3Wheelbonnie beat me to it, but I agree that personal gun ownership would have done little to avert those situations.

Firstly, I must say that is a slight Hollywoodism. I do not think it sound to suggest that the outcome of the World Wars (I assume you refer to these conflicts) were settled entirely due to the intervention of the States. The tide turned in Europe following Stalingrad and the advance of the Red Army from the East. On top of which, I think it fair to say that the US has also initiated a number of fairly catastrophic offensives since that period too (also nations pretty unable to preserve themselves, if I recall)....

All the same, history aside, I do not see, as Andy stated earlier, how personal gun ownership, which is what this discussion arose from has to do with the political history of the last 100 years in Europe. Indeed, even the right to defend oneself. I can defend myself, with reasonable force, if needed. I am however, not allowed to own a gun, nor do I feel I need one. That will not change the course of things to come in Europe or the world, but it does mean that the bloke I have a disagreement with about ritht of way in a car park is not likely to try and shoot me...

I disagree: I think, first and foremost the best way to ensure one's own personal freedoms is care as much about everyone elses, too: it comes from mutual respect, and giving a crap about those around you. That is what cements a society. Why is it small town life seems far more relaxed that the city swell...?

In any case, I never said that using force to protect ones life was not acceptable, I simply said that owning a gun is not the route to personal security one thinks it is. The appalling school shootings that we hear about once or twice a year (it seems) are just one very sad example of what widely accessible guns can lead to IMO...

I think "moral obligation" and "use of violence" together is as fine an oximoron as I ever read. Morality usually teaches us that violence should be avoided; that a peaceful solution is best sought. Violence is not often a solution, but usually begets more... Northern Ireland, Israel, Rwanda, etc.
Not that personal gun ownership would have changed these situations much either.

My view is that a gun in every home brings that possibility one step closer than is needed.

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