Gun Control Reform Activism

I learned a lot about the differences in gun owners in that locality. Some country people were no more likely to shoot anyone or anything for any reason. It was a tool there.

Others were the rural version of gangsters and were indiscriminate in their use of guns, shooting animals for the hell of it, intimidating neighbors and hunting illegally. At that time and place, admittedly years ago, a gun rack mounted in the back of the pickup window was not a threat or show of belligerence. Guns were respected because of their lethality and not brandished by anyone, in fact, there was no CCW or open carry at the time.

As far as crime, I've already described the local criminals, who others had to just endure and stay out of the way of. Perhaps this is what people in city areas with gangs do to endure, as law enforcement in either locale is sketchy and allegiances within communities won't permit them to do much about it. Complain to the law about someone shooting out a yard light for kicks in the country, or hunting from the side of the road at night, and they'll be back at all hours of the day or night, unable to be restrained, unless an agency outside the local area sends in their agents - into a mine field of opposition.

Because of the NRA, the GOP has refused to allow the ATF a regular director:

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/sep/06/nation/la-na-atf-director-20110907

They promote lawlessness by not allowing regulation of anything. There are no absolutes in how people are living, no black and white answers.

I have since moved to an area with plentiful law enforcement. As I have said before, and not to be dismissive of anything, I pay for the best weapons training and guns in the area. We don't have any trigger happy police, we have community policing. The people here do turn in anyone who has hurt anyone - pretty quickly. The PD do welfare checks to make sure elderly people whose friends can't reach on the phone are doing okay, things are relaxed.

Americans live in many different ways, we can't have one size fits all but we can use common sense and remember equality. No one deserves to lose their life because of a gun culture that won't listen to reason - that sees ownership as a sacrament and the only way to be a patriot. I currently know no one that owns - are we not patriots who care about our community?

I agree with your post, Ikonoklast, but you also have a luxury there that many don't have. History and the ability to afford these things, perhaps a home large enough and safe enough to accomodate all that you and your family do. I do appreciate your statement on the anti-government sentiment that is fueling reckless ownership.

What we're seeing a gun culture based on consumerism - status - and intimidation of everyone in view or reach of a bullet. This is an invasion of civil society by right wing media distortion.

What I wish would happen, as well, is that gun owners pay for insurance. Homeowner's insurance pays for loss or damage or accident by most causes at home, but carrying weapons outside the home is not insured, probably. I think insurance should be required to buy a gun, just like a car - and with a background check to determine the likelihood said owner will act recklessly.

True, that may fail. But it may make some think twice. If the law can mandate women go through all kinds of invasive questions and procedures (which I say is wrong) to ask for an abortion, why are no questions asked or no procedures mandated for gun owners?

The argument too, that criminals won't do any of these things, is not valid. Because they could be prosecuted or lose their weapons by not acting responsibly just as a vehicle owner would be.

The problem is the media and the NRA, GOA, conspiracy pundits, etc., fueling fear of government and other people to increase gun sales. A con job was done to get the USA into war in the Middle East. Do any of us think that these lobbyists and media pundits would not sink to that level to sell guns?

I don't.