I doubt the US government will ever go door to door and try to take away guns one by one from the approx 100 million Americans who own them. But I could see them making it very hard to get more, and mainly, making bullets cost about 10 times as much, which Obama has lobbied for.

Obama seems to be of the belief that “guns per se are the problem”, rather than that “guns in the hands of criminals are the problem.” And I think any presidential candidate who wants to limit honest citizens’ access to guns is a hypocrite, because every presidential candidate is protected 24-7 by a large cadre of gun toting guards who are willing to die for him, have amazing firepower, and are probably some of the cream of the cream of the best marksmen in the world. Why don’t I deserve the same? (Or at least easy access to a carry permit for my legal handguns, that permit is almost impossible to get in California….Not Obama’s fault, but he is in favor of making that hard everywhere, and if elected president, would push to get it enacted everywhere.)

It sucks, because the hippie in me kinda wants to vote for a black guy. Seriously. I’ve envisioned that since I was a kid. Probably because it would bug my dad. lol…..

I like the work the NRA does, and I’m a member, but I wish they didn’t have to exist. I kind of hate the idea of lobbyist groups. Kinda reminds me of labor unions: they exist at the start to correct a social injustice, but end up having so much power that it may tend to sometimes subjugate the process, which comes with its own issues. Labor unions seem to fight for the little guy, but sometimes resemble the mob in how they do it.

As lobby groups go, I feel that the NRA is “one of the good ones”, but lobby groups in general scare me….they are the direct implication of the idea that “people with the most money have the power.” I’m not implicitly wary of riches, but historically, riches tends to corrupt, almost without fail.

MWD

Didn’t read all the comments yet, just got in from a late night at work, and am tired.

But saw your comment about Obama, that if elected he will seriously limit gun ownership.

I think it would be more accurate to say: he might try.

No president really has the power to do something like that unilaterally. And even if he (or she) has the power via some emergency declaration, etc., good fucking luck getting the people to go along with it.

The NRA isn’t gonna let Obama or anyone else take anyone’s guns.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/boriskafka/2565555413/

I have been shooting since I was around 5 or 6 years old. I got my first gun when I turned 13. Meaning I was allowed to carry my own gun, on my own, without adult supervision (having proven myself to the adult authorities in my life to be responsible) to “plink” or hunt in the huge amount of wilderness we had in Northern Michigan. Sure it was a .22 but that’s about all the firepower a 13 year old should have anyway. I was so totally into ’survivalist stuff’ when i was a kid that it would make your head spin. I ate every animal I have ever killed, be it with gun or bow and arrow. I can gut and butcher a deer quicker than it takes most city slickers to hang one from a tree.

The last animal I killed, by choice, was a traumatic experience for me and a life changing time in my life. I knew it would be the last voluntary violent act I would or could ever commit. I still had a love for guns and other explosive devices but would only use for entertainment and sport other than killing. At this point in my life I am happy to have my last firearm but I’d probably be just as happy without it. I didn’t want it, it just turned up. When I move out of the country I already have a gun loving friend who I will give it to. No paperwork necessary. To me it is just another object. Sometimes a prop for photography and sometimes just to look at in admiration of fine craftsmanship. It may upset some of your readers to know that I keep it loaded and right next to my bed. As it is a revolver it would be stupid to keep a device that I would expect to need in an instant in any other state. If it were a magazine style semi-auto I could rationalize keeping it unloaded. If I need it quickly I will not want to be fumbling with putting in bullets or looking for my speed loader. I don’t have children and I don’t have nosy friends going through my dresser in my bedroom. The very few times I have shown this gun or any gun to anyone I have always made sure to remove the bullets, clear the chamber (with semi’s) and hand the firearm to them while explaining how they can be certain there are no bullets in the gun.

I have been arrested for carrying a concealed 9mm in a much younger, stupider portion of my life. I called the NRA, they recommended a lawyer for me and for less than $1000 I got off with nothing on my record and I got my gun back (the one and only firearm I have ever had registered to me). Amazing. God bless America. I still carry concealed if and when I feel like it. I’m not a gangster, an outlaw or a bad ass. I carry for the same reasons you want to get a concealed carry permit. I’m no different than you except that I don’t feel or see a need to get paperwork and am willing to pay the consequences if I am caught. I don’t do it often, rarely in fact, though I am sure you can think of scenarios where you would do it since you are applying for one yourself. It doesn’t make me feel like more of a man but it makes me feel safer.

I also agree we are not stinkfighting, just coming to a better understanding of different, but responsible attitudes towards what gun ownership is all about. The most key part being respect for firearms and safety for all. If you are using a firearm as an extension of your cock or replacement for cock envy (if you are a woman), you are in a totally wrong sport. I’d suggest joining the military or moving to Somalia to get that out of your system. Guns should be for responsible fun in a safe environment or for self defense as a very last resort. Not to feed an ego.

The only thing you’ve said that strikes me as a really bad idea is burying guns with ammo. A lot of very young kids have and use metal detectors for fun ‘n’ profit.

I like you a lot, by the way. I agree that we’re not fighting, just having different views.

MWD

I am not disagreeing with Debra Jean. I’m offering an alternate opinion. Her profession, be it paralegal, lawyer, cop, judge or God really doesn’t matter when discussing opinions. Her opinion has more weight when discussing the legalities but not everyone trust the governing bodies as she does. I certainly don’t. I understand her opinion and do not find any fault with her love of the law. I don’t need to “side with” someone because of their passion of a subject. But I am also not “not siding” with her. It is like saying I don’t agree with an alternate lifestyle (swinger, S&m, gay, straight etc) because I don’t live that way myself. I am pro-gun in most instances. I am not pro-registration, which is the only point where we somewhat stray. I don’t believe my unregistered gun makes it or myself any less safe than one that has told the authorities “hey, I’ve got a gun”. As you may know, I used to be a police officer and have more handgun, machine gun and other special weapons training than many people in the NRA. I’m just refusing to tell the authorities where I keep my weapons or how many I have. It is none of their business and they are all in safe places. I’m sorry our opinions differ but I am certainly not arguing against your or Debra Jean’s points.

I see your points. But side with Debra Jean.

DJ’s a paralegal. She studied enough constitutional law to fall in love with it. Many lawyers also start out that way, but then become corrupt when they start to practice law. DJ’s still pure. And her love of the constitution is contagious. I’m infected, bad.

MWD