Baraka_Guru

I doubt it has to do with their perceptions of who may or may not have weapons. Clearly, in this day, just about anyone could have a handgun in America. But what I was getting at was that it is new that these shooters are now bringing the guns into the schools and, yes, using them against other people.

I have far more important things to worry about than dying from a gunshot wound. I tend to focus more of my time being a safe driver and pedestrian, maintaining my non-smoker status, exercising, eating a balanced diet, using common sense when doing something potentially dangerous, and generally being kind to others.

In answer, I don't see it worth going through the trouble and expense of having a firearm in my home, knowing how to use it safely, and knowing how to take care of it. If someone wants to bust in and take my shit, then fine. I don't want to kill anyone over that. If they want to do worse, well, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. Adrenaline can do crazy things when used properly.

I think Martian helps keep perspective. You need to know where we Canadians are coming from. Maybe since we're so socialist we don't have as many social ills and dangers such as violence and crime. Maybe it's because of our social makeup in general. I don't know. I've said this before: If I told my family and friends I was getting a firearm for home safety purposes, they'd think I was nuts. I'd barely be able to get them to support my getting a rifle for hunting.


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Martian, thanks for your insights.

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Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön

Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot