First of all: I don’t know very much about the gun debate. I’ve read up on the president’s recent proposal and executive orders (NYT has a nice bullet-pointed summary), and tried to find some arguments from both sides. I can’t find anything that really lays out all the issues in a rational, unbiased way–so if you know any good resources, please, link me or let’s chat. Seriously.
Because here’s some of what I found to support the right: I’ll see you in the war: Civil War II and the much-shared Piers Morgan interview with certifiable Alex Jones.
If it’s not totally clear, I’m a liberal. I have a gay lover, I’m a raging pagan, right this minute I’m writing a pamphlet on socialism, I’ve been to France numerous times and GUESS WHAT. I want to take away all your guns.
In my opinion, I haven’t heard a good, convincing reason why any normal person needs a gun. I know that’s extreme and ridiculous, but as I’ve never had, held, or used a gun and have absolutely no desire to do so, I don’t see the appeal.
Have you ever fired two guns whilst jumping through the air?
In a less extreme way, I’m all for more gun control: stricter background checks for everyone who purchases a gun, a robust licensing and tracking system for guns, equipment, and owners, vigorous training and testing for anyone who wants to own or operate a gun–I mean, think about all you have to go through to operate and own a vehicle. And yes, cars probably contribute to more deaths than guns, but they aren’t actually designed to cause damage to living creatures. Except possums.
I’m also for a ban on assault weapons for private citizens, limited rounds per magazine, pretty much anything you suggest sounds good to me. (I really liked what this former prime minister of Australia had to say about how they banned assault weapons in 1996!) I feel like anything that might have even the smallest chance of reducing the number of gun deaths is worth a shot. (See how I lightened the mood with that pun there?)
But I know all your guns are not going to belong to us. In this debate, on the side of conservatives, there seem to be just a few arguments against stricter gun control, namely: 1) But the second amendment! 2) But I need to defend myself from burglars and thieves. 3) But I’m a law-abiding citizen, why am I being punished? 4) But I need to defend myself from the government!
Does that sound about right? Because I’m working on a two-part solution that should satisfy each of these issues while still bringing down the number of guns in America. YOU’RE WELCOME.
P.S.
A friend shared this infographic on the Facebook, but infographics can be sneakily oversimplifying. Also it doesn’t jive with my core beliefs so I’m suspicious of it.
I don’t particular like shooting guns… and I spent entire years of my life with either an assault rifle or 9mm pistol strapped to my body. No joke. Sometimes it was even loaded, but ammo was always handy.
I don’t think any normal citizens needs assault weapons, grenades, and such. And I think 100% background checks need to be required! But I do believe in allowing people to have shotguns for hunting (there are delicious deer to be eaten) and protection (i.e. you live on a ranch and a mountain lion is charging at your toddler in the back yard).
I also believe in allowing people to have handguns with low-count magazines. I don’t have a gun (my boyfriend does), but if I lived/worked in a sketchy area and found myself alone in the dark walking to my car, I’d have a Saturday night special in my purse. I’m not saying everyone should have guns because bad people have guns, but I understand why people would have one in certain situations.
And I understand 100% why people wouldn’t want to hold or a use a gun EVER!