Liberals Who Own Guns.

[CynthiaCypher]

I am pretty much liberal in most of my politics, except when it comes to firearms. I proudly own and shoot many types of firearms. I was partially raised in a rural environment so I have never been a stranger to guns.

I believe the right to bear arms is as a fundamental right as free speech. So I want to ask my fellow liberals, why are so many liberals for gun control? And I also want to know if there are any other liberals out there who are also gun enthusiast?

 

[Viker]

I honestly do not know how to classify myself other than independent and libertarian ( non-partisan ). I know I am liberal on most social issues and conservative on many fiscal issues. As far as firearms and weaponry goes I border on right wing extremism....I want them, I want whatever I see fit for me and I even want an RPG and possibly a tank or at least a tank destroying mobile howitzer.

 

[CynthiaCypher]

I honestly do not know how to classify myself other than independent and libertarian ( non-partisan ). I know I am liberal on most social issues and conservative on many fiscal issues. As far as firearms and weaponry goes I border on right wing extremism....I want them, I want whatever I see fit for me and I even want an RPG and possibly a tank or at least a tank destroying mobile howitzer.

I don't think that is right wing extremism. I believe our basic fundamental rights to bear arms is what guarantees our other fundamental rights.

And I think firing a howitzer would be fun.

 

[Sunstone]

In principle, I have nothing against people owning firearms. I was raised in a rural community in which the local culture placed strong sanctions on anyone who misused them. Perhaps as a consequence, there were only two murders using firearms in over 175 years. So, I think that -- in principle -- they can be both ubiquitous and safely used.

Having said all that, I do not believe that most people nowadays live in communities in which the local culture effectively promotes their safe use. So far as I recall, each year, there are around 30,000 deaths in the US in which firearms are involved. Hence, I think we are in an age when firearms must be regulated. For instance, I would not oppose prohibiting most people from owning a pistol -- as is done in Canada.

 

[Viker]

I don't think that is right wing extremism. I believe our basic fundamental rights to bear arms is what guarantees our other fundamental rights.

And I think firing a howitzer would be fun.

I really don't know what a liberal or conservative is any longer. Seems there's no such thing as either. I just don't care about those labels. I do how ever care about being able to defend and to fend for myself when needed.

 

[Revoltingest]

I really don't know what a liberal or conservative is any longer. Seems there's no such thing as either. I just don't care about those labels. I do how ever care about being able to defend and to fend for myself when needed.

I define them thus:
Liberal (modern American sense): economic restrictions, foreign adventurism, social liberalism, big government, nanny state.
Conservative: economic liberty, strong defense with some foreign adventurism for defensive & economic purposes, social conservatism.
Neo-conservatism: Like a conservative, but more foreign adventurism, bigger government & higher taxes.
Libertarian (aka classical liberal): economic liberty, social liberty, no foreign adventurism, strong enuf defense.

 

[Kathryn]

I really don't know what a liberal or conservative is any longer. Seems there's no such thing as either. I just don't care about those labels. I do how ever care about being able to defend and to fend for myself when needed.

I second this.

 

[Sunstone]

I really don't know what a liberal or conservative is any longer.

So far as I can see, Viker, there's effectively no Left in the US anymore. The Radical Left was destroyed as a political force sometime ago, and the Liberal Left is now marginalized. Neither is an effective force in politics. Democrats are as much owned by the uber-rich, by Wall Street, and by the corporations as the Republicans.

 

[nnmartin]

Coming from a country where there is virtually a 100% ban on any personal firearm I feel that having a gun is not entirely necessary.

Perhaps in an isolated rural location it would be acceptable to have one for self defense, but in an urban area I would think not.

If no-one has a gun, then there will be less shootings.

So why not just ban them from all urban areas?

 

[Revoltingest]

So why not just ban them from all urban areas?

We have a constitution.

 

[CynthiaCypher]

In principle, I have nothing against people owning firearms. I was raised in a rural community in which the local culture placed strong sanctions on anyone who misused them. Perhaps as a consequence, there were only two murders using firearms in over 175 years. So, I think that -- in principle -- they can be both ubiquitous and safely used.

Having said all that, I do not believe that most people nowadays live in communities in which the local culture effectively promotes their safe use. So far as I recall, each year, there are around 30,000 deaths in the US in which firearms are involved. Hence, I think we are in an age when firearms must be regulated. For instance, I would not oppose prohibiting most people from owning a pistol -- as is done in Canada.

I agree with you with alot you have to say. You have to respect the metal, amongst non-rural people they just don't seem to have the same respect for firearms as rural people.

As for letting everyone have a handgun, I don't know. I never held one until I was 17. I am more of a bolt action and muzzle loader person.

 

[Sunstone]

I am more of a bolt action and muzzle loader person.

Same here, if you include shotguns. Except I've never fired a muzzle loader. Are they fun?

 

[CynthiaCypher]

Coming from a country where there is virtually a 100% ban on any personal firearm I feel that having a gun is not entirely necessary.

Perhaps in an isolated rural location it would be acceptable to have one for self defense, but in an urban area I would think not.

If no-one has a gun, then there will be less shootings.

So why not just ban them from all urban areas?

Umm...what if the guv'ment gets out of hand and the citizens need to take care of business?

 

[Father Heathen]

Coming from a country where there is virtually a 100% ban on any personal firearm I feel that having a gun is not entirely necessary.

Perhaps in an isolated rural location it would be acceptable to have one for self defense, but in an urban area I would think not.

If no-one has a gun, then there will be less shootings.

So why not just ban them from all urban areas?

Banning guns wouldn't make them magically disappear. It would only mean that only the criminals would be armed. Disarming law abiding citizens and leaving them defenseless wouldn't somehow decrease crime. And what about stabbings and bludgeonings? Should any and all hammers and forms of cutlery be banned?

 

[nnmartin]

Cynthia:

that just sounds paranoid.

Democratic elections would be the answer to that one.

Can you think of any times in recent history, in a democracy, where the government has turned on it's citizens in this way?

 

[CynthiaCypher]

Same here, if you include shotguns. Except I've never fired a muzzle loader. Are they fun?

Oh hell yeah. Especially when you try to load when you are running.

 

[CynthiaCypher]

Cynthia:

that just sounds paranoid.

Democratic elections would be the answer to that one.

Can you think of any times in recent history, in a democracy, where the government has turned on it's citizens in this way?

Syria, Tunisia, Egypt,Russia, Iran, US during OWS

 

[nnmartin]

Banning guns wouldn't make them magically disappear. It would only mean that only the criminals would be armed. Disarming law abiding citizens and leaving them defenseless wouldn't somehow decrease crime. And what about stabbings and bludgeonings? Should any and all hammers and forms of cutlery be banned?

A progressive banning system could be put into action making it gradually harder and harder for people to get licences and access to guns.

As for stabbings etc.. then yes for sure. Anyone in a public area with a knife or any kind of weapon (could be a screwdriver or baseball bat) could be prosecuted if they had no valid reason for possessing it.

 

[nnmartin]

Syria, Tunisia, Egypt,Russia, Iran,

these countries are hardly pillars of democracy though are they....


Russia - what period?

and US - OWS - what is that?

 

[CynthiaCypher]

these countries are hardly pillars of democracy though are they....


Russia - what period?

and US - OWS - what is that?

The current Russian government is prohibiting their own citizens from protest, so is my government.

A well armed and well informed citizenry is essential to any true democracy.