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Australia has announced national gun amnesty, allowing people to hand in illegal or unregistered firearms to authorities. The move is aimed at curbing growing numbers of illegal weapons and comes amid an increased terrorist threat.
[...] The program starts on July 1 and within three months – until September 30 – anyone who possesses an unwanted or unregistered firearm, or a firearm-related item such as ammunition, can legally dispose of or register their firearm at "approved drop-off points in each State and Territory", without fear of being prosecuted, Justice Minister said.
Outside the amnesty period, however, those who are caught with illegal guns could face a fine of up to AU$280,000 (US$212,000), up to 14 years in prison and a criminal record.
“My expectation is it will probably not be the case that we will have hardened criminals who have made a big effort to get a hold on illegal guns would necessarily hand them in. The purpose is to reduce the number of unregistered and illicit firearms in the community,” Keenan said, as cited by AAP.
[...] Earlier this month, the authorities announced plans to build its first prison solely for militants with extreme views to prevent the radicalization of other inmates.
Source: RT
(Score: 2) by Wootery on Monday June 19 2017, @04:16PM (4 children)
It's not impossible that things could slowly worsen to the point that the military really would be willing to kill their own civilians though, right? North Korea happened, after all.
(Score: 2) by Runaway1956 on Monday June 19 2017, @05:31PM (1 child)
If we get to that point - then we deserve whatever. We've had generations of forefathers who warned us to safeguard our liberties. If we permit the government to bring us to the point you describe, then we simply deserve what they dish out to us.
(Score: 2) by Wootery on Tuesday June 20 2017, @08:37AM
Maybe so, but it's not really the point. Americans already voted in a man who lies constantly (with all the skill of a toddler) who idolises Putin. It's been a pretty poor show recently, on the eternal vigilance front.
(Score: 3, Interesting) by PinkyGigglebrain on Monday June 19 2017, @10:39PM (1 child)
Your right, it is not impossible, and anyone who thinks it is needs to remember that Kent State [wikipedia.org] already happened. And as you point out it is just a matter of time before it happens again.
We need to keep in mind that theo soldiers at Kent State where National Guard, aka "Weekend Warriors", and they still carried out the order to fire. Army and other career military personal will be even more likely to follow an order to open fire on peaceful, unarmed civilians due to the constant exposure and adherence to the ridged command structure of the military services. That same ridged structure is what has ensured It just hasn't happened yet, but that doesn't mean it won't.
"Beware those who would deny you Knowledge, For in their hearts they dream themselves your Master."
(Score: 2) by Wootery on Tuesday June 20 2017, @08:29AM
Except that in the Kent State shootings, there was likely no order to fire, [wikipedia.org] it was just poorly disciplined National Guard troops.