Gun Control On FG

[koan]

I realize that there are some folks that are very proud gun owners but, last I heard, threatening to shoot people on FG was against the rules. A little more restraint, people. Please.

[Bill Sikes]

Originally Posted by koan

I realize that there are some folks that are very proud gun owners but, last I heard, threatening to shoot people on FG was against the rules. A little more restraint, people. Please.

mad:

Gosh, how exciting!! A FG shoot-out! Reference?

[koan]

http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/sh...5&postcount=11

http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/sh...8&postcount=26

http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/sh...8&postcount=31

http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/sh...6&postcount=34

[Bill Sikes]

Originally Posted by koan

<snip>

Ah. "Wrong time of the month"? Yet another storm in a teacup, with added
inability to read plus normal FG insults stirred in, and some hyper-sensitivity
floated on over the back of a spoon.

[koan]

I have a huge problem with people implying that they would readily point a gun at another person. It causes me grief.

When I was 18 I left an abusive man. I was in a rather devastated state. He'd taken more from me than a few years of my life and I'd willingly left behind everything but the clothes I could fit in suitcase. What he took from me was my dignity, my self respect and my enjoyment of life. I wanted to buy a gun.

I thought it out. I would buy a gun. I would register with a gun club. I would learn how to shoot it. If the bloke ever showed up at my door I would shoot first and ask questions later. I was considering murder. I didn't buy the gun.

If I had, I believe that instead of letting go of my anger and healing I would have put all my anger into the gun and stored it there for later use. It is the only time I've ever thought myself capable of pointing a gun at another human being and I thank God I didn't buy one.

I've been set against guns ever since.
If people want to brag about owning guns and like to hunt that is their business. If people like to brag about being capable of taking another human life, that is everyone's business.
This is the first time I've ever told anyone this story.
It terrifies me.

Actually - and this is a very serious comment - it would be an interesting discussion. I mean most of us can only look at it from a hypothetical point of view but some of us may have actually had to make a decision about it. Those with military service may have a view, although my experience is that they are extremely reticent to discuss it and that's perfectly understandable.

Luckily I've never actually done it but twice I have come close, twice I was faced with the decision and to my never-ending surprise, on both those occasions I would definitely have pulled the trigger. It's quite amazing that you can get into a very calm and controlled state when you are faced with the decision. Afterwards is a different matter. Afterwards I couldn't stop shaking for some time.

Originally Posted by koan

I have a huge problem with people implying that they would readily point a gun at another person. It causes me grief.

When I was 18 I left an abusive man. I was in a rather devastated state. He'd taken more from me than a few years of my life and I'd willingly left behind everything but the clothes I could fit in suitcase. What he took from me was my dignity, my self respect and my enjoyment of life. I wanted to buy a gun.

I thought it out. I would buy a gun. I would register with a gun club. I would learn how to shoot it. If the bloke ever showed up at my door I would shoot first and ask questions later. I was considering murder. I didn't buy the gun.

If I had, I believe that instead of letting go of my anger and healing I would have put all my anger into the gun and stored it there for later use. It is the only time I've ever thought myself capable of pointing a gun at another human being and I thank God I didn't buy one.

I've been set against guns ever since.
If people want to brag about owning guns and like to hunt that is their business. If people like to brag about being capable of taking another human life, that is everyone's business.
This is the first time I've ever told anyone this story.
It terrifies me.

Thank you for sharing that Koan...It took guts to admit that.

[koan]

Originally Posted by Hamster

Thank you for sharing that Koan...It took guts to admit that.

it felt good to get it out.
I hope this can turn into a healthy discussion.

For the record I would like to say I would consider those comments innapropriate too. Whether meant or not, cyber space or face to face it is just as offensive.

[Nomad]

The comments were more than inappropriate, they were forked up. Gun owners should be extremely responsible not only with their guns but with their attitudes towards them.
Its not a joke and if you werent joking br your right to bear arms should be rescinded.