This may be a bit of an ignorant opinion but there are some things that require a human touch and the ability to quickly adapt to a multitude of planned and unplanned situations.
It costs NASA a vast amount of money to maintain a manned presence in space. Many people have called for the scrapping of a manned space program in preference for robotic explorers. In my view, although robotic probes are essential to seek out the nooks and crannies of the Solar System, we mustn't forget that manned exploration is essential for us to develop as a species http://www.astroengine.com/?p=4151
Personally? I'd rather not see assault rifles in private ownership, but I think there's more to this than I know about.
Practically? I come from the UK, and although all guns are banned (apart from farmland use), violet crime is very high. I think we'll find new ways to kill each other regardless of whether guns are in society or not.
However, there is the argument that assault rifles are a little over-the-top for "routine duties" like hunting and protection. I'm pretty sure there are less cumbersome (and less noisy) alternatives to shoot dear with. As for personal protection? Unless someone is coming at me with a small army, I doubt I'd use a high calibre assault rifle to protect myself. Actually, I probably *would* grab my assault rifle, for effect.
Therefore owning an assault rifle is really a thing for collectors and enthusiasts, and as long at there is sufficient regulation on who owns one, I don't see it as being an urgent concern. But if illegal manufacturing and distribution is on the rise, and assault rifles are being used more in violent crimes, perhaps the system does need to be reformed.
1. “Illicit manufacturing” of firearms is defined as “assembly of firearms [or] ammunition … without a license….”
Hence, reloading ammunition — or putting together a lawful firearm from a kit — is clearly “illicit manufacturing.”
let me be clear: reloading != manufacturing
...am I missing something?
Practically? I come from the UK, and although all guns are banned (apart from farmland use), violet crime is very high. I think we'll find new ways to kill each other regardless of whether guns are in society or not.
However, there is the argument that assault rifles are a little over-the-top for "routine duties" like hunting and protection. I'm pretty sure there are less cumbersome (and less noisy) alternatives to shoot dear with. As for personal protection? Unless someone is coming at me with a small army, I doubt I'd use a high calibre assault rifle to protect myself. Actually, I probably *would* grab my assault rifle, for effect.
Therefore owning an assault rifle is really a thing for collectors and enthusiasts, and as long at there is sufficient regulation on who owns one, I don't see it as being an urgent concern. But if illegal manufacturing and distribution is on the rise, and assault rifles are being used more in violent crimes, perhaps the system does need to be reformed.