Pierre, this is for you. You say you don't understand my "worship" of guns. There was a time long ago when even I didn't understand it. I wondered if I were wrong. Perhaps I should just go along with the winds of change. After all, it seemed that everywhere I turned, guns were demonized and blamed for everything from crime to suicide. I began to study the facts, and look at history. I finally came to some conclusions. You may not agree with my views, but I would like to explain myself to you. Other readers may wonder the same thing, so here is the question: Why is it that I obsess over guns?
They are, after all, only tools, right? Yes, and no. They are tools, but they are so much more. They are not "good" or "bad", though they can be used in good ways or bad ways. They can be used to hunt food in situations where the supply train has broken down. They can be used to defend oneself from criminals. They can be used for recreational purposes. The second use for guns, even more important than as simple tools, is as a psychological weapon. The main reason I obsess over them is that my enemies, the statists and authoritarians worldwide, also obsess over them. They obsess over keeping me from having and effectively using them. They obsess over demonizing them in the minds of the people who don't quite understand the importance of keeping (owning) and bearing (carrying) guns. Their obsession feeds my determination to never surrender my guns. Not if they threaten, beg, or continue to brainwash the rest of the world that "no one needs guns in the 21st century". Guns in the hands of the private population is a great psychological lever to use against tyrants. Voting, protesting, educating, and agitating will only go so far. When government gets out of control, there is only one solution. I intend to keep my options open. As long as governments exist, there will be a dire need for guns and people willing and able to effectively use them against tyrants.
Hey, thanks for this dedicated post ;)
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I want to remind your readers that I am totally in favour of guns for everyone everywhere. I just wanted to understand better this gun obsession. I must say I share your arguments. If one day I happen to live in America I will probably get a gun, may it be only for the principle.
Besides, one thing you didn't mention is that guns are a gift for weaker people, women, even kids (not too young though!). Now they can use guns, not like in the past when they could only die by the sword but rarely use it to survive.
You are welcome, Pierre. If you ever find yourself living in America I would be honored to take you out shooting to help you choose which type of gun you would like.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are right: guns are the only tool which can even the odds between small, weak potential victims and large, strong attackers. I usually wait til my kids are 3 or 4 years old to start teaching them to shoot.
Great post.
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