In an attempt to NOT feed the trolls!!

A distinguished member of this website declared:

"Guns don't infuriate people. Unthinking attitudes about them do."

I *REALLY* wanted to respond -- however, I don't believe that this issue is a "Hangout" issue, so I'm doing my part to take the discussion elsewhere (namely, here.)

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Ok, let's go with this idea.

"Guns are a problem. We should restrict them in some way."

Let's assume that the above statement is a synopsis of the current idea being discussed. Does that mean that, "pre-firearm", that we had less crime? No, that means that before guns we used swords and knives and clubs and rocks and anything else that we could get our hands on that would give us an edge in a physical fight.

It's not the implement that is the problem.

Years ago I learned a style of self defense that uses a crook-topped cane as a weapon. Should canes be restricted? Anyone can learn to use a broomstick, an garden hoe, a pencil, or a rolled up magazine to kill someone. Should there be restrictions on these as well?

No? Well, why is that?

Because we are AFRAID of guns! We are AFRAID of knives and swords and all nature of pointy things that we associate with death. No one is afraid of a broom or a pencil. FEAR is the problem, not guns.

So, by all means... go ahead and restrict guns. Make them illegal. Do you think that will solve anything? Reduce violent crime? Make people less afraid?

You just keep on shouting at the rain, Bob. I'm sure it makes you feel better. But don't ask me to join you. Don't tell me that I'm a fool for not screaming at the storm. I'll do what *I* need to do. I'll take the steps necessary to protect my family as much as I can. I don't rely on the law to do that. I don't rely on the authorities to do that. That is *MY* job and I take it *VERY* seriously.

And if someone steps out and shoots me with a gun, then I guess I'll be dead. But until then, I'll be d---ed if I'll live my live in fear of it.