The impulse to protect and polarization (Guns)

[neutral333]

Related thread: Gun Laws

I have changed quite a bit since sharing my views in that thread. However, I still believe its perfectly fine to own and/or carry a firearm. I see them as a fire extinguisher or seatbelt: you have one but you hope you never have to use it. I am hoping simply having a firearm in my hands will deter someone from attacking myself or my family.

I agree...
Context, context, context.

We are not having this conversation about knives as they are used in a number of killings.  When I lived in China for 5 years, I would read about angry people going into schools and stabbing children and going to busy train stations and randomly stabbing others.  You often see stories of people killing doctors even, because of a perception that the surgery was botched or just that a doctor was deemed incompetent by the grieving relative! http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/0...-the-knife


I think it is safe to assume that we all own knives and we need not lose any polarity by using them responsibly.  In fact, we may gain positive polarity by cooking a wonderful meal for others and sharing in love, life and laughter.

Guns are similar in the way that they are inanimate objects.  How they are used can definitely affect polarity.  I really like Parsons point that they are mainly used as a deterrent, both with individuals as well as with groups.  Even if all of the guns were collected, there would still be governments with the potential to use force in a negative way.  No atrocity by an individual or a small group of individuals has been carried out that comes close to matching what governmental powers have been capable of in the past.

I do not own a gun and never have.  I was very fearful of guns at one time.  It took me a lot of meditation on the subject before I finally went with a co-worker to a gun range about 2 years ago.  The 1st gun I shot was a Desert Eagle .50 caliber pistol.  I was shaking in my boots (Birkenstocks), but it was thrilling.  It didn't make me feel powerful, but it made me conquer my fear of an inanimate object.  Obviously, I didn't feel the need to run out and get a gun right away, but I probably will if I ever own any land or property.  I would use it as a deterrent, maybe fire some warning shots, but I do not think I could ever aim it at somebody.  If someone has negative intentions and they have a gun while you may not, they will see you as an easy target, prey and a victim.  At a basic instinct level, people who are disturbed enough to terrorize others with a gun will be deeply taken in fear and will not engage another threat.  I am for responsible well-meaning people having a firearm.  Our history of owning firearms comes in large from the Swiss.  The people are all trained and there are stockpiles in dugout areas of the mountains in every town with a mini armory.  They are doing it the right way. http://www.guncite.com/swissgun-kopel.html

Ironically, guns can be used to preserve life (and free will).

Peace