Gun Ownership

As some of you may be aware, there is a battle going on in Oregon (where I live) related to gun ownership. The article I’ve referenced below pretty much spells out what’s happening.

Firearms Sales Explode in Oregon

I know that some of my readers are totally anti-gun, but for those of you who may own and/or use one (or many), what are your thoughts related to the recent measure that was voted on and approved by over 50% of Oregonians? (This Wikipedia article provides more detail on what the measure includes.)

Is it reasonable? Does it, as some claim, violate the Second Amendment? Supporters of the measure say it will reduce violent crimes, accidental deaths, and/or suicide. Do you agree? If such a measure were passed in your community, would it make you feel more or less safe?

Since I live with someone who is a (multi) gun-owner and is STRONGLY against this measure, any conversation on the matter is verboten. Thus, I’m turning to my readers for input since I think most of you live elsewhere and therefore are not directly affected by the measure.

I look forward to some non-emotional and well-reasoned opinions and feedback. 

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Image by Ivorytowers from Pixabay

The Emotional Side of Gun Control

The recent mass murder of innocent children has focused attention, once again, on guns and gun control.

One of the things I find rather disconcerting is how emotional some gun owners get when any discussion related to modifying gun laws comes up. They scream to all who will listen that the ultimate goal of  the government is to confiscate all their guns. (Of course, this is the mantra of a certain gun organization so why would they not think that?)

They are also quick to point out that the guns used in these killings are often stolen so gun owners should not be the ones targeted. The question then becomes … where (or who) was the gun stolen from?

As far as I know, except for the fanatical left-wingers, the discussion is not about banning guns completely. The more sensible discourse has focused on controlling semi-automatic and military style weapons because they are usually the weapons of choice in these senseless killings.

Just for the record, I am not anti-gun. I have friends and family members who are sensible gun owners. I have nothing against hunting or target shooting. And, in these crazy times, it’s probably smart to own a gun for protection.

But I do feel some gun owners need to stop letting their emotions about guns and gun ownership get in the way of meaningful changes in gun control. And they need to do it before any more people lose their lives simply because they visit a mall, go to church, or attend school.