A Firearm in Every Home.

**Twisterdog** · 05-04-2009, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by blue

So with your 3 decades of experience, firearms training is a bad idea for the general public?

Not for those who wish to be trained. I object to this because you are requiring the general public to participate a certain sport/hobby. I would object just as strongly if you were proposing that everyone be required to learn to drive a truck, take karate classes, use a chain saw or learn to use a digital camera.

Each of those things could be considered useful in self defense or crime prevention as well, couldn't they? But they are a choice, to be made by individuals, not mandated by the government.

I remember a thread not too long ago where you were vehemently objecting to the increase in cigarette taxes, stating essentially that the governement should not be able to "force" free people to quit smoking if they don't want to. Hmmmm ....

**Twisterdog** · 05-03-2009, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by blue

So your point is what, exactly? To take what I wrote out of context for the amusment of those who are scared of firearms?

Obviously not. I said nothing at all that was "frightening". If I would have wanted to do that, I could have.

My point is that I do not agree with your idea, that I think it is silly, in fact. You are entitled to your opinion, certainly, but when you post it on a public board, you will indeed receive others' opinions, in spades. The reason I added the fact that I am a firearms owner, I thought, would be obvious. I am not afraid of firearms, I do not think they are inherently dangerous or immoral. I have been shooting for three decades. And, still, I do not agree with your idea.

**Lady's Human** · 05-04-2009, 12:29 AM

If you want a private business lisence you must pass a basic firearms safety and marksmanship course. If you want a home mortgage, you must pass a basic firearms safety and marksmanship course.

What are the downsides to this?

How's this for starters......

There are people who are perfectly good citizens who lack the physical capabilities to pass these courses.

Because of a physical disability someone would be incapable of getting a mortgage or owning a business?

Funny, I think Stephen Hawking would be an asset to ANY community, regardless of whether he can pass a basic marksmanship or firearm safety course.

**blue** · 05-04-2009, 12:39 AM

Originally Posted by Lady's Human

What are the downsides to this?

How's this for starters......

There are people who are perfectly good citizens who lack the physical capabilities to pass these courses.

Because of a physical disability someone would be incapable of getting a mortgage or owning a business?

Funny, I think Stephen Hawking would be an asset to ANY community, regardless of whether he can pass a basic marksmanship or firearm safety course.

You dont think exceptions wouldnt be taken into account? Obviously Mr Hawking, amputies, blind people, etc, etc would be exempt.

So are you being silly, trying to be difficult, or just trying to start an argument?

Not being able to take the course, for physical or mental reasons is not a downside to the idea in general.

**Lady's Human** · 05-04-2009, 12:49 AM

So are you being silly, trying to be difficult, or just trying to start an argument?

Entschuldigen sie bitte?

None of the above.

Just taking your absolutist statement and pointing out a flaw in it.

While I have no problem with the basic concept of everyone having basic knowledge of firearms, I have issues with the public education system being used as the place to further an agenda or teach opinions. (and yes, that would include ANY agenda, be it liberal or conservative. Just ask my daughter.) Besides, the liability issues alone would hamstring any school attempting to teach firearms. Just because it worked when my mother was in school doesn't mean it would work at the present time in the present climate.

If you want your kids to know safe firearm handling, teach them at home, or get them memberships in a gun club.

**rg_girlca** · 05-02-2009, 01:57 PM

Come on people, you know that Blue KNOWS this topic is going to, well lets just say, "Hit the fan." Don't give him the satisfaction of sitting back and reading how everyone is going to get riled up over this. No matter how wrong this thread is to us all, it is his opinion and as far as I'm concerned, the only one with this opinion. As hard as it is to some, lets just leave him to his opinion and don't act on it.

**pomtzu** · 05-02-2009, 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by rg_girlca

Come on people, you know that Blue KNOWS this topic is going to, well lets just say, "Hit the fan." Don't give him the satisfaction of sitting back and reading how everyone is going to get riled up over this. No matter how wrong this thread is to us all, it is his opinion and as far as I'm concerned, the only one with this opinion. As hard as it is to some, lets just leave him to his opinion and don't act on it.

Couldn't have said it better myself.....
Thanks!

**lizbud** · 05-02-2009, 04:43 PM

What are we going to do with those who refuse to arm themselves?
Do we get to shoot them?

**aTailOf2Kitties** · 05-02-2009, 05:10 PM

I think we should arm people with grumpy little dogs instead. You can carry them around in little holsters and everything (just in case). Start training people early on how to raise and train their own family protection. I can see it now...."you'll get your own chihuahua when you're old enough little Timmy. In the meantime, we're gonna teach you how to use it properly. First off.... never tell your yappy little dog to attack anyone unless you are sure they're a bad guy".
[/sarcasm]
honestly if eveyone had a gun, it would just come down to whoever could shoot first. Bad guy wouldn't have any reason not to shoot you on sight if they knew you were willing and able shoot back if you saw them first.

**Twisterdog** · 05-02-2009, 07:15 PM

Ooooh, I love it! Let's force everyone to own and use an item, whether they like it or not! That's true democracy at work, there.

While we're at it, let's force everyone to own and ride a motorcycle. Or own a green iguana. I personally think requiring ownership and skills in use of hand grenades and Arabian horses would be a great pre-requisite to buying prom tickets.

Brilliant!! I'm sure it's just what the founding fathers had in mind when they wrote the constitution.

(Caveat: I own and know how to use firearms.)

**Red 46** · 05-05-2009, 12:14 AM

Saw your quote about the 550 million firearms in circulation, etc.. copied it down to read to my husband. I am new to all of this internet stuff and could not figure out how to reply to it. Just happened to run across YOU again tonight, and wanted to say how much I agree with your idea of making people more comfortable with firearms by starting them really young. My sister and I were given a .22 rifle at ages 7 and 10 and taught safety first and then how to fire the weapon, and then accuracy. We grew up around guns and both of us now are ex- military.

I agree with what you are saying and I hesitate to say it, but you sound a bit naive, if you think that within this current admistration, that any of what you are talking about will be possible. Maybe enough of us can convince the rest, to MAKE it possible.

Red 46