With all of the talk about gun-control (which I happen to agree with)...

[blackspade]

I thought I would throw out a question to the community and gun 'rights' advocates in particular.

Why is there no discussion or anger about the states and the Feds prohibiting the open carrying of swords, axes, polearms, etc?
They are arms protected under the 2nd amendment so, why no fussing and hustling about limits on possession and carrying of them?

I find it completely hypocritical that one class of arms, firearms, has somehow become the only arm 'protected' under the 2nd.
So, how about it? Why is it worse if I defend myself with a sword than a gun? Why is it worse if I stab someone to death than if I dump 12 rounds into them?

[samsingh]

1. kick

[rrneck]

2. Melee weapons aren't as popular or effective as guns.

Although I think you can pretty much carry any kind of melee weapon you want in most states, but I'm not sure.

[blackspade]

3. Effectiveness and popularity were not my point...

although I totally agree with you.

Most states severely limit the carrying of close combat weapons.
My question is why? why do legislators feel OK with violating the 2nd in one case and not another?

I have a feeling that it has to do with 'changing times.' Which opens up a whole new can of questions for gun nuts.

[rrneck]

4. Political battles and passing laws burns political capital.

Who wants to wrangle about polearms? If there were a rash of people running through crowds with swords or something, then they'd jump on it.

It has less to do with public safety than establishing battle lines (and revenue streams) in the culture wars.

[NYC_SKP]

5. Most states? Please cite any places where I can not walk around with a double headed ax.

Knives are a little different but AFAIK you can have a machete hanging off your belt at most Home Depots.

What is all this fuss about axes and close quarter weapons?

And why challenge gun enthusiasts with the issue and not all sides of the issue?

[blackspade]

9. Texas for one....

http://knife-expert.com/tx.txt

Here are the rest of the states.
http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm#I-M
The laws vary tremendously, which reinforces my point that there is some serious hypocrisy from gun nuts on this issue.
My reasons for calling out gun 'enthusiasts' is this: why are they not raising holy (unholy?) hell about arms other than guns being infringed upon.
I would think that gun control advocates generally feel that swords, axes, and crossbows need regulation just like firearms.
That is why there was no challenge to them.

[baldguy]

6. 'Cuz they don't go "BOOM!"

[Kalidurga]

7. Years ago a man was killed by the police in Minneapolis...

I remember for sure he was carrying a pipe, he might have also been carrying a sword like weapon a machete maybe. Anyway, they told him to drop his weapons and seconds later shot him to death. The problem was the guy was Somalian and didn't know any English. Yeah people yelling at you might be an indication they want you to stop doing something, but there is a good chance they didn't give him time to respond. But, the bigger question is why if he had a right to carry these things, were the cops using deadly force. Why didn't they question him, it would have been clear he had no English skills if they had calmly asked questions. BTW, the family said he had no history of violence, don't know if that is true or not.

[pipoman]

8. I believe switch blade knives

which are prohibited for carry in many states probably could be successfully challenged under incorporation of the 2nd.