productive tax saving work and if you die there we bury you free in a pasteboard box or feed you to the guard dogs/// these people will have to go to church and sing hymns in worship service every Sunday and study the bible// provid their on food from gardens and learn what its like for pissing off a good ole working man/woman//in other words i dont want them to forget ,stick it in break it off and turn it sideways and jerk on it real hard to set it /////

Answer 10

Government makes money from taxes on alcohol not much on guns. Do you really expect them to injure the goose laying the golden eggs?