2nd and last second amendment post

I knew I'd get a response like that from someone. I know that is a huge issue, which is why I'm addressing it and taking a FIRM stand on it. I've heard people agree that gun laws should tighten up, then follow up the statement with something to the effect of, "but well, for hunting it would be ok." and "if people where taught how to handle and use a gun properly it would be ok."

It's still not okay. Here's why.

I have never believed in hunting. It is my opinion that it is wrong to kill innocent animals for no good reason. However, I understand that many people enjoy hunting as a sport, and claim that hunting keeps certain animal populations in check. I'm not addressing the animal-rights angle of the argument here, but I have to say first and foremost that the whole "population check" argument is ridiculous. Why does there have to be this so-called check in the first place? Probably because hunters and poachers eliminated the predators in the area for that particular prey item in the first place. Probably because human beings are destroying huge swatches of natural habitat on a daily basis and these animals have nowhere to go. Probably because human beings introduce more animals than a particular ecosystem can hold for the express purpose of creating a hunting reservation. I promise that 200 years ago, the prey animal population got along just fine without us here to "keep it in check."

Hunting would STILL BE ABLE TO HAPPEN without guns. There are some high-tech, crazy assed bows out on the market that would do the same job. Granted, shotguns and rifles are far more neeto-burrito than bows and arrows, and those dang varmints sure do drop it like its hot when they're hit with a good ol' fashioned shotgun round, but it would still do the job.

I undestand completely that "Not all people who own guns are psychos." and I don't need to be constantly reminded. I don't believe that only nuts own guns. What I am saying is that psychos CAN get their hands on firearms, with almost ridiculous ease, and accidents DO happen to good, responsible people. Think of it this way. (Madonna, I love you, and I don't mean to pick on you, but you used exactly the arguments I expect, and I enjoy arguing, and this is in no way personal.) Parents who enjoy hunting want to confer the past time to their children. Hunting is fun, builds character, takes place in the great outdoors, and teaches respect for firearms. These people are obviously advocates of firearms being readily availible to the general public, being people who smart with their weapons and very safe. The child grows up to know how to use a weapon, to handle a weapon safely, and to be able to shoot a varmint from 200 yards.

It doesn't matter. This kid is JUST as likely to be the victim of a hunting accident. They happen. Google Dick Cheney. This kid is JUST as likely to be shot in a hold-up. This kid is JUST as likely to be shot while he or she is sitting in a classroom at a high school or university. And in that instance, all his gun safety knowledge comes to NAUGHT, unless he or she has a weapon, at that exact moment, with which to defend himself.

But we all agree arming the general population is ridiculous and out of the question.

Another argument is that the public has every right to own firearms to defend our family and property. What is the likelihood that your personal defense weapon will actually come into play during an armed robbery? When you hear a noise downstairs at night, how many people go downstairs automatically carrying a gun? If you have a lock on your door and an alarm system, you would probably have more time to turn on the lights and call the police than to bust your weapon out of its SECURE location that is hopefully not located in one of the bedrooms, load it, and go downstairs to do what, engage in a fierce firefight? I doubt that the scenario that many people have in their heads, of heroically brandishing a shotgun while two home-aloneesque robbers drop the tv and scurry in all directions, actually comes to pass.

I know I'm being extremely opinionated, and maybe a bit harsh, but guess what. This is what it comes down to. These school shootings happen constantly, and what am I supposed to do, lay down like a doormat when some asshole could come into my lecture hall at ANY TIME and shoot me and my classmates for NO REASON with a gun he purchased legally?!?! Give me a damn break!I understand firearms can be purchased illegally, however I refuse to accept that we're okay with living in a country that actually ENABLES these tragedies! I have friends at NIU that I haven't talked to for years that I was calling frantically to make sure they were still alive. God forbid my mother have to call my phone like that when she hears some fucked up asshole that went off his medication decided to mow down a classroom of students at UWF with some weapon he casually picked up at the local walmart.

DISCLAIMER: although I have been harsh, I still love and adore members of my family who disagree with me.