General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Should America work towards becoming a gun-free Country? [View all]Xyzse
(8,217 posts)I don't have a problem with gun ownership as long as it is responsible.
The issue I tend to have are:
Idiots that go around open carry and brandishing as if something like that does not scare people.
I don't care who someone is, a person with a gun is scary.
The assumption is, that any one carrying a gun openly anywhere other than a shooting range, their house and a gun store is generally unhinged.
Problem is, I don't know if you're responsible or not, all I know is, that you are a threat. Why else would you carry one other than to threaten people with violence or actually act upon it?
There is no reason to be carrying something like that, other than trying to look tough, cool or what have you. Carrying a weapon basically means it is for use or showing off. I have no patience nor sympathy for the latter.
Another issue is, if I were defending myself against an armed individual. If I end up killing them with my hands, I have a higher chance to go in jail than if I were to have shot them.
Idiots that don't properly store or maintain their guns.
Some people don't store their guns in locked cases, where it is easily accessible by children.
Some people shoot themselves while "cleaning". More likely than not, they are showing off.
The reason I ask for insurance, is because you never know. I don't have a problem with concealed carry as much, other than knowing that I can't trust any one carrying one. They are automatically flagged as a threat, and I generally leave the area without a word.
Yes, they could be the nicest person in the world, but I wouldn't know that without getting to know them first.
Too many psychos out there. It is best to be as far away from them as possible to avoid problems. Only makes it worse if they are packing. Stating that, I maintain the idea of, "don't start anything and avoidance". Guns tend to bolster false confidence and makes people confrontational. That to me is idiotic. They are still welcome to the guns, but there needs to be insurance to promote some sort of responsibility, so that they actually think about consequences.