warm beer, cold steel

[TM]

Phil-
I'll be happy to take this debate off-list, but your argument about the
Bible
is weak:

1. The US explicitly allows freedom of religion and separates church and
state-
ecclesiastical law does not apply to secular law.

2. I do not read the Bible to have said that weapons are prohibited.
Sure, you
don't murder your neighbors, that is understood.

3. Man has a natural right to self-defense.

4. The carrying of concealed weapons without a permit is prohibited in
all states
of the Union except for Vermont. Openly carrying weapons is a moot point
in this
day and age because, even where it is allowed, by raising a public
disturbance,
one would be cited for disorderly conduct and/or brandishing a weapon,
both of which
are criminal offenses, the latter being more serious. The process of
obtaining a
concealed weapon permit can be prohibitively difficult in many states,
while others
do not allow concealed carry at all.

I would suggest that you learn more about US law, the origins and nature
of the
law and American perspectives on legal policy before you start debating
this with
us Americans. :-) I love a good debate.

If you want to bring criminology into the debate, that's fine too- just
be very
careful of what statistics you bring to the party.

I'm not saying all US law is good or bad- I'm with you regarding DOT
headlight
standards and I think ordinances against public drinking are silly.

Taka