Stay Miffy:)
Please understand that in the US the gun law debate is extremely emotive. Outside of the US by way way of example:
A client was over here (Australia). He just wanted a beer a beer in an Aussie pub, not some evening out in some flash poncy city bar. I said fine come to a place I sometimes go and meet a few people I know. Now easy going place and just beer time, no ceremony. Conversation varied, and went down hill as the beer flowed as it does and all in the best possible taste as they say lol. Said American was talking about his gun collection and fair enough. Cut a long one short one of the people I know (not one I know real well) did ask (surprised me he never knew) so in America you can carry guns around legally? Yep the answer to which Stanley replied, "that's completely effed man". Think he also said so you accept it's not OK to let a cigarette lighter on a plane, but feel comfortable shopping if that person is walking round with a pistol. All fine and the banter continued and we explained (if you knew Stan would get it) that's accepted there etc. and the conversation was soon back on important stuff like which beer was good (like any one could still tell lol), and football - here that's aussie rules or rugby league btw.
Point is outside of the US there are societies which do not have anything approaching liberal gun laws, and absolutely do not want it as their gun crime is low and that's the way they want it to stay. Police in UK do not have guns etc......Now the opposing view, to the extent it exists in the US, strongly feels they are safer with guns.
All I am saying is that it gets very emotive on those rights in the US - very very emotive. Some people in some places that do not have liberal gun laws do not understand any society that would want them. Some that do have them do not understand why you would not..........
Now don't take this the wrong way but where you are can get left off the radar in all that. I think that was the case in the last thread, although as I remember I did say when when I was going off.
As I said then for where you are I am sure your father is best placed to advise you:)
Stay Miffy. If that forum thread being deleted is the worst that happens all year not that bad a thing? I would take it.......FWIW I don't agree that it should have been deleted either, but can see why it was. Perhaps some one felt an easier day at the office was going to be had without having to constantly monitor it? Who really knows this end, but every one supports YOU as a person, and wishes you well:)