Law / The right to own guns: would you support such legislation in Poland? [2237]

@jon357
When did anyone say anything about having things like the USA? Not me, not once. Once again though you and others take it to the extreme. Allowing mentally fit, responsible people to own weapons and be trained how to use them when there is a war next door is pretty wise. Otherwise Putin can and likely would roll through Poland in short order. Polish military is pretty small and could not handle an invasion force of 150K as well as Ukraine has.

Law / The right to own guns: would you support such legislation in Poland? [2237]

@jon357
You are not in Poland now are you? You are not involved in conversations here are you? No one is calling for US style ownership, but they are calling for relaxing controls. But of course you didnt even read the article I posted after you requested a source. A bill was actually proposed by PiS.

@Joker
It takes me less than three seconds to roll over, open my safe and be up and armed. No entries upstairs, all bedrooms and valuables upstairs and only one stairway. Anyone trying would be a fool.

Law / The right to own guns: would you support such legislation in Poland? [2237]

@jon357
polskieradio.pl/395/7789/Artykul/2976651,Security-concerns-in-Poland-are-increasing-pressure-to-reduce-gun-restrictions

Do your own research. There is mounting pressure and a lot of talk about gun controls. Not just in between politicians, but a lot of conversations with people in general. You should see how busy shooting ranges are now in and around Krakow, and how many people are taking classes on proper use of weapons. This outside of the increased military goals.

@cms neuf
It takes two seconds to open a bedside safe with a fingerprint or using a 4 digit combination.

Law / The right to own guns: would you support such legislation in Poland? [2237]

@jon357
You should do some research before making a statement like there are no calls for changing gun laws in Poland. PiS are taking steps to make obtaining a gun much easier. Like they are building the military in Poland. This of course in response to what is happening in Ukraine.

In the US, depending on where you live there are very real possibilities of having an intruder in your house. In Poland these are less common occurrences.


This is the exact reason why these safes should be used. So no child, or other person who should not have access can get access. If you want to arm others, then buy more guns and more safes and put them in those areas where they sleep. Simple, more expensive, but problem solved.

Law / The right to own guns: would you support such legislation in Poland? [2237]

@Novichok
A biometric thumbprint gun safe opens in in less than 2 seconds and they are pretty cheap for the safety and technology. Being much younger than you I also move much faster than you. Better luck next time.

Law / Obtaining Poland's citizenship through decent [11]

Just get your birth certificate translated, get both parents birth certificates, and it wont be a problem.

Law / The right to own guns: would you support such legislation in Poland? [2237]

This really would be a hilarious conversation if the problem involved was not so real. Smart guns, those with biometrics or and RFID type bracelet or ring are the future. A fingerprint or palmprint to release the safety is simply brilliant. Long guns will be next. Smart bullets being used by the US already are another item worth discussing. Imagine being able to shoot around a corner of a building in combat.

As for locked guns being useless, that is simply just idiocy. A locked gun can be accessed in less than 10 seconds if placed strategically. Useless when all sleeping areas are inaccessible upstairs and an intruder enters from downstairs? Thats one dead intruder before he gets out of the kitchen.

Responsible gun ownership, education, mental health awareness, and restricted access are the only things that will solve these problems. Taking guns away doesn't solve anything. Everyone I know would simply hide them or buy enough parts to build their own ghost guns.

As for gun ownership in Poland, the laws are changing, and with the Orcs invading next door, a lot more people are getting training and getting permits for weapons. A few of my friends here, who never hunted, never wanted to shoot or were never into being outdoors are now regulars at the gun ranges shooting AK's and other weapons just for fun, just in case. The world is changing thanks to little Vlad, and Poland has changed its tune on guns in the hands of citizens.

Law / The right to own guns: would you support such legislation in Poland? [2237]

Smart guns, or smart pistols are now making their way in the US. Several forms only allow an authorized user to fire these weapons. An authorized user can be someone with a biometric safety on the weapon, or some piece of jewelry that has to be worn while firing the weapon. This is the future of gun ownership.

People kill people, not guns. Education, and proper storage of any weapon will almost always result in no accidents or unauthorized use. Mental health awareness, and proper restriction weapons sales are what's needed. Grandpa's old .38 special from when he was a police officer can't just be kept loaded in and unprotected place. Common sense goes a long way for gun safety and ownership.

Law / The right to own guns: would you support such legislation in Poland? [2237]

Comparing Australia, Europe and other gun control countries makes zero sense. While the US Constitution and its subsequent amendment's guarantee rights for gun ownership, States also have gun laws. Even if the US were able to pass a federal gun law, they could not overrule State laws. So Australia may do one thing, but it would never happen in the US.

People kill people. Guns do not fire themselves. The problem is mental health, irresponsible gun security in many homes, and illegal gun sales. Legal gun sales account for a small portion of gun crimes. Mental health is the biggest issue concerning gun safety.

News / Poland's PiS party members and crime [346]

@pawian
I said this was happening nearly a year ago. Record profits in this economy for one sector controlled by the government. And where does all that money go? The guy running Orlen is a scumbag.

Law / The right to own guns: would you support such legislation in Poland? [2237]

@mafketis
Guy was absolutely justified for the first three shots. The last four shots were execution and he will likely be charged with second degree murder or manslaughter. Welcome to Texas.

Travel / Do Poles like to hunt? Hunting in Poland. [211]

@Paulina
JR is actually correct. In many States wolves died off in the 1800's and early 1900's due to growth in farming, reduction in habitat, and yes over hunting for fur. Since the 70's though many States have repopulated with transplanting wolves from other area's and other States. Michigan is one such State. Wolves are quite amazing creatures and there are several varieties. I have been lucky enough to see the Michigan Wolves while out hunting and Wisconsin Timberwolves while on a fishing trip. Very different animals.

Predators in general attack the weakest points of any animal. The neck is not a frequent area that's attacked. Most attacks come from behind, at the spine or at the anus because they are so vulnerable and lead to near instant disability. Bears can go for the neck but not many others outside of Africa.

Travel / Do Poles like to hunt? Hunting in Poland. [211]

@johnny reb
Yes JR I do have pictures of the swamp buck taken in Alanson about 150 yards off the Crooked River in an incredible old growth cedar swamp that has a great corn field on the other side of the swamp. The land is privately owned and I was given permission to use it for about ten years before the owner passed. I am sure you know the area right near 68 and 31. Opening day in 2016.

You want to discuss the UP? OK. The deer population is in decline for many reasons, mostly due to die off a few years ago when the winter was very hard, coupled with predation from wolves, coyote and bear in the spring. I hunt up near lake of the clouds so I know the area well.

For the record, my deer hunting was not just rifle season, but bow and black powder. I never shot anything other than a mature animal. I stopped bird hunting when my lab died. While you may be an expert in central Michigan, and I will give you that because I don't know your area as well, few knew better hunting than I did in the lower NW. I will say, I do not hunt anymore because I am just not into putting in all the real effort it takes to help maintain a healthy heard year-round, and I am not in Michigan enough to commit to it. But ethical, safe hunting of mature animals should never be looked down on. It is the most humane way to provide meat for a family. Hunting for trophies is simply abhorrent.

Travel / Do Poles like to hunt? Hunting in Poland. [211]

@pawian
Go have another vodka.

So, Are There Any Differences Between Cougars and Mountain Lions?

The short answer is no, because they are from the same species, but there do tend to be some slight contrasts in overall size due to geographical concerns, diet and climate. "There are no significant differences other than vernacular taxonomy, if you will," says Charlie Jasper, founder of C&C Security Consultants, whose private clients live on the urban/wilderness divide in Los Angeles, necessitating his expertise in helping them to deny access to predators on their property.

"Panthers in Florida and the Southeastern U.S., like most creatures there, tend to be a little smaller," he adds. "If you compare a Carolinian white tail deer with its equivalent up in Maine, it's like looking at a labradoodle versus a wolf."

Those geographical differences do allow for people to make distinctions. Being from the US, I would never call a Florida Panther the equal of a California Mountain Lion, while technically in the same species they are dramatically different animals in size.

Travel / Do Poles like to hunt? Hunting in Poland. [211]

@pawian
Actually yes I will say the wolves have never been the dominating predator of the whitetail. Wolves are not and have never been in all the whitetail territories. There are so many sub species of wolf and of deer in the US most people cant even imagine. The explosion of whitetail is directly related to farming, not the hunting of their predators.

If JR took 3 and only got 50 kilo's those were some very small deer in his neck of the woods because I hunted those same area's and the smallest I ever took weighed at least 60 or 70 kilos, and that would be about the average size in that area. Some deer in that area can get to 100 kilo easily if the winters are mild.

Your high and mighty attitude based upon your pseudo intelligence is boring.

Travel / Do Poles like to hunt? Hunting in Poland. [211]

@pawian
You really need to read in context. I have a home in Michigan. I have Whitetail deer in my yard every morning. I know what they look like and taste like coming off the grill. The last one I killed was about 90 kilo field dressed, a 50 kilo pile of meat like you suggested is not typical of any deer in the United States outside of a Key Deer which are protected.

Your attitude toward hunting in Poland is what it is because of your environment, so criticizing others not raised in that same environment does not make much sense.

Natural predators? You mean wolves, mountain lions and cougars? Those that are not and have never been prevalent in most of the US?

Of course you dont account for the explosion of agriculture in the US which has lead to greater winter survival rates for all animals, and thus ever increasing reproductive rates. No sense in taking those factors into account when you can simply go hug a tree.

As for my costly purchase of tenderloin, your comments show you have no idea how expensive it is to live in the US and like most Poles your opinions are derived from the Hollywood presentation if life in the US. Go enjoy your flank steak under plastic wrap and think about how many bullets to the head or nails to the head are going into domesticated cows each day in order to bring that meat to your table. One day you're a pet in a closed environment the next day you're on a truck to the slaughter house. Indeed it all sounds so humane.

Travel / Do Poles like to hunt? Hunting in Poland. [211]

@pawian
"3 deer per year to "harvest" about 50 kilograms of meat. How much does a kilo of raw beef cost in the USA??"

Again you show you know nothing about hunting, and its costs. In Michigan where I hunted for decades, it would cost me a total of about $30 to hunt all season. A mature deer in Michigan will provide in most cases 70 to 100 kilo of meat. The last one I killed weighed almost 90 kilos field dressed.

Deer are much bigger in the US than in Poland. The average cost of beef, if buying a whole cow, is about $8 per kilo. Do the math. If buying in plastic in a grocery store the costs are much higher. For instance, one pound of tenderloin packaged last time I bought one was about $50. The same package in Poland would cost me about 25% of that.

Comparing hunting clubs in Poland to hunting in the USA is nonsensical. Most US hunting is done on public lands and your $16 license is access to those lands and to the game on those lands. No other membership required.

In the US there are so many Deer/Car accidents and deaths because there are so many of them that hunting is required to keep the population under control. Ever see what a deer can do to a car? Ever see what a person can look like after that kind of accident?

Travel / Do Poles like to hunt? Hunting in Poland. [211]

@jon357
"They probably slung it and went for a Big Mac." You not only show your ignorance in that statement, but a latent racism. The tribal leaders in the area I still maintain a home in the US, are very well grounded people. The hunting community in this area has a group that donate meat to poor families in rural communities. That, is the true nature of most people who hunt, providers. People who only want to go down to the local supermarket are "takers". It's ok, providers do not discriminate when people are hungry. Lets hope that does not change due to circumstances around the world beyond our control. We are all only one nutcase away from being a hunting and gathering society once again.

Travel / Do Poles like to hunt? Hunting in Poland. [211]

@Paulina
Killing a bear is just as much for food as any other animal. While I personally did not like the flavor, and found it gamey and greasy, other family members did like it. I donated 150lbs of bear meat to my local Native American tribe as well and they really appreciated it. Wasting meat, store bought or killed wild, is something that should never happen. It happens in massive amounts around the world, particularly in developed countries where hunting is so limited. Because they can always go back to the store and buy more.

The hunting mentality is about being in nature. I have had at least 20 hunts where I did not kill an animal for every one hunt that I did. But, I was grateful for being out in nature, enjoying the quiet, the stillness and all the other things you can get out of the experience. I have friends, while vegetarian still go hunting, and they replace the weapon with a camera. Still getting the same experience and enjoyment.

I said before, I do not support hunting for sport or trophies.

Travel / Do Poles like to hunt? Hunting in Poland. [211]

@jon357
Yes, I noticed it was a question. And you seem to have an obsession with comparing d1cks. Of course you do not know much about North American families. Take your opinions outside of the cities in the USA and you will find a lot of resistance. Voice them anywhere in Canada and you could get into a fight. In Europe yes, it is less prevalent. It has usually been an activity reserved for the wealthy and controlled by the land owners. So of course the supermarket viewpoint is more common here, but it does not make it right or wrong.

Yes. I see magazines with vegans smiling and posing with their fruits and veg. They choose to leave out all the animals that died to produce them. Just because something is unseen or unpublished does not mean it does not exist. Animal rights activists, and antihunting people need to get a grip on themselves in general. Most are not equipped to discuss these kinds of uncomfortable facts. But they sure enjoy their impossible burgers.

Travel / Do Poles like to hunt? Hunting in Poland. [211]


According to who? You? There is nothing wrong with hunting. Traditional hunting families should now take up water color painting? Maybe knitting? No one is in a position to judge. I don't judge vegans who say that killing animals is wrong completely when in order to produce their soybeans, every field mouse, mole, worm, ground squirl, and other living creatures is plowed under, killed and dismembered or injured in order to produce their beans. Thats why the crows and seagulls follow behind the farming combines. Hundreds of animals die to produce soybeans, but no one wants to talk about that. Thats neither sport, or ethical is it?

Travel / Do Poles like to hunt? Hunting in Poland. [211]

@jon357
You are correct, the majority do not hunt. It is not a tradition for them. Most hunters in fact do not kill because most are unsuccessful out in the field. Yet, they were still hunting and enjoying being in the outdoors. I have had many more unsuccessful hunts than successful ones. Yet with each harvest of an animal, there is a sense of understanding that you took a life and that it must be given meaning and used in an appropriate manner. I have taken Bear, Deer, Grouse, Pheasant, Chucker, and Rabit.

All ethically, and all cleanly. All used in an appropriate manner. Hunting for sport or trophies is not something I support. Ethical hunting I support completely.

You can say what you want about hunting, but until you visit a beef slaughter house you have no idea what butchery is. Until you visit a chicken farm, or a pig farm you are just talking out of your a$$. Those places, where you get your nicely packaged parts are the unethical mass production facilities.

Travel / Do Poles like to hunt? Hunting in Poland. [211]

@jon357
The overall majority of people do not hunt for sport or have fun killing. You do not understand what hunting is. It has very little to do with taking a life. I am not even going to waste my time trying to explain it to you because you will only try to twist things.

Travel / Do Poles like to hunt? Hunting in Poland. [211]

Hunting is primitive, yes. People who hunt are not, there is zero correlation between primitive thinking and behavior. Theodore Roosevelt one of the US greatest and most intelligent Presidents was an avid hunter. In the US, hunting is tradition. In Poland it is as well. People who complain about hunters and hunting, in most cases could not survive without other people doing the hunting and gathering for them. Plastic wrap and nice lighting is not what life is all about. Concealing all the steroids and hormones used in all the food in your grocery store is part of an epidemic that is changing the genetics of children. Early onset puberty is just one example. It is a medical fact that people who eat food that is not as processed as what we find in most supermarkets are healthier in general. Why would anyone not want to live a healthier life and live longer because of it?

Travel / Do Poles like to hunt? Hunting in Poland. [211]

@jon357
You have no fvcking clue. Growing veg and hunting is nothing but natural. But keep going to the grocery store where everything is manipulated genetically. Chaining up animals until slaughter is so much more cruel than hunting its not even worth discussing.

Please be civil in these threads, everyone should have an opinion without being abused

Travel / Do Poles like to hunt? Hunting in Poland. [211]

@johnny reb
You can not expect people who buy all their food under plastic wrap to understand the purity of hunting for your own survival. It is easy to walk through a grocery store and be ignorant of the animals that died. To hunt, to kill, to actually butcher your own meat is getting back to what humans have done thousands of years. It is soul cleansing and difficult. There is not glory in the animal dying, but there is satisfaction in providing for yourself and your family in the most natural way possible. Anyone disputing this needs their head examined.

Life / My Opinion About Poland After 2 Years [35]

@jon357
The visa runs are still a thing, and Polish border patrol does not care. Wisely I might add because those Americans are bringing USD into the country and that is always a good thing. I made trips every 90 days to Ukraine before I got settled in and never had a problem.

Life / I'm from China and I would like to ask about the real experience of life in Poland [44]

@jon357
Average life expectancy in USA is only 6 months longer than Poland. While I would agree that many do not age well here, that is really more indicative of the generation that experienced the Soviet lifestyle. People really do take care of themselves in the cities more so than in the country. I believe it is an environmental thing and being exposed to different ways of life in metropolitan area's. The pollution this year is worse than in the last few years, people are burning more due to fuel prices, but still in Krakow it is not so bad. In the mountains though, its crazy how much people are burning.

Off-Topic / Stock Market and Trading Talk [1011]

@johnny reb
I am back your way next Tuesday for a week. Looks like the weather has still been holding out, while its been raining here for a month.

Off-Topic / Stock Market and Trading Talk [1011]

@johnny reb
No. A Bear Run is a small run that takes place in a Bear market. It is temporary. A Bull Run takes place and is usually excessive in a bull market and that usually is followed by a smaller retreat. Bear run is not an often used term, but it represents the situation we are in to a T.

Try some Moldova wines if you can find them. Cheap and very good. Here they are like $5 a bottle, but taste like a $20 usually. My personal favorite is USA Stags Leap Cab, just can not find it here, so I bring it back with me.