http://www.guncite.com/swissgun-kopel.html
Image: This is a picture of a handgun. Swiss
government requires almost all adult males to own one.
Summary: In Switzerland, the gun crime rate is very
low, so the Swiss Government thinks it is okay to allow all adult, male, Swiss
citizens to own one. Since Switzerland's independence, in 1291 the
government has, not only allowed the right to bear arms, but required it. Along
with their gun, they get mandatory a training course with their
weapon. The handguns are for protection and could potentially be use in local militias.
There are problems with the gun rights, though. For example, the suicide rate
is much higher than America's because of the easy access to a gun. Overall,
Switzerland is a relatively safe and crime free country.
Reflection: This
an interesting view on the whole controversy around the right to bear arms. It surprises
me that the crime rate is so low. American government should, maybe, take this
technique into consideration. Since people are given guns and are trained to
use them properly, they do not act so animalistic with their weapon because
they have a respectful mentality. There are some good and bad things about
these very allowing rights, but I think they would be for the best.
Questions:
1. Do you think people should receive a gun
when they become an adult?
2. Do you think America would be ready for
laws like these?
3. Why did the Swiss government come up with
this law?
It is very intriguing that the gun crime rate is not very high in Switzerland. I would have thought it was higher because of the ease at which one can access a gun.But it is believable that the suicide rate is very high.Overall I think that this was a careless law made by a swiss government because of the everlasting threat of crime. You never know when the swiss people might rise up against their government, it is a disaster waiting to happen. I don't have specific connections to this article besides maybe that I own a bebe gun.Otherwise this is not really a topic that we had discussed in class
ReplyDeleteQuestions
1. If America were to use this law would it be as effective as in Switzerland, and why?
2.Do children or adults have more problems with gun use and why?
3.If guns were not allowed to the public at all, would that increase or decrease crime, and why?
It's really interesting how the gun crime rate isn't higher in Switzerland, One would think that it would be higher. to answer question #2, heck no. America would not be ready for a law like this.
ReplyDeleteI sort of like the way they are handling the gun problem. It sort of reminds me of a poster I saw that said"Guns don't kill people. People kill people." If laws banned guns then everyone but the bad guys would ave them. If everyone used guns though, it would be an even playing field.
ReplyDeleteIf everyone had guns, wouldn't there be more violence?
Are guns a problem since some people are just naturally violent?
What makes the law work in Switzerland?
Ryan Marineli
Science...?
ReplyDeletehmm...
Anyway...this particular morsel of information astounds me. I simply cannot wrap my head around it. I generally oppose guns, but it is interesting that the crime rate is lower. Perhaps there is simply a greater fear of retribution since there are so many gun owners. One thing did stand out to me, however; you said all adult MALES...hmm... To answer your question, no, I do not think people should all receive guns. It seems morally wrong to require people to own an instrument that can be used to harm another.