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Layton promises provinces power to ban handguns

OMAR EL AKKAD

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 6:44 PM EST 21/09/08

NDP Leader says Americans have paid a "terrible price" for lax gun control ...Read the full article

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  1. joe 6 pk from Canada writes: .

    jacko ...

    POT GATE ...

    jacko ...

    i want to know ....

    what you know ...

    i want to know ....

    when you knew ...

    i want to know ...

    if your given answers are ....

    TRUE ...

    do no prevaricate ....

    I DO NOT BELIEVE YOU .........................

    period ....
  2. joe 6 pk from Canada writes: '

    DO NOT PREVARICATE .............................

    '
  3. Balboa R. from Toronto, Canada writes: We need to lock the criminals up for life. We need to start deporting immigrants who cause crime. We need to stop bringing in idiots from other countries.
  4. Trudeau's Apricot poodle from Canada writes: So disarming the Canadian citizen is part of the NDP platfrom, what else would they like to take away? Citizens trading individual freedom to a govenment that can or will not control criminal activity in exchange for a ban on legal firearms do not understand the issue. Criminals are that because they don't obey laws, including the ones pertaing to firearms. If the NDP are interested in doing something, punish criminals, not taxpayers.
  5. Dan Zenderman from TO, Canada writes: ..

    Jack Leyton ... Tough on Crime !... Tough on Drugs !!

    http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=rpPfYe1a6Qg
  6. james cyr from Balmertown Ontario, Canada writes: Once again we are treated to yet another display of the lack of credibility of Layton and the NDP.
  7. Prairie Duststorm from Edmonton, Canada writes: Why would anyone who is intent on commiting a crime care whether hand guns are banned or not?
  8. white wolf from Canada writes: well there goes a lot of votes for Jack layton, up until now i was listening to his agenda but when I see this kind of dangerous thinking no way he gets my consideration, he now sounds like mayor miller
  9. Jesse Winger from Calgary SW, Canada writes: Layton got that right! Americans kill each other with guns ten times more regularly than Canadians.

    Handguns: ban 'em. Bullets too!
  10. Ace Frehley from Vancouver, Canada writes: Another useless feel-good announcement from a political movement intent on making political hay from putting a ban on that which is already effectively banned.

    It's already illegal to walk around the streets with concealed handguns. What an idiot.

    So he thinks that the problem is people stealing legitimate guns from gun owners' homes? Apparently he has not heard of 'smuggling'. It's a relatively easy and highly profitable way of putting guns on the street.

    Most offensive of all... what 'power' is he talking about that the provinces do not already have? NEWSFLASH: the constitution determines what powers each level of government has. The feds can't unilaterally change that.

    For god's sake, Canada, put this NDP farce out of its misery already.
  11. Joseph Bloggins from Canada writes: Jesse Winger....in case you missed it, shooting people is already illegal. Idiots like Layton will only make things worse. Check out what has happened in the UK where gun crimes have gone through the roof since their attempts to ban guns. Yep, that's how the left thinks...just pass another law everything will be fine. The stupidity is amazing but not entirely surprising.
  12. white wolf from Canada writes: Jesse Winger from Calgary SW, Canada writes: Layton got that right! Americans kill each other with guns ten times more regularly than Canadians.

    Handguns: ban 'em. Bullets too!
    ****************************************************

    they alos have 10 times the population, but if you are going to make that statement you should aslo realize that in the usa thousands of crimes are stopped with handguns as well.
  13. Kat Wilson from Canada writes: Gun control? This is the issue he picks? I'd like to support the NDP but man these guys are out of touch with what's going on. Health care, Jack, social security, affordable housing, the environment...these matter. I have yet to meet a Canadian who owns a gun. Most legal gun owners are fine. The useless gun owners are all criminals. This is hardly an issue worth focusing on in this election.
  14. Conservative for lower taxes, cheaper gas, less government from Canada writes: Criminals of course do not care if hand guns are banned or not as it makes no difference to them. Jacks message should be promoting individual responsibility. If you are caught with an illegal hand gun it should mean 7 years in jail without any chance of parole. Criminals understand this language.
  15. rick from river city from Canada writes: It would be interesting to hear Jack explain how the federal criminal code, within which all offences concerning guns reside, can be altered so that individual provinces can decide whether or not to impose some kind of ban on handguns. Silly statement from Simple Jack, a man way out of his depth.
  16. Conservative for lower taxes, cheaper gas, less government from Canada writes: Jesse Winger from Calgary SW, Canada writes: Layton got that right! Americans kill each other with guns ten times more regularly than Canadians.
    .......................................
    That means there is no difference as there are 10 times as many Americans as there are Canadians
  17. John Smith from SUPPORT ONT BILL 93, Canada writes: I have about as much a chance of being elected PM as TaliBan Jack. Considering they have been abandoned by the Ontario unions the NDP should give up their Tommy Douglas era policies and move just a little centre. Then they would be able to fill the political vacuum that's going to be created on Oct. 14th when the LPT are wiped out.

    C'mon Jack shave the moustache, put down the joint, put on a tie and you just might become politically viable.
  18. Jesse Winger from Calgary SW, Canada writes: white wolf from Canada writes: Jesse Winger from Calgary SW, Canada writes: 'they also have 10 times the population, but if you are going to make that statement you should aslo realize that in the usa thousands of crimes are stopped with handguns as well'

    Per capita. Ten times per capita. My point is valid: Handguns: ban 'em. Bullets too!
  19. white wolf from Canada writes: quote from esays by blupete

    'I assert, correctly I think, that it is a rule of common law (the governing law in Canada) that a person can use as much force as is necessary to defend himself or herself.3 Logically then, one, having such a right to self-defence, has the right to use the best means to give it full effect. No one, including government should be able to fetter it; this would include the registration of guns, -- an act, as history will readily show, which invariably proceeds their seizure.4 And, so, my proposition is this: Canadian citizens, though their use is to be restricted, have a right to own guns and not to be obliged to make any announcement to any one, including government, of whether they do or whether they don't.5'unquote

    dont let these unknowledgeable govt politicians get away with taking away your right to protect yourself and your family
  20. white wolf from Canada writes: Jesse Winger from Calgary SW, Canada writes: white wolf from Canada writes: Jesse Winger from Calgary SW, Canada writes: 'they also have 10 times the population, but if you are going to make that statement you should aslo realize that in the usa thousands of crimes are stopped with handguns as well'

    Per capita. Ten times per capita. My point is valid: Handguns: ban 'em. Bullets too!
    ****************************************************

    nope your point is invalid and you need to do some research about what happens when guns are confiscated or banned
  21. G H from Megacity, Canada writes: And the Cons are all set to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to put all the pot smokers in jail - 'cause the bible says drugs are bad and maryjane leads to crack - it's a proven fact!

    Yet the cons have no real solution to actually getting a grip on gang violence. Maybe legalize the pot and use the revenues to fight crime. Or just take the bulk of the money and hire enough cops with enough equipment to do the job. Or maybe take strong measures to help poverty and homelessness - invest in educating and putting people to work - give them some self worth ... and before all the rednecks start bemoaning this, consider how hard it is to pay rent, buy food and clothes, and transport yourself on 8.75 / hr. Anyone out there that feels the need to comment had better not be making more than that or you can just shut up
  22. aging oldtool from Canada writes: A perfect contrast in this article.

    Here we have Jack Layton speaking out for real Canadians by promising to give provinces and municipalitites weapons to fight weapons and save lives.

    At the same time we have same-old, same-old Harper once again threatening to disrupt Parliament rather than look for consensus on an issue we all know must be addressed smartly and now.

    Guess which approach will actually filter down to the street and get the killing machines and their users off the street?

    Harper's plan has little to do with safety and all too much to do with power for he and his party regardless of the body count on Younge Street.

    Let's get real here, crime is falling as it has for two decades in Canada, so yes, put more focus on those who use deadly handguns.

    What we don't need are hollis-bollis campaigns to 'fight crime' as the Conservatives try to simplify it down to.

    We need a smart campaign, something we haven't even started yet to ensure all levels of government can cooperate in stopping the handgun trade and it'sdeadly aftermath.
  23. Skeptical Realist from Canada writes: Those who have or would not hesitate to use guns in a crime are not afraid of a complete handgun ban. In fact, for criminals, it reduces the odds of others having one to protect themselves or to retaliate. Unregistered handguns have been illegal for decades. We need to punish the criminals with mandatory minimum, and severe sentences for those that use any type of a gun in a crime. We do not need to further punish law abiding taxpayers by adding yet more demands on an already bloated gun registry that the Libs created. Invest in more policing, and more efficient laws and court systems.
  24. Progressive Fascist from Canada writes: Listen to America's first major venture into Candian socialism:

    http://marklevinshow.com/wp-content/themes/levin/player/?url=http://podloc.andomedia.com/dloadTrack.mp3?prm=2824xhttp://abcrad.vo.llnwd.net/o1/levin/rss/levin09192008.mp3

    Does it sound like 70's Trudeau Canada?
  25. Non Partisan I AM Canadian from Canada writes: 'So disarming the Canadian citizen is part of the NDP platfrom'

    You WANT people to have handguns?

    Rifles I understand....but handguns?

    'what else would they like to take away?'

    System made poverty
  26. Non Partisan I AM Canadian from Canada writes: 'So he thinks that the problem is people stealing legitimate guns from gun owners' homes? Apparently he has not heard of 'smuggling'. It's a relatively easy and highly profitable way of putting guns on the street.'

    And giving the Provinces more power to ban handguns would, logicaly, INCLUDE giving them more power at the borders....no?
  27. Gardiner Westbound from Canada writes:
    Ya right!

    The gangbangers are shaking in their boots a bylaw enforcement officer might issue a $25 summons for illegal pistol possession.

    The penalties already on the books are plea bargained away by incompetent prosecutors and ignored by Liberal judges.
  28. Richard ay from Picton, Canada writes: Wake up Jack... why do you think you Dippers are only ever able to garner about 13 - 15% of the vote??? You people are so out of touch with real Canadians.
    Get a life!
  29. D K from Canada writes: 'Non Partisan I AM Canadian from Canada writes: And giving the Provinces more power to ban handguns would, logicaly, INCLUDE giving them more power at the borders....no?'

    Ah no. Border control is a Federal responsibility. Once again Captain Jack making an empty announcement. Let's see having concealed weapons is already ILLEGAL (and covers a greater range of weapons) and Jack wants to ban handguns? Does that include police captain Jack?
  30. Voice of Reason from Ottawa, Canada writes: I wonder if he will get tough on marijuana use and possession. I think he should go back to his idea of taxing the dead.
  31. Nicholas de Panicis from Canada writes: BULLSHIT JACK...And you dont even have the B**L'S to go after organized gangs for fear of racial profiling...
  32. Darrin Duell from Winnipeg, Canada writes: I am all for giving more powers to the provinces, move gun crime into provincial jurisdiction.. first province that americanizes gets my household.
  33. rick from river city from Canada writes: aging oldtool from Canada writes: A perfect contrast in this article.
    Here we have Jack Layton speaking out for real Canadians by promising to give provinces and municipalitites weapons to fight weapons and save lives.

    Name one. Name a single thing Jack can 'give' provinces and municipalites to 'fight weapons and save lives'. How nice that shallow meaningless sentences delivered with a cheesy grin can be so well received.
  34. Jesse Winger from Calgary SW, Canada writes: Handguns are for killing people. Ban them except for the police and our military.
  35. George S from Toronto, Canada writes: Good for Layton, I don't think any civil society needs handguns outside of proffesionally trained police a security personnel. Still don't know if I am voting NDP, though this looks good for party and Canada as a county. The main issue that I am voting for on this election is 'public transit'. I will vote for the party that looks as though it will do the most across the country for public transit.
  36. wayne ouellette from Canada writes: 'Smokin Jack' will do anything to buy a vote. Being ahead of stephane dion in the polls is firing up this guy. Why...............
  37. Robert Dryburgh from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada writes: I guess Layton thinks criminals buy their handguns at the local sporting goods store with their American Express platinum cards. It’s bad enough the NDP is soft on criminals but now he wants to take away peoples protection. The guy is a total looser.
  38. rick from river city from Canada writes: jack backs away from drug decriminalization
    drug prohibition fuels organized crime growth and profits
    crime profits promotes expansion and power of gang membership
    organized crime protects profits by using profit to buy illegal handguns
    jack jumps up to ban all handgun ownership

    to complicated a circle for simple Jack.
  39. Hendrick Larose from Canada writes: Jack Layton giving more powers to the provinces. I thought he was criticizing the Conservatives for that. NDP hypocrisy. Nothing new here.
  40. Derek Blood from Canada writes: Canada has had rigorous hand gun laws for over 80 years. One needs a valid FAC, the gun must be registered, and locked up safely with amunition locked up seperately. And then a person can only transport the hand gun to a valid gun range and back. The hand gun must be locked while in transport and technically, it is a big no-no to even stop at the Tim Hortons on the way home from the range.

    Layton's anouncement means nothing. Criminals will still obtain illegal hand guns from the USA and use them here. Taking away more rights from law abiding Canadians will not solve this issue.
  41. Richard Hawrelak from Sarnia, Canada writes: Jack, I'll have what you are drinking!
  42. Rand Bowerman from United States writes: What you-all don't hear much of way up north, is how often handguns at home foil robbers and home invaders and how often concealed handguns foil criminals out in public. The anti-gun main stream media will never tell you those statistics. If a trained, vetted
    Canadian citizen carrying a legal handgun was on that Greyhound
    bus, he might have saved that poor innocent man. Wise up: criminals will always have access to weapons; don't be a victim--stand up for self-defence.
  43. Mike B from Canada writes: Yeah ban everything. Hand guns, big guns, bullets. Only one problem! Criminals don't follow the law.... Maybe Jack could hug the criminals for us. Maybe give them some of that free pot his party has.
  44. white wolf from Canada writes: there is absolutley no one to vote for in this very important Canadian election

    Its been attmpted to brainwash us all about pollution and global warming when in fact its global cooling
    brainwahed we need the state to provide for the raising of our children
    brainwashed about immigration
    brainwashed about just about everything
    lied to about the NAU
    manipulated about taxes
    the darth vader and police state tactics arrising
    tazers and 16th century burning at the stake mentallity
    ineffecient medicare
    taxes taxes taxes
    financial problems coming with all that entails with employment
    more crime because of the above

    etc etc etc

    there are issues and not one of these parties has a very good solution
  45. wes maksymetz from tarsandistan, Canada writes: Wow!! the wacko's are certainly posting today. Remember the 'pointy hat' meeting will be stating soon, don't be late. There are a few crosses to burn today. Get a life!!
  46. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: So now we have a triumvirate of Layton, McGuinty and Miller demanding the total ban of handguns. Despite the fact that the handguns in question are illegally obtained, the vast majority from the US.

    What a Dream Team of Deep Thinkers! Or deep something else.
  47. Mike Sumners from Toronto, Canada writes: Quote from Jack Layton: '...and people in this country don't want that here.'
    Excuse me, Jacko, but don't tell me what I want or don't want. What I DO want is for a clampdown on immigration from violent countries such as Jamaica and deportation for any immigrant who commits a crime using a firearm. I do NOT want your NDP Nanny State telling me what I need and want.
  48. charlie brown from Canada writes: To G H from MegacitY who wrote: ' And the Cons are all set to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to put all the pot smokers in jail - 'cause the bible says drugs are bad and maryjane leads to crack - it's a proven fact!' Um GH, please send some proof of your silly, bigotted statements. Detailed references please.
  49. SL S from Saskatchewan, Canada writes: Since most hand guns used in crimes are illegally gotten guns that's a pretty empty and useless promise to make. Hand guns will still be used in crimes.
  50. white wolf from Canada writes: Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: So now we have a triumvirate of Layton, McGuinty and Miller demanding the total ban of handguns. Despite the fact that the handguns in question are illegally obtained, the vast majority from the US.

    What a Dream Team of Deep Thinkers! Or deep something else.
    *****************************************************

    correct and we should kick their sorry asses out of government
  51. J. Bergin from Canada writes: Yes, we all know, that if handguns were banned, then bad people would all become good people......is that right Mr Layton? How about a stricter immigration policy, when murders in Toronto are being committed by a higher percentage of Jamician Immigrants, than their total precentage of the Toronto population, indicates that's where the problem really is. Deal with that Mr Layton. If you want to be Prime Minister then deal with the tough issues.
  52. Michael Crowell from Halifax, Canada writes: Jack will announce a cure for cancer next week; but only if elected. Jack is so great I fail to see why he is not running the UN. Please Jack don't waste your time as PM of Canada go for leader of earth. You can do it Jack.
  53. Prairie Boy from Canada writes: Dear Mr. Layton. It takes a day to get an illegal handgun. How long does it take to get a legal gun if at all possible? Would you qualify? I know, I know the little buggers keep getting away and shooting people. That is why you lock them up.
  54. white wolf from Canada writes: Mike Sumners from Toronto, Canada writes: Quote from Jack Layton: '...and people in this country don't want that here.'
    Excuse me, Jacko, but don't tell me what I want or don't want.

    *****************************************************man I sure agree with that statemnt im get really angry when i hear a politician using those terms

    canadians agree, canadians dont want, canadians are tired of etc etc

    drives me nutz and then i write them a letter saying if you are going to use that term amke sure you say...all except '
    and list the millions who dont agree

    they sure dont speak for me thats for sure,

    how presumptive of them taking liberties with my free thoughts and speech
  55. Greg Stevens from Canada writes: Hard to believe these guys think they can govern. Another NDP plan to do as we say not as we do. Here Provinces, we can't do it, so you can do it. Imagine the hodge podge of rules, the border patrols, and the bureacracies. Can't wait to see the results on Oct 14th and the decimation of this nutty group.
    I really like the reader's suggestion that Jack should run the UN. They would love him there.
  56. Michael Crowell from Halifax, Canada writes: Pat Martin, Libby Davis, Dawn Black, Peter Stoffer, Comrade Chow to name a few; what a dream team. The depth is well, measured in inches. Can you imagine this bunch having power in Ottawa. OMG the thought is absolutely scary. Thank heavens so many Canadians have their sanity.
  57. Don Adams, the Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: Typical Dipper Thinking. Unrealistic, idealistic, dreaming in technicolour. :-( Where do these nerds come from?
  58. dawn douglas from toronto, Canada writes: Oh yeah that'll work. Nobody will ever get shot again. Why didn't we think of that earlier. Hey! let's ban pot too. Nobody will ever get high again. Oh wait a minute....i have to go clean my bong.
  59. Shawn Bull from Canada writes: Another reason not to vote NDP.
  60. George Dubya from Richmond, Canada writes: What a pile of shyte - both the statement and the man! He knows handguns are difficult to obtain and possess in Canada - legally. And he knows the Criminal Code of Canada takes precedence over Provincial legislation.

    He also knows, but ignores (along with Miller and McGuinty) much of the handgun violence is a direct result of street-gangs, all of whom can be idenified and profiled. But ... that's not the Canadian way.

    And they all know (or should know) the Criminal Code of Canada allows for non-negotionable minimum sentences on firearms on a consecutive (ie one sentence for each offense) instead of the easy-out concurrent sentencing used in almost all cases.

    It's time for our political 'leaders' to grow a big set of BALLS - except Elizabeth, of course - and do the right thing, not the easy thing!

    Beef up the police forces and follow through with severe penalties ... that are enforced.
  61. rick from river city from Canada writes: Michael Crowell from Halifax, Canada writes: Jack will announce a cure for cancer next week

    naw... he'll just given provinces permission to ban cancer.
  62. tl best from red dog ab, Canada writes: Funny..the evil cons have tried to pass several pieces of legislation to get tough on gun crimes and introduce manditory minimums and Jack and Stephane keep voting against them...but they are tough on crime !!!! Laughable hypocrites.....wonder how many people would be still alive in Toronto if we had locked up these scum bags the first tinme they committed a crime ?????? You think the year of the gun was bad, just wait.
  63. only mikey from Canada writes: Layton is so full of it!
  64. Let me tell You How It Is from United States writes: Mr. Layton said: “Here's what I have to say them: Americans pay a terrible price for their reckless approach to firearms, and people in this country don't want that here.” Hypocritical is such a Canadian characteristic along with delusions of being 'peacekeepers' and 'nice'. Tell 'em Jack....Canadians in fact already have it Canada but with other weapons like rifles, shotguns, plastic explosives, hunting knives: multiple examples come to mind but they include situations at Montreal Universities, RCMP officers being murdered, domestic violence, passengers on Greyhound busses and of course who could forget other clowns and losers like nice Canadian Ressam the Millenium Bomber with a trunkful of explosives driving on packed BC Ferries, or nice truthful Canadian Inderjit Reyat Singh the Air India 747 bomber free dancing in the streets of Vancouver with knowledge of plastic explosives, or nice Canadian Omar Khadr back home with his great skills of wiring 50KG plastic explosives and how to use assault rifles and behead people. Like I said Jack you hypocritics already have it there. Canadian politicians, talking about Canadian politics commenting on Canadian problems having nothing to do with Americans or my great American Republic.
  65. West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: tl best from red dog ab, Canada writes: Funny..the evil cons have tried to pass several pieces of legislation to get tough on gun crimes and introduce manditory minimums and Jack and Stephane keep voting against them...but they are tough on crime !!!!

    ===================================================

    CORECCTION - Layton voted against them.

    The Liberals never showed up.
  66. Chris A from Canada writes: pandering to the socialistic toronto hippies. pathetic.
  67. AU GT from Long Beach, United States writes: Canadians have paid a 'terrible price' for lax Layton control . Canada needs to lock this communist in an arctic cell and throw away the key.
  68. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Can't be bothered reading the comments on this one.

    Hand guns are already banned..... Layton you tool.

    Any legal hand gun in this country is registered and the cops know where it is.

    If it is stolen the cops will be told right away.

    So Layton..... you going to stand at all the border crossings and stop the illegal hand guns coming into this country?

    Jerk

    Cheers
  69. vic w from Canada writes: You know, I keep hearing of these people in the states who apparently saved an entire family from a raving lunatic with their personal concealed carry firearm.... Oh wait no I havn't.

    Seriously you would think that something like that would be on the news, but it never is. I call bullsh!t on that story. If you have an article produce it. That story is otherwise complete NRA propaganda.
  70. globefan Eh from Canada writes: It would be interesting to hear what the various Police Associations think about handguns..Calgary certainly has its hands full with shooting deaths this past week.

    I would like to see handguns banned..I wonder how many retired police have them in their possession?
  71. Watcher 1983 from Canada writes: More anti-American crap from Little Lenin. Canadians have to demand their right to carry a concealed handgun. You never hear how many lives handguns save and that violent crime drops significantly in States with concealed handgun laws. People do have the right to defend their person, families, and property no matter what our Stalinist inspired constitution says.
  72. KD Duck from Windsor, Canada writes: Layton, again is so far out of touch it is very scary.
    Hands guns are and have been banned except of the legal people who use them as a sport.
    It is VERY difficult to get a handgun, legally. There were 109 gun murders in Canada this year. 102 ere ILLEGAL. While Layton is at it he may as well give them the power to ban evey dangerous object in existence.
    Every frickin time an illegal gun is used, whacky comments are made to again, go after the legal owners, not the criminals.
    Layton and McGuinty are both seriousy lacking sufficient brain matter to comphrehend the truth.
    Go after the criminals.
    Why can't there be a law against politicians performing BS on the way to an election?
  73. Wilma De Bruyn from Toronto, Canada writes: Voice of Reason from Ottawa, Canada writes: I wonder if he will get tough on marijuana use and possession. I think he should go back to his idea of taxing the dead.
    Posted 21/09/08 at 4:38 PM EDT | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Gov ment all ready does that-it's not a new idea. Been done for years!!! Check out the cost of a funeral????
  74. wes maksymetz from tarsandistan, Canada writes: Hey, you right wing neo-cons, it must be very demoralizing to watch Harpers mentor George W. Bush become a converted socialist and nationalizing a large sector of his economy. First it was insurance, now the banks, what's next the automotive industry. GWB your mentor, guru, messiah is closer to Chavez than he is to Harper. Are Harper and his neo-con buddies doomed. John McCain certainly is and if this crisis creeps north of the border Harper can be in big trouble, or will your types find a way to blame Jack Layton??
    It's amazing how the U.S. swung to socializm when things got tough.
    Watch it you hypocrites the same could happen here!!!
  75. Rand Bowerman from United States writes: Vic W:

    Go to the NRA website and read numerous stories (verified and source identified) where the use of private handguns have foiled home invasions and other felonies. The U.S. mainstream media will NOT properly report those stories. Are there a few cases of misuse of legalized, private weapons, sure. Mostly suicides. Life is a risk and in the U.S., anyway, there is a Supreme Court ruling that police agencies are not legally responsible for the protection of individual citizens. Even if they were, there are nowhere enough police to do this, especially with politically correct rules and regulations hampering them.
    Bottom line: as I sleep at night in my home, I feel safer because I have a weapon to defend myself. Self-defense is a common law right that is fundamental to both Canada's and the U.S.' heritage.
  76. Durward Saar from Canada writes: If there were not enough airheads that swallow gun ban propaganda they would not still be useing it, Dion , Layton ,McGuinty and Miller all use it, So there must be a lot of stupid voters out there that can be counted on for knee jerk reactions to emotional displays of phoney concern by selfserving politicians who benifit from a distracted electrate.
  77. Vote for your NDP MP on October 14,2008 federal election from Toronto, Canada writes: Mr Layton is right. Getting a gun is too easy in America and anyone (especially for mentally unstable people) can shoot innocent people. Remember Virginia Tech, Columbine etc.... the shooter managed to obtain a firearm without any conditions or restrictions. If guns were restricted then these shooters wouldn't be going on these shooting rampages.
  78. John the Baptist from Canada writes:

    Banning hand guns will have no impact on gun crime.

    But it will give lovers of the nanny state the 'feeling' that something is being done.

    And it might buy a few votes from people that would rather not look at the issue.
  79. Rand Bowerman from United States writes: Vote For your NDP, etc...

    They would have bought weapons on the black market from criminals like themselves. Freedom involves risk.
  80. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Vote for your NDP MP on October 14,2008 federal election from Toronto, Canada writes:

    --------------

    are you even old enough to vote?

    Didn't think so.
  81. Read Acted from Canada writes: You are so silly Jack.

    Why ban handguns ? If your going to ban something why not ban shooting someone in the street while out of your mind on illegal drugs?
  82. John the Baptist from Canada writes:

    The hand guns used by criminals are not the ones that the nanny state wants to ban.

    We already have a ban on illegal guns.
  83. Chris A from Hamilton, Canada writes: all that will happen is that layton will succeed in creating a very lucrative trade in illegal firearms.. if they are harder to get... the price will simply go up. effectively raising the price the criminals can charge.

    oddly, this makes it more worthwhile to smuggle them in etc. so... way to go Jack, you've succeeded in doing nothing more than lining the pockets of criminals... nice! Why wont the NDP just go away forever??? oh yeah... lazy union members keep them around until all the manufacturing jobs are gone...
  84. Jeremiah Travistock from Toronto, Canada writes:

    What does he intend to do about gun violence?
  85. wes maksymetz from tarsandistan, Canada writes: Rand Bowerman, they bought handguns from American gun runners who supply 100% of the illegal Canadian handgun market. It is the American law that allows anybody with a pulse to purchase own and re-sell a gun that is the problem. KEEP YOUR JUNK ON YOUR SIDE OF THE BORDER!!!
  86. John the Baptist from Canada writes:

    Banning hand guns outright would only be a symbolic position.

    It would not have an impact on gun crime.

    A symbolic position helps one feel like something is being done, when in reality nothing is being done.
  87. Been There Done That from Land of OZ, Canada writes: Jack 'smoked' all his marbles away a long time ago.

    He is just a big methane machine !!!
  88. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: Can anybody tell me WHY Jack Layton with approx. 15% of the popular vote keeps walking around telling eveybody what he will do as Prime Minister???? I mean why don't the media say, 'Look Jack. You are clearly delusional here. There is nooooooooo way that is going to happen Jack.' and yet he spews that line everytime he is on tv or interviewed.........it is ridiculous.......if you are marginal and proclaim you are otherwise does it make it so??? I don't think soooooooooooooooo
  89. John the Baptist from Canada writes:

    I'll bet Jack is hoping his hand gun position will distract Canadians from his alliance with the marihuana party.
  90. west slope from Canada writes: ---
    As others have indicated, Canada has plenty of gun legislation but insufficient enforcement.

    The NDP seems comfortable with the notion of allowing juvenile gun offenders to be released 24 hours later.

    Once again, I suspect that the NDP means well but simply does not understand the issues.
  91. PJ C from Victoria, Canada writes: While this is nothing but pandering for votes in certain urban areas, maybe Jack's onto something. If complete control of firearms law was devolved to the provinces, the more sensible provinces would have sensible laws and therefore the way a firearm 'looks' or the length of a barrel would not be factors in what is legal and what is prohibited. I see BC and the Prairies being quite reasonable while ON and QC quite the opposite.
  92. Durward Saar from Canada writes: Jack again shows he knows squat about Canada, If (lol) Layton were PM he would need the provinces OK to impliment a useless ban, they would not and do not need Ottawa's ok for anything.
    Read the constitution Layton, your a joke.
  93. William In Ajax from Canada writes: Jesse Winger from Calgary said ..hand guns are for killing..

    No..

    Hand guns are for protection.
    Ban the criminals and killers and maybe I'll never need to use my handgun.

    You do..keep a fire extinguisher or two around the house,
    do you NOT?
  94. Read Acted from Canada writes: We know where the guns are coming from. Why not just ban American drug smugglers ? How about banning stock ownership in the American corporations that manufacture the handguns ?
    Oh wait, I forgot that they are maufactured in Canada. Specifically in
    Toronto at Para-Ordnance Mfg. Inc.
    980 Tapscott Road
    Toronto, ON
    Canada M1X 1C3

    Phone: 416-297-7855
  95. Read Acted from Canada writes: Yeah thats right.

    O.K. so we could ban ownership in companies that manufacture handguns ... That might work... Companies like...

    Phoenix Arms
    4231 E. Brickell St.
    Ontario
    Canada 91761

    Phone: 909-937-6900
  96. L B from Canada writes: oh jack oh jack, what are you smoking??you remind me of bill clinton,lol,lol,lol, in case you haven't heard people kill people, with hand guns ,knives, ropes, wood, cars, oh, whoops ,jack heard that he would ban my axe, it doesn't matter what you ban, criminals can get it, the gun register law was a huge waste of money,did anyone see the criminals register there guns??? jack, jack, please go away ,tell me something where are we getting these politicans from they are nuttier than a fruit cake, Dion, Layton.then we have harper the dicator, doesn't give us much of a choice,but i will vote for harper,not because i like him, but he seems to be sane, not mentally challanged like dion and layton.
  97. Northern Dancer from Outside of Toronto, Canada writes: How about the power to stop the growth of weeds, bad weather, bad luck, etc.
  98. D K from Canada writes: 'WHY NOT TO Vote for your NDP MP on October 14,2008 federal election from Toronto, Canada writes: Mr Layton is right. Getting a gun is too easy in America and anyone (especially for mentally unstable people) can shoot innocent people. Remember Virginia Tech, Columbine etc.... the shooter managed to obtain a firearm without any conditions or restrictions. If guns were restricted then these shooters wouldn't be going on these shooting rampages.'

    Wow Layton is running for president of the US ... who knew? You might want to tell American voters. Jack wants to give more power to the provinces? Does that mean he intends to change the constitution? Maybe reporters should be asking tough questions instead of pandering to this tripe. Vote NDP if YOU are mentally unstable !
  99. D K from Canada writes: This just in... Jack Layton has banned bad hair days. Tune in at 11.
  100. Been There Done That from Land of OZ, Canada writes: The NDP show their true colours.. no brains whatsoever.

    Hope it isn't contageous
  101. C R from Canada writes:

    Agreed, handguns most often used in crimes are not known about or legal anyways...so how does this all really work Mr. Layton? How about some new and creative strategies!
  102. Been There Done That from Land of OZ, Canada writes: To Northern Dancer from Outside of Toronto:

    UR Funny... and correct !!! Keep posting LOL
  103. Read Acted from Canada writes: I Think yove got something there Jack!

    While we're at it lets ban those evil assault weapons... You know the ones they manufacture in that sordid place Kitchener Ontario.

    http://www.coltcanada.com/
  104. desiderio manzanal jr from laval, Canada writes: THe question of banning ownership of handguns and any weapons should not be taken lightly as a political tool to win votes. There are many logical reasons why citizens should have the ability to protect themselves, their family, and their neighbors. 1) The police forces is underfunded and are incapable of protecting you and your properties 24 hours a day. Just looks at the performance of the police forces against emerging riots and also the sizable strenght of criminal organizations that pervades our society. 2) We cannot be certain that our leaders will always be uncorruptable and noble individuals. In fact history and recent history have shown corruptions in a level we did not know exist. 3) Statistically, police forces cannot protect you every second of your life and in fact, they cannot even ensure that criminals remain off the street. How many times have we read in the papers of escaped criminals and street gangs. 4) Street gangs is one of the main reason why street shooting is on the rise. These gangs use illegal weapons and handguns to do their dirty work. They also rely on fear of civilians to ensure their livelyhood. OF course you cannot threaten easily those citizens who can protect themselves. 5) Crimes commited by mentally insane individuals is very difficult to prevent. Elimina