I agree DDD, and also disagree.
Its also a matter of opinion, and a different culture in a way. There's many people in the US who don't believe in handguns, but its allowed with less restrictions. That is their choice. In Canada, there's people who posses handguns, and its severely restricted. Many people dont believe in it, and dont have handguns. Im not sure if Im getting my opinion across easily here.
I believe they should be allowed. They are for target shooting and protection. Although in Canada if you use them for protection you are pooched, but that's because our laws are so antiquated. Look at the few cases that are currently in supreme court challenges, and others that then got reduced or dismissed for the judges allowed for common sense. The conservatives in power are fortunately looking into updating the laws. I would like more rights for homeowners to protect them and their properties!
I had in the past year, someone openly hop my fence and start looking through stuff around my garage. I caught the person, and with the dog barking at him hopping around him, he told me if I stopped him or my dog bit him he would press charges. He walked right out through my front yard. I was on my cell with the police, they came and took my statement. They told me if I had restrained him in any way, I would have been charged. Also said nothing they could do, other then file a report.
I have seen a few more times people stop and look over the fence at what I have. I saw someone try to open my gate one time, rushed down and asked them what they thought they were doing.
I do not think the rules need to be the way they are in the US up in canada, as it is a different culture about it, but I feel they need to be better. Better rights for the property owner, but not to the extent of shooting someone unless it is justified.
The way I look at it, is it is a different belief.. and their Constitutional Right. End of story, no matter what stats say. For stats can be interpreted and categorized in many different ways. (not that I completely disagree with you).
You talk about your long gun.. but in canada there's many people wanting that gone. Look at the UN, talking about completely disallowing gun ownership for any citizen. We are not protected in the way the US is with their constitution.
Think of it like this; looking at the 'antiquated' idea, you can say the country has changed and it is no longer required. The same argument can be said for long guns, with hunting and sport. And many people in canada want hunting gone...
Hopefully I made kinda sense.
My opinion is the rules in the US are a bit too 'loose', but its protected. Ours in Canada are too outdated, and too strict, but shouldnt be the same as in the US. Due to different 'cultures' in the two countries.
