Originally Posted by Zeus

One thing I've never understood when it comes to gun control arguments is - how many people have actually shot someone in 'self-defense'?

I'll wager not many.

Actually shooting and killing another human being is something that I would never want on my conscience. I have a lot of respect for soldiers who have had to do so in the line of duty.

I think guns, or more precisely the ownership of a gun, imparts a potentially false sense of security. It could potentially make one think they are safer.

However, in a situation of real violence, how many average gun owners would be able to respond quickly enough, and effectively enough, to properly defend themselves? Would the presence of another gun escalate an already dangerous situation? Would a mugging become a murder as well? Would a break and enter result in deaths?

I've never had a use for a gun, personally, and probably never will. Canada, and Ontario, is looking towards a complete ban on handguns, which I would support.

I'm just sharing a different view, and I do respect the American view on gun ownership. I believe I somewhat understand its origins with the Constitution and an individual's right to bear arms to, in part, protect against a theoretically tyrannical state.

It's interesting how Canada and the US are so similar in many ways, and yet have such contrasting views on major subjects like this. Canadians do own a fair amount of guns per capita, but they are mostly hunting rifles.