Town in Pennsylvania votes on guns for everyone

[carocat]

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - A tiny town in western Pennsylvania could ask all of its residents to own guns, if a proposal under consideration on Wednesday wins approval from local officials.

Under the proposed law, residents of Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania, would be asked to own guns and know how to use them. Cherry Tree, some 70 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, has about 400 residents.

The town council was scheduled to vote on the proposed "Civil Protection Ordinance" on Wednesday evening.

Introduced last month by resident Henry Statkowski, the measure recommends that "all heads of households maintain a firearm along with ammunition."

In written comments, Statkowski said homeowners have a right and a responsibility to defend against intruders rather than calling police and waiting for help to arrive.

The measure would send a message to "burglars, ne'er-do-wells and other criminal elements," Statkowski wrote.

The male head of the household has the responsibility to defend the family from intruders, he also wrote.

"I don't believe your wife would appreciate it very much if you said, 'Honey, I'll wait until the police arrive and have them defend your life,'" he wrote.

Statkowski could not be reached for comment.

Chad Ramsey, a spokesman for the national gun-control group the Brady Campaign, dismissed the proposal as "ridiculously silly."

The measure was unlikely to pass because state law prevents municipalities from making their own gun laws, Ramsey said. He said about 40 percent of Pennsylvania households own guns.

Aaron Fry, owner of the Cherry Tree Cafe, said he did not understand why the measure was necessary because guns are common. "Every house has a couple of guns," he said.
Source (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061207/od_nm/usa_guns_dc_2)

I don't think I've read this much crap in a long time. What the are they thinking? Honestly?

[Truplaya83]

Proves some countries cant find their way out of the dark ages. This is insane, not much more can be said.

Next it will be, "a town in Texas gives machine guns to all its population" or something equally stupid.

[Dcontrol]

Truly bizarre news. Another shocking factor is that 40% of Pennsylvania households own guns.

[damien©]

I can understand the weird point of this, I assume there has been events prior to this such as dissatisfaction with the Police Force in this Town. However creating vigilante's to enforce the Law is never a good idea and although everyone has the right to protect their property and family....I don't think it's a good idea to promote the use of Lethal weapons to combat "ne'er-do-wells".

Oh well, it's not going to pass but it's a weirdly interesting idea, except the aspect of lethal weaponry.

[Dcontrol]

I can understand the weird point of this, I assume there has been events prior to this such as dissatisfaction with the Police Force in this Town. However creating vigilante's to enforce the Law is never a good idea and although everyone has the right to protect their property and family....I don't think it's a good idea to promote the use of Lethal weapons to combat "ne'er-do-wells".

Oh well, it's not going to pass but it's a weirdly interesting idea, except the aspect of lethal weaponry.

I was thinking that when I read it. We don't know fully what has gone on to promote such a drastic and radical call for action but promoting guns surely can't be the answer.

[carocat]

I just don't get it. 400 citizens. And they complain about having to wait for the police?

Surely in a town like this they all know each other and know who the burglar is and strangers would be recognised instantly.

400 people, that's less than in 2 of the roads around here....

[WACCOE]

Absolutly crazy.

Typical Americans.

[damien©]

I just don't get it. 400 citizens. And they complain about having to wait for the police?


Yea well 400 people spread over a large area are very separated town, so it probably takes the Police along time to get to certain areas.

[Kalou]

Absolutly crazy.

Typical Americans.

Yep, they don't half come up with some of the most demented crap I have ever read, now lets wait for their representative aka Blaze_lord to come in and cry about us saying bad words about those perfect Americans.

[damien©]

There's no need for that, Kalou or Thornbag...

There is obviously a series of events that have lead to this proposed Law from being put in place, I suspect that because it has such as small Population they don't get much money for the Policing in the town.

So although it's not the right method, I suspect that they know they can't get more moeny for policing to protect the citizens so it;s easier for them to promote the use of legal gun use that to spend thousands hiring more police.

As Carocat points out they probably know everyone, that's right but it's not the locals that are stealing of them it's more likely people out of town coming in, similar to people who rob farmhouses and rural areas in this country.

There's no need to aggravate some one either Kalou, I would assume that a few Americans would be insulted by what you said.

[Kalou]

They are insulted by everything, that is my point, they think they are special and they ain't, I don't care what Americans think because I don't care for Americans, they are too full of it.

[damien©]

Why is it acceptable to be racist against Americans but not other races in the UK or around the world?

Or is that just public perception.

[Blaze Lord]

Why thank you, Kalou. I always knew you cared about me. I love you too. And I agree with you 100%! I mean.. We suck. :).

[Killer 57]

Woo Hoo USA Sucks USA sucks!

[Blaze Lord]

Yeah baby!

To be honest, I didn't even know we sucked until Kalou pointed it out for us. Did you, Killer? Gosh, I sure didn't. But it all makes sense now. We really frickin' suck!!1! :)

And Big D, it's acceptable because we're the only superpower left in the world. Because of that, knowing that WE SUCK is the price we pay for being alive and rich and sorta-free, all at the same time.

[Killer 57]

Nah man I was too busy eating McDs, watching American football, supporting George Bush, being ignorant, and suing every company that I possibly can. Thanks to Kalou I finally know that we suck.

[Blaze Lord]

Weren't you also buying an SUV and filling it up with our barely-taxed gasoline and cackling gleefully over the fact that we get Security Council veto power in the UN even though we don't pay dues? 'Cause we're supposed to do that now. I would've, but I was too busy masturbating over the fact that we WON WW2 FOR THESE LIMEYS!!

[damien©]

And Big D, it's acceptable because we're the only superpower left in the world. Because of that, knowing that WE SUCK is the price we pay for being alive and rich and sorta-free, all at the same time.

It's not acceptable either way, I know your only mocking him.

Saying that the only thing I don't like about the US is your current Government along with our own is reflecting badly on the rest of the world and it's kind of has an attitude of "my way or the highway". Which is something I don't like as it's an annoyingly over confident attitude of always being right.

Also it's a very common thing for people in the UK living down South of the UK.

Just thought I'd share my views on the comments :D

[Blaze Lord]

It's been Our Way or the Highway ever since the end of WW2. US Foreign policy has never been nice. It was always "Do as we say or we kill you." We just used to be more quiet about it. Every administration has been a global realist. The problem is that our current one is so incompetent. But I wasn't really mocking him, not in that quote. We're the superpower. We can be invaded, but we sure as hell can be hated.

[Kalou]

See what I mean hahaha, who even mentioned the word "suck" until you two plonkers did? this is exactly what I mean about yanks, you think you are the greatest and when someone doesn't agree you go into a sissy fit :)

I bet America isn't even that bad, but every American I see, whether it's during a game or on a forum are all full of themselves and that pisses me off, just like you Blaze Lord you seem to think you're the best thing since sliced bread :)

[Blaze Lord]

Really? Well, okay man. I'll try to work on that.

...Say.. You don't go into sissy fits whenever someone disagrees with you, right? Definitely not.

..Right?

[Kalou]

Not when they disagree no, when they are indenial such as BS or bingo over something so obvious, so no.

[Blaze Lord]

Well, I suppose that's just your superior Edinburgh upbringing at work. I wish I had such a secure and developed sense of worth.. What's that feel like? Good, I imagine?

[derekm91]

if you dont like america then get the hell out! typical europeans to think guns are bad. PA is a big hunting state, but you wouldn't know because you dont live here!

[damien©]

if you dont like america then get the hell out! typical europeans to think guns are bad. PA is a big hunting state, but you wouldn't know because you dont live here!

It doesn't help your case by doing what your complaining about in reverse...

I'm European and I don't think Guns are bad, I just see them as an unsuitable object to be available to the masses. We do have guns here mainly for Hunting and Gun Collectors...It's just a different take on Gun Control.

Considering you are from Pennsylvania, is there a reason behind this law trying to be brought in or just another random law petitioning.

[TBS Trojan]

well nootron is right, being that we ARE from PA, i think we know just a little bit more than you guys as far as what goes around here. i have two friends upstate, and my dad has been there many times, all have said that everyone up there owns a gun which is their choice and right to bear arms. And Kalou, wow, i know ill probably get edited or banned but you dont like americans? who the hell spit in your muffin today. no we're not perfect, most countries dont know that we actually have poverty, would ya look at that. just go to philadelphia, or detroit. you need to know what the hell you are talking about, before you bash. I'm sure many americans will be the first ones to admit we're not perfect. it's seeing your're mistakes, and being able to learn from them that makes you truly great.

[Blaze Lord]

Most countries don't know that we have poverty? Where did that come from?

[TBS Trojan]

Africa, and muslims. the typical american throws away food, and is filthy rich.

[Blaze Lord]

Broseph, what in the world are you talking about?

[TBS Trojan]

Who's Broseph?

[Blaze Lord]

Oof. Nevermind that. Believe me, I'm sure the rest of the world knows that we have poor people here.

[derekm91]

well nootron is right, being that we ARE from PA, i think we know just a little bit more than you guys as far as what goes around here. i have two friends upstate, and my dad has been there many times, all have said that everyone up there owns a gun which is their choice and right to bear arms. And Kalou, wow, i know ill probably get edited or banned but you dont like americans? who the hell spit in your muffin today. no we're not perfect, most countries dont know that we actually have poverty, would ya look at that. just go to philadelphia, or detroit. you need to know what the hell you are talking about, before you bash. I'm sure many americans will be the first ones to admit we're not perfect. it's seeing your're mistakes, and being able to learn from them that makes you truly great.

im glad im not the only level-headed american on the site!

[derekm91]

Source (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061207/od_nm/usa_guns_dc_2)

I don't think I've read this much crap in a long time. What the are they thinking? Honestly?

Why would you even bring this up? If it's such "crap" don't bother posting it! Why would someone want to read "crap"? You live in a very different place my friend. Just because you think something is "crap" doesn't mean it is. Look up "redneck". Maybe that would help you understand why the law was made. Those people have totally different views than you, but that does NOT mean they are wrong. Your bashing PA, you don't even live here, you don't even live in the USA!!! It would be one thing if I posted this, being a resident of PA, but you dont even know what your talking about. We live in two very different societies.

[Killer 57]

im glad im not the only level-headed american on the site!

And I'm glad there are only two "Level-headed" Americans on this site.

[linkofhyrule]

Why would you even bring this up? If it's such "crap" don't bother posting it! Why would someone want to read "crap"? You live in a very different place my friend. Just because you think something is "crap" doesn't mean it is. Look up "redneck". Maybe that would help you understand why the law was made. Those people have totally different views than you, but that does NOT mean they are wrong. Your bashing PA, you don't even live here, you don't even live in the USA!!! It would be one thing if I posted this, being a resident of PA, but you dont even know what your talking about. We live in two very different societies.
Errm. Dude, it's her opinion..

And it's not like she was dissing the country by saying "USA SUXORS MAJOR" or "Pennsylvania's a crappy state to live in!!!!!!1!!".. she was just saying what she thought on a law which hasn't even passed.

And I'm an American in a more redneck state then yours, Virginia, and I think there's something stupid about it too. The rule doesn't even require the residents to buy guns, it just suggests it. Shouldn't that be up to a speech or something by a local political figure? I've never heard of laws suggesting things.

[Killer 57]

Your first sentence would make any English teacher cringe,Keeper. Besides that, consider me out of this discussion. The level of ignorance being displayed here is far to high for me to match.

[Tobes]

KryptKeeper check your PMs.
Everyone else. Keep it to a discussion rather than a argument. But I thank members for keeping cool about it (Y)

[TBS Trojan]

And I'm glad there are only two "Level-headed" Americans on this site.

he meant non arrogant.

[Dcontrol]

Keep it on topic please guys. This thread is about what is in the first post please keep it that way.

[carocat]

Why would you even bring this up? If it's such "crap" don't bother posting it! Why would someone want to read "crap"? You live in a very different place my friend. Just because you think something is "crap" doesn't mean it is. Look up "redneck". Maybe that would help you understand why the law was made. Those people have totally different views than you, but that does NOT mean they are wrong. Your bashing PA, you don't even live here, you don't even live in the USA!!! It would be one thing if I posted this, being a resident of PA, but you dont even know what your talking about. We live in two very different societies.
derek, that is just my opinion. As an educated European woman I believe guns are very, very wrong and if used should only be used by people that clearly know how to handle them. Furthermore guns should stay far away from the reach of children and not be openly accessible.

Now you tell me how does that law (if it comes in place) counteract with what I've just said?
1) Everyone will have access to guns,
2) It'll be easier for children to access it,
3) Guns will become more 'normal', so people don't see it as the bad thing it is.

I can kind of see (not understand) your point that it's a different society, but am I not allowed to find things out from other societies? Surely if I only concern myself with national news I'd be narrowminded....

[Blaze Lord]

In response to 3), it's already clearly 'normal' and has been for centuries.

[carocat]

Ok, true, but it would become a much integrated.

The more I think about it, the more I think this is some genius plan of a weapons company. Either low key, like a factory nearby or massively that they're trying this in a small town to the widen it out to other states.... At the end of the day they are the ones that would gain the most.

[Blaze Lord]

As link pointed out, this is just a law to 'ask' residents to own guns. It's just for show. And as you pointed out, these are very small towns. And as TBS pointed out, the gun factories have already found their audience.

No, this is an artifact of the media-scare that Michael Moore ranted about in Bowling for Columbine.

[Killer 57]

Kinda like one of Bush's (or Bush himself, don't quite remember) associate who made billions thanks to the war in Iraq.

[Kubrick]

As an educated European woman [...]
I'm European [...]
When did the English consider themselves 'Europeans'? You can't cut centuries of an isolationism policy in regards to Europe, or the fact that you've been playing the caddy to America's golfer rather than the EU in one fell swoop, when, politically, Europe, or more specifically the EU, has established who's the intellectual behemoth in World politics.

Remember: you sucked Bush's little pecker for years, and it's time to swallow, my fellow "Europeans". ;)

[damien©]

I've seen myself as European for a while mainly due to the fact that I enjoy the Cultures of all of the countries in it that so far I have visited.

I'm also an Irish Citizen living in the UK, so I don't consider myself British or Irish more a mix between the two so I think European is much more of a better description for me.

Plus were all European Citizens it's what enables us to travel across Europe with out a Visa or to settle in other Countries with the ability to gain benefits.

[Kubrick]

I've seen myself as European for a while mainly due to the fact that I enjoy the Cultures of all of the countries in it that so far I have visited.

I'm also an Irish Citizen living in the UK, so I don't consider myself British or Irish more a mix between the two so I think European is much more of a better description for me.

Plus were all European Citizens it's what enables us to travel across Europe with out a Visa or to settle in other Countries with the ability to gain benefits.
Irish passport?

[carocat]

I am German, but in live in the UK, so therefore consider myself European, especially as part of my heritage is from Italy and Austria.

It's all EU, isn't it?

[damien©]

Irish passport?

Yea, why do you say that?

[derekm91]

When did the English consider themselves 'Europeans'? You can't cut centuries of an isolationism policy in regards to Europe, or the fact that you've been playing the caddy to America's golfer rather than the EU in one fell swoop, when, politically, Europe, or more specifically the EU, has established who's the intellectual behemoth in World politics.

Remember: you sucked Bush's little pecker for years, and it's time to swallow, my fellow "Europeans". ;)

WTF???????????

[Blaze Lord]

It's in regards to Blair's support of Bush, and by extension the country's support of Bush, I'm assuming.

[Kubrick]

Yea, why do you say that?
My apologies, then, and to the kracat too.

[carocat]

kracat
Haven't heard that one before...

Cat will do. ;)

[Kubrick]

Haven't heard that one before...

Cat will do. ;)
Okay, Cat, but I still think that 'beeitch' would do much better. ;)

[derekm91]

i dont understand a word that leaves your fingers kubrick

[Blaze Lord]

That's all part of being "level-headed."