Venezuela Bans Private Gun Ownership

[ZCORR Jay]

It certainly will be interesting to see how things unfold from here on out. My guess is that they really won't see a decrease in murder rates. Even if gun related murders ( however they define them) drop I'd bet there is a rise in murders from other things like knives.

 

[22-rimfire]

I expect no decrease in significant crime numbers (in particular murders) as a result of this law. Those that have an afinity to potentially commit criminal acts will not abide by this law or any other law. Hence, what is the purpose of the law? People control... But Chavez doesn't have a long life ahead of him due to his cancer. He really doesn't have much of a future, but he can affect who takes power after his death or retirement.

I do think there are many in the USA that will be watching the results of implementing this law closely on both sides of the gun control issue.

 

[Owen Sparks]

If someone does not want you to have a gun, it is because they might give you a reason to use it.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

As if there were any question to Hugo's intention, a quick check on Human Rights Watch.com revealed that 1 in 5 crimes commited in Venezuela were perpetrated by the police. Also interesting to note that this ban does not apply to the police. Way to go Hugo.

 

[armoredman]

Would be interesting to timeline the gun control movement in Chavez' Venezuela, and timeline it to the reported crime rates.

 

[Swing]

Not too surprising. His Marxist pal Mao said "Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun."

 

[sansone]

Not suprised that a dictator like Chavez would do it, but it is such a shame that the article that was linked, reads like it was written by Chavez's PR people. I know it is the BBC so I am not suprised, but i am sad. A news report about a dictator removing rights away from people is written in such a positive light.

I am always amazed at the public reaction to ANY removal of freedoms. We truly are sheep looking for a shepherd. Governments use that against us. "for public good or safety" is the wording you must watch for

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

Its for the children.......

 

[razorback2003]

I doubt many in Venezuela will turn in guns. Guns are a status symbol in Latin America just like in the USA.

I guess legally the system will be like Mexico where people can own guns with military permission and have to buy them from a military store. But then again most people there ignore that law too and buy/sell what they want because the law is not really enforced.