7 May
2001
7 May
'01
11:14 a.m.
Chris Kennedy wrote:
How does "clueless, irrational nitwit who has
never once found their life in
danger from violence" strike you? When you've had your life placed in
danger,
have access to a firearm and choose not to use -- or threaten to use -- it
you're welcome to describe this as "inane". Until then you're working
in a vacuum. I was raised in the city and never thought once about owning
a firearm. It wasn't until I moved to rural California as was advised by
the sheriff's department of off-hours response times that I took an
interest --
and I'm glad I did.
Now, now. None of that there name-calling. :)
I know it's off topic, and I know I'm going to be beaten for it, but
opinions expressed should not be subject to verbal abuse.
I've been shot twice. Once in the arm, and once in the rear thigh.
Hurts like hell. I've had guns shoved in my face, waved about as a
menacing gesture, and generally intimated through pats on coats, and
pantlegs being rearranged. I ran with a bad crowd in those days. Guns,
to those that are not totally well in the head, are a way to bring about
power they don't think they have without them. It's unfortunate, but
it's the way things are. Most people feel more "powerful" waving a gun
around. Most will never shoot at a living thing. However, having
survived when some misguided young person took aim at me (twice), I feel
that guns are not necessarily a Good Thing[tm]. Will I ever pick up a
gun again myself? Hell no. Do I want to have anyone carrying one
around me? Hell no. Do I think they're good for the police to have?
Yes. Hunters? Sure, if that's your thing.
I'm also a Canadian, living in the US. I don't necessarily agree the
the right to keep and bear arms. That's something that's very ingrained
in the American mindset. In Canada, it's not so. I'm comfortable with
that. However, I did choose to live here, and I'll take the good (my
wife) with the bad (Bush ;)).
Yes, I'm a "liberal" (Canadians, you would have a better idea of what I
mean, even though Chretien is getting silly in his advancing age). I
like it that way. I don't oppose guns because I'm afraid. As I say,
I've been shot before, and I know how it feels. I'll also not think
twice about being shot a third time, if it saves my wife, or a friend,
or anyone else who happens to be in danger. I seem to be able to talk
most people out of violent situations (once talked a really angry,
stoned, gun-toting ex-boyfriend of a close friend of mine into handing
me the gun, and sitting down for tea), so I think I'll be fine. Yes, at
the time, I was carrying a Beretta 9mm. Didn't pull it out, or refer to
it once.
If you wish to flame and call me names, that's your thing. However, I'd
rather talk about classic computers with you, drink a mugga, and listen
to some music. :) So, shall we all be friendly, accept cultural and
social differences, and move along as friends and fellow collectors of
nifty shit?
Black tea, anyone? Just brewed.
--
Tim Harrison
Network Engineer
harrison(a)timharrison.com
http://www.networklevel.com/