The thing is there seem to be many threads on TFL that either start as or degenerate into UK-bashing as if the UK had any influence or responsibility on current US gun policy. The remark I raised was very close to being in that vein to me.
Why members have such views is a puzzle to me, but there you go...
UK-bashing (and particularly the English) has been an American pastime since we were British Colonies. To one degree, or another.
And all the history that has passed since has done nothing to change that. We "bash" everyone, and ourselves the most. We love the English (and really all the UK peoples) as people, but we vigorously disagree with much of their political ideas, and particularly the ones in the forefront in the recent half century or so.
A couple of the reasons things British and gun control together spark so much ire, so easily is the history of the last century, in Britain, and as generally perceived by Americans (those who bother with it, anyway).
As many in the US still see it, Britain has, repeatedly relied on the US to bail them out of tough scrapes (WWI & WW II).
The British disarmed so thoroughly after WW I they were literally begging the US, including US citizens, not just the US govt, to send them guns in 1940. Any guns. Sporting guns, military guns, anything. They were desperate. And with good reason.
We remember this. Imperfectly, but we remember.
In more recent times, England has essentially abolished private firearms ownership, as we see it. Its a wonderful world that they live in.
One of the reasons we get into UK-bashing so easily is that AMERICAN gun control advocates are constantly telling us how we should be more like the UK.
We don't agree with that. We don't like hearing it, but as Americans we accept their right to say it. However, when a foreigner, particularly a rude snobbish Englishman comes here and tells us we should be more like the UK, it creates a rapid backlash. First at the arrogant Englishman, and then at Englishmen, in general (or, at least those who support gun control).
Essentially, the feeling is
"the nerve of that guy (those guys - English), the one's who's butts we had to save, because they got rid of their guns, telling us we have to get rid of our guns!"
Of course, there's lots more to it, I just mention these points for some insight into what some people think.
As for Piers himself, one more bloody talking head we are well rid of. He's a fanatic, and I believe it was Churchill who said "a fanatic is one who cannot change his mind, and will not change the subject". (or something like that)
Good riddance.
