andyt andyt:
So it got me to thinking: We don't allow people to drink and drive. Should people be allowed to drink and carry?
We punish people for negligent use of firearms. We don't punish people for car accidents unless their was some criminal wrong doing behind it.
Any improper use of a firearm will be punished. Like your off duty officer that committed at least 5 crimes if Canadian.
It's very possible to carry a pistol or rifle safely while drunk, to be in possession of it, and not be a risk with it. While drunk and actually intoxicated not just over the limit, it's very hard to safely operate a vehicle on a public road.
Most non gun owners are fascinated by firearms and want to handle them constantly, it's not unreasonable to think they would want to handle them while intoxicated and lacking better judgement.
For long time firearm owners they are just metal and plastic/wood. This is why the military gives it's new members firearms (service rifles mostly) to haul around for months on end. A rifle goes from a neat new thing to just another pain in the ass to look after very quickly.
I'd love to give you a pistol that you had to carry around for 6 months and never let it get out of your reach. I bet after that time you won't care about drinking and carrying.