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I'm wondering whether we as a country could slowly phase out the use of guns. Obviously it's not going to happen tomorrow, so don't bother with kicking-down-doors straw man attacks here.
The problem is that guns are a part of our culture and have so many proponents. They're even enshrined in an amendment to our Constitution, though pointing to that as justification is incorrect because the amendment process still exists. I'm sure owning guns is a fun hobby, but can't we collectively realize that the proliferation of these machines is inevitably going to result in some casualties? We ban drugs which can only kill ourselves, yet the concept of extensively banning tools designed to kill others with maximum efficiency is considered laughable by many. Why can't we change as a culture?
I'm wondering whether we as a country could slowly phase out the use of guns. Obviously it's not going to happen tomorrow, so don't bother with kicking-down-doors straw man attacks here.
The problem is that guns are a part of our culture and have so many proponents. They're even enshrined in an amendment to our Constitution, though pointing to that as justification is incorrect because the amendment process still exists. I'm sure owning guns is a fun hobby, but can't we collectively realize that the proliferation of these machines is inevitably going to result in some casualties? We ban drugs which can only kill ourselves, yet the concept of extensively banning tools designed to kill others with maximum efficiency is considered laughable by many. Why can't we change as a culture?
Are guns necessary? In a word "Absolutely!"
The Second Amendment is the only part of the US Constitution where the people have the right to ensure that all of our other constitutionally protected rights remain protected.
Furthermore, humans are only on top of the food chain because of our ability to manufacture and use tools. Where I live Spring is typically marked by a bear mauling or two in addition to moose stompings. Last Spring a 6 year-old girl was stomped by a moose, and we had several bear maulings. I do not venture into the Alaskan bush without being armed for bear and/or moose. Thus far, in the last 21 years, I have not had to shoot a bear or moose in self-defense, and I want to keep it that way. However, it is always better to have a firearm and not need it, than to need a firearm and not have it.
Here's a bit of a thought. Forget hunting and target practice for a minute. We are a large country with vast resources. We could be totally self-sustained and do well. There are poor countries with egomaniacs running them. I'm pretty sure there are people who would like to take over our country for it's resources. If not now, perhaps in the future. We have no way of knowing what is on the horizon. That is one reason we keep a strong military. However, if something like that were to take place our armed citizens outnumber all the other military in the world and I think that is well known. True, we don't have the training as the military does but we have local knowledge and numbers so I believe we could put a hurting on any invaders. I think if we were to be known as being an unarmed society it would open up many doors for evil to enter. Lets just keep where we are.
Wow, it's nice to know we can win wars, defend ourselves against governments, crazies, wackos, robbers, etc. with just a plea for mercy.
Whoda thunk it?
I wonder if those kids were pleading for mercy? The teachers at least? The Jews in WWII? The innocent nuns the Japs carved up in public.
It's a great day now knowing we can beg for our lives. But will that be granted?
I prefer the guarantee.....you stare down the barrel of a gun for whatever reason and it changes your mind. And having the ability to level the playing field feels a lot better than begging or pleading for your life from the above mentioned crowd. I prefer to walk away from such a confrontation rather than dead under a sheet with red stains.
Did StinkyProgress send out a mass zombie email or something?
I mean droves of the not-too-bright have been posting new thread after new thread saying almost exactly the same things but in a particularly systematic way with only slight changes to the zombie-like propaganda.
This reeks of White House 3rd world populism Chicago style propaganda.
I witnessed a young adult female change her mind about guns (IMMEDIATELY!!) when.... she had returned to her high-rise condo in CA from Japan (a dramatic time change). Though she had gone to bed, she was wide awake – trying to go to sleep. She heard what she thought was her roommate unlocking the door and entering the condo about 12:30 AM, except that her roommate always turned on a light and checked the answering machine (in the days just before cell phones) – neither of which happened.
Then, she saw the shadow of a person coming down the hall toward her bedroom. She froze!! The intruder must have seen the ‘lumpy’ bed and retreated, leaving the condo quickly. It was later discovered to be a building maintenance person who possessed a master key and thought no one was home!!
I had mentioned my own interest in handguns to this young lady, and right after this happened, she excitedly asked me how to get a handgun, and training, etc. And she proceeded to get one, lessons, etc, and felt much better having the option to protect herself.
IMO, handguns = female equalizer. Until you can offer an alternate ‘equalizer’, ah, TAKE A HIKE!!
The million people a year who use guns to protect themselves would say yes guns are necessary.
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