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Originally posted by Agamemnon@Dec 22 2004, 12:22 PM
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Being responsible for my actions has nothing to do with not being able to buy automatic weapons. It has to do with protecting others from my actions. The reason those types of weapons are illegal is so that someone who is inclined to do so can't (in theory) go get a machine gun and shoot up a city street, it has nothing to do with not holding people accountalbe (ie not being responsible for their own actions). If I circumvent the law and get that gun, you can bet I'll be held responsible. That's what laws are for, to protect the public, and to ensure that people are held responsible. Just because something is illegal, doesn't mean I won't do it, but it makes sure that there are consequences if I do, hence I am being held responsible for my own actions.
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So, basically laws are meant to punish crimes, not prevent them. That doesn't sound appealing, or true. Death-penalty pushers push it (in some cases) because they believe there's a deterrance aspect. If you know you'll die, you won't kill another. The law is not there to simply handle the arrangements after the fact, its supposed to assist in preventing these things... through legislation. What's the difference between shooting up a street with a machine gun or a handgun? You can buy the handgun legally... which mystifies me. A shotgun/rifle I can see a little easier, as they are legitimately used for hunting
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Also, the government holding may of my basic rights and needs as their responsibily is just that, My rights and needs, not my actions. Those are still mine, and I'm responsible for them.
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Fine, but the government stipulating that you ARE or ARE NOT allowed to purchase and own and handgun means that they can change and adjust your 'basic rights and needs'. You seem to think those things are static and unchangeable. I'd suggest a change is in order, and possible.
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And BTW, who the hell are you supposing to know why I go to McDonalds? Sometimes it's cause I don't feel like cooking, sometimes it's cause I don't want to get out of my car, sometimes it's cause I'm hung over and a sausage McMuffin is tasty as hell. I can assure you it has nothing to do with their commercials.
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Wow, you're sensitive about people speculating on your eating habits.
Funny, your argument here reminds me of a quote, "The greatest achievement of the Devil was in convincing the world he did not exist". I think thats apt here, but clearly we have different opinions on a variety of issues.
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Yes laws are created to prevent crimes, hence the protecting people. Does that mean the government is not holding me responsible for my decions, NO.
Secondly, stipulating what I am and am not allowed to do does not make it impossible for me to do those things and doesn't infring on my free will at all. I can still choose to do things, and that is why I am resposible. There would be no responsibility for my actions if there were not consequences, such as jail time. If everyone was allowed to do whatever they pleased with no consequences, that would be the exact opposite of taking responsibiltiy for your actions.
Again, laws are there to make sure people are held responsible for their own actions, not to try to take that away.
And as far as eating at McDonalds goes. Fine you want to believe that you do everything because the comercials tell you to that's cool. I like to believe that I am intelligent enough that I can make an informed decision and do whatever I want. If I want to eat food that is bad for me, I can do that, I can also not do it. If you have to do it, that's just sad for you.
Also, I'd like to know where I said that bit about static and unchaging. I never said anything along those lines and it's irrelevant anyway. But hey, if the comercials told you to put words in my mouth, I guess it isn't your fault.