Why do Americans want to own guns? {Gadling}

Jun 22nd 2008 12:48AM A gun can be used for sport (target shooting, trap, skeet). A gun can be used to hunt and feed one's family. A gun can be used to defend oneself and one's family. None of these acts should be illegal.

Nearly every male Swiss citizen owns a fully automatic assault rifle. If guns are so bad, you'd think Switzerland would be a very violent place full of murderers. Nigeria has one of the lowest rates of gun ownership in the world. Which country would you rather visit? Where would you feel safer?

People who don't like guns tend to have two flaws: First, they're wusses who are scared of dangerous things that go boom. Grow a pair. Any adult male that doesn't find some modest pleasure in shooting, should spend their day making tea parties for their dollies, and stop annoying the rest of us.

Secondly, they have an enormous confidence in the government to protect them, always be there, always do the right thing, and never overstep their authority. These people are happy to be wards of the nanny state that dictates what everybody can and cannot do. That is their perogative, but I do not share their blind faith.