Among the many interesting objects, which will engage your attention, that of providing for the common defence will merit particular regard. To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

A free people ought not only to be armed but disciplined; to which end a Uniform and well digested plan is requisite: And their safety and interest require that they should promote such manufactories, as tend to render them independent on others, for essential, particularly for military supplies.

The proper establishment of the Troops which may be deemed indispensible, will be entitled to mature consideration. In the arrangements which may be made respecting it, it will be of importance to conciliate the comfortable support of the Officers and Soldiers with a due regard to economy.

-- George Washington

“[The Constitution preserves] the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation (where) the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.” ― James Madison

I'm here all day folks.

George Washington saw the terror of tyranny, and the greatness of freedom. He saw, and lead good men to die for it to create one of the greatest republics ever. Not to mention his life, actions, and words counter almost every point every made (as well as the overwelming amounts of history) of the OP.

Over time governments gain power which they are slow, if impossible, to reliqish it. As these governments gain power it is important to have freedom over saftey, and one way to have freedom is through the threat of violence.

"It should be that man controls government, not that government controls man." - Gary Johnson

“Civil Wars happen when the victimized are armed. Genocide happens when they are not.” ― A.E. Samaan

Guns don't stop bullets, cars, planes or even flying squirrels from killing you.

Well guns do stop some things. No form of protection is 100% fool proof. If we go by the logic that it's not fool proof, why use any protection anywhere? It's a slippery slope. You use the means you have at your disposal.

Your question seems to be grounded in the circular reasoning that, since gangs probably won't want to give up their weapons, we should encourage gangs to buy weapons by legalising them. Imagine if we took the same attitude with murder? Gang members won't stop killing folks? Well, shit. Let's just legalise murder! Is that your plan?

Can you show any statistics that gang members get their guns legally? Is that a statistic that even exists? It's my understanding that a lot of them own guns illegally, and a large part of that is they do illegal things with those guns.

Guns don't stop bullets, cars, planes or even flying squirrels from killing you.

Incorrect.

Guns don't kill people, people kill people... and dead people don't shoot at me.

Also, if you think a gun can't stop a squirrel then you're a retard.

Let's just legalise murder! IS that your plan?

That's a silly contradiction. What you really meant to say is: "Let's legalize self defense!", but we don't need to because it's already legal.

Again, your question is based on the false reasoning that guns protect you from a corrupt government right now.

Why wouldn't a government fear an armed population who is enraged by their corruption?

Yep, saw the upvoats and title and instantly called bullshit once I saw it wasn't some kind of trick post. It's a legitimate "Doi! Gun Nuts. Ammiright!?" posting.

This thread has an abnormal amount of total votes. VERY suspicious.