I think our differences are because of what we consider to be 'normal'. Because I come from the UK I see a gun free country as normal and therefore the pro gun lobby as irrational. Because I am frightened about a gun toting culture I am struggling to see it as normal.
It may be the case that you see gun ownership as normal, and my insistance that it's dangerous as bizarre.
Perhaps you are as frightened by the concept of your guns being taken away from you by law as I am by the prospect of living in a country full of guns.
Because I was frankly bemused as to why I am called delusional, silly, and irrational for insisting that a gun free country is better. I don't have any experience of living in a gun carrying culture. Perhaps it feels as safe to you as a gun free society feels to me.
Do you feel protected personally by guns? Or are they for recreational shooting? (which we also have in the UK by the way, safely and freely, in gun clubs)
So here in the UK you can carry a gun if you want for hunting. For protecting your land from predators if you are a farmer. For recreational target shooting. You can keep guns locked up in a case at home securely if you are any one of thos people. Some policeman who are specially trained can also carry them if the situation warrants.
What we don't have is guns available for those who cannot demonstrate one of the above. Ie, if you are carrying a gun for any other purpose. You cannot carry a gun to defend yourself. There is no need because there aren't guns about to defend yourself from.
Are you so frightened of your fellow citizens that you feel the need to protect yourself with fire arms?
In london, lots of people have a readily available bat, rolling pin or similar behind their front door. Not most, but enough. I carry a maglight in my camper van for the same reason, but not in my house.
I understand the need to feel secure in your own home. Luckily in the UK I will likely never need my maglight. This is because burglars don't go about armed in general. A swat to the head will be enough.
Can you see that I am trying to see your points of view?
I understand the need to feel safe. From experience, in a gun free culture, I feel generally safe walking about the streets of London. I take care not be in truly unsafe situations. I would really really hate to have a gun at home. I would hate to feel it was neccessary. I will feel very scared if I felt that I needed one.
Do you feel that unsafe in your own country?
