And, why did we want the dang things? Well, me and my friend wanted it so we could play war. We had a rule though, no shooting above the chest. There's a certain degree of idiocy to kids.
In my defense, I grew up with Bugs Bunny cartoons, and outside of a bit of soot and loose feathers, Daffy Duck was just fine taking a double barrel of bird shot to the beak.
For a fair portion of my life I had guns - up until my early twenties, actually. I hunted, I target shot, and, I thought I needed one for protection - despite living in a very safe and quiet area.
My first understanding of how dangerous and disturbing guns could be occurred when I was a teenager. I'm not sure of the conversation or rationale going into this, but for some reason my father decided to point his 44 at me. He was sitting in his living room chair, I was at the other end of the room. I knew it was unloaded, I hoped it was, but there was something about having that gun pointed at me.... I still clearly remember that feeling, that vision of seeing that gun pointed at me. Helpless, afraid, threatened and hurt that he is making me feel this. He thought me a wimp because I told him I didn't like him pointing it at me. I believed him.
Another event; I rented a "duplex" (rough translation, 1/2 a house) with a coworker. I was 18, he was in his mid 20's. It was my first place away from home. He decided that he couldn't afford the rent anymore and moved out while I was at work. I came home,first stopping at a nearby friend's house to say hello. I thought it odd that she ran out of the house when I got there, but I talked with her two kids for a moment then went on to my place. When i got there, she was leaving with my rifle. When I asked her what she was doing, my now ex-roommate walked out with a box of stuff, got in his car and left. It was two days before rent was due. She was sure I'd shoot him. I just may have.
Only kids think guns are safe. Only kids think guns don't hurt people. Some people are still kids when well past 18. Some kids never get the chance to make it that far.
7 comments:
Guten Morgen Randy
I want to tell an episode from my early childhood.
Around 1955 festival was in our city. Many children were there (which was to a child without still permamente parental supervision).
Suddenly the fairground drove past several USA-tanks. We children were so traumatized that many cried and ran home.
I never had a gun or rifle in hand, to shoot it.
Even after the war, my father has never taken a gun in his hand.
He has not even shot at the festival for fun.
Firearms have to be banned.
I wish you a pleasant Advent season
Nikki
Hello Randy
What happened on Friday at Sandy Hook must surely awaken your country to the realisation that there is no justification for a private citizen to have the 'right' to own and carry firearms. Ownership should only be permissible if a person can prove a genuine need to do so, and then only under the strictest of conditions. Not, of course, that there's the slightest likelihood of that happening, because the 'God 'n' Guns' contingent will prevail, as they always do. And the inevitable consequence will be the massacre of another classroom full of children, or of cinema-goers, or of worshippers at a Sikh temple....and so ad nauseum.
Love & best wishes
Sammy B
Hi Nikki and Sammy;
I don't know that there is a solution. The thing is, the saying being quite true: if you outlaw guns then only the outlaws will have guns. Those who say that are frightened, feel weak, threatened, and these news stories reinforce that.
The other side of it is that most people who have guns have multiple guns. The irony, they say it is for self protection - and in some cases I'd agree, but for the most part, the only thing they often have worth stealing is the guns.
It's difficult for me to judge someone else, though. I'm middle aged, healthy, 6'5, 300 lbs. And, I have a dog. People don't normally look at me as a victim waiting to happen.
It frightens me what will come if someone doesn't realize that the guns aren't necessarily the issue, it is the people who come to feel like the gun is their only alternative. Fear, anger, rage at being stepped on and abused by people or the government. They need to understand that life is precious: theirs, every one's. Until that happens, guns are only the tool of these hurting and angry people.
That sounds so very lame... I wish there was a solution!
hugs;
randy
Hi Randy, I discovered your blog today, and I'm glad I did.
I believe there is a case to be made for better gun control However, had this poor, sad, mentally ill individual not been able to get a gun, some ammonium nitrate and diesel would have accomplished the same thing. While gun control is a conversation we need to have in this country for sure, what is at least as important is the state of mental health treatment here. I invite you to read this blogpost and see if you don't agree, then we can revisit the whole gun control thing. http://anarchistsoccermom.blogspot.com/
Peace <3
Jay
Hi Cubby;
Thank you for coming and commenting. Please feel free to express your thoughts.
-randy
Jay,
I'm going to put that off until tomorrow. I'm on my way to bed and just wanted to check in.
I did have a conversation with someone today about similar to your comment... It's well known that our mental health care is not being funded as it should. Tax dollars going to other things. As I said, intense subject.... I'm going to look into your link tomorrow and then I'll continue this. Something tells me you have given me my next post topic.
hugs;
randy
Post a Comment