This has probably been discussed before but I am quite new here, so please excuse me. While I fully support stronger gun control, no sales to civilians of military weapons, better background checks, etc., I don't think any of these actions will fully solve the problem Lots of other countries allow civilians to have guns, but no other country in the world has the USA's problem with gun deaths. So it has to be at least partly attitude. I talked to my sister-in-law who is from Texas and she said 'What if there was a strange man in your garden?' My reaction was to do what anyone in the UK would do which was to say 'I would go out and ask what he wanted'. Her reaction was that she would get her gun. do Americans fear each other so much?
The huge amounts of weapons is, in and of itself , probably another reason. I also think a large amount of weapons in society increases the incidence of police brutality as well. Police officers here are extremely cautious of everyone. The United States has a gun culture that is our identity.
As in many European countries that are trending populist/nationalist, the U.S. has had fear drilled into them by our politicians & their parties to promote many draconian laws. Tho it started before, 9/11 really got the ball rolling. From Nixon's "Law & Order" thru the TSA, NSA, Gitmo,...fear of others, fear of immigrants, fear of strangers. We're turning back to the mindset of isolated villages & villagers because it generates the fear that the politicians stoke!
Your post struck a cord with me. I, too, would like to see stricter gun control....or regulation. Even for gun affecianados, some types of weapons are simply not necessary for hunting, sport or protection. I agree with you in that our attitude toward violence has changed since I was growing up (which was a long time ago). It seems to me we were more accepting, hospitable, trusting and caring back then, and less suspicious of others. Perhaps fear as been pervasive, resulting in more animosity, less tolerance and definately more anger and prejudice. We need to educate the upcoming generations about tolerance, kindness and compassion. Less about guns and more about peace. Sadly I don't think the tide will change any time soon.
Your post struck a cord with me. I, too, would like to see stricter gun control....or regulation. Even for gun affecianados, some types of weapons are simply not necessary for hunting, sport or protection. I agree with you in that our attitude toward violence has changed since I was growing up (which was a long time ago). It seems to me we were more accepting, hospitable, trusting and caring back then, and less suspicious of others. Perhaps fear as been pervasive, resulting in more animosity, less tolerance and definately more anger and prejudice. We need to educate the upcoming generations about tolerance, kindness and compassion. Less about guns and more about peace. Sadly I don't think the tide will change any time soon.
You are right. All of those actions you mentioned will not fully solve the problem. But anti-gun control people fault the good for not being perfect. The truth is, those measure will help.
Some of us are scaredy-cats and others are not. The gun lobby stokes fear in Americans for self-serving reasons.
If I found someone in my back yard I would the police and then ask them what they want. If their presence is legit, I could the police back.
It has become a vicious cycle and the NRA wants to keep us fearful and paranoid. It helps the gun industries bottom line. All the hype is being put out for one purpose and one purpose - money.
Posted by DruviusMake it make sense.
Posted by FrostyJim...what a sad situation.
Posted by ButtercupI doubt she said it buts it's cute.
Posted by Smurfing101
Posted by DruviusAh yes, modern America.
Posted by Tejas
Posted by SwitchcraftSandy Hook 13th sad anniversary - 12/14/12
Posted by SwitchcraftSandy Hook 13th sad anniversary - 12/14/12
Posted by MoravianSad but true.
Posted by DruviusAlways loved this one.
Posted by TejasAnti trump pistol. Do you have mixed feelings about it?
Posted by TejasLook at this scary gun!
Posted by Tejas
Posted by SeaGreenEyezThe most unaware "Awareness Day" in America was yesterday.
Posted by SeaGreenEyezThe most unaware "Awareness Day" in America was yesterday.
Posted by SeaGreenEyezThe most unaware "Awareness Day" in America was yesterday.