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"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." C.S. Lewis

I have little else to add to that, other than my best wishes for our friends and allies. It's your country, you stood by and let it happen.

- Christopher Leete, Norfolk, Virginia USA, 04/09/2011 13:21
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It's a shame this story is utter drivel.

Kids are NOT banned from shooting events in the tickety giveaway, this is just sloppy reportage.

Not that the government is absolved from their knee-jerk laws driven by shouty Daily Mail readers. We must have had 60 young people through our 'Try airgun shooting' stand at a fete yesterday, and every one was fantastic.

Shooting requires discipline, and that is where the problem lies. You can't legislate against stupidity - this is proven by our daft laws.

- Martin, Tewkesbury, UK, 30/08/2011 16:20
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With respect and empathy to all those connected with the Dunblane massacre, who's understandable emotional energy was diverted into the powerful anti gun lobby which has caused so much destruction in our once proud sporting shooting communities. It must surely be evident by now that evil continues to be perpetrated by PEOPLE and knee jerk reactions to make for good laws. Judging from the unified comments,we are at a turning point for democracy. Open and transparent questions need to be asked about the decisions behind the choice of the venue as against Bisley, and the reasoning behind those decisions.Time for politicians to get out amongst those they represent instead of relying on the lobbyists who come to them behind closed doors, in their corridors of power.

- Daye Tucker, Stirlingshire, 28/08/2011 15:31
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Competative Shooting has always gotten a bad rap. My husband was a member of the US Shooting team for many years. There are so many people out there that don't know that shooting is an Olympic Sport. Education is the major key in exposing these children to this wonderful event. Denying them the opportunity to witness this is just making excuses for poor judgement. Training is what these athletes do, day in and day out, and to say that these children shouldn't witness this sport is such a shame and I hope that in the future the sport will get support from the OIC. You never know, one of these lucky children could be your next gold medalist in shooting.

- Cindy, Ft. Pierce, Florida, 27/08/2011 16:01
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Air pistol shooting at its highest level = massive amounts of self disipline,self control both physically and mentally,fittness(Heart rate and such)...best not let our kids see this...Boris! go away you complete idiotic little man

- Jeremy, swindon ,England, 27/08/2011 14:33
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Dear shooting friends all over the world,

this is so mad, but it is also a great chance for our beloved sport.

Let's buy all tickets for our children and for our young shooters. Let us fill the tribunes of the shooting events next year in London with children and young people from all over the world.

I believe, this is the right answer for this nonsense and a great signal, a good demonstration and a strong sign for the reputation of our sport.


Best wishes from Germany and sorry for my bad English

Frank

- Frank, Germany, 26/08/2011 14:23
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Why stop here lets ban children from watching Saturday kitchen. I mean they use knives on that program so it must be glorifying knife crime.

And children should never be allowed to view martial arts or boxing, can you imagine the chaos that would breakout if our children start hitting each other.

Fencing is another one that will have to go, just think would you want your children to watch people stabbing each other.

This is so stupid what moron came up with this. I can imagine that the reasoning went along the lines of guns.. what do I know about guns... They kill people.... people who shoot must want to kill people.. I must prevent the second holocaust... Ban Ban Ban Ban Ban. What tools, these people are scared the gun control network might be offended by children watching shooting. There are 6 people in the gun control network, only 6 they make lots of noise with no understanding its high time as a democracy we stopped listening to the people who shout abuse the loudest and instead listened to the law abiding sensible majority.

- Gareth Milsom, Leeds, UK, 26/08/2011 11:17
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Boris Johnson intends to exclude shooting sports from his Olympic Games ticket freebie scheme for children. I assume that this means he WILL give children tickets to watch boxing, the only sport in which the object is to inflict physical harm on your opponent????

Please rationalise this for me, Mr Johnson, for the logic escapes me entirely!

- Rodney Salter, Watford, Hertfordshire,UK., 25/08/2011 20:50
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There is a reason that God put you Brits on that island!

- GunInstructor.com, Castella, USA, 25/08/2011 18:16
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I have been teaching Scouts and Army cadets to shoot for the last 25 years! How many of them have gone on to commit gun crimes? NONE!! How many of the children over the last 25 years who have been taught to shoot by the Scouts or Cadet forces in this country, have gone on to commit gun crime? NONE! Teach children to shoot and RESPECT guns and the problem will die!!

- Steve Leggett, Littlehampton UK, 25/08/2011 11:35
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Email Boris and tell him what you think.

- John of Bristol, UK, 25/08/2011 09:01
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So tell me, can the kiddies watch the fencing matches at the Olympics?

After all, they use a type of dirk or sword and try hard to stick the other guy. Now isn't that kind of beastly?

I sure hope you have enough Yobs over there that can shoot if there is a war, cause the regular folk don't seem to be able to do a thing.

- Paul H., Texas, 25/08/2011 03:38
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So tell me, can the kiddies watch the fencing matches at the Olympics?

After all, they use a type of dirk or sword and try hard to stick the other guy. Now isn't that kind of beastly?

I sure hope you have enough Yobs over there that can shoot if there is a war, cause the regular folk don't seem to be able to do a thing.

- Paul H., Texas, 25/08/2011 03:33
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My father (who has already commented above) was founding president of the now defunct National Pistol Ass. and editor of the British Pistoleer. As a competitive target shooter he represented Scotland and GB at the Commonwealth Games and in international competitions all over the world.
I grew up with families of people who spent their Sundays "popping pieces of lead through sheets of paper". I was surrounded by CORRECT gun culture and by that I mean people who knew and respected the potential dangers of their firearms - no-one waved them around and my father would never point an unloaded air pistol even vaguely in the general direction of a household pet.
The 1997 Firearms Act making certain categories of gun illegal was a senseless knee-jerk reaction to the Dunblane massacre with 2 main results: it practically excluded British sports(wo)men from numerous international events (Olympics included) - can't own a gun, your club has to close, where do you practice? - and it increased 100-fold the number of unlicenced weapons on the street hence the dramatic rise in gun crime in the UK over the last 10 years. The tried and tested licencing system had worked for years - only individual corruption meant that the recommendations regarding Thomas Hamilton were ignored.
The snowdrop campaign of 1996 is the cause of countless deaths in Britain every year and now more ignorant "do-gooders" want to stop children watching an Olympic discipline. Anyone still wondering why I left the UK?

- David Macdonald, Lake Garda, Italy (ex-pat Londoner), 24/08/2011 20:19
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So the one and only time the average London kid could of seen guns used as they should be (against targets not each other) has been removed from them, shame on the person that made this politically cowardly decision.

- Andrew Breckill, Darlington, 24/08/2011 18:33
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Boris is being an idiot.

Why not ban children from watching Baseball? Afterall, thousands of people are threatened and injured by baseball bats each year.

Total and utter nonsense from our political leaders, as usual.

- Matt, Wiltshire, 24/08/2011 18:24
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Just to let all you americans know, We do not allow or agree with most of what our gouvernment do.
We simply dont have much of a choice as they just do what they want regardless of what the people want.
Sadly all gun owners and users are made out to be maniacs.
We are all tarred with the same brush as the stupid law breaking scum that use them for wrong doing.
We fought against the pistol ban, against the fox hunting ban and most others.
Sadly we just cant win.....

- Andy, Shropshire, 24/08/2011 17:53
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I laugh at a country that thinks so little of it's society that it will let officals take over and then take away the rights.If i were a competitive shooter for England i would leave and shoot for another country.I have have gun,my wife has guns and we are teaching our 13 year old to shoot handguns.My grandfather passed all his guns to my dad who passed them to me and when the time is right i'll pass them to my 3 sons.Are we violent,no,do we love gun,yes,do we hunt,yes,do we carry guns everyday,yes we do,infact my wife and i both carry Glocks.

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IT'S BETTER TO HAVE A GUN ON YOUR HIP THAN ONE TO YOUR HEAD.

- Dana Capron, Huntington,West Virginia USA, 24/08/2011 17:28
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Some one over there needs to get their man card back,or have they all been shredded.I and my wife both shoot guns and we own lots of guns.My 12 year old son shoots a full sized .45 and will begin junior competition when he turns 13.I have taken many video's of our whole family shooting,and as soon as our 3 year old turns 6 he will get my grandfathers .22 which was passed down from my grandfather to my dad,then to me,and i passed it down to my 12 year old,and now my 12 year old is passing it down to my 3 year old who will eventually pass it down to his younger brother(i have 3 sons).It's a right and a tradition that should never be sqashed or taken.If i were competitor for England i would boycotte and shoot for another country,how can you shoot for a country that hates everything you and your sport.

____________________________________________________
IT'S BETTER TO HAVE A GUN ON YOUR HIP THAN ONE TO YOUR HEAD.

- Dana Capron, Huntington,West Virginia USA, 24/08/2011 17:12
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No wonder you guys had so much trouble with rioters when this is the type of thinking that you allow. You people put these idiots in power why? Obviously just a ploy by the Mayor to make it look like he is concerned and actually doing something when in fact it is just smoke and mirrors because he has no idea how to stop violent criminals.

You have allowed your government to disarm you and the criminals prosper, as they always have done under those conditions. The voters enabled the politicians to do it to them. They have decided that the rights of criminals are more important than the life of honest people, shame on you for letting it happen.

- burbanite, CHCH, NZ, 24/08/2011 16:30
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This is a joke, right? Boris, you're 4 1/2 months late. Time to tell us what the actual ticket allocation is, please. I refuse to believe you are this much of a sheep. You have a brain, right? You're capable of looking at what target shooting involves for yourself instead of listening to a few ignorant morons?

At least, I thought you were.

(Target rifle shooting parent of 15 year old international target rifle shooter. Incidentally, Skans, we're both female.)

- cath, Oxford, England, 24/08/2011 16:06
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Wow, just, wow.

I had heard that the British Olympic shooting sports teams were training down here, in South Florida, but until this moment I didn't really understand why. I know all about the restrictions on firearms in the UK, but it didn't even occur to me that an Olympic team would be forced by the country's crazy gun laws to train abroad. Being a reasonable person, I had assumed that they were here for the weather (which, at this time of year, is not so great).

I have raised my two kids to understand and respect firearms. We keep numerous firearms around the house. I would much rather trust them with a gun than I would some yob who has never been around one.

I truly grieve for what the UK has become.

- Travis McGee, Miami, Florida U.S.A., 24/08/2011 15:46
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What a pity a good discussion has to be ruined by the Americans sent over from Michelle Malkins site who are of course only to quick to want to forget their own washed up nation so very keen to smear ours. There is a genuine need for anger about this issue blown out of all proportion but we could do without the idiotic headline Michelle has posted which deliberately indicates ALL kids are banned from watching this sport in London when they are not!

- Alison, London, 24/08/2011 15:44
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If another World War were to happen, or just a war on your shores, England would fall. What has happened to the tough as nails people today? You're all becoming pansies with the facade of a stiff upper lip. Those kinds of people don't last long in the real world. 8000 miles behind a computer screen those people are WONDERFUL, though!

- Cineski, California, USA, 24/08/2011 15:10
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Hysterical political reactions are always damaging but, seldom manage to insult most of the world’s nations by implying that some of their and our top athletes are of questionable character, who may encourage or even promote gun crime and definitely unsuitable for viewing by young audiences.
This still can and should be fixed.
Was it really just the complacent ignorance of the sane, that allowed the avalanche of stupidity to grow so monumentally powerful that reason can no longer stand in its way?

- Robert B., Bedford, UK, 24/08/2011 14:31
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On this side of the Atlantic, many have been reading about the incredible reach of the Nanny State in England. We cannot believe what has become of her.
And now this.

So, students will not be given passes to watch any type of shooting event at the Olympics. Good grief! What's next? I suppose that would be to install nanny chips into televisions and video game consoles.

Those same students can "kill" opponents in realistic bloody detail in a video game, or watch the same on television, but cannot be permitted to see a skiled marksman/woman punch holes in paper lest it glorify violence?

Some people, and they are the same type everywhere, must be absolutely terrified to get out of bed in the morning. God knows, someone somewhere might actually stub a toe on their watch and nothing will torment them more than the knowledge that they could have prevented it if only they had introduced a little more intrusion into the lives of ordinary people. So it really shouldn't surprise that they feel this way about Olympic shooting events...yet it does because it is such an extremely stupid point of view.

These people need to get their heads out of other parts of their anatomy and join the rest of us in a world of common sense: there is absolutely no connection between an Olympic event and thugs using guns for nefarious purposes. It is unbelievable that the simpletons in charge of this program cannot see this.

- George, Canada, 24/08/2011 13:21
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Oh Boris, we had begun to think of you as a sensible reasonable person, with perhaps a hope for higher Office, as "one of us". No hope now. No backing for someone unable to understand basic citizenship. Youth of both sexes would have benefitted by watching safe and skillful handling of pistols, what a wasted chance.

- ROBIN MACDONALD, Knebworth Hertfordshire England, 24/08/2011 12:38
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The Javelin and Discuss were both used as weapons of war and designed to kill and maim as was the bow and arrow.
Shooting is either a legitimate Olympic sport or its not.
The Olympic committee should hang its collective head in shame at the way our sporting representatives are treated in the UK and should not have awarded the UK with the honour of hosting the games whilst marginalising and indeed preventing a sector of the sport from achieving their potential by restricting training and access to their sports equipment.

- Michael Wilkinson, Telford, 24/08/2011 11:17
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Having competed for Great Britain in Target pistol shooting for 10 years and won Commonwealth Games medals I am appalled by this decision. I have also been coaching Georgina (neither of us has any funding)and we should be feeling proud of how well she - and our Clay shooters - are doing. You must reverse this decision to avoid yourself looking even more of a laughing stock.

- Margaret, Salisbury, 24/08/2011 11:17
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I was under the impression that for all his buffoonery act, that he had more sense than to do something as stupid as this.

Alas, I am sadly mistaken.

- Neil Price, Nuneaton, ENGLAND, 24/08/2011 10:30
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This is wrong. Taking part in shooting sports teaches discipline, concentration and self control. All qualities that seem to be lacking in society at the moment. The Olympics is supposed to be about leaving a legacy for the future. That promise has been broken when it comes to shooting. More people have died at football matches and the associated trouble that surrounds them. Archery is a sport that originates from killing little fluffy animals, are they going to stop the kids watching that as well? Just because some of us like to shoot paper targets it does not make us criminals or murdering maniacs. I used to like Boris, now I realise he is as wimp like the rest of them.

- Sue, Essex, 24/08/2011 09:40
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Shame on you Boris. If you don't also ban children from watching the fencing, then you have singled out shooting sports for special punishment. You are punishing the most law abiding community across the world because politicians are all feeble cowards, afraid to be associated with one of the original modern Olympic sports in case they loose a few votes. I was taught to shoot at school in the Cadets and have had a respect for guns ever since. I would not dream of ever putting anyone in danger, unlike the uneducated yobs, who will disregard each and every law of the land because they have no respect for themselves and others. Millions of people around the world will be astounded by this decision. My sport of Target Rifle Shooting is simply a martial art like Tae Kwon Do another Olympic Sport. It is probably the safest sport in the world. It allows young children who are not naturally athletic to become athletes. Shooting requires discipline and self control which is so sadly lacking in this country of ours. Shooting is the most inclusive sport in the world. Men and women and children can train and compete along side each other strengthening family and community ties. Shooting is not just for the able bodied. I have watched shooters in wheel chairs and even blind shooters enjoying their right to take part in sport. In short, shooting brings out the best in those who take part and deserves to be treated fairly.

- Mike, Glasgow, Scotland, 24/08/2011 08:22
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The level the protectionist culture has brainwashed the public and taken control of the UK government is incredible. Its no surprise the UK actually has a higher crime rate than the USA, the only thing the criminals fear is a 10 minute police response since they know the law abiding are helpless. You'd think it were the criminals themselves setting these policies.

- Nick, Petaluma, USA, 24/08/2011 08:21
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There really is not more to add to what has already been posted. However, I would love to know which specific individual came up with the original idea that then Boris and his gutless, politically correct sidekicks felt they needed to implement.

- James Hazeldine, Speen, UK, 24/08/2011 08:17
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One of the lads is a 10m competitor in the Games, he cut his teeth shooting at events that were organised by my friend and myself of the United Kingdom Association of Hunter Field Target that has strict safety rules that are second to non. We had children as young as 10 competing in a safe organised environment and supervised by an adult.

We may as well ban children from other sports then Boris, like archery, Javelin and Discus. I used to like you once but now I realise you are as narrow minded as the rest of the anti shooting idiots we have in this country, you are a disgrace!!

- Neville George, Frodsham, Cheshire, 24/08/2011 07:29
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This is ridiculousness. There is zero harm in letting children attend a sports shooting event. Treating firearms as a taboo, however can be very dangerous. The UK needs to break free of this anti-gun craze.

- John Alcock, Winnipeg Canada, 24/08/2011 05:18
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This is ridiculousness. There is zero harm in letting children attend a sports shooting event. Treating firearms as a taboo, however can be very dangerous. The UK needs to break free of this anti-gun craze.

- John Alcock, Winnipeg Canada, 24/08/2011 05:17
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Well, not a SINGLE comment in favour of this decision. Methinks we must decamp to America where you are punished for 'breaking the law', not having an interset in anything remotely interseting..and hats off to Luke in Ashford.

- Len, Essex, 24/08/2011 00:35
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Since when did London's Mayor dictate who could watch an Olympic event,even Hitler did not do that.

- Michael Wilkinson, Telford, 24/08/2011 00:24
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In the right hands a gun can be just a piece of sporting equipment, like a tennis raquet, with the correct training. Gun crazy rampages only happen because of lack of enforcement of gun laws. But that doesn't matter now as the sport has been villified out of existence...

- Len, Essex, 24/08/2011 00:21
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What an outrageous decision. I have been involved with guns and shooting from childhood and had nothing but pleasure and met some great people from the shooting sports. Mr Johnson would no doubt be horrified that I used to go out on my own round the farm with a loaded shotgun at the age of thirteen. It did me no harm and instilled in me a lasting respect for firearms. To deny young people a chance to see the worlds best marksmen and women in competion is astonishing. This really is a pathetic decision which should be reversed at once.

- Peter, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, 23/08/2011 23:40
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Dear marksmen and free shooters,

is it true, that all young people (from all over the world) under 18? years are banned from the shooting events or does it mean, only the young schoolchildren can't become free tickets for the shooting events.

It's a shame for all sportsmen and shooters all over the world. Our beloved sport is one of the most peaceful sport. We do not fight against each other, we fight only against ourselves. Shooters are always friendly people all over the word. This week we have in Munich our nationals. There are over 5000 shooters, all armed and we need there not only one police officer for law and order. Compare this with other sport events like soccer.

England has a long tradition as great shooting nation. It's a shame, that a small group of people can destroy this tradition of our great sport.

Dear shooters in England, stay strong! Here in Germany we have also much trouble with the anti-gun lobby. It is so crazy, but a real threat against our sport.


Best wishes from Germany

Frank - a longtime club shooter

- Frank, Germany, 23/08/2011 23:05
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Dear marksmen and free shooters,

is it true, that all young people (from all over the world) under 18? years are banned from the shooting events or does it mean, only the young schoolchildren can't become free tickets for the shooting events.

It's a shame for all sportsmen and shooters all over the world. Our beloved sport is one of the most peaceful sport. We do not fight against each other, we fight only against ourselves. Shooters are always friendly people all over the word. This week we have in Munich our nationals. There are over 5000 shooters, all armed and we need there not only one police officer for law and order. Compare this with other sport events like soccer.

England has a long tradition as great shooting nation. It's a shame, that a small group of people can destroy this tradition of our great sport.

Dear shooters in England, stay strong! Here in Germany we have also much trouble with the anti-gun lobby. It is so crazy, but a real threat against our sport.


Best wishes from Germany

Frank - a longtime club shooter

- Frank, Germany, 23/08/2011 22:58
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Okay, I am a 14 year old boy, and for the past 2 years, i have joined and loved the sport of air rifle shooting, it is not shooting a weapon, it is firing, a air rifle, at a target, and see what score you get, like you will throw a javelin, and see what distance you get, you don't shoot anyone in the sport of rifle shooting, as you do not throw a javelin at anyone. Shooting, is a really enjoyable hobby for me, and have spent many hours practicing, and every monday for the past year, i have gone down to my local shooting range, and fire a air rifle at 10 metres, and have improved greatly. When i shoot, i shoot very responsible, make sure know one is in front of me, make sure no one is messing around near me, and all ways have the gun facing down when not aiming at a target. i am not a grumpy teen ager, who has no respect for their elders, and likes to go round shooting peoples cats, or some poor old person, i wouldn't dream of doing anything like that. This law will not bring down the amount of gun crime, if anything it will raise it, as it shows that this sport, is safe, and shows it is very rewarding when hit continues ten's. Boris, if your reading this, think again of what you have done, and think of the mistake you have made, not every one is a psychopath. forget about banning kids watching the great sport of shooting, and put a heavier punishment on kids who break the law, can't you see why a bunch of chav's rioted Britain a few weeks ago? because they could.

- Luke, ashford, england, 23/08/2011 22:49
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About time we banned Boris and the Olympic organizers from the London Olympics. We certainly don't want this nation's children copying their bad example!

- Richard Seddon, Aldershot, UK, 23/08/2011 22:37
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So we can give a teenager a gun in Afghanistan on behalf of his country but he cant watch a gun being used in his own country? Boris, you act like an educated person but in reality you are ignorant and brainless. Congratulations, youve made the Uk a laughing stock.....

- John, Fareham, UK, 23/08/2011 22:21
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How is target shooting "Glorifying guns"?
The music industry, for one, has been glorifying gun CRIME for years.
If more children were taught to use guns properly, in a safe and disciplined manner, this country would be a safer place.
I think this move could even make gun crime worse, whereas getting more children involved would certainly have a positive effect on them.
The anti gun lobby make me sick, they have no idea when it comes to shooting
I teach my, and other children to shoot and I will continue to do so, proudly!

- Ian, East Sussex, England, 23/08/2011 22:08
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I have always had a great admiration for Boris, but this has seriously dented my regard for him. Having been involved with cadet rifle shooting for over 25 years I have never seen anything other than responsibility and dedication amongst those cadets from many different organisations. This decision demonstrates an ignorance about the sport that is appalling.

- Tony Clayton, Grantham, England, 23/08/2011 21:47
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This is disgusting.
I am truly lost for words.
The shooting community tries hard to educate youngsters in the safe use and handling of all types of firearms and this is a total kick in the face!
Grow a pair and help us to train and educate the next generation of shooters not alienate them with this PC rubbish and tar them with the same brush as the scum who use guns to commit crimes!
I know and have personally trained many youngsters in the safe handling and use of guns and they all frown upon the scum mentioned above as much as any other responsible shooter.
Britain has a rich heritage and history in shooting and it is appalling that it is being treated the way it is.

Remember guns don’t kill people. People do!

- Andy, Shropshire, 23/08/2011 21:46
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I believe they should ban the following as well as that too sends out the wrong message:

Olympic sports

The Games
Olympic sports
Archery - lethal
Athletics - running from authorities
Badminton - racket wars
Basketball - rage
Beach Volleyball sexual perversion
Boxing - fighting
Cycling – BMX, Mountain Bike, Road – Stealing Bikes
Equestrian – Eventing
Equestrian – Jumping
Fencing - Stabbings
Football - Riots
Gymnastics – Artistic
Gymnastics – Rhythmic
Gymnastics – Trampoline
Handball - ~bullying
Hockey - Fighting with sticks
Judo & Taekwondo - Promotes fighting
Triathlon - promotes was to escape
Volleyball - bullying in the playground
Water Polo - drowning
Wrestling - promotes fighting

- John P, Lincoln, 23/08/2011 21:38
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This is typical of a government that waves a white flag to every tree hugger on earth. The people shooting for their country are an example of how to behave. Would that buffoon of a London Mayor ban anyone from using a car? Lets face it,more people are killed by cars than guns in the UK.Show some respect for our olympic shooters Boris and allow young people to see some responsible persons for a change.!

- bob adcock, chatham uk, 23/08/2011 20:57
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Frankly if I had followed in my fathers footsteps and shot at several World Championships & Olympics I would seriously consider refusing to shoot for this country any longer these days - and even consider shooting for one of more gun friendly European neighbours

- Steve Churchill, Tun.Wells, 23/08/2011 20:09
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A blow to the athletes competing in this event. Yet another disregard for common sense, by frightened bigoted individuals. We should be proud of our achievements and fully promote all of the events and not just the poular ones. Shame on you Boris Johnson for allowing this to happen.

- Kelvin, Hartlepool, 23/08/2011 20:04
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"fear a backlash"? Grow some testicles guys! Free speech etc is under threat from this type of feeble PC offend no one attitiude.

- Steve, The shire, 23/08/2011 19:58
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The most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.

- Mary (mother of three), Amersham, 23/08/2011 19:43
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I think the ban is good.....we must also ban children from watching the running because they might run away from the police in future years.

- Smudger, Wycombe, 23/08/2011 19:37
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Boris, your disgraceful decision shames you, your administration, and worst of all, our country.
That athletes who have dedicated their lives to the healthy, constructive, credit worthy and lawful sport of target shooting are now considered unsuitable viewing for our children, says more about you than it ever could about the shooting fraternity.
May you always regret what you've done here, Mr Mayor, as so many will now regret voting for you.
You, Sir, are an absolute disgrace.

- Terry Doe, Addlestone, Surrey, UK, 23/08/2011 19:17
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The first criminal decision was to put the shooting events in Woolwich instead of Bisley--they (LOC under Labour) purposefully decided (and told the shooting associations) that there would be NO LEGACY for shooting sports at all. So instead of upgreading Bisley and allowing Britain to resume its position as a premier competition shooting venue, they spent MORE MONEY to purposefully spite law-abiding sportsmen and women with a temporary and inferior venue. Makes my blood boil as much because it is short sighted as because it wastes taxpayer money. So, this particular bit of anti-sports attitude is hardly surprising. These hipocrites will now give tickets to these kids to watch football: the greatest venue for violence, crime and social degradation in the UK. I'd spit in their direction if it weren't antisocial....

- Kristian, Reading, Berks, 23/08/2011 19:06
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I assume a ban on watching the Javelin and Shot Putt will follow? Come on Boris, show us some of that common sense and change this stupid decision!

- Julian Taylor, Wantage, UK, 23/08/2011 18:50
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I do hope they don't still use starting pistols or the kids won't be able to see many track events either. One has to wonder whether anyone in power has the faintest idea how moronic the appear.

- Tim Kelly, London, England, 23/08/2011 18:00
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I personally think we should ban ALL metal cutlery, think of all the damage they are doing to our kids minds....they will probably all grow up as 'spoon killers' or Fork'in murderers......

Why is it that some jumped up idiot Like boris or Danny Bryan can just come out with so much Drivel??????
I am embarrassed to be british....

- Mike Byford, Portslade England, 23/08/2011 17:42
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All Boris and the Tories care about are newspaper headlines. That's why you have absurdly stupid decisions like this made, in the miniscule chance it produces a bad headline a couple years down the road.

- Tim, London, 23/08/2011 17:37
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Obviously reported from island of, "Where Great Britain was”. It’s unbelievable that the British have allowed themselves to be swallowed up by the nanny state.

Few have failed to notice either, that the ridiculous laws had absolutely no impact on any criminals during the recent riots, they in-fact aided them, because law abiding citizens have been disarmed and their rights of self defence removed.

- FrankH, RSA, 23/08/2011 17:25
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These Olympics are an endless source of comedy and we've still got 11 months to go. Incredible stuff and its becoming a bigger farce by the day.

- Tramline, Londonistan Sector A, 23/08/2011 17:10
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Clearly we have utter morons running our country. It's about time they showed some commonsense and stopped bowing down all this politically correct nonsense!!!
We already have a pistol ban because a guy used pistols to kill. Why don't we now have a car ban after someone killed 3 people in the riots using a car? Some guy got killed with a baseball bat - let's ban baseball too, and cricket while we're at it. Oh, and not forgetting all the people that have been killed at football matches - let's ban football too.
Oh, and surely we should be mindful of the fact that most kids will never be good enough to compete at the Olympics, therefore it's traumatic for them to watch!
Btw, nice pic Gorgs...

- Jason B, Cheshire, 23/08/2011 16:53
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I agree with all the previous comments.
This is a completely ridiculous decision, PC gone mad. These reader views should be sent directly to Boris to show the mistake he has made.

- Nick Matthews, Leighton Buzzard - Bedfordshire, 23/08/2011 16:42
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This is an absolute disgrace. Shooting is a genuine Olympic sport and to infer that it is unsuitable for children to watch is simply outrageous.

My own experience has been that introducing youngsters to shooting actually increases their respect for guns making them less likely to be involved in gun crime.

Any suggestion that there is a link between target shooting and the gangster/gun culture our government seems unable to control is simply insulting to those involved in the sport.

I am disgusted with this uneducated decision and would encourage anyone with shooting tickets to ensure that they are used by juniors if at all possible.

With this sort of organisation I dread to think how 2012 will work out.

- Bruce Hall, Manchester. England, 23/08/2011 16:40
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Liberals run this country in every aspect, we're screwed.

- Andy, Berkshire, 23/08/2011 16:37
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Thank you Daddy Boris

- Howard Ruark, NY, 23/08/2011 16:36
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Will Boris the Bumbler also be banning children from the Modern Pentathlon (with it guns & long knives)?

- Ian, Cambridge, 23/08/2011 16:08
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You couldn't make it up.

- shallotman, Basildon, 23/08/2011 16:06
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That's not even a real gun - it's a PCP air gun. British men need to stand up and slap down these feminist idiots who have handed you so much manure to grow you into prize pansies and daisies! Man up and demand your right to self protection and your right to own, shoot, and display guns and knives. What's wrong with you!

- Skans, Clayton Georgia, USA, 23/08/2011 15:42
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The Mayor of london would also like the History of this nation to be amended, I guess. All the battles that have been fought and won. All the battles that are being fought are, for this man, nothing?
Where are the children going to dream being heros and be willing to go to war for this country.
Arms and the man/woman are an integral part of life. The olympics are all about competition and excelling in your chosen discipline.
Borris - dont take the future dreams of the children away. Someone is really pulling the wool over your eyes. Wake up.

- Tejpal Singh Sawhney, New Delhi, India, 23/08/2011 15:39
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This is a slap in the face to our shooting athletes - many of them young people themselves - who are working so hard to bring home medals in 2012. It creates a spurious association between the shooting sports and the criminal use of firearms. It is amazing the Boris should apparently endorse such PC nonsense.

Shooting Sportsmen and women must already suffer the insult and loss that there will be no legacy for shooting with the shooting events of 2012 being held on temporary ranges at Woolwich (against the specific stipulation of the Olympic Charter).

Michael Yardley,
Spokesman Shooting Sports Trust

- michael Yardley, London England, 23/08/2011 15:17
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This is asinine. Is fencing also off-limits due to its links to knife-crime? The problem isn't the weapons, it's the people.

- Nick Walton, Richmond, N Yorks/NC, USA, 23/08/2011 14:53
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At the last major multi-sport games in which British athletes competed the host nation was lead into the opening ceremony by a shooter; school children were brought by the busload to see their sports-heroes at shooting test-events, and shooters dominated the sports pages of the domestic press. Here, the hard work of British athletes who give-up everything to strive for perfection is rewarded with liking them to criminals. Despicable.

- Bob, Camberley, Surrey, 23/08/2011 14:50
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Boris showing what a total idiot we have as Mayor.The UK is one of the few modernised countries that still bans movies due to violent nature or topic.
Nice living in a Communist Dictatorship party.

- dave, london, 23/08/2011 14:46
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How utterly ridiculous, the kind of reaction one expects from people who have absolutely no first hand knowledge of target shooting and are too lazy to find out about it.

- Brian, Leicestershire, 23/08/2011 14:34
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Speechless! I presume that the children will also be banned from archery, javelin, hammer throwing and any other event which bears the slightest similarity to anything remotely violent? While we're about it, why not ban them from viewing any event in which competitors have ever used performance-enhancing drugs - after all, what sort of example might that set?

- Bruce, Surrey, UK, 23/08/2011 14:23
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In not wanting to offend the anti gun lobby and fearing a back lash from them, you have Mr Johnson offended the sensibilities of a far larger section of society... and the back lash from that will no doubt show at the next elections ... time perhaps to make rational decisions, sensible ones instead of knee jerk ones .. !!!

- Allen Ambridge, Bingley West Yorkshire, 23/08/2011 14:19
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There seems to be no stopping the idiotic rules and regulations pertaining to anything "GUN" in Great Britain. What has happened to this once great nation? Who makes up this garbage? And, why do men (and women) put up with this?

Britain's boys and men being sheltered from knives, guns, toy knives, toy guns, and anything where a gun might be used or displayed. No longer will Britain have the tools, the skills, or even the desire to defend itself when the next war that draws a battle line on its shores; let alone from ruthless barbaric criminals.

Perhaps Britain should shout out to the world "WE ARE NOT FIGHTERS, DEFENDERS OF LIBERTY, OR EVEN DEFENDERS OF OUR OWN PEOPLE - MAKE US YOUR SLAVES NOW, because should we attempt to fight off tyrants, that would mean our boys and men coming in contact with Guns and Knives. And, we can't have that.

- Skans, Clayton Georgia, USA, 23/08/2011 14:12
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I have a friend with spare tickets for two shooting events which he offered me. I'm going to encourage him to take a junior now. Have that Boris.


What a ludicrous decision - apparently they're giving kids tickets to Pentathlon though - which INCLUDES pistol shooting, not to mention actual combat-oriented sports like Fencing and Martial Arts. Anyone who has seen target shooting will not have failed to spot the glaring dis-similarities between it and gang culture or combat. Paintball is more war-ry. Heck, playing with an Action Man is more violent.

- Rich, Hampshire, UK, 23/08/2011 14:09
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Boris and the PC idiots strike again. What a prat.

- Mike,, London and once Gt.Britain, 23/08/2011 13:57
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If the kids want to see someone in a tracksuit shooting a gun, they could always get a bus to Hackney.

- Keith, King's Cross, 23/08/2011 13:23
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This is an utter disgrace and only goes to show what an embarassingly pathetic culture we have developed in this country. Is fencing going to be included due to it's glorification of knife crime? Are boxing and the martial arts going to be banned for glorifying fighting? Seb Coe proudly defended the decision to demolish the shooting venue at Woolwich following the games, despite it meaning a total lack of tangible 'Olympic Legacy', by assuring that the events held there would encourage others to take up the sport and strengthen its future - so this tenuous argument has been even further compromised. London 2012 will be a farce.

- Paul, Yorkshire, 23/08/2011 12:50
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What an absolutely preposterous decision. I was trained in the safe use of firearms in the cubs and scouts (air rifles) and in the use of smallbore and fullbore rifles in cadets. I have never participated in any armed crime, civil disorder or gang war. It should be noted that I have never accidentally discharged a firearm causing injury to another.

The key to firearm safety is through education, guns have never held a taboo for me and therfore don't hold the curiosity that is so often a precursor to accidents.

The key to reducing crime is to give young people strong values, lets see more funding and support for youth organisations like scouting/guiding and the various cadet forces. I didn't have time to cause trouble as a child - I was too busy canoeing, abseiling, rock climbing, hiking, camping, sailing, shooting, running, tying knots and cooking on open fires.

Given the recent looting and rioting surely it would be better if we discouraged involvement in any sport that glorified running or throwing?

- David Bates, Wirral, UK, 23/08/2011 12:24
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David Penn, secretary of the British Shooting Sports Council, said: "There is no link between Olympic-level shooting and crime. It's like saying that a thief would use a Formula One car as a getaway car."

Christopher Graffius, of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, said: "The Olympics represent the international peak of safe and responsible shooting. Children can see far worse on their TV screens and interact with far worse on their computers."

What on earth is Boris and the rest of the Olympic commitee thinking about? Yes on one hand you can stage shooting, but on the other hand you can't watch it, children or not, this is total rubbish.

- Silvio, Brighton, 23/08/2011 12:23
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What to ban next? Trooping the Colour? What kind of 'backlash' are the organisers afraid of? They haven't given a hoot about the 'backlash' from the rest of us at being made to pay for this pointless circus and treated as POW's in our own city, so it must be something pretty scary - though not involving firearms, obviously.

- mdj e10, london uk, 23/08/2011 11:39
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Pathetic. I can't believe that we still have stupidity running our country. I agree with David Penn - "There is no link between Olympic-level shooting and crime. It's like saying that a thief would use a Formula One car as a getaway car."

- Frankie, Bedfordshire, 23/08/2011 11:30
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Bang, bang

- James, Croydon, Surrey, UK, 23/08/2011 11:26
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