Russia loosens gun laws to allow people to carry rifles

The Russian government amended gun laws Monday to allow anyone with the appropriate license to carry a rifle for self-defense.

Previously, Russians were only allowed to carry rifles for hunting, sporting events and firing range training with a license.

This new rule could be cause for concern as Russia's low life expectancy is connected to a high rate of alcoholism. In addition to causing deaths from liver disease and alcohol poisoning, alcoholism is also a contributing factor to an increased number of suicides and deaths from accidents and fights.

Although the new law is intended for self defense, Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement to the United People's Front on Tuesday about new weaponry was a grim portent for how the situation could go badly.

"You can get a lot more done with politeness and a weapon than with politeness alone."

Keeping with the inflammatory language, Putin said at the same event that the U.S. has tried to "subdue" Russia and will fail.