Gun Rights for Everyone
I think everyone has the right to own guns. EVERYONE. Yes, even felons and those with mental disabilities. This may sound strange to some, but the only thing that stops a shooter, is another shooter. I think the more people armed, the safer everyone is. This may be because of my Texas upbringing, but it is also a product of my military experience.
Some are felons because of violent altercations, but some are felons for non-violent altercations. For instance, drug crimes can be felonies. Some people are felons because they got in a little fight with someone when they were younger, or they needed to defend themselves for some reason. Should we remove their ability to protect themselves and their families? I don’t think so.
When it comes to mental disorders, having guns around could actually help some of them. I sometimes get really paranoid. I think I would be less paranoid if I knew my wife and I had a way to defend ourselves. Also, nothing gets me out of a depression like going to the range, especially if I go with someone I love. It’s always nice meeting new people, and it’s really fun to get kudos on my shooting ability.
Has anyone noticed that many of these shootings take place in “gun-free” zones? Seriously. Schools and other places tend to be the area that these “mass shootings” make the news. This is partially because the shootings that happen in other places are stopped by people carrying a firearm. This is how it works, and how it will always work. I am proud of the schools that have decided to arm their teachers, at least the ones that want that responsibility.
I know this idea scares many people, but in a world of lawlessness, I am not sure we have much of a choice. The federal government has disarmed me for mental disorders, and I constantly fear that I will not be able to protect myself or my family due to this ban. I can only hope/pray that no one attacks us, but if they do, we are left without any recourse.
As the federal government continually works to pass legislation to systematically disarm the populace, we need to think critically about the consequences to such decisions. Hopefully things will change in the future. If not, I hurt for myself and others that have been stripped of this fundamental, constitutional right. Hopefully someone will be there to protect us should the worst happen.
I live in a country of 1.2 billion people. Traveled through some scary places in my country but have never felt much need for a gun! Bad things happen everywhere but Im unsure if guns will change it. I think statistically there has been a rise in gun related violence in America. As much as i'd like to own one and use it I don't think it's the logical solution to dealing with crimes. But unfortunately some situations probably demand it too!
US with approx 1/4th of the population of India has a lot of shootings and gun-related deaths unfortunately. I think disabled people should have equal rights as anyone else irrespective of disability but I think US could do with disarmament of its citizens which may lead to safer times for everyone including yourself. However, can it stop the black market sales? US also produces a lot of weapons and has a number of vested interests by way of gun manufacturers. I don't see mass disarming happening in US anytime in the next century with the way things are right now.
But traditionally in the south, especially Texas It's not uncommon to own guns. It's almost like a time-honored tradition to own weaponry (correct me if im wrong) at home but I think the safest thing to do is to reduce gun violence by some practical means.
Although I can't speak for the citizens of America and neither for what they feel they deserve. Just my opinion as a keen observer and as someone who loves the country for it's amazing travel opportunities and few close American friends I've got there who I hope don't get shot by cops or by anyone else who loves to pull a gun at people for no reason! :)
Thanks for this post. Owning guns is a tradition not just in Texas, but in much of the United States. I really believe that the US has so much gun violence because we have very crappy gun laws. As more "gun control" laws are passed, more gun violence ensues, furthering the push for more gun control, and the vicious cycle continues. I am a firm believer that everyone should be armed and know how to use their weapons. Most should conceal or open carry. This may sound like something out of the Wild West, but I truly believe that will end gun violence in the US, anyways. I don't think these measures will work for other countries, especially one where owning guns is considered normal. Time will tell where the whole gun fiasco goes, but I do believe that we are being disarmed. I may be paranoid, but I still believe it to be true.
A person from India, a nation where gang rapes happen on the street and the victims stab and lynch the rapists in front of court houses, is chiding us for gun violence?
Also, no, gun related crime in the US is actually on the decline, not incline.
By the way, why is your name firepower?
Have you even traveled to this country? You speak as if there are no rapes occurring in the US or any other types of violence. You may want to take a look at some hard facts about your own country!
I don't really agree with everything here (especially the part about mental illness having guns), but you defend your opinion well! For that, I upvoted and nominated you for Project Curie :)
I understand your hesitation for not wanting people with mental illness to have a gun, but as a sufferer of such illnesses, I would feel safer knowing I had the means to defend myself and my family should the need arise. And thanks for the nomination!
I see... maybe there can be classifications for which mental illness is less likely be a danger to their fellow man... I am sorry if I do not seem sensitive to the issue. I really am :) And I am sorry for your affliction, whatever it might be. I have seen first hand some of the things people have to go through and it is no fault of their own...
For sure. About the only gun control that I would support is removal of the rights of people who use guns to bully / abuse other people -- think armed robbery. Those types of people have no legal right to own a gun. But I do not think that someone who fights some depression or schizophrenia should be limited to accessing guns. Or, at least, able to have them in their home with a safe that only a spouse or something could access. That would still not be allowed under current regulations.