THE ALPS AREN’T ALL THAT’S BEAUTIFUL IN SWITZERLAND

…The Swiss Alps

Owning a gun In Switzerland may be a requirement, but it’s nothing like here in the US.

There is an internet ad out there that shows an older picture of a couple of female bike riders in Switzerland, both with a rifle slung over each biker's shoulder.  The caption of the ad is that “1 in 2 Citizens in Switzerland has a gun and they have the lowest crime rate in the world.” 

 

Needless to say, the National Rifle Association (NRA) and other gun advocates are passing the ad around saying that we all should be toting guns.

Well , a Facebook user, who happens to be a Swiss citizen got ahold of the ad and decided to make it clear what it’s really like in Switzerland and why it probably has the world’s lowest crime rate.

·      All Swiss men must do “Military Time” up to age 28, but it has been described as more like being in the Boy Scouts, not exactly US Army Rangers.

·       Yes, all Swiss men are required to own a gun in case they are called on to join a government militia. 

·       However, no one is allowed to keep ammunition for their guns at their homes. 

·       All ammo must be kept either at the shooting range or in the military barracks.  It’s against Swiss law to purchase and hold live ammunition.

·       The two girls with the guns in the picture is a real anomaly as few Swiss women are known to possess either a hand gun or a rifle.

·       A concealed weapons permit is virtually impossible to be obtained in Switzerland. 

But if you want to really understand why the crime rate is so low in Switzerland, please note that every single Swiss job guarantees a 4 week minimum vacation.  Every job guarantees 16 weeks of paid maternity leave for all new moms.  In addition, should you become unemployed in Switzerland, there is 52 weeks of very generous unemployment if necessary.

In 2013, there was an initiative aimed at giving every Swiss adult a "guaranteed basic income" that ensures a dignified existence for the whole population. That amount is 2,500 francs which is $2,800. per month.

One can understand that with these gun rules and basic benefits for all Swiss citizens, no wonder that they have the lowest crime rate in the world.

Copyright G.Ater 2015