Their welfare system must be attracting out-of-province urban dwellers as well.

The majority of murders are between people who know each other. There really aren't that many stranger murders. Yes, there are exceptions- particularly with innocent bystanders in gang territories, and most recently the lonely wackjob who shot up the gym. But in terms of hard core statistics, you are far more likely to be murdered by someone you know. SO- who are the assholes with a bad temper and access to sharp things, blunt things, poison things and gun things that YOU know. That's who you need to worry about...

I have guns and I would hope that nobody thinks of me as a killer, but according to Minnesota Law and every fiber in my being I have the right to defend my home as well as myself. An example would be if somebody was in my home threatening myself as well as my family and making me feel unsafe. If I hade a bead (so to speak) on this person I would not hesitate to pull the trigger until the gun went click. Now I would not shoot this person in the back if they were running nor would I fire warning shots over their head but trust me growing up on a farm if I had a shot I would get it - repeatedly. 

Remember guns do not kill people - people kill people!!! 

No offence Sound Wizard.

Peace 

Todd Gremmels

I'm not saying anything about gun control, Todd. I'm just saying that the scenario you describe is extremely rare. It's far more likely that the person shootin' or stabbin' is somebody you know. If you feel that you need to protect yourself, who am I to say differently? Hopefully you don't ever have to defend yourself.

I have a elderly buddy that's an ex-cop.  He notes that there is pretty much never a "front" or "back" shot.  Most firefights don't occur like they do on NCIS.  They tend to be train wrecks.  I'm glad I've never been in one.

Hey Todd, don't get me wrong.  I believe people should be allowed to have firearms (including small and/or concealed).  Who knows what the future holds, though.  More people get killed in car accidents, for cripes sakes.  I say we outlaw cars.  Wait a second, I do think someday we will :>

So Tim, do you possess "a bad temper and access to sharp things, blunt things, poison things and gun things"?

Wait a minute! Are you calling ME an asshole?

Also is nine in total since 2003 bad, overall?

The murder rate in the U.S. of A., per capita, is triple that of Qannadda's.  Fraud is 1/2 compared to N. of the 48th, slack laws here, thanks for throwing Conrad Black in jail for us!
Property crimes lower in the U.S., too.  Someone in gov't here stole $44 million dollars, referred to as ADSCAM.  Cops not interested in busting the crooks that sign their paycheques.  Are the police down there as addicted to paycheques as folks are to dope?