What fuels the love for guns in the US? - Inside Story Americas

Subscribe to our channel bit.ly/AJSubscribe
In this first episode of our Inside Story Americas special series, Guns, Culture and Crime in the US, we look at why the debate over gun control is so polarised and travel to West Virginia - a place where shooting guns is a sport that has been passed down over generations - to find out what fuels the love for guns in this country.
At Al Jazeera English, we focus on people and events that affect people's lives. We bring topics to light that often go under-reported, listening to all sides of the story and giving a 'voice to the voiceless.'
Reaching more than 270 million households in over 140 countries across the globe, our viewers trust Al Jazeera English to keep them informed, inspired, and entertained.
Our impartial, fact-based reporting wins worldwide praise and respect. It is our unique brand of journalism that the world has come to rely on.
We are reshaping global media and constantly working to strengthen our reputation as one of the world's most respected news and current affairs channels.
Social Media links:
Facebook: / aljazeera
Instagram: aljazeera?ref=...
Twitter: / ajenglish
Website: www.aljazeera.com/
google+: plus.google.com/+aljazeera/posts

[@Sprotdude17]

When someone says "you don't need this", you need it.

[@gunenthusiast9373]

Sprotdude17 Yeah. Honestly, you don't need anything except food. EVERYTHING including your computer is a "want". Same with semi auto rifles. I understand they're extremely dangerous, but with paperwork, only us honest gun enthusiasts are going to have the guns.

[@DavidStanleymusic]

GunEnthusiast Guns are needed more the better in a violent place like USA ,places where guns are no longer allowed in America are places of rampant violent crimes

[@trekkifpv1976]

Sprotdude17 right

[@billadams8086]

Sprotdude17 100% right

[@chrisbarr959]

it's not called the bill of needs

[@Zyn88]

"Those who purchase firearms at gun shows are not required to have background checks." 100% outright lie. While the transfer between 2 private citizens does not require a background check, an FFL holder at a gun show is still required to conduct a background check if they'd like to keep their license and continue selling firearms as a legal business.

[@benjammin8965]

Very tru

[@josephedwarddowling5919]

It is necessary now because decades ago ATF video recorded agents buying guns with no background checks or even and I.D. .

[@coopinaz]

Any person who wishes to disarm another person, no doubt, wishes to do something unpleasant to that person.

[@williamadams8353]

Make them a slave? Better to kill those people who would put shackles on you, than suffer their attempt to make you into a slave, that is owned like property.

[@billhill7330]

i fully believe that US citizens should have access to full military hardware.

[@67chev55]

Bill Hill I agree.

[@twombonu]

+Bill Hill If my novel goes viral, I plan to purchase a couple of Russian tanks.

[@billhill7330]

***** 1. Because it is in the constitution, the founding fathers did not put bans on what we could and could not own. They fully believed that we should be able to have the fire power to match that of the government or any foreign terror. And i fear in the near future we will need it.

[@billhill7330]

***** If i offended you, you needed it.

[@billhill7330]

***** Yes, now the long answer. I am a gun toting, God fearing, pickup truck driving, red blooded American.

[@erth2man]

Anyone's grief over a murdered loved one does not justify any reduction of my rights, freedom, or liberty. More than enough laws are already in place to allow the prosecution of any and all firearm violations. If we were committed to enforce even a small portion of these laws we might actually reduce firearm homicides.

[@vincegredo]

It's the responsibility of every man to defend himself and the people who depend on him as best as he can. It's as simple as that.

[@vincegredo]

***** In 1877 that philosophy was more than useful it was essential! It won the west and propelled this country towards being the imperial power it is today. True we have our fair share of bad eggs and crazies in our society but you can't tell me that all the people who lived 140 years ago without so much as a formal means of education are more rational than the people of today. I'm not buying it, if you ask me we should take notes from our ancestors and keep doing what works. If more decent law abiding citizens carried guns than what criminal in his right mind would willfully take the risk of a fair fight. And if he weren't in his right mind than what would the chances be that he'd win against a surrounding group of armed people who are in their right mind.

[@vincegredo]

***** Funny you should mention crime rates seeing as how they're the lowest they've been in the last 20 years. You're right, human nature doesn't change. We are animals and animals fight for survival. How else does a man fight the corruption and crime surrounding him without the proper means.

[@vincegredo]

I don't believe in civilization, it's a pipe dream, but regardless of what I believe its what I say and what I don't. I'm not saying people should all pick up their guns, go out, and play judge / jury / executioner with the lives of others. I am merely saying that if a law abiding citizen is physically attacked unlawfully by another individual than said citizen deserves a chance to fight back. A chance to defend their own life and the lives of those that depend on them.

[@HowDyaYouLikeMeNow]

And that's why guys like you worry me. You'd have a flamethrower or a gatling gun sitting in your closet if you were only allowed. No comprehension of measured defence. You just keep running that line through your heads and it instantly negates all rational counterpoints, it seems.

[@vincegredo]

***** Like I said before, humans are animals. Nothing more. We take advantage of what we have and if the need arises we kill to defend it. There is no other way to live alternative to thinking that the worst case scenario can become a possibility at any moment. Maybe 70 years ago that was possible but not today. The destruction inflicted by our existing enemies is far too real and in too high of probablility to simply shrug off and ignore.

[@keksterbojester818]

I like how they cut off where he was trying to explain how difficult it is to buy a full auto. Crappy editing by people who dont want the public knowing the truth.

[@anonymouscitizen2732]

He was about to tell everyone how to legally own full auto. Then they cut.

[@alexs.5675]

I've been a victim of gun violence and in no way did that put me off guns

[@jacobsanders8079]

Alex S. I’m srry you were a victim of it but I’m glad you’re logical about it. Most people think that guns are all out to get them after stuff like that.

[@cravinbob]

The "Wild West" comment on the video was completely wrong. When I hear people say America is a "gun culture" it is obviously being said in a derogatory way not to mention totally false. If it were true that America is a gun culture then one would be assured of instant retaliation should they brandish or discharge a firearm in a public place. There are only two ways to protect yourself in this world and one is to hire protection and the other is to carry it with you. If you value your family then protect them do not hobble the country to suit your unfounded fear.

[@propriono]

In Alaska there are more guns than people, but no crimes.

[@corporateevolution4031]

Is that from the same source that said you can see Russia from Alaska?

[@SilverStarHeggisist]

not all of us gun owners "hunt" some of us wouldn't even consider shooting an animal unless that animal was trying to kill us. so the "would you hunt with this" doesn't really apply to all of us because some of us don't hunt at all.

[@__Ryan_]

exactly and the 2nd mentions no hunting...i can trap and eat i love when they make that bs argument

[@calebwhittington3749]

What fuels the love is a knowledge of history and what has happened before when the populous has been disarmed...

[@ciscokidkid6580]

When the government says you don’t need it you do. My people where in trouble because they gave there guns up. If you get rid of gun free zones what’s mass shooting.

[@PhantomPiney]

After that long talk about guns, I will stick to my firearms for it's my fellow Americans Right! Stay safe all. :)

[@koltray8576]

Same.

[@harlow743]

Man what a GREAT country !!! when your afraid your countrymen WILL ATTACK YOU !!

[@jacobsanders8079]

bobo brazil You have that danger everywhere tbh. It’s just that we Americans are on an equal playing field. The problem with violence in America isn’t the guns, it’s something that has changed in society. These incidents didn’t start to be the way they are today till 20 years ago or so and weapons like these have been available for longer than that. So what is it in society that has caused this?

[@jackwayne2993]

The statement of 1,556 gun deaths in the first 48 days of 2016 is false and misleading. According to the FBI, there are more people killed with knifes than with firearms. Where there are more firearms, there is less crimes and murder. That's a fact. I'm from Texas and Texas has a very strong gun culture. I come from a Military Family and my Dad began instructing me in firearm safety and marksmanship when I was 8 years old. I'm now 62 and I raised my children the same way.

[@on2wheels378]

It's not a love... It's a RIGHT!

[@jacobsanders8079]

On 2Wheels I love my guns because I love my family. So technically it can be love lol

[@ricashbringer9866]

Our love for guns comes from the same place as our love for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to own property. They are natural rights not granted by the government, but protected by the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. What I would like to know is where the love for suppression of those rights comes from in other countries.

[@extremebreedscatlife]

Quit giving psychos a gun free zone to go to then enough is enough guns stop guns we need more open carry in every state

[@leopheard]

First minute and already a glaring error - the country with the most guns in civilian hands is Switzerland. PLEASE just someone give me some proper facts, not opinion or fiddled figures, but real facts.

[@leopheard]

Another one, a clip fits inside a magazine fixed to the rifle. Removable magazine isn't a clip.

[@querydelacroix2919]

What gun besides an M1 has an internal clip?

[@monkey_gamer9408]

@@querydelacroix2919 the c96 Mauser

[@IronTitanProductions]

The other day I put a round into my shotgun, took the safety off and set it on my porch facing the walkway. Throughout the day the postman came, my neighbor stopped by and my nephews came to visit, and I must have the laziest damn gun in the world because it didn't kill one person. I also heard spoons are making people fat...

[@HowDyaYouLikeMeNow]

I guess you'll keep us updated when the neighbour's eight-year-old kid picks it up.

[@IronTitanProductions]

Hahaha

[@festdir]

How Do Ya Like Me Now, Chucklehead? Your irrational fear is based in abject ignorance. Lose the ignorance, lose your cowardice.

[@HowDyaYouLikeMeNow]

festdir No. It's based on child death statistics regarding firearms. Lose your ignorance.

[@festdir]

According to the CDC report commissioned by President Obama, firearms accounts for less than 1% of accidental fatalities. It is literally 100 times more likely that a person dies from anything else than from a firearm. Lose your ignorance, lose your irrational fear.

[@drivediveflyatr]

PS - According to a Pew study in 2014, the numbers have flipped: 52% support increased gun rights over 46% supporting increased gun control. Perhaps the US population is finally recognizing the irrationality of gun control.

[@drivediveflyatr]

lilbeserk I'm not sure I understand how liberalism should favor gun control. But one thing is certain--the local PD was never a line of defense, first or last.

[@nmarbletoe8210]

Andy Robinson once upon a time liberals were fighting for gun rights, not control -- after the civil war when freed blacks really needed them.

[@drivediveflyatr]

N Marbletoe As you say. And so should liberals be fighting for gun rights today.

[@nmarbletoe8210]

Andy Robinson So they should. I've seen a few but where are all my peeps!? where i live it's small town/ rural so most are in favor of gun rights no matter their politics, but i am disappointed more city liberals don't know their history and fall for the fear-scare-guilt-surrender propaganda.

[@nmarbletoe8210]

Andy Robinson here's one prominent liberal fighting for gun rights: "Foolish liberals who are trying to read the Second Amendment out of the constitution by claiming it's not an individual right or that it's too much of a safety hazard don’t see the danger of the big picture. They're courting disaster by encouraging others to use this same means to eliminate portions of the Constitution they don't like." - Alan Dershowitz

[@erth2man]

The paradox of gun free zones is that whenever the $hit hits the fan in one such zone, the fist thing that happens is many people are called in................. all carrying guns with "high capacity" magazines.

[@anonymouscitizen2732]

I like how he was just about to tell the general public on how to legally own fully automatic rifles and the film immediately cuts to the next scene.

[@CaptainSunFlare]

came for educational video got bullshit propaganda

[@studyinsteel5186]

+Mike Jezioro I was expecting something more in-depth, but this sounds like it was made in response to the Sandy Hook shooting with the attitude that a nation with 300,000,000 people need to burn a large portion of its guns in bonfires because 25 people were murdered under conditions that made their deaths less tolerable than everyone else who died on that same day.

[@CaptainSunFlare]

StudyinSteel yeah I think which side are you on anyway

[@studyinsteel5186]

Mike Jezioro NCR

[@CaptainSunFlare]

StudyinSteel nice, I'll just assume pro gun

[@westernwinchester70]

This type of hit piece against the Second Amendment is absurd. It is purely emotionally driven without even a pretense of impartiality, which should be the hallmark of an unbiased examination of an important issue. It clearly demonstrates an irrefutable lack of logic & reason, as it does not utilize statistical analysis of firearm related violence from agencies such as the FBI and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I suggest that anyone who is really serious about analyzing the issues of firearms in the United States read the following report and academic study. ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2015/crime-in-the-u.s.-2015/tables/table-20 www.ncdsv.org/images/IOM-NRC_Priorities-for-Research-to-reduce-the-threat-of-firearm-related-violence_2013.pdf I will not hold my breath, as I realize most people are lazy and just rely on easily manipulated anecdotal evidence.

[@donques]

Thank you. Your words make me feel less alone. Gun Control is a straw man to deflect from the recognition of social decay and increasing inequality. An apparent increase in gun crime correlates to all these issues like a thermometer. Until we stop worrying about 'the lazy people' and start collectivizing our resources rather than privatizing them for profit, the violence will increase. I feel that I am a loving, well-meaning person but I cannot imagine not carrying a gun these days. So sad.

[@delzottoj]

Do you really expect me to listen to Al jazeera media? Is this a joke?

[@tonyt3281]

I love when liberals say "would you hunt with an Ar15? You don't need that". They clearly have never heard of hog hunting or self preservation.

[@randymiller3918]

ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

[@elmoelmerson172]

Why can't you just use non-lethal guns to protect yourself? I doubt that's not enough.

[@rochelle123ist]

I'm keeping all my guns and don't care what anyone else thinks

[@japheth6176]

love my guns, this is America

[@ryanvargas4889]

I feel sorry for the guy losing his sister but the reality is she was in a “gun free” zone and a soft target to a madman. Anti gun astroturfers will never stop jumping @ the chance to play on the emotions of those effected and distract them with misguided catharsis and manipulation of the populace to surrender liberties and protection.

[@anonymouscitizen2732]

He just wants attention.

[@mrclarkson3812]

Gun related crimes have been on steep decline for decades in the USA...Not so much in Europe...And as far as the middle east,well the neighbors makes the neighborhood..

[@theoldgods7453]

I was raised by my step-father, a mechanical engineer in the textile industry. He was a pilot and a veteran of WWII and the Korean war. He flew the B-47, and the H-Bomb, for the Strategic Air Command, and retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel.

[@nmarbletoe8210]

Mistitled. Where's the love? Where's the fun? Where's shooting at stuff that explodes when you hit it? I don't see any of that in this video. I love guns because I love shooting stuff. (note: people are not 'stuff')

[@ravi4frndz]

I think we should be able to buy tanks and nukes as well. You know, just to protect our families.

[@harlow743]

Absolutely....LETS JUST DO AWAY WITH ALL LAWS

[@querydelacroix2919]

Joke's on you. Tanks are limited but legal in the US.

[@jacobsanders8079]

Tanks can be owned but HE (High Explosive) rounds are illegal to own. I believe the only ammo you can buy for a tank are AP (Armor Piercing) rounds since they don’t explode on impact. Regulations on civilians owning tanks and other armored combat vehicles should be rolled back. Nukes shouldn’t be in anyone’s possession in my opinion but since they exist they are a necessary evil. Civilians should definitely not be in possession of them.

[@beverlylamon]

I believe that every one that is not mentally deficient has the right to keep and bear arms. However the gun owners have the responsibility to make sure they use common sense.

[@theoldgods7453]

My Grand Mother started carrying concealed (illegally) in 1963 after her husband passed. Apparently, after reading my Grand Father's obituary, some trash decided that she was an easy target. She started receiving threatening phone calls late at night. Her home and car were burglarized. She was followed and even accosted on the street. After repeated conversations with the local constabulary, she was advised by them to get a gun and to keep it close.

[@craigbenz4835]

The only really biased part was omitting why the NRA changed course: The 1968 Gun Control Act. Zero mention of that.

[@coopinaz]

Gun control has very little to do with guns. It has a great deal to do with control.

[@zjschulling]

What fuels the love for guns in the U.S? Oh idk maybe the estimated 1 million lives saved per year by use of firearm. Source: CDC

[@theoldgods7453]

Jacob Walker's brother was Captain Joseph R. Walker, one of the greatest mountain men that ever lived. He forged the California Trail, the primary route for the emigrants to the gold fields during the California gold rush, and was likely the first white man to gaze upon Yosemite Valley.

[@EddyNoiz]

So Prohibition didn't work for alcohol it will never work for any type of weapon.

[@Khoros-Mythos]

EddyNoiz If you want to talk about prohibition, and how death from alcohol, public drunkenness, and illegal alcohol smuggling went down after it was legal again, why are you apposed to legalising drugs?

[@EddyNoiz]

Снаяои cry Im Libertarian I dont much care for the drug war either. All its done is push the consumers to seek their desires from Criminal organizations. If drugs were legal this money would be in law abiding hands and it would reduce street violence greatly. Gangs would lose their biggest income racket. Plus you have the right to pursue your happiness even if it is self destructive.

[@Khoros-Mythos]

EddyNoiz Well, that's a refreshing change. I almost didn't post that comment because I was only inferring, but because of how you equated gun restrictions to alcohol prohibition, I thought it would be a reasonable assumption.

[@pepeman3099]

THANK GOD FOR THE NRA!!!

[@Atlantaboy612]

RIP Reemah Samaha. Im an American of Lebanese and Syrian descent. I pray for your family.

[@collinhennessy1521]

I feel sorry for the guy who's sister was killed at VT. However, judging from the look of his home, it appears that he enjoys a quality of life that is far better than that of the average American. I could be wrong though, maybe they have just managed to have a beautiful home in an area where crime is a problem. It just seems to me that most of the people pushing for gun control have the luxury of not needing to worry about whether or not they will find themselves in a position to need one.

[@sooneradmirer4382]

It doesn't matter where you live bad guys can always find you.

[@collinhennessy1521]

Sooner Admirer True, however the chances of you being murdered, running into a bad guy by chance, or being within convenient striking distance of a bad guy, vary greatly depending on where you live.

[@theoldgods7453]

I believe that people are largely a product of their environments, and that the most important factor in that environment is the family.

[@toosinbeymen6304]

Well done profile of the gun debate in the US. It shows both sides without being partisan or ideological. Kudos, AJE.

[@disgrapefruit2bitter]

We do not love guns. Nor do we fear one another. We respect our Constitution and feel an obligation to defend each article from an incompetent or tyrannical government. We have seen other democracies give way to dictatorships and we have learned from history's lessons. "If we restrict liberty to attain security we will lose them both." - Benjamin Franklin

[@theoldgods7453]

One night she pulled into her driveway, got out of her car, and started walking with her purse and a bag of groceries toward the back door of her house. From behind, a man grabbed her by her hair. She dropped the bag of groceries and threw herself on the ground. The man never let go of her hair, and used it to pull her back onto her feet. She came up shooting. She shot him four times, and never lost a minute of sleep over it. Just one more unmarked grave in a county cemetery.

[@Dakarn]

9:53 That statement is inaccurate. Private sellers are not required to do a background check anywhere. Gun Dealers (FFLs) are required to do background checks everywhere. When you go to a gun show, it all depends on who you are purchasing the weapon from. If it is a dealer, they usually have banners over their stations. If it is a private seller, usually all you will see is a table with a bunch of guns on it.. no business name, and a sign that says "Cash only."

[@jerm384]

had to stop video around 10:00 after reporter declares "those who purchase firearms at gun shows are not required to have background checks as they are in stores like this one". If you want an honest debate, please start with HONESTY. Check your ignorance (like you would have me do with my firearm) at the door.

[@FingersBlue]

Jerry Mullins not everybody follows the rules

[@roncarlson3233]

Chuck is very informed! Good thoughtful response to the questions, thank you for being in the video sir

[@fulaan1]

11:05 not a good argument for gun control. These are examples of the government barring those whom they sought to oppress and control from bearing arms.

[@SSGTbrown27]

For al jazzera it was fair and balanced for a terrorist news organization

[@alwayslookingatself]

The title should be "What fuels the love for guns in us?" Guns are a universal addiction...

[@Thunderbolt22A10]

Nitpicking a little bit in regards to what the pro NRA guy said "Making the penalty to harsh to commit the crime" That's actually been proven false, it's rather the gauruntee of punishment than the severity of punishment that prevents crime

[@bad8531]

Ironically smaller caliber pistols are used in crime far more often than any rifle. Drug dealers would be very conspicuous with an AK-47 slung over their shoulder. The problem is that everyone has an opinion on the subject, even if they don't know what they are talking about.

[@49Falcon]

If that person sells a gun to an out of State resident then it would fall within the jurisdiction of the Fed -- since the intent would be to export the gun across state lines thus putting in Federal jurisdiction.

[@thetobaccoguy1751]

"Low Caliber" handguns for LESS than $75? Really? The cheapest handguns made cost over 3X that.

[@collinhennessy1521]

+Hans “Hanzy4200” S. Maybe if you call BB guns "low caliber guns".

[@theoldgods7453]

I am a product of this family. I am a product of this history. I am a product of countless stories told and conversations held around kitchen tables, and over hands of poker.

[@49Falcon]

The reason why the Federal Government cannot ban the personal sale of guns within a state is because they have no jurisdiction. FFL commercial dealers are bound by the laws because they are a business that sells products that requires an FFL. This is covered under the commerce clause...a personal sale between residents of the same state is not a commercial transaction and therefore does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Federal gov.

[@phantomsuccour]

The constitution does not say your right to a car shall not be infringed. The right to bear arms is in the constitution, just after the right to freedom of speech and religion.

[@drivediveflyatr]

The Wild West as the seat of gun control is disingenuous. First, the rules didn't work: most of the deadly shootings, including mass shootings, in the West occurred in such "gun control" towns. Secondly, the incorporated area of towns in the West was tiny compared to the total land mass of the region. Thirdly, only a very few "major" population centers, typically the size of a modern town center, had such rules. And again, the rules didn't work. Much as modern gun control.

[@fredkeeler4620]

In the USA there were 33,000 gun deaths in 2014. In Japan there were 6. Spin that statistic gun nuts.

[@GunOwnerDan]

+Fred Keeler Most gun deaths in America are suicides, not murders. Japan, with no guns, has a higher suicide rate than America does. Imagine that.

[@TechRatReviews]

I don't think it's pharmaceuticals. It's society. I am not talking about violent video games, but people have demonized guns. Parents do not teach proper use and respect for guns. I grew up learning respect for guns. That's what was taught where I grew up and there is no gun violence there. Many factors lead to violence, there is not right or wrong answer.

[@mr.taxpayer5289]

It is Ironic that there are millions more of these firearms in the hands of US citizens. After every mass shooting more of these guns are sold. Think about that for a minute. Every time a politician opens his or her mouth to limit the sale of these firearms more are sold. over 20 million now in circulation in the USA. And, as of January 2021 the rifle manufacturers have months of backlogged orders for more rifles.

[@TheVoodooLion]

The biggest problem we have in the UK is knife murders (because you cant just buy guns in a store, so a knife is the next best thing). but like you said about school rampages shooting kids dead with a gun, someone may attack someone with a knife but unless they are a ninja they are not going to kill 20 people with 1 knife. someone or a group will overpower them, but nobody is going to challenge someone with a gun. guns belong in the police and in the military. guns should not be a commodity.

[@endsophistry]

It is a valid point that the majority of these mass shootings involve pharmaceuticals. In both Columbine and Virginia tech the shooters were on anti-depressants, but is that the cause or is that a symptom of a person who already has issues that need to be addressed. In either case it does seem to be an indicator that could be more closely monitored.

[@nduri2]

You may as well be talking to that wall behind your computer.

[@jbfane]

Freedom to choose for ones self is what fuels the gun issue. You want to be free to decide things for yourself; then you have to ensure that you keep that freedom.

[@joesinegal8167]

The Guy In The First Segment Should Have Shown The Difference Between His 223/5.56. Round(s) And His Hunting Round(s). It Would Have Given The Viewing Audience A Difference In Perspective! Most Hunting Rounds Are Much Bigger In Size, Scale And Power!

[@AmericaChat]

Also consider in that time, if you didn't own a gun, you probibly didn't eat.

[@HiggBeast]

They want my AR15 and My 1911 Colt 45 they're gunna have to pry them from my cold dead hands

[@hanswurst7319]

To be honest, I love living in a country where people do not shoot each other.

[@flattspvp]

Best quote ever: If you make guns illegal and take them away then only the criminals will own guns.

[@peteross9433]

Don't mind them. These faith based people would rather rely on living in a pool of acid with suits rather than get rid of the acid pool altogether. Why? Because we have been living in the pool of acid our whole life, it's scary to experience something new for once. Tradition goes over any of the new values and beliefs that 21st century citizens acquired all over the globe, including the fact that one person cannot be both judge and jury, which is what a gun is.

[@patgeorge1]

Have you ever watched Al Jazeera news? I have and compared with US news stations I find it more "fair and balanced" than the US stations.Take a look and im sure you will be amazed.

[@bigv3192]

america has a real gun problem, i live in New Zealand and our gun laws are so strict that you have to have a full background, police and mental health check and plus other prerequisites. i think the us should compare their gun laws to New Zealand gun laws and find the solutions to americas gun problem

[@seanberthiaume6909]

Sean in Leroy,WV SUPER gun friendly state!

[@TheVoodooLion]

also people say they need to carry guns for protection are bordering on the paranoia. USA is a developed country, you should not feel you need to have a gun in your back pocket to be safe. if i had to feel like i needed a gun to walk the streets safely i wouldnt want to live there.

[@ulflyng4072]

Politicians are the servants of the people. But they never seem to realize it.

[@kevindelka2304]

Expected better reporting from Al Jazeera, one sided. Makes me wonder about the other reporting I listen to.

[@algierssolja]

Samaha you loss your sister at Virginia Tech? Must have lost the Virginia Accent there too.

[@noname-ic8hh]

I have grown up with guns and now look where I ended up... so freaking happy

[@tmmdevlin514]

thats right i forgot the oldwest was a very friendly place outside towns an taverns...Totally safe.

[@theoldgods7453]

Jacob was attempting to ignite the main powder magazine which would have blown the Alamo to pieces, but because of his injuries crawled to Mrs. Dickenson and begged her to take a message to his wife Anna, he then turned to face the Mexican hordes. Susanna Dickenson said the Mexican soldiers shot and bayoneted him to death as she looked on. The soldiers pitched him around on bayonets, as they would a bail of hay.

[@dalejacobson6363]

Simply "the Hollywood syndrome " bad publicity is good for business

[@patgeorge1]

Take look at Al Jazeera news and compare with your own, you will be surprised as to how honest and un biased their reporting is.

[@fromscratch03]

The Only Way to Stop A Bad guy With A Gun is A Good Guy With A Gun!

[@Qingeaton]

So in less than 3 minutes, they show a guy pretty much pointing his rifle at the lady's head while talking about it. That's all I need to see, to know where this is going. Call me a nit picker if you like, but anyone doing that would be asked to leave my property immediately.

[@peteross9433]

What you don't get is that criminals are not special people. Anyone of us has the potential to become one given the right circumstances, and the right situations. Noone is safe from that whether you re poor or rich, black or white, anyone of us can lose it for a brief moment or a lifetime. Just look at soldiers coming back from wars, a lot of them end up having mental health issues. People close to dangerous criminals are always surprised to learn they were because he/she looks just like us.

[@dartanyaneight9900]

that black navy captain is my hero !!

[@kazkk2321]

Every nation should have the right to own guns.

[@bazyrkyrsbunker5842]

Murdock v. Pennsylvania 319 U.S. 105 (1943) "No state may convert a secured liberty into a privilege, and issue a license and fee for it." Shuttlesworth v. City of Birmingham 373 U.S. 262 (1963) "If the state does convert a right into a privilege and issue a license and charge a fee for it, you can ignore the license and fee and engage in the right with impunity."

[@jeabo0adhd]

My humble opinion is that firearm owners need to lock up their guns. Second, the BATF needs to be given more resources to legally go after strawman sales. Those two actions would hurt the two common methods criminals get guns. As far as mass shooter go, I have no idea how liberty can be protected while stopping them besides relying on nearby people with guns. There has to be a plan that satisfies both sides.

[@Debusen614]

No one was armed at V tech to stop the shooter!

[@scorpiooooooh]

Americans don't "love" guns. We love the freedom and liberty that our constitution guarantees us.

[@theoldgods7453]

Jacob, who had remained by his cannon until his wounds kept him from firing his cannon, leaped from the ramp, and dashed to the side of Mrs. Dickinson in one of the chapel side rooms. Within moments, the Mexican soldiers broke through the old doors. The bloody fighting was fierce, but brief.