about the gun issue. I have been saying that "Guns (specifically assault weapons) = death" in many people's perceptions. She responded with the idea that "Guns = Fear of Loss of Life". Death is death, a natural part of life. Loss of Life is the untimely death of a loved one by artificial means. The first exposure most people get is with a gun contributing to the artificial untimely death of somebody.
I also mentioned the notion of "guns = power". I told her I didn't understand why people perceived guns as symbols of unlimited power. The specific reason for this is that I was trained by the Army to kill with them, and yet I do not think of them in those terms.
People are simply irrationally terrified of loss of life, and anything that threatens it.
Any comments?

IMO the vast majority of people look at guns in whatever way the media tells them they should. If the media constantly reported positive stories about firearms you would have a whole different attitude in this country. It comes down to who has the best propaganda machine at the time.

"Site Staff remembers when you could buy a keg of musket balls for $1.75"

"To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women"

I think your comment about "the first exposure.." is a key point. If you've never been taken to the range to punch paper or bust clays or gone on a hunt the only exposure you get is stories people killing people so thats the only aspect of it you develop.

..It's just like yelling at pizza - Andrea

Realistically, the type/ weight of the ammunition is not as importants as its final resting place.- Pat Rogers

Originally Posted By Voodoo17:
She never broke a double in skeet. Never tied five in the X ring or all in one hole. Jeez, she'll never know that feeling.

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She probably will. She is WAY too intelligent to be scared. We were analyzing the situation intelligently, not knocking heads. In fact, she emails ME news stories about guns, and helps me clarify my observations about this issue.

Originally Posted By DoubleFeed:LMAO, she is jailbait for two more years, and I HAVE a girlfriend [:P]

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Then WHY where you talking to her???[>:/]

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Because I think she is brilliant, and I admire her sense of reality, something that is lacking on most other 16 year olds. Like I said above, she helps me clarify my ideas about politics and the gun issue. Who do you think prompted me to post this thread? [:)]

Back to the subject on hand.....I also find that alot of peoples exposure to firearms consists of shooters (and I know several) who sit at work, laugh, joke, and be generaly loud and obnoxious while talking about driving around, drinking beer, shooting the neighbors cat/dog, blasting at a herd of deer, couple of road signs.....you get the idea.

Originally Posted By garheadjr:
Back to the subject on hand.....I also find that alot of peoples exposure to firearms consists of shooters (and I know several) who sit at work, laugh, joke, and be generaly loud and obnoxious while talking about driving around, drinking beer, shooting the neighbors cat/dog, blasting at a herd of deer, couple of road signs.....you get the idea.

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Really? You will usually find me discussing the Constitution, and other topics that I open threads for.

I am a retired letter carrier for the USPS and have introduced at least 5 people to the relaxing past-time of punching holes. One of the guy's is an 82nd airborne who walked away from guns at discharge. Now goes to a local range where he and his son shoot a Taurus 85. The only one who did not work for the USPS is my stepson, a Philly Leo. If she is intelligent, etc. then she will probably gain insight from your exchanges concerning a hobby with lifetime value. Guns can be enjoyed as much as bowling, golf or many other hobby's. Just talking!

Every female that I have ever taken to the range remarked on the feeling of [b]power[/b] that they felt when shooting.
Maybe those of us long accustomed to firearms ought to pay attention to this phenomenon.
Might be a "selling" tactic that could win us a few allies.

"The M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised." General George S. Patton Jr.,US Army

Originally Posted By raf:
Every female that I have ever taken to the range remarked on the feeling of [b]power[/b] that they felt when shooting.
Maybe those of us long accustomed to firearms ought to pay attention to this phenomenon.
Might be a "selling" tactic that could win us a few allies.

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Ok. Interesting. So newbie shooters feel power when they shoot. How can we make this a selling point? Every liberal I have ever spoke to thinks that either power, or object based power, is bad. Comments?

Originally Posted By raf:
Every female that I have ever taken to the range remarked on the feeling of [b]power[/b] that they felt when shooting.
Maybe those of us long accustomed to firearms ought to pay attention to this phenomenon.
Might be a "selling" tactic that could win us a few allies.

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raf? yoohoo! Breaker One Nine, ya out there good buddy?
How are we going to sell object based power, when they perceive power as bad? Many times, the perception of power has been the main objection.