Have you ever been called crazy insane or paranoid because you like/own guns

Yes this happened to me. Calmly explain to them the various reasons why you enjoy owning firearms. Time will take care of the rest. I have found that the longer an "anti gunner" is friends with a gun owner and sees that you are normal, their attitude should soften up.

Occasionally, and almost invariably by people whose opinions count as little to me as those of the wino I once saw in Philadelphia, standing barefoot in a pool of his own urine.

I refuse to engage in conversations with people who are not rational, realistic or able to think. Same with guns as it is with politics or religion. At the point someone calls me crazy, they have a couple sentences to back it up with facts or I disengage from the conversation.

I like to ask questions when people give me the standard party line - either right/left or whatever. If someone doesn't know why they think something, I like to encourage them to think their position through. If they won't, I won't argue the point. Nor will I be insulted by being called untrue things.

I would also never have a close friend who was anti-gun any more than I would have a close friend who didn't like free speech or any other Constitutionally protected right.

Everyone I know at work or in my personal life knows how I feel about my guns.

But I seldon talk about them because I'm afraid of being stuck with the monicur or stereotype of being a fanatic. Especially at work. They are very liberal about it and want to keep it that way.

I talk to the people about my shooting skills and my guns, that share my pasion, and don't voluteer any information to those that don't know.

My wife does enough talking (complaining) about me and my guns that I don't have to.

Too much talking can make some people afraid, I did that once in my youth and won't do it again.

I refer to my guns as my expensive paper punches and the people I don't know that well seem to be happier that way.

Whether I think it's politically correct from my point of view doesn't matter, It works for me.

Of course, you might be crazy insane or paranoid, guns or no guns.

;-)

horsemen61 said:

This is coming from people who's opinion I care about not a drunks

Click to expand...

If you care about their opinion, have a rational conversation with them and find out why they feel the way they do about guns. Also offer to take them to the range with you.

yep, I usually just ignore their stupidity. Although it has never happend from a friend or family. I try not to associate with those I do not get along with.

So I really cant give advise there I suppose.

I've mentioned in here before that my dad is a gun guy, but from Canada. He didn't understand why I'd ever want to carry a handgun, thought I was crazy, and was pretty displeased.

He visited once, and we had a long talk. I explained that I have a new family that I need to protect. He finally understood. Then we hit the range! He's thinking about getting his Canadian unrestricted license now, and buying a pistol now. He currently only owns hunting rifles and shotguns

When I get the usual paranoia-speech, I respond by asking isn't it more paranoid to label people by their hobby. As far as insanity accusations are concerned, some people need to be reminded that that's exactly the same tactic many totalitarian governments used to label people who disagreed with their force-fed "truths".

What separates humans from other animals is ability to use tools. The first tool has always been a weapon of some kind, be it rock, hammer, sword or a firearm, and that's what has enabled human kind to survive and thrive.

There are a lot of people who won't listen any kind of logical reasoning, though. If someone has made up his/her mind and picked up anti-gun mindset as a part of their identity, they're in essence brainwashed (yes, as defined by medical terminology) and will resist giving it up.

I have some friends like this. Honestly, the best advice I can give is don’t worry about it. You can’t and won’t make everyone happy. You can’t change everyone’s mind and while you should always debate with an open mind you shouldn’t change yours just because someone else thinks you’re wrong.

If they’re truly friends maybe debate/discuss your point of view on the subject and if they don’t come around, let it go. If they continue to push it and continue to insult you then maybe they aren’t really friends after all.

My somewhat anti friends just don't bother to discuss it with me anymore.

I was once told by my sister-in-law that anyone with more than one gun was insane, since "a gun is a gun is a gun." I told her that I thought anyone with more than one pair of shoes was nuts, since "a shoe is a shoe is a shoe."

She didn't talk to me for over a year. It was great!

Matt

If someone calls me crazy or insane

I tell them I am not, my mother had me tested. I then explain that the difference between paranoia and preparedness is perspective. Morecy, I wish it were that easy to get rid of my sisters-in-law.

I can't recall that attitude ever being expressed in the South, unless said by some Yankee transplant.

yes, I have

"I find it insane that you would rather a woman be assaulted, raped or murdered; than for her to have access to effective self defense"

When I am referred to as "paranoid" for carrying a gun or having too many guns, I complement them on their observation.

Then I inform them that just because you are paranoid doesn't mean that there isn't someone out to get you.

Seriously though, if they are rational and will at least listen to a contrary point of view I will take the time to present my views. If they are not accepted then I will agree to agreeably disagree with them.

I had a woman say I was paranoid for carrying a gun. I just asked her if I saw her being assaulted should I just keep on walking or would she want me to help. She said that she would want me to help. And then not another word for the rest of the evening.

Who told you I was paranoid? It was Jim, wasn't it? He's always saying things like that about me. Sure, he acts all nice when I'm around. But I know how he really feels.

I just asked her if I saw her being assaulted should I just keep on walking or would she want me to help.

Click to expand...

That just about sums it up.

People who blindly demean gun owners are INVARIABLY the sorts of people who expect "the government" or their mommy to do everything for everybody.

The idea of them actually placing themselves in REAL HARMS WAY for another human being is so foreign to them, that they easily spout off gratuitous, irrational (and selfish) criticisms toward honorable people who do not share their infantile outlook.

Happens to me all the time,,,

Like one poster here I try and determine if they are open minded enough to have a sane and rational conversation.

If so I explain my reasons and don't try to change their minds.

If not I change toe subject or refuse to talk to them at all.

It goes to that old saying,,,
Never try to teach a pig to sing,,,
It wastes your time and annoys the pig.

Aarond

.

Yes I have, and I usually find something stupid that the collect and look at it laugh and walk away. There's no need to provide a response to them. You could also say I'm going to the range now, so I don't have to borrow your therapist! just kidding

Yes. And for many other reasons, too.