undefined | Better HN

0 pointsinput_sh1y ago0 comments

I'd say that the key difference is that Switzerland has compulsory military service in which you're taught how to operate a weapon properly. Therefore, everyone that has one has gone through months of training.

Vs the US, where there are loopholes that you can use to avoid even a basic background check, and then use it for the very first time to shoot someone.

0 comments

7 comments · 3 top-level

thfuran1y ago· 3 in thread

Training seems likely to cut down on accidental shootings, but not so much on the deliberate ones.

underdeserver1y ago

I disagree. First of all, people with issues are more likely to be found out in boot camp.

Second, you learn a certain respect for the firearm and are expected to observe strict safety rules when handling it. That gives you a kind of psychological flinch when you consider doing anything out of the norm with it.

ambicapter1y ago

It seems like tons of toddler are accidentally firing guns as well in America, so training probably won't help there.

thfuran1y ago

Training people to lock up their damn guns would.

holoduke1y ago· 1 in thread

Biggest difference is that you have only rich people in Switzerland. Almost no crime and hardly any immigration issues.

latexr1y ago

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poverty_in_Switzerland

tharkun__1y ago

That doesn't seem to make sense. All that would do is to make sure that a nut job knows how to properly shoot the gun. Basically what you are saying is "a Swiss wouldn't have missed Trump".

The difference might be in what guns mean to Swiss people vs. the US.

A gun in the US has this "if the government becomes destructive of these ends we can start shooting" connotation. A gun is there for self defense. Someone doesn't get off your law, you use your gun.

In Switzerland the gun and the compulsory military service you mention is there for the people to protect their country and fellow countrymen. You are trained in defending your neighbor, who just stepped on your lawn against outside aggressors.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse