Dear United Nations:
I'm not quite sure how to put this, so I'll simply say it: Are you folks out of your minds? I do apologize! It's just that I cannot think of a nicer way to address the fact that this is a VERY bad idea.
Are you so naieve to believe that disarmament is an effective solution to the misuse of arms? Are you not aware that ALL such attempts wind up disarming law-abiding citizens while the law-breaking criminals wind up obtaining, and using, illegal firearms anyhow?
Historically, the widespread possession of firearms among a general populace is the most effective way of reducing crime. Switzerland is a prime example of this. America's relaxation of gun control over the last twenty years and the resulting massive reduction in crime is another prime example. The United Kingdom's massive increase in gun control and the resulting massive increase in crime are prime examples of what NOT to do.
An armed society is a polite society. This works because 90% to 95% of society are not law-breakers! It's the 5% to 20% who ARE law-breakers who commit 100% of the crimes. When you either arm everyone (Switzerland) or at least allow everyone to be armed if they so choose (U.S.), the result is a sharp drop in crime. Criminals aren't stupid - if they have reasonable belief that committing a crime may very well result in Joe Citizen responding with deadly force, they will usually re-think their line of "work."
I am an historian, and served honorably as an officer in the U.S. Air Force for more than 20 years. I know what I'm talking about, and I am always armed, not because I think anything is going to happen today, but knowing full well the odds of something happening in the next 10,000 days are strong. I am not armed because I'm a "gun nut." I don't belong to the NRA or other pro-gun group. I am armed because I consider my personal responsibility to protect myself and those around me against illegal violence.
I am very glad I live in both a country and a state where I can freely exercise this right! But it's not just a right - it's a responsibility, even a duty.
I am utterly disgusted with the general anti-gun mentality of the United Nations. It's awash in wishful thinking, totally ignores volumes of history attesting to the fact this is a VERY bad idea, and seeks to undermine a solution which has worked to keep the peace for several hundred thousand years: Armament, education, and peaceful cooperation among the various circles of society.
I ask you again: Are folks out of your minds?
As you're looking into "the feasibility, scope and draft parameters for a comprehensive, legally binding instrument establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of convention arms," PLEASE keep in mind the fact that limiting the possession of weapons by honest, law-abiding citizens DOES NOT WORK!
I sincerely hope and pray my country's government is NEVER so idiotically stupid to sign off on your ridiculous treaty (here:
http://www.un.org/disarmament/convarms/ArmsTradeTreaty/html/ATT.shtml)
If ever they do, I will uphold my solemnly sworn oath of office to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic."
I will do so TO THE DEATH, should that ever prove necessary.
Please reconsider this abominable plan of yours.
Good day, gentleman.