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Swiss voters on Sunday approved a measure to tighten the Alpine nation's gun laws, bringing the country in line with many of its European partners despite the objections of local gun owners, Swiss media reported, citing official results.
Switzerland's public broadcaster said more than 63% of voters nationwide agreed to align with European Union firearms rules adopted two years ago after deadly attacks in France, Belgium, Germany and Britain.
The vote Sunday was part of Switzerland's regular referendums that give citizens a direct say in policymaking. It had stoked passions in a country with long, proud traditions of gun ownership and sport and target shooting. Switzerland, unlike many other European nations, allows veterans of its obligatory military service for men to take home their service weapons after tours of duty.
The Swiss proposal, among other things, requires regular training on the use of firearms, special waivers to own some semi-automatic weapons and serial number tracking system for key parts of some guns. Gun owners would have to register any weapons not already registered within three years, and keep a registry of their gun collections.
(Score: 2) by Arik on Friday May 24 2019, @03:14AM (1 child)
"So, which is it?"
I thought I had made it rather clear, but I shall endeavor to make it crystal.
It's both, of course. You're talking about two different things.
The reason that we hold this as cultural and legal value? Or the reason we buy a weapon?
Two very different things. We hold it as a collective value based on the history already mentioned, and we tend to buy them as individuals for the other reasons, also already mentioned.
"And, if security of the home front is your true objective then you can always serve in the military."
Now there's a sentence the founders would have certainly found offensive.
How many levels of nonsense are there?
The assumption that a standing military is a better foundation for national security than an armed citizenry is diametrically opposed to the values of liberal democracy on which this country was founded. And it makes absolutely no sense.
Plus, you're assuming that I'm of age to for that employment, and not currently employed there, why?
Why do you keep trying to make everything into a personal jab of some kind? Why can't you just discuss the ideas without all this rhetoric?
If laughter is the best medicine, who are the best doctors?
(Score: -1, Flamebait) by Anonymous Coward on Friday May 24 2019, @04:16AM
The founders are no longer with us to offer their opinion on that.
We are no longer in the 18th century, dude! The plain fact is that we now have a standing military made up (mostly) of US citizens. Do you not trust your fellow citizens in protection of he homeland? Why is that?
Look, when you put your ideas out there on full display don't be too surprised if the rest of us do a complete vivsection on them. Or should we just accept your pearls of wisdom without cross examination?