Firearms

[InbetweenDreams]

Just curious, are you concerned about the particular ramifications of your PERSONAL use of a gun?  OR are you interested in a general debate on gun control in America?  

If it's for your personal use, some thoughts in no particular order:
1.  One of my neighbors (who owns a gun with a concealed carry permit) told me the following: "Joel, if you're going to ever shoot someone in self-defense, shoot to kill.  Don't shoot to maim, when they can sue you later and say that they were acting in self-defense or accuse you of attacking them.  If you're going to stop someone, then stop them."   
2. I think it's important to reflect upon how you would normally deal in high-pressure situations.  Are you calm, cool, and can de-escalate with words?  Or do you have a hot temper, knee jerk reaction, or suppressed anger wanting to physically lash out?
3.  People who purchased guns during covid tended to have more anxiety.  And be more suicidal:  https://www.rutgers.edu/news/people-who-...e-suicidal

The thread's main intent wasn't solely to debate gun control and was mostly to do with me and my consideration for purchasing a firearm and seeking a carry concealed permit. I guess you can say, I haven't made up my mind because of some of those things you bring up.

Your neighbor is mostly correct. However, the person's family can still sue you for wrongful death a so on in civil court. At any rate it is a good idea to look at insurance that cover for "lawful use of a firearm" and understand how the policy works. That or have an attorney on retainer.

I think #2 is a valid concern and has gotten people into a lot of trouble. Consider the case of Michael Drejka, got pushed to the ground by a black man and pulled his gun a shot the guy. Claimed the black guy was coming for him and clearly in the video he took several steps back when Drejka open fired. What was running in his head, did he really think he was in danger? At any rate it cost him 20 years for manslaughter. Being able to make good judgement is a big deal. Depending on how you look at it can be a motivator itself that more "loose cannons" have guns.

Concerning the study, it is interesting that they see that in the data they collected. I didn't have any thoughts about purchasing a gun say last year. This is mostly due to a surge in crime, burglaries, theft and so on here in my area which is normally deemed safer. I do realize that things like home invasions or car jackings are pretty rare but they do happen. I will admit that in past parts of my life I have faced depression and anxiety is something that I do deal with and I cope with it, doesn't mean I'm going to brandish a gun the first time someone gets into an argument at a traffic light.

Interestingly enough I interviewed a retired professor from Rutgers University for my podcast and I did ask him about a poem (which I mistakenly referred to it as an article). Haven't uploaded a clip yet, however, here is a link to itlink to his poem. When it comes to the debate about gun control I think we have to accept that if we're going to continue to allow guns that mass shootings will happen and continue to happen. I don't think there is any legislation that can be passed that will stop that. So we have to decide whether or not it is worth the price to be able to bear arms. That is also something I am at odds with, I haven't made up my mind.

One of the things that worry me when it comes to carrying a gun is accidental fire. What if I do something where I accidentally fire the gun. Forget shooting myself in the foot, what if I accidentally shoot someone else? My sister, niece or some random person. Those are real concerns. While I think my attention being brought to that issue might mean I might be more safe but accidental shootings happen all the time. That's why I think people should have training to be able to have a firearm.

So I am not entirely sure one way or the other. My position on guns isn't solidified either. I understand why people like guns and why people hate them and want to do away with them.