Mark Morford: Buy a Gun

[Duncan Grant]

AKA 27 things I’ve learned from social media in 72 hours

This is not my normal content. Actually, it sort of is, as what you're about to read is more or less exactly the kind of material I used to write about every week, for close to 20 years for the SF Chronicle, in my once semi-famous opinion column, which ran from the depths of 1998 through the latter half of 2017…

Please note that most of the following tips and perspectives do not come from me (though I've added commentary and emphasis to many of them). This is a batch of responses I’ve been gleaning from some of the more thoughtful, heartbroken, but also supremely fierce humans who have been streaming through my social media feeds in the past 72 hours – mainly young women…

1. Buy a gun. I do not recognize myself for saying this, but if you are a progressive young woman living in or around a red state, and/or anywhere near frat bros, tech bros or any kind of bro, buy a gun. Even if you’ve been passionately anti-gun, anti-violence, anti-NRA as I’ve been my entire life and career, it has become blindingly clear that a shocking majority of American men do not give a fuck for your rights, your health, or your bodily autonomy. And they are displaying this gleeful misogyny right now, in full and grotesque force, all across social media…

Remaining list here.

This is excellent food for thought, extremely relevant to women’s lives, and a great preparation exercise. Topics: stock up on birth control, update your passport, reveal nothing about your life or your friend’s lives, considering a divorce (do it now), download the Signal app, leaving the country — and more. (Bookmark this thread.)

[johnp3907]

1. Me: No

Not falling for NRA propaganda!

[Duncan Grant]

2. How did you possibly have time to read it in 2 minutes?!

Women of DU, the article is worth a passing glance. It’s not a panic, it’s preparation.

[FuzzyRabbit]

4. Definitely not NRA propaganda.

[MrsCheaplaugh]

95. Now it's just a sad reality.

nt

[ms liberty]

13. So you're a man who thinks women should not arm themselves

Last edited Sun Nov 10, 2024, 07:09 PM - Edit history (1)

Okey doke.

As a woman - a rural southern woman, fuck that shit. I'm already armed because I'm rural and there are situations where a firearm is a necessity. As a young woman and adult in a large multicultural city I never owned a gun, although I grew up in a home with guns. Never felt I needed one; large or noisy dogs are a usually effective deterrent against intruders. Times were different then.

Now we have men who tell us "your body, our choice." That's a threat. Women need to learn self defense, and arm ourselves. Too many men are okay with women being reduced to being property of the state and the men in charge.

[BattleRow]

64. My body,your choice if I shoot your ass or not..go ahead,make my day..

Just doing some pipe dreaming here...

[Ladyhawke1]

107. THAT'S THE ANSWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Buy the biggest feckin' dog possible. Make it a tax deductible.

[ms liberty]

108. Very few intruders are brave enough to try

Once the German Shepherd(s) start making the windows shake.

We don't get disturbed by JW's either

[TheKentuckian]

15. You definitely didn't read that too closely if that is the take away

[Irish_Dem]

54. Men can have the guns they want, but when women talk about getting guns, no way.

Women are not allowed to protect themselves from men who mean what they say:
Your body, my choice.

[TomSlick]

60. I'm not completely on board with people with no weapons training buying guns.

The article makes it clear that anyone buying a gun must learn how to use it. An untrained person with a gun is more a danger to them self than any attacker.

If my wife or DIL want a gun, I will provide the needed training and pray they never fire the weapon anywhere other than a range.

[Irish_Dem]

65. Well of course people need training on how to use a gun.

Tom, women are not total idiots.
Really we aren't.

We know we need to learn how to use the damn things.

If I come to the point where I buy a gun I will use it to protect myself and family.
And won't blink an eye.

That is what it has come to.

My family has quite a few targets on their backs when it comes to the MAGA flying monkeys.
And I will do what I can to save their lives.

[TomSlick]

66. You know me better than to suggest I think woman are idiots.

[Irish_Dem]

76. Yes that is why I was surprised by your post.

I respect and like you so I tried to keep my comment somewhat on the light side.
I know your heart is in the right place and you mean well.

But just know what women are very afraid right now.
They are sensitive to lectures from men on what to do and not do.

Women are terrified for their daughters and granddaughters.

[TomSlick]

83. I am terrified for my wife, DIL and granddaughters.

I am also terrified about people, men and women, having firearms without the appropriate training. Even with the appropriate training a handgun is a terribly dangerous thing to have in the house. That's why I won't have one despite 28 years of Army weapons training.

My assumption, unsupported by any evidence other than my personal observation, is that there is a slightly lower incidence of idiocy among women than men. However, the election proves the idiots have us outnumbered.

[Maru Kitteh]

98. Then post that. Post that you are scared for the women in your life. Don't mansplain what we

need to do. That's up to us. We will do what we need to do according to our assessments of our own needs. Us.

[TomSlick]

106. I apologize.

It was not my intent to mansplain.

These are difficult times for all of us. I beg your forgiveness and understanding.

[TomSlick]

55. Did you read the article?

There is a lot there beyond the advise that women buy guns.

This clearly not NRA propaganda.

[gay texan]

3. I agree with this

As a gay man, i carry a semi-auto pistol now

[NickB79]

5. I'm teaching my 14 yr old daughter how to shoot my handgun this week

It's time.

Also, I just read through the entire thing. My God, that was depressing. More so because I can't really find anything to pick apart and say it's unrealistic or hyperbole.

It's incredibly depressing because it's so damn accurate.

[Ferryboat]

6. Gave me much to consider, good advice

Well worth reading. Women everywhere need to read this.

Every male needs to read this to understand the true danger.

[NickB79]

7. I sent this to a few like-minded female friends of mine.

Waiting on their responses.

[TheProle]

8. Ooooo! I love situational ethics!

[gay texan]

33. This isnt situational ethics

Lets consider something: lets say i put a pride sticker on the back of my truck. I can assure you i will be brake checked, assulted, and have a gun brandished at me. For me simply being me.

I dont advertise me at all, yet there may be a moment where i steal a kiss from a cute guy.

That drives white xtian Chads out of their minds. They will come in force to "exact justice" whike i have zero desire to get into a fire fight, i will defend myself

[Irish_Dem]

58. Women being threatened with rape is not just a classroom discussion in ethics.

It is already a crime to save the life of dying women.

Now males are threatening women with widespread rape.

Insulting and denigrating comments will not change the real danger to women right now.

[niyad]

79. Meaning what, exactly?

[speak easy]

9. Your Body, My Choice

Like hell it is.

[OldBaldy1701E]

38. The level of misogynistic arrogance in that statement is so astounding.

And, you are so right. Everyone affected by this should always stand and reply, "Like hell it is!" every time.

Delusion knows no bounds with these rethugs...

[GoreWon2000]

67. Remind them that Hitler was defeated.

[PortTack]

39. Here's a good come back..."your face my fist!"

[Ocelot II]

61. "Your nuts, my knee!"

[speak easy]

93. 'your balls, my heels'

[milestogo]

10. Here's the thing

If you are a woman living alone who has never used a gun- how do you know what kind of gun to get, where to buy one, and where to get training. I can't see working with MAGATs for any of the above.

[GenThePerservering]

14. There is plenty of info

Online - do a little research! Local ranges don't need to know political affiliation.

I'm fine working with magats on this if it comes to it - heh, let them help fuel the resistance, but look for a women's gun club or store that is welcoming to women. I'm getting help from a retired police officer (woman).

[DemonGoddess]

17. You find sympathetic and Democratic gun owners

to help you with this. I grew up with guns. I have a healthy respect for firearms. We have firearms now. My hubs is training my daughter in proper use. Yes, she is in her 30's but it's important she know. Especially since we live in a red area.

[AverageOldGuy]

18. Go to a local gun shop or range

Tell the guy behind the counter you live alone, etc, etc., sometimes work late, dark parking lot, etc,etc

You’ll get lots of advice.

Google gun ranges near you, same thing.

Or Google guns for women alone

[LNM]

21. Try contacting your State DNR for firearms training.

Or your local police department may be helpful.

[gay texan]

34. Thats where i come in

I can help with that.

You have to realize that was raised by a Vietnam combat vet, i never saw him bradish a fire arm other that when it was needed

I can offer advice

[Alice B.]

42. ... because I'm guessing every gun shop and instructor in my area is MAGA

so I'm going with the padlock.

Though I've reached the "ma'am" age of irrelevance so may have to start embracing blessed invisibility.

[Demobrat]

48. Don't count on it.

Sexual assault has nothing to do with age or attractiveness. If it’s not someone you know it’s usually opportunistic.

I carry pepper spray any time I leave the house after dark. Thinking of adding the padlock.

[Alice B.]

72. Objectively I know that

But I'm still in my scrambling for scraps of hope phase with the dark ages potentially descending.

And actually, a month or so ago, a man driving through my neighborhood (nice, residential, beautiful sunny day) pulled up alongside me while I was walking (dressed to exercise and enjoying the day). With great concern, he asked me if I needed help and could he give me a ride. I automatically said "no, thank you, I'm walking on purpose." And then I lost my temper and told him most women would find him rolling up like that creepy. He waved his hand at me, all annoyed-like, and drove off.

Obviously this was before the election and at the time, I was using it as an object lesson about who or what is threatening. The dude was a pudgy white guy in a Camry and at the time, our community was an awash in stories of "Mexican men" trying to kidnap women from the local Walmart.

I've been lucky that I have been walking everywhere in my town as much as I can for the past 20+ years and this is the first time I ever felt uneasy so I guess I've been really trying to push that down.

[SWBTATTReg]

84. Good for you ... you just never know, and are always better safe by saying NO, and preparing yourself to run,

if need be, or if armed w/ spray or such, use it, if danger approaches. Good for you! I have two sisters, both (only one is living now) are good shooters, and one always carries a pistol in her bag. I was so happy to learn this. They live on outskirts of town, e.g., 10 miles or so out, so it's a plus w/ the remoteness and critters that you may run across too.

My mom always carried too, when she went on her daily walks and she was 20+ miles from town. And she has had issues w/ critters so she always carried.

And the thing is about a gun, you don't necessarily have to hit the critter, usually the retort of it firing is enough. But she got lessons from her husband Steve, who's an avid hunter, so she was something of a decent shot, a good thing.

One must protect yourself and yours. Always. You just never know when that moment may come.

[Alice B.]

86. Thank you. And I am still bereft we have only gone backwards in terms of women feeling like prey.

[Demobrat]

88. We are prey. Time to accept it and act like it.

[SWBTATTReg]

90. Yes, that's deeply unfortunately and very pathetic. My sister is a strong person and has the personality to suit

too. Be strong, be yourself, but don't make a scene or anything like that. I wish I could give more advice but gosh, we should not have to worry about this one bit in this late day and age. It's surreal to me. It's still sinking in. Take care of yourself and be safe.

[Demobrat]

85. You were alone. That's all it takes. And now they are emboldened.

The irony is that most immigrants want nothing whatsoever to do with crime, cops, or anything that draws attention to themselves.

They just want to work and send money home. It’s the ignorant white losers you have to watch out for.

[Alice B.]

89. Exactly!

In this case, a white loser whom I thought looked like Ricky from Better Off Dead.
Though I'm still not sure if I was conflating that somehow because I had seen a meme from the movie before going out that day.

One thing I did not hallucinate was the Yankee Candle air freshener hanging from his rearview FFS.

[Demobrat]

92. I didn't know what Yankee Candle was. Had to google it.

His mommy probably put it there while he was asleep in her basement.

[NickB79]

70. Just don't advertise to the gun shops and instructors you're liberal

Play the role of the woman who's scared of "thugs" and needs to protect herself. They'll be more than happy to help you pick out a gun and get training.

Where I'm at (south metro of the Twin Cities, MN) the two gun shops/indoor shooting ranges I sometimes browse and shop at have more people of color and women than white men using the range and buying guns these days.

[Alice B.]

80. I'm in a longtime red county in a now-red state

I don't think I have the bandwidth to properly learn to handle a gun right now -- never have used one, despite having hunters in the family and growing up with bird dogs.

I'm not saying I'm not down with learning to shoot and responsibly handle a gun, which I respect as a skill, but man, I'm just not in a good place for it emotionally right now.

Padlock and mace it is. I do already carry a set of keys with a ginormous ignition key from a long-gone SUV I drove in the early aughts.

[colorado_ufo]

68. Go to Cabela's or Bass Pro.

They are professional, kind, highly knowledgeable and offer classes for women. They also sell handbags for concealed carry. They will make sure that you obtain the proper weapon and learn how to safely use it.

[mzmolly]

11. No guns for me.

[IrishAfricanAmerican]

12. Those who are comfortable carrying should.

[GenThePerservering]

16. Also there are other deterrents

Mace and its relations, for instance.

Mostly women need to stop being afraid and acting afraid. Men are far less likely to prey on women with quiet self confidence. They want easy pickings because men like this are cowards at heart.

Oh, and decent men need never know about this stuff, because they'll never see it.

[gay texan]

36. Thats the other aspect of it, martial arts

Last edited Sun Nov 10, 2024, 07:06 PM - Edit history (1)

Gouge the soft spots on the face.

A good American Karate school will do wonders. I used to be used as a punching bag for a middle aged women with zero confidence.

Once they realized they could throw all 230 pounds of me over their sholder, it was on..

To see that light turn on was everything

Ive been flung around by middle aged women who were meek and afraid. All it took was someone showing them that it was ok to fight back.

"Wap" as i hit the mat seeing stars, "Shit!" I would exclaim. The master would yell "that laungauge will cost you today!" "Yes Sensei"

Ive litterally had the shit beat out of me by someone who was 5'0" and drove a Dodge Caravan with 4 kids. Im 6'3" at 230 and rather imposing, but wildly gay. Hooo boy i have been flung like a fucking rag doll

They came in afraid and they left as warriors. I still feel it during season changes, but it was worth it

[Deep State Witch]

19. It's a good idea, unless

One is prone to depression or other mental health issues. This is why my husband and I don't own one. There are many times that, had we owned a gun, one of us would have used it on ourselves.

[GenThePerservering]

20. Another solution is needed

absolutely - you're making a wise decision. Self-defense hand-to-hand is not only valuable, but the exercise in strengthening and learning it is empowering.

[Katcat]

32. Check into

Getting a taser

[BattleRow]

74. Hat pins

I wear large brim hats and use a 12 inch hatpin to anchor it.

Quite stylish,but effective,too.
It has been said men don't insult a woman wearing a hat..I say,there's always a first (and last) time.. especially if she's packing more than a hatpin.

[Prairie_Seagull]

22. Good Read but be warned, and intrigued. (Intrigued can have positive or negative spin right?)

Plenty at link to ponder.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

23. No. Absolutely not.

Read up on the statistics of guns "accidentally" going off, toddlers taking a loaded gun from mom's purse, shooting and killing mom, a father murdering his daughter coming home late at night because he assumes she's an intruder and so it's perfectly okay to shoot and kill.

[AKwannabe]

24. I am considering this

Said it earlier this morning to my friend.

“I need to buy a gun.
When a bro starts to overlord…
I point at it and say what? My gun didn’t hear your shitty comment. Wanna say it again???”

[love_katz]

73. Unfortunately, if you pull a weapon, it needs to be used.

No verbal warning. I know that sounds harsh and crazy. But, an old retired police officer told me that. It is because warning someone gives them a chance to take your weapon away from you and then use it on you.

I agree that all women need to prepare to defend ourselves. This patriarchal ugliness and threats have always been there. We just had a brief respite because for a while, we had recourse through the law. That is going away.

As one strong woman I know puts it, " do not brag, do not threaten. Just do, and do quietly."

[Kaleva]

25. Guy doesn't know much about having a gun for self defense

No mention at all about the hours upon hours over the course of many weeks or possibly even months you'll need to dedicate to training in order to become reasonably proficient . Then you'll be spending time each week practicing what you learn in order to maintain that level of proficiency.

You are not buying a gun for target practice or to hunt wild game with. You are buying a gun because you intend to kill another human being if the situation warrants it.

Far too many follow the authors advice and just go out and buy a gun and sometimes the results are tragic. An innocent, a loved one, a curious child ends up dead.

[soandso]

37. Yeah, this

To own a gun, I'd first have to overcome my fear of them and then the fear that I'd make a deadly mistake. Pro gun groups have always advocated for women to arm themselves and while the advice is sound, it's a big leap to being a being a well trained and responsible gun owner.

[Kaleva]

82. Yes!

Your comment:

"it's a big leap to being a being a well trained and responsible gun owner"

[WalkerinSC]

26. Do NOT buy a handgun

1. unless you're a willing to go through the training and practice to use one (and he seems to believe that will be the case) you will be more of a danger to yourself and others.

2. (and lastly) Banning porn would probably catch up that screed. While some validity can be gleaned from it, the hyperbole overwhelms.

Is the election a disappointment? Yes. Is the world ending? No. The buffoon can try many things. Even with executive action, the number of lawsuits, injunctions, appeals, and outright losses will gum up the works for at least 2 years. The guy comes in as a lame duck. He just has to be penned up for 2 years and as he drives up cost, pushes to remove health insurance, constant attacks on marginalized groups, and the typical chaos that follows him. It just leaves 1 year of soul searching and building a winning platform followed by a year of relentless campaigning and GOTV in ALL HR and Senate Races, even in 'safe' Republican districts. Pickup even one and he spends the last 2 years drooling and tilting at windmills. Work to minimize the damage for 2 years. Prevent further damage the next 2 and start with a clean slate of fresh faces with big bold ideas and rebuild the coalitions.

[Alice B.]

57. I needed to hear this.

I needed to hear this at 3 a.m. Wednesday

Of all the terrifying possibilities that have been discussed pre-election through now, I have been looking for people to tell me how much damage is realistically possible and on what kind of timeline. I've been looking for practical advice about what to do to prepare for the next few years.

Beyond that, I 've looking for reassuring information about advance planning and Trump-proofing at the state and federal levels (I say again, surely the world, our world, didn't just assume we'd win).

That's what I've wanted. Not the post-mortem.

And I scared myself good reading Morford's whole list.

I literally just installed Signal on my phone and laptop. I had been planning on getting my vaccinations done (needed to schedule the second hep b shot anyway).

I wish I had just skipped to your comment.

[multigraincracker]

27. Guns are dangerous, even in the hands cops, home owners and at gun ranges.

I never go anywhere I think I might need a gun. My home is set up to be secure. I'm home when the street lights come on and nothing good happens after midnight.
I own a 22 revolver, a single shot 12 gauge and a bolt action deer rifle. I try to be very careful, but accidents can still happen. Even at a gun range when you are the only one there.....


https://fox8.com/video/man-accidentally-shoots-himself-at-gun-range/6729629/

[Kaleva]

30. Agree

[proud patriot]

28. from the piece

This is priority 1 for me as I'm already telling people of the right's celebration every
single time a trumper says "trump said he won't do project 2025"

(snip)
Let it be known that Republicans are “very excited” to begin putting Project 2025 into action. They have said as much; Republican senators have actually tweeted that it really was the plan all along, ha ha ha tricked you. Did you actually believe Trump when he said he knew nothing about it? Literally dozens of its authors served in his previous administration. He has already announced that one of its lead authors will have a major role in his new one.

Translation: These people are fucking giddy to bring tremendous pain and suffering to women, immigrants, people of color, the poor. It’s already underway, right now, and unless you are exceedingly rich and white (and male) and possess zero compassion or human empathy, you’re going to be affected, if not destroyed.
(snip)

[multigraincracker]

29. Years ago I stopped at a yard sale and was talking the guy running it, an older guy,

He had a cast on his left hand. So I asked what happen. He said he shot himself while cleansing a pistol and forgot there was still a round in it. He told me the worse part was, he was a 36 year NRA gun safety instructor.

[Happy Hoosier]

44. I've met plenty of morons with guns...

But in 50 years of handling guns, I’ve never come close to shooting myself or anyone else. There are just a few easy rules to follow. And I follow them. Every. Damn. Time.

[Tommy Carcetti]

31. Nope. nt

[roamer65]

35. Start carrying pepper spray or mace (if legal), ladies.

Also, buy an aluminum baseball bat for your domicile. Keep it handy.

[58Sunliner]

52. Shotgun is very handy for home defense.

[cksmithy]

77. we have one

but are probably to mature/feeble to use it if needed.

[Happy Hoosier]

40. I'll be honest....

I have function checked and lubricated them in the last few days. I’m not ready to go all Red Dawn, but I want to be able to be “ready” on short notice.

[niyad]

41. Thank you so much for this. I used to post Mark's columns regularly when

he was in SF. I am glad to see him still in the fight.

The purse I carry weighs more than that padlock thing, and it is always on my shoulder, with my hand on the strap.

Howw absolutely disgusting that so many supporters of the orange TRATOR** have happily, willingly, helped bring this about.

[niyad]

43. I ask everyone to read the rest of the very lengthy article at the link.

Some very interesing ideas.

[Demobrat]

45. I will never buy a gun.

But plan B …..hmmmm. That part gave me food for thought. I will never need it. But to have on hand in case someone else does….

[Gore1FL]

46. I'll ever get a gun because I'll never be prepared to use it. nt

[WhiskeyGrinder]

47. Know yourself before you buy a gun.

[58Sunliner]

49. As a woman who is a gun owner I recommend this. As a rape survivor I heartily endorse this.

But you must clear about using it. You can not let it be used against you. And you want something easily accessible and small enough to maneuver. Male perps count on being able to get into your space by manipulation or surprise. Start thinking about physical boundaries and maintaining distances for reaction time and room. Self defense and mace/pepper spray also buy you time and should be a first line of defense.

[niyad]

50. There are TWENTY-SEVEN suggestions in his article. Apparently only

about two of us got past #1.

[hadEnuf]

53. If somebody doesn't want to own a gun then that is their choice

But the insinuations that owning a gun makes you a "traitor" to the cause of gun control or a NRA sympathizer needs to go away.

We are living in a different world now that will be run by many who are violent extremists.

[et tu]

56. 2b or not 2b 4b?

It's going 2b grim so do what you can 2 protect yourself~

shakespeare meets machiavellian on an off year

[Demobrat]

59. He forgot a very important rule.

NEVER. EVER. allow a male into your home unless you want to have sex with him. That includes friends and coworkers whom you think you know, and repair men. If you need one, NEVER be alone with him.

Once they are past the front door, you are not safe. I don’t care if it’s your freaking brother in law, or a childhood friend. Just don’t do it.

[Blaukraut]

63. Hubby and I are going to buy a gun

He's retired Air Force and had to carry guns throughout half of his career. He has plenty of training and a license. Me, not so much, so I'm going to get safety training (a requirement in our state) and then get a license. AFTER buying a gun safe. We have small grandchildren visiting so we need to make sure they won't get hurt. I never wanted to own a gun.

Never saw the need for it, but things have changed. We live in a blue state, but even some of our neighbors are MAGAts and they've actually 'decorated' their vehicles and put up more Trump flags since the election. They're emboldened and drunk on perceived power right now. Mob mentality is a dangerous thing.

We're also going to stock up on canned goods again. We JUST finished the last of our covid stash, and it's time to replenish. Knowing Trump's ineptitude, another pandemic and lack of response are pretty much guaranteed.

[LPBBEAR]

94. Same here.

My wife and I are planning to also. We both think its likely that if Trump follows through on his threats and plans that civil war is a possibility. We live in a Blue state but our area has a lot of dumbfuckistanies. No kids to worry about here but who knows what kind of crap the local Maghats will get up to.

[Kaleva]

96. Remember, you are buying a gun because you intend on using it to kill another person

If the situation warrants it.

There's a difference between the training one gets in the military and the training you take in the civilian world. In the military, the emphasis is on protecting a position or a thing and losses are acceptable. In the civilian world, the emphasis is on protecting one self or loved ones and casualties are to be avoided. Retreat is to be avoided in the former while it is the preferred route in the latter .

While one can acquire knowledge on handling a gun in the military, the mindset is different.

You should expect to be putting in many hours of training over the course of weeks to achieve a level of proficiency. State standards are laughable. Guns are extremely dangerous so you really need to set a much higher standard for yourself. Once you reach that level, then you need to spend time weekly practicing the skills you learned.

Another thing you need to think out is how you'll use the gun in various situations. What is the plan if the grandkids are over and Magahats kick in the door? What is the plan if you and your husband are in bed and you hear something unusual, either outside or in the house? You and your husband will need to think of all the possible scenarios where you may think the use of a gun is warranted and come up with a plan and then practice those plans on a regular basis

If you draw your gun, you do so because you are in a situation where you intend to kill another human.

[nini]

69. Already planning on it

Last edited Sun Nov 10, 2024, 07:41 PM - Edit history (1)

I’ve been carrying pepper spray with me for a while. What I’ve seen the last couple weeks, I don’t trust those Magats one bit.

[KatK]

71. Thanks! Just bought two rec'd books: "Surviving Autocracy" (Gessen) & "On Tyranny" (Snyder) n/t

[cab67]

75. Good advice for some people.

Not for all.

A friend of mine has a teenage child with a long history of mental illness. This child has expressed serious suicidal ideation, and although my friend hasn't said as much, I get the sense there have been a couple of actual suicide attempts. My friend and her spouse have been working to get help for this child (in- and out-patient) for many years.

The number one predictor of whether someone thinking of suicide will actually act on those thoughts is the presence of a gun in the home.

Yes, guns can be secured. But intelligent adolescents are far too often able to get around those security measures. Desperation breeds cleverness. For my friend, a gun is just not a viable option.

I'm not anti-gun, and I'm not saying people - especially those who are at heightened physical danger because of last week's election - shouldn't consider being armed as one of several possible solutions. But it's not a workable solution for everyone.

[HereForTheParty]

78. Are we conflating denial of abortion care with sexual assault?

I take the "your body, my choice" as men with small penises taunting women because they've lost abortion rights.

[Demobrat]

87. I take it to mean

I will rape you with impunity and you will give birth to my spawn.

So yeah, sexual assault and abortion are both covered here.

[Fla_Democrat]

81. Way ahead of ya.

[Layzeebeaver]

91. If you haven't actually read the linked article, you should.

It’s well written and insightful.

[Straw Man]

97. You can learn what you need to know about your gun in three hours.

The kicker is that you need to practice. And practice, and practice, and practice, until it becomes automatic. It's not so much about marksmanship -- defensive encounters mostly take place at very short distances -- as it is about (a) safe handling (i.e. not shooting yourself) and (b) fast, decisive response.

I don't agree with those who say you should shoot without warning, and I don't think most district attorneys or juries would either. What I've been taught in defensive handgun classes is that you should give a very loud, angry, and distinct warning to make it clear that you are armed and will not hesitate to shoot. Scream "Get the fuck out of my house! I've got a gun! Get out! Get out! Get out!" -- something along those lines. Weapon-mounted lights and lasers are also effective at getting the message across. The blinding light in the face and the laser dot on the chest will support the verbal message.

This assumes, of course, that you have the time and distance to make the warning. If you are attacked suddenly and without warning, you are justified in responding in kind.

[Prairie_Seagull]

99. The ship of state turns slowly and now moves

in reverse. It is up to all of us how fast.

"Bending toward justice" is hopeful in this time.

imo

[Disaffected]

100. After reading this thread,

any thought I may have had for visiting the US have vanished out the window.

It looks to me even liberal democrats are becoming gun nuts.

[Duncan Grant]

101. Please read the entire article for a deeper understanding.

The article is about women in the United States, not guns specifically.

[Disaffected]

102. I did read the article.

My comment was about this thread and its gun comments.

I also BTW found the article to be grossly alarmistic. It is no wonder so many people are terrified.

[Duncan Grant]

103. Excellent, I understand.

If I were a young woman in the United States, I’d add more than half of this article’s suggestions to my “to do” list. Are there two or more things you find most alarming? I only ask because — your perspective as an observer may offer someone here, a more spacious sense of security. Thank you in advance.

[Disaffected]

105. Two or more most alarming?

That's actually a big ask, for me at least, because there are so many. Perhaps easier to pick a couple of the least? I'll see what I can do but not at the moment as I'm finding the whole business hard to contemplate.

One source of "comfort" of sorts I see though is that if many of the article's items actually do materialize, I'm thinking that gaining political asylum in many first world countries might become a possibility (i.e. countries that are otherwise hard to gain permanent residency or citizenship to by many folks).

[Historic NY]

104. If suddenly a few hundred thousand women bought guns

it would scare the crap out of them

[Hippasus]

109. No, thanks (nt)