Obama: Gun-control advocates have to listen more

[onpatrol98]

41. In a past life...

I have lived in a household that was supplemented by hunting and fishing. I'm not a hunter though. But one good sized deer a year and a whole lot of fishing went a long way. I don't know any one who hunts or fishes for sport, but I realize people do. Add what you catch or kill to what you grow and you never needed to ask another person for help. You could actually offer help. My grandparents also killed rabbits or squirrels, raised chickens, cows, pigs...some to sell, some to keep. They had a big family, lots of grand kids. It was also helpful for keeping animals away from the chickens.

A gun was a tool. It was a survival tool. They didn't have one "for" self defense. But, I have no doubt my grandfather would have used it for that purpose.

I don't live there anymore. But people still do. And, they're still living the way I used to have to live. Some by choice. Some out of need.

I feel no need for a gun for me as I live my life today. But I realize not everyone lives the same life.

The predators we worried about were either small and four legged or snakes. It didn't take much to put them down. Now, for folks that live near bears and such, they may require more firepower and more opportunities for success unless they're Daniel Boone. I don't know. We need to talk to each other.

I don't think "real" gun control is going to happen until we can talk to people without the the condescending, smugness that poisons and paralyzes the debate. We'll just pass a bunch of stuff that'll make us think we've won one over the opposition. All that gun nut talk is divisive and juvenile, and usually incorrect. Stoking divisiveness may win elections, but it's no way to run a country or solve tough problems.

We won't fix this problem unless we come together.