[Vision2020] Firearms - Dangerous or Useful?

[pkraut at moscow.com]

In my case the guns in the house were 'daddys stuff' and we didn't touch 
it..ever. Also, my father taught me that all guns were always loaded so 
handle them accordingly. I was in my late teens before I realized they 
were not actually loaded in the house. I learned it on a hunting trip to 
Colville and heard him talking to some other hunters. But, I have not 
forgotten the lessons or the respect he taught me for him. It isn't the 
guns it is the people.




> Joe, you say:
> 
> ". . . my family and I can be as responsible about gun use as possible
> but if my son goes over to a friend's house and the friend's father
> happens to keep loaded guns under his bed, then in spite of my care my
> son is still at risk. And this is no abstract example! Thankfully, my
> son has been taught 
> never to pick up a gun without supervision and always to treat a gun as
> if it were loaded. What his friends are taught might be another matter."
> 
> I'm on the other side of that equation.  My kids, having spent time
> around firearms, know to treat every one as if it is loaded.  I worry
> about the kids they bring over who *don't* have the experience to know
> how to react to them.  I believe there are lapses from both groups
> (owners and non-owners) regarding instruction in firearm safety.  Think
> what you will about the NRA, but I believe they have always promoted
> educating kids in the safe handling of firearms.
> 
> Next, you say:
> "Second, consider Hamilton. How is it that a man with his legal and
> psychological background can gain access to an automatic rifle and
> armor-piercing bullets? Certainly part of the problem is that existing
> laws and legal judgments were not carried out. But I think that easy
> access to these items has got to be part of the problem, as well."
> 
> I know it's arguing semantics, but I thought I read that Hamilton didn't
> have any full-automatic weapons.  Not that it mattered.
> 
> Regarding his mental status, I have a difficult time limiting someone's
> rights due to their alleged psychological background.  I can't even put
> into words what I think about it, since I agree that some people
> probably shouldn't be allowed to possess firearms, but I'm not sure who
> should have that say.  It's a sticky wicket, to say the least 
> 
> 
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