Shootings and gangs: black community leaders speak up

[mel_zoom]

"Do you....

a) Shoot them."

That is not an option. I don't own a firearm and have absolutely no wish to do so. Even if I did, shooting someone, even in self defence, in the UK is likely to get me imprisoned.

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X-Ray:

"Mel I think you have serious misconceptions about the use of guns in crime, and guns vs knives vs axes etc from a tactical point of view. There isn't much I can do to help you see the reality of the situation because you obviously have no experience in this regard."

Wrong. I was attacked at knifepoint about 4 years ago. I resisted and I got away relativey unharmed You are doubtless thinking that he never intended to use it other than to intimidate me but you would be wrong again. He lunged with it several times aiming for my upper body.

I have no doubt that if he had a gun I would be dead - even if I managed to get away as before he could have shot me down as I fled.

[mel_zoom]

"Good to see that you think fighter jets, tanks, guided bombs, laser targetting equipment and parts for nuclear submarines don't fall into the "specifically designed to assist in the waging of armed conflict" category."

I was talking about your tobacco company example but never mind. If it makes you feel comfortably superior to take my reply completely out of context and use it to insult me see how much I care.

[mel_zoom]

" Oh, I'm pretty sure I'd rather wrestle a handgun, or especially a rife, out from a persons hands than a knife. I wouldn't get cut that way."

If someone levels a gun straight at you and its clear they wont hesitate to use it how quickly do you think you can move yourself out of its path and trap their arm compared to their squeezing the trigger at the first sign of trouble? Whilst you are correct that you could get cut in the struggle, how confident are you that an accidental discharge in the struggle wont wound you just as badly? Once an arm is trapped it becomes a lot more difficult to use a knife but it is still quite easy to fire a gun you are holding.

I dont like those odds one bit. A person holding a knife has to lunge at you with it having gotten reasonably within reach. Timing wise you are more evenly matched.

Also, unless they are an expert knife thrower you are more likely to get away safely too.

[mel_zoom]

"Comment for Mel:..."

Hmmm. I wonder why you are still single.















:-P

[mel_zoom]

"When I get it (if I get it) I will be sure to make a thread on it, mainly for Mel's benefit"

Well I hope it keeps you warm at night :-P