CharlieP

The gun control issue has many different facets. The major ones seem to be:

1) Some folks are frightened by weapons - neurotic.

2) Many more folks simply are ignorant of firearms - they have never fired one or owned one. They take the position that they don't "need" a gun and will never have one. Since they do not have a gun - no one should have one.

3) Some folks favor gun control because it fits their "self-image". these people consider themselves to be liberal and tolerant - but more likely are intolerant and narrow-minded.

4) Some folks favor gun control because it fits with their political alliances - i.e., I will support gun control if you support my cause or special interest. Most of these are Democrats - but some may be independents with a favorite issue that is supported by Democrats.

5) Some folks live in a world that exists only in their own minds. This is a world where it is possible to eliminate all weapons and associated aggression. The place to start is gun control. These people are dangerous.

6) Some politicians and political advocates support gun control because they see armed citizens as a threat to their agenda. Did you ever notice that politicians who favor a more powerful central goverment always promote gun control. Is this a coincidence?

So what can we gun owners do? On number 6 you can support and vote for politicians who favor freedom not government. Numbers 1, 3, 4, and 5 are lost causes. On number 2, you can take a gun-ignorant (but open-minded) friend to the range and let him/her take a few shots - preferably starting with the .22 revolver - not the .357 magnum snub. As we all know - guns are not scary - guns are fun. It even rhymes.

But bitchin' about it will not get us anywhere.