An open question to MrBenchley and others...

I've noticed a very hostile and condescending attitude toward those of us who interpret the Second Amendment as acknowledgement of an individual's right to keep and bear arms. I think we're all entitled to our own interpretation of that particularly poorly-written part of the Bill of Rights.

I guess what I would like to know is how you've reached your conclusions. You seem to have a genuine disdain for all gun owners (in a recent thread you made a distinction between "gun owners" and "decent people") and I can only surmise that your ideal solution is to have all guns crushed and melted tomorrow. What do you propose?

Perhaps it's just curiosity on my part, and this might have been covered somewhere else, but did you have a bad experience with a gun in your own life? I don't mean to be intrusive, I would just like to have a better idea of where your position comes from.

A little background on me...I am a gun owner and have been shooting since I was very young. My father kept loaded firearms within my easy reach in my house when I was growing up, and I knew exactly where they were. Not once...not ever did I lay a finger on those guns as a child without his supervision. Maybe my family was an anomaly, who knows.

The way I see it, firearm design has gone essentially unchanged in the last hundred years, yet the surge in violent gun crimes has occurred relatively recently. I find it difficult to blame the gun for the crime.

I mean this to be an honest and sincere dialogue. I really want to have a better understanding of your position.

...toward those who do not fully support gun ownership or even *gasp* might believe that it doesn't include the right to own all arms. It cuts both ways.

Many in the gun crowd seem to think bringing a weapon out into the community is a good thing and most liberals and many of other political/religious persuasions it's a deal breaker for advancing civilization.

I carry a .38 when I have the need to. I have absolutely no issue with bringing weapons out into the public.

I am also pro-AWB.

of DU rules.

Next. People can have their own ideas. Period. Each week some well-meaning pseudo-therapist thinks that all problems with gun ownership can be covered if only we can get to the root of the problem, the phobia you, the gun control advocate must be having. Tonight's version?

but did you have a bad experience with a gun in your own life?


Having an idea that conflicts with your mindset does not mean that they need therapy due to some traumatic event in their lives. And if they did - its really not any of your business. Don't badger someone to tell you personal details of their life. We wouldn't let it happen anywhere else on DU and it sure ain't going to continue here.

Thanks,

lunabush
DU Moderator