The underlying issues of "gun possession".
The firearms, the weapons are intended for more than possession. They're "possessed" for potential use. IOW, to shoot at someone. And the courts are okay with the fact that some gun owners don't possess the self control NOT to use them in inappropriate situations. For example, when extremely afraid, extremely angry, extremely upset. Instead of resolving the matter themselves or asking for assistance by peace officers (police), they become vigilantes, taking the law into their own hands.
Or when there isn't an exigent situation, their weapons are used as leverage to dominate others. You won't do as I tell you, well, let me show you who's "boss" . . . .
Honestly, with the prevalence of "guns" in society in general and acceptance of their use by these owners for almost any occasion, this is akin to a smoky barroom in Wild, Wild West.
When you hear howls of outrage when gun control comes up for a vote, it's equivalent to these owners to "I can't use my guns to control my life." They lack the ability to resolve their issues without them.
And it's more than a challenge to change their mentality. Even if their access to guns are limited, their mindset is that they need them. You have to both restrict access to guns and have programs that discourage the use of guns.
And unfortunately, good luck with that.
Squatchman
(18 posts)I'll just wait 15 minutes for the police to arrive and save my family when someone tries breaking in.
Or I'll just let a mass murderer shoot at me in a mall for free.
Not happening.
Common sense gun laws like background checks and red flag laws are fine. But don't try to disarm me before criminals are disarmed.
CTyankee
(64,871 posts)young woman, just newly married and happy, went to help her grandmother who was dying. The grandmother's husband was upset that he was written out of her will. Unfortunately, he had a gun in his bedside table that he kept for "protection" of his home. He was drunk, angry and went for the gun. He started to shoot wildly and hit/killed the young woman instantly.
This would all have been avoided and she would be alive and her life in front of her if the gun were not present and available.
Another life lost tragically and it would not have if it hadn't have been for the GUN.
Stargazer99
(2,926 posts)I've aways wanted to ask them if they are afraid maybe one of the toddlers might pull out a gun and aim it at one of them