A question on Iraq and firearms.

[Bullshot]

One of the biggest arguments given by opponents of gun control is that armed households can ward off any excessive intrusion in our lives by the government.

Under Saddam Hussein, Iraqis lived under one of the most oppressive dictators in the world. Yet, they were allowed to own firearms. I seem to remember seeing common Iraqis firing shotguns for celebrations, such as weddings and other occasions. Their ownership of firearms didn't seem to prevent Saddam from becoming what he was.

Am I missing something? Or, was Saddam's dictatorship allowed to happen despite the citizens of the country owning firearms?

[shockingelk]

1. Excellent observation!

I have nothing to add, but am sure it will come in handy next time I'm debating a 2nd Amendment freak.

I usually use "Yeah. Guns really helped David Koresh, didn't they?"

[eridani]

2. What they didn't have was effective political organization

It's stupid to think a bunch of disconnected individuals can do anything about government abuses, armed or not.