----- Original Message ----- From: <damiross@attbi.com> > One last word on this then I'll leave it, too. > Australia banned guns, crime shot up (no pun intended). I was waiting for this line to be pulled, so I am sorry, but there is no "one last word" on this one mate. Don't start on something you know nothing about man.....how many times do I have to say to people do not listen to NRA produced videos as your official and only source of information. Australia banned handguns and such many years ago, and the crime rate really hasn't risen all that much here. Yes, by looking at the statistics, the homocide by firearm statistic did rise in Victoria. And by a figure of 300%. DID YOU GET THAT? THREE HUNDRED PERCENT!!! But what the statistics don't tell you is the true picture....... In the year (I can't remember which one it was) the NRA used in their propaganda video, the homicide by firearm statistic was 3. Yes 3. Out of a state with over 3 million people. The following year, this statistic shot up to 9. An increase of 300%. But what the NRA didn't tell you is that of these extra 6 murders, 5 of them were made up of members of one family who were victims of a murder-suicide. 2 of the other deaths were also family murder related. That leaves you with 2 murders which were not committed in the family home. From memory, one of the others was a gang-style murder. Dunno about the other. It is also a fact that most homicides with firearms occur in the family home, where one family member shoots another family member. So, please don't say that crime rates in this country have gone up as a result of banning guns, because you will be showing everyone you really know nothing about what you are commenting on. That my friend, is the "one last word" G'day to ya ;-) Scotty