this post was submitted on 27 Feb 2024
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[–] elliot_crane@lemmy.world 12 points 8 months ago (5 children)

I consider myself left of center, in the US at least. I’m in favor of a more careful and measured approach to gun ownership in general. That all being said, when I watched an angry mob attempt to overthrow the federal government, my liberal ass went out and bought a gun. Those lunatics proved they’d happily lynch politicians from their own party, I sleep sounder with my gun safe nearby.

[–] shalafi@lemmy.world 9 points 8 months ago (2 children)

I keep repeating: Women, POC and LGBT folks have been the largest gun purchasing demographic in America for the past few years. Maybe liberal suburban boys should wonder what those people are seeing?

And I repeat again: Owning a gun does NOT make you safe. Unless you practice, train, practice some more and carry (carrying is another form of practice), you're less safe. If you haven't put 1,000 rounds through your weapon, in varying conditions, keep going.

It's a big responsibility. If you don't want to take it on, that's your right. I chose to take it on, as is my right. If they start loading trains, I'll fight for you all, best I can anyway, which ain't much.

[–] elliot_crane@lemmy.world 3 points 8 months ago

I agree with everything you’ve said, and yes, I do practice at the range. I can’t exactly carry a rifle where I live though, and getting a CCW here is a nightmare.

[–] rayyy@lemmy.world 3 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Right on, and here's an excellent, but sober video people need to watch, and re-watch.

[–] TruthAintEasy@kbin.social 2 points 8 months ago

Wow, thank you for that. Very informative

[–] jordanlund@lemmy.world 7 points 8 months ago

Living in Proud Boy Central, I agree. Though things have calmed down a bit since the arrests. Hard to tell though if it were that or the rainy season. :) I guess we'll find out in the Spring.

https://www.opb.org/article/2023/07/21/proud-boy-tusitala-tiny-toese-sentenced-8-years-prison-violence-portland-rallies/

https://www.opb.org/article/2024/01/24/marc-bru-proud-boys-january-6-portland/

[–] TruthAintEasy@kbin.social 3 points 8 months ago (2 children)

And that is 100% understandable despite the fact that the mere act of owning a firearm increases your chances of being involved in gun violence. What a world we live in

[–] shalafi@lemmy.world 4 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Perhaps the people who own guns are more prone to violence, or live in more violent areas? Believed that stat for years, but since I started shooting, I've read a lot more and now question it.

[–] TruthAintEasy@kbin.social 3 points 8 months ago

The responsable gun owners outnumber the nutters by a wide margin.

It comes down to the nature of probability. Say there is a 5% chance of something happening. At 5% you could see 100 or more potential instances that never come to fruition, or it can happen the first time the potentiality comes into play.

Being a responsable owner, who only would ever rely on the gun when all other options are exhausted greatly reduces the risk but it can never go all the way to zero.

The other side of this coin is guns make it so easy to commit impulsive suicide over something that isnt going to bother you anymore in a few weeks if you actually had faced the situational depression or whatever it is. Making suicide inconvenient stops a lot of people stuck in an 'I give up!' headspace, and of course it does, they will give up on that too if it isnt easy to pull off.

[–] meco03211@lemmy.world 3 points 8 months ago (2 children)

I've heard this and don't doubt that it's true. I just can't help but wonder what causal effects have been determined for that.

[–] shalafi@lemmy.world 3 points 8 months ago

LOL, just said the same, but not nearly as succinct.

[–] TruthAintEasy@kbin.social 0 points 8 months ago

When you fight the robber, their bullets will hit you and your family. When the road rager draws on you first and you draw too, even if your faster his bullets might hit you or your family. Dont even get me on the cops... 5 of their 82 shots will hit you just because you informed them of your cc permit and firearm at a traffic stop.

And say you successfully defend your life with a gun, but one of your shot's missed and strikes a child? I couldnt live with that, it would be time to fire my last bullet.

[–] rayyy@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago

If you bought a firearm for protection you must watch this. Too many people think owning a firearm is all they need. Lack of skill and knowledge will get only you and your family killed. Please share this rather dark video with your like-minded friends - it very well may save their lives in the near furure.

[–] dirthawker0@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago

Left liberal Asian American who's owned various pellet guns/rifles for plinking, and have a lovely antique shotgun that I've fired a handful of times. My dad passed and shortly before Covid, I ended up with his .22 Colt pistol from the 60s. Did the legal inheritance transfer, cleaned it up. Covid happened and although I knew there would never be a lynch mob at my doorstep, I felt a pinch safer having it around.