"If the government outlaws ________, that won't stop people from having them." Fill in the blank?

Question

What comes to mind? Guns? Abortion? Something else?

Seems like the two issues I mentioned are similar, in that there are deeply held beliefs on each side of both. And each side can't possibly fathom the thinking of the other, on each issue. (The old "red-state/blue state" divide, I suppose.)

So what do we do? Is there a solution to either issue? Should either or both be decided state-by-state? Are any constitutional amendments necessary?

And when is the argument in the title valid, if ever?

I'd appreciate any thoughts. Thanks.

Answer 1

We have rights given to us by the constitution that allow us to bear arms, have life, have liberty, have privacy, etc. These rights don't apply when they enfringe on someone else's rights. This is where owning a gun should be legal, since the act in owning one doesn't effect anyone elses. When the commit an crime, then they have violated someones rights The act of owning one doesn't constitute that they will violate someone elses rights at some point.

On the other hand, The abortion argument is on whether the fetus is human (therefore having rights as one). For if the fetus is human, then the mother of it doesn't have the right of privacy to kill it, since she would then be violating its right to life. Scientist agree on one thing, that is that consciousness (the trait that makes us distinctly human) occurs some time after conception (notice I didn't say birth). Ignorance of something has never been an excuse to do something to the contrary. If we can't establish when the fetus becomes human, then we shouldn't view people as having the right to just kill it when the wish to.

Other things like drugs are illegal since they aren't guarenteed in the constitution and have no value to the society. If we want to view owning the drugs as legal provided they don't use them illegally, that would be fine with me but obviously wouldn't work. Its not like you are owning the drugs to defend yourself or just too look at.

Answer 2

Both should be decided state-by-state, as neither is particularly relevant to the running of a federal government. Unfortunately, they're such emotional issues that politicians find them handy in distracting us from the piss-poor running of our nation.

People arguing about abortion don't realize that it's not a federal issue, but one of doctor's ethics. The AMA generally oversees the ethical guidelines for doctors. If you're unsure of the morality of any medical procedure, that's the place to start asking questions; not congress.

People arguing about gun control, don't realize the importance of the second amendment. A population capable of organizing and arming itself is our very last line of defense against a dictator taking over. With the Bush Administrations zeal in throwing out the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th amendments, auspiciously to fight terrorism, I would have thought that liberals would value the 2nd now more than ever. It's not about rednecks buying loud toys, it's about the people being able to defend themselves against a tyrant. It's happened before, and it can happen again.

What do we do? We stop chewing on the squeeky toy. Put aside these either/or "wedge" issues, and start working from common ground. We'd all like to see the defecit halted, we'd all like to see school performance improved, we'd all like a robust economy. Rather than waste time blasting eachother over minutiae, lets focus on common goals and start thinking about how to acheive them together.

For better or worse, Liberals and Conservatives carry about equal numbers in this country- which means that nothing can get done that both parties aren't involved with. Tearing ourselves apart from within is counter-productive.

Answer 3

well constitutionally speaking the right to own a gun is the right one... as for abortion that is a debate that will forever go on... I still think its the choice to the women but just mine... as for the guns it is stated very clearly in our rights, if we give those up might as well burn the constitution or whats left of it anyway....

Answer 4

drugs, guns, abortions, alcohol, etc

Bans do nothing. Where demand exists, supply will ALWAYS follow.

For any real impact, legislatures should focus on demand oriented solutions, as limiting supply has always been shown to have very little effect, regardless of the issue.

Answer 5

Turned down the date with George Clooney

Answer 6

You might as well leave that blank blank, because it doesn't matter what you put in there.

Answer 7

Owning a gun in and of itself does not cause a death.
Abortion does.

Answer 8

guns

Answer 9

ponies

Answer 10

hemorrhoids