On 5/11/2014 9:59 AM, F*O*A*D wrote:
On 5/11/14, 9:28 AM, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 5/11/2014 6:13 AM, KC wrote:

On 5/11/2014 2:25 AM, Mr. Luddite wrote:



Sorry. I thought you were referring to my "smart" comment. As
far as
guns are concerned, formal education doesn't play into the
equation in
my mind. Being sane and responsible does. However:

In past generations there were many reasons people didn't complete
high
school. In certain farming regions for example or unique situations
where the kids were needed to help support the family. During WWII
there were many who dropped out of high school to join the military.
Most went on and received at least a GED and many went on to college
under the GI bill.

In today's world there aren't really many justified reasons for not
getting at least a high school diploma. Since the 1960's our welfare
and aid to people and families has increased over 700 percent. High
tech
farming has eliminated most of the grunt work requirements with
higher
yields. The government pays some farmers *not* to grow some crops.

The purpose of getting an education ... even if it's only a high
school
diploma ... is so one can become self sufficient and a contributing
member of society ... not a burden on it. Unfortunately our welfare
system has created a culture whereby there is little motivation in
many
cases because Uncle Sam will provide.

Unless someone is mentally disabled, physically disabled or has some
boni fide reason for not sticking it out and getting a HS diploma
or a
GED, I could understand making some federal benefits
unavailable. If
you can't get a job ... go back to school and the benefits will
continue.



So, you would disqualify anybody who did not have a HS Diploma from
having a weapon?


Please note my comment, "As far as guns are concerned, formal education
doesn't play into the equation in my mind" however the more I think
about it, maybe it should now-a-days, along with certain other rights
and benefits normally allowed to responsible, contributing members of
society.

If someone is 18 years old, dropped out of high school, doesn't have a
job or visible means of support .... should they be issued a permit
for
a handgun? My logic says "No".



What does the Constitution say? Some folks like to be in charge and set
the rules... Seems the qualifications always ignore their own
deficiencies, really seems to be a blue state thing. I don't think
bullies should have guns...

The Constitution provides for the right to bear arms but it doesn't say
that right necessarily extends to everyone. Laws already exist under
the framework of the Constitution that nobody argues with because they
are common sense interpretations. What state allows selling a hand gun
to a 10 year old? What state allows legal selling of a firearm to a
convicted felon?

I also favor background checks. I also favor prohibiting firearm sales
to those with diagnosed physiological disorders or mental illness.

A basic education (high school diploma) is supposed to minimally prepare
you for the adult world and means of supporting yourself as a
contributing member of society. The reasons to drop out now-a-days are
more by choice than by necessity and those who drop out are far more
likely to become a burden on society rather than a contributing member.
My logic says they are more likely to commit crimes to survive, having
few other options for making a living.

So, again I ask, "Should an 18 year old high school drop out be issued a
permit to own a handgun?" I can see valid reasons to answer "No" just
like a 10 year old shouldn't own one.






You can almost smell the "pride" in having a father who "had the sense"
to drop out of school in the third grade. Sad.


This has nothing to do with Scott or his father. There was a time in
this society where legitimate reasons existed to drop out of school and
go to work to help support the extended family.

My point is that those reasons aren't as valid in today's society. One
of the negative consequences of the expansion of welfare programs and
federal aid programs since the 1960's has been to lessen the need for an
education or even a job in some cases.

I tie it to being "responsible" ... another prerequisite for gun
ownership in my mind.