A question for you
Hello all,
I recently met a member of this board who sent me a link to this thread after we had some discussions about the right to bear arms. I just spent the last 2 hours reading every single post. It has been said several times in this thread, but I will repeat - this is the most sensible, logical string of message board posts that I have ever seen in my life - especially when concerning a dissenting viewpoint.
I consider myself to be semi-Libertarian with my politics, and agnostic with regards to religion and general views on life. I think I have an open mind, and I pride myself on not forcing my viewpoints upon others who do not agree. However, I reserve the right to state my opinion, and I believe (after reading through this thread) that most of you would support that right.
The reason this thread was sent to me is because I am not exactly what you would call a gun enthusiast. As a matter of fact, I share many of the same concerns that James talked about in his initial post. I do not wish to unearth those initial concerns, since so much has already been talked about. However, I did want to provide another viewpoint from someone who is still not wholly convinced.
I am firmly aware that my logic here may have holes in it, and I welcome your criticism, as this is the best way that I can think of to challenge myself and my beliefs on this issue.
Quite frankly, walking down a city street (or driving through the backwoods, for that matter) knowing that some of the people I see are carrying guns (whether legally or illegally) frightens me. The reason for this is because I know that the majority of gun owners in this country have not had any training whatsoever. While it seems that a fair share of people (if not the majority) on this message board have had formal gun training, most people have not. Therefore, one of the most deadly weapons in the world is freely available not only to skilled, responsible people like yourselves - but also to untrained, inept, and possibly malicious people. (I think you probably know the types of people that I speak of.)
Does this mean I should go out and buy a gun to prevent being put in danger by these untrained, unskilled gun owners? Does that not create and perpetuate a vicious cycle of potential violence?
I support required training for any and all people that own guns in the USA. In other words, making training required for acquisition of a gun license - just like getting a drivers license. Show your license, prove that you're trained, and buy a gun (or ammo). Thereby legitimizing guns and showing that they can indeed be used and owned in a responsible manner.
Yes, I understand that criminals will still acquire guns without training. I understand that people will still be roaming the streets with guns and without training. However, wouldn't it put legal gun owners in a more favorable, safe position if they were trained better in the use of that firearm than someone who illegally owns a gun? And wouldn't it also compel more people to get training, reducing the amount of untrained, unskilled, and careless gun owners out there? Also, wouldn't it make anti-gun people feel safer without a gun - or maybe even more likely to go ahead and legally buy a gun and get trained?
I respect the right of every single person on this message board to own a gun. The quotes that stood out the most to me were posted by Thundercleese:
"If the 2nd amendment is the first to go, the 1st will be the second".
"When guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns."
The thought of only the government owning guns concerns me. I am not a supporter of a ban on firearms. I am fully aware that the Constitution is sacred and I believe it should either be followed to the tee, or amended after a voting process occurs.
However, I am a supporter of a ban on selling guns to untrained and irresponsible people.
Thank you for reading -
Chris