So here's a perspective that I don't see much in this thread. This is pretty US focused but as someone from a part of the US that has significant gun ownership I think it may explain some of the...
So here's a perspective that I don't see much in this thread. This is pretty US focused but as someone from a part of the US that has significant gun ownership I think it may explain some of the feelings of very pro-gun citizens.
In many parts of the US, gun ownership is primarily a means of protection. There are many places where the police take a minimum of 15-20 minutes to arrive, and that's if you're lucky. I know a lot of people who feel that it is wrong to NOT own a gun and train with it simply for protection. Imagine someone who is physically weak, disabled, or otherwise unable to defend themselves though bodily strength alone. In their mind a gun is the great equalizer. Maybe that 53 year old disabled man can't stop someone from harming his family with strength, but you better believe he has a firearm and the training to protect himself and his family.
A common sentiment I hear is 'It's better to have a gun in the house and never fire it (excluding training) than be at the mercy of someone who would do you harm'. Remember that parts of the US are VERY individualistic, some of these people don't believe in relying on governmental or police protection. They feel it is their duty to be armed and protect their families from harm. These people don't view guns the same way people who live in dense cities or safe suburban areas do. They are the ones who are outraged by gun control movements because they feel it impacts their ability to remain self sufficient, and honestly, it does. I don't believe it is everyone's duty to protect themselves with a gun or that relying on the police is a bad thing but then again I live in a safe, secure place and am physically capable.
In my opinion this great gun debate in the US is a massive distraction from the real issue: healthcare. The people who are committing mass murders and shootings are clearly not the same as those who keep a pistol in a safe in their closet for protection. The US has abysmal mental health services and the symptom we're seeing is these mass shootings. While I do believe that background checks are sensible for the purchase of a firearm, I don't know how much it really helps. What the US needs is sweeping healthcare reform, not sweeping gun reform.
So here's a perspective that I don't see much in this thread. This is pretty US focused but as someone from a part of the US that has significant gun ownership I think it may explain some of the feelings of very pro-gun citizens.
In many parts of the US, gun ownership is primarily a means of protection. There are many places where the police take a minimum of 15-20 minutes to arrive, and that's if you're lucky. I know a lot of people who feel that it is wrong to NOT own a gun and train with it simply for protection. Imagine someone who is physically weak, disabled, or otherwise unable to defend themselves though bodily strength alone. In their mind a gun is the great equalizer. Maybe that 53 year old disabled man can't stop someone from harming his family with strength, but you better believe he has a firearm and the training to protect himself and his family.
A common sentiment I hear is 'It's better to have a gun in the house and never fire it (excluding training) than be at the mercy of someone who would do you harm'. Remember that parts of the US are VERY individualistic, some of these people don't believe in relying on governmental or police protection. They feel it is their duty to be armed and protect their families from harm. These people don't view guns the same way people who live in dense cities or safe suburban areas do. They are the ones who are outraged by gun control movements because they feel it impacts their ability to remain self sufficient, and honestly, it does. I don't believe it is everyone's duty to protect themselves with a gun or that relying on the police is a bad thing but then again I live in a safe, secure place and am physically capable.
In my opinion this great gun debate in the US is a massive distraction from the real issue: healthcare. The people who are committing mass murders and shootings are clearly not the same as those who keep a pistol in a safe in their closet for protection. The US has abysmal mental health services and the symptom we're seeing is these mass shootings. While I do believe that background checks are sensible for the purchase of a firearm, I don't know how much it really helps. What the US needs is sweeping healthcare reform, not sweeping gun reform.