11-24-2008, 04:14 AM
Having been a victim of gun crimes my biggest single problem with this topic is the ease with which people want to inflate and inflame. Burglary is a non violent crime. It is not murder, it is not attempted murder, it is not armed robbery. It is not a capital crime. I note the difference. When a gun enters the mix everything changes.
By raising nonviolent crimes in this discussion to the level of violent ones sense immediately goes out the window and fear and panic become the driving force.
My worry is that by inflaming and exaggerating the situation a self fulfilling prophecy can occur. Before we know it or want it the area turns into an armed camp. The us's eye the them's with constant suspicion and the gun sellers are happy. Tragedies occur.
I have only noted one person posting an interest in joining a neighborhood watch. I really would hope that more of a collective approach to crime as a problem might replace the individual concerns. My admiration goes to the neighborhood watch volunteer.
By raising nonviolent crimes in this discussion to the level of violent ones sense immediately goes out the window and fear and panic become the driving force.
My worry is that by inflaming and exaggerating the situation a self fulfilling prophecy can occur. Before we know it or want it the area turns into an armed camp. The us's eye the them's with constant suspicion and the gun sellers are happy. Tragedies occur.
I have only noted one person posting an interest in joining a neighborhood watch. I really would hope that more of a collective approach to crime as a problem might replace the individual concerns. My admiration goes to the neighborhood watch volunteer.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Punaweb moderator