In a message dated 8/18/99 12:46:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Pierrot65@aol.com writes: << Jim -- Just a quick question -- how many reports have you read of "responsible citizens" whose stream of "rightfully borne" bullets has cut down the unjust? I, personally, haven't seen very many. But then, I am not down there in the South with idle cold, dead hands to bear arms. And I'm not kidding, either. Rick >> Not sure what you mean by the question here. If you mean there's no real threat to the populace, I'd say it's because it is armed. The threat would only exist for a disarmed populace. If all you really want to know is "how many reports I've heard about guns being used for self-defense," you don't really think that's a meaningful question, do you? It's more a statement about what the news chooses to report than what's really happening out there. I personally know several people whose possession of a weapon has saved their lives. I also personally know others who have suffered from guns being in the wrong hands. If you were paying attention you'd see I acknowledged the threat of guns being available to the public, and decided (for myself, anyways) that it was worth the risk. I realize in this issue what is decided for one is decided for all. So it comes down to a political battle. I know what side I'm on. And I don't even own a gun :) Jim