2016 Postmortem

benEzra

(12,148 posts)

75. Thoughts...

Fri Dec 2, 2016, 12:34 AM

Dec 2016

I don't own a gun in lieu of other security measures, but in addition to them. The gun just means that I have the option to threaten or use countervailing force in the unlikely event of a home invasion. A gun isn't a substitute for decent doors/locks, a dog if permitted, a pepper spray (Kimber Pepper Blaster is a good option that can safely be used indoors), lighting, situational awareness, security system, etc. It's not either-or.

Owning a gun is certainly a deeply personal choice, and certainly depends on one's own experience/competence with them, attention to detail, etc. I personally am a competitive shooter and have been an avid shooter for 30+ years (I'm 46 now). I'd certainly recommend training, but one of the nice things about shooting a martial art is that it is a lot of fun.

As to choice of firearm, a handgun can be kept holstered on one's person, especially if one jumps through the hoops to qualify for a carry license, and habitually carries. For sheltering in place while calling 911, a long gun (small-caliber carbine like an AR, or a shotgun) is superior in a lot of ways (more precise, more powerful), but a lot less portable.

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History doesn't repeat, but it often rhymes; lessons from 2004 re: the gun issue. [View all] benEzra Nov 2016 OP

Maybe we should be a little more racist and homophobic, too frazzled Nov 2016 #1

The House Sit in made me Proud to be a Democrat Jason1961 Nov 2016 #2

"Being OK with gun violence" and "supporting reactionary laws against the nonviolent"... benEzra Nov 2016 #4

Please go read the OP again, you missed the point Amishman Dec 2016 #9

Yes, exactly. (n/t) benEzra Dec 2016 #13

Gun violence .... gun ownership two different things Kathy M Dec 2016 #25

If you fail to understand the nuances of the issue, you'll fail to understand how to avoid missteps. benEzra Nov 2016 #3

If all you can see is guns frazzled Nov 2016 #5

Not exactly, but you are certainly welcome to think it was a nonissue here. benEzra Nov 2016 #6

THE number one issue that turned people republican in WV hollowdweller Dec 2016 #149

You didn't choose a mainstream example. You chose an open Zimmerman supporter. stone space Dec 2016 #18

I agree. stone space Dec 2016 #41

You think guns were the primary issue of this campaign? TwilightZone Nov 2016 #7

I said they were *a* huge issue in a lot of swing states this year, as in 2000 and 2004. benEzra Dec 2016 #8

Also in 2012 when Obama endorsed the AWB and gun nuts unanimously predicted DanTex Dec 2016 #10

*After* the 2012 election. The results of that shift fell out in the 2014 midterms. How'd that go? benEzra Dec 2016 #12

Nope. He did it in a debate with Romney. DanTex Dec 2016 #16

That was understood as pandering to the zealots; he made no real moves against gun owners. benEzra Dec 2016 #22

LOL. In other words, your whole story is based on false premises. DanTex Dec 2016 #23

"..they could pick up a few gun nut votes." You vastly underestimate the gun vote Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #36

The racist vote is pretty big too. Mostly the same vote, really. DanTex Dec 2016 #37

See? I rest my case. (n/t) benEzra Dec 2016 #43

I'm a (former) Texan. I know gun nuttery. DanTex Dec 2016 #55

How's that view of your fellow citizens worked out for you?? Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #62

Great. I live in NYC now. Best city on the planet IMO. Though I do like Paris. DanTex Dec 2016 #65

We're damn near neighbors.... Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #68

I love the Adirondacks, though I don't know where Adirondack Park is exactly. DanTex Dec 2016 #71

Encon protects the wilderness...funded by, in part, hunters like me... Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #74

Keep that mindset....we look forward to it....you'll be in the minority for decades. Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #46

You look forward to Dems being the minority? Why are you on DU? DanTex Dec 2016 #53

Not Democrats....you grabbers....many Democrats like me support gun RIGHTS. Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #60

So I take it you voted for Hillary? DanTex Dec 2016 #61

Of course I did....she wasn't going to grab guns no matter what she said. Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #66

Very good. If even a hard core gunner like you voted Dem, looks like the "concern" expressed DanTex Dec 2016 #69

"Tens of thousands" aren't killed by the guns you want to ban; less than 150 are. benEzra Dec 2016 #42

Who said I wanted to ban anything? DanTex Dec 2016 #51

See, after all that hate, you come up with one proposal there could actually be common ground on. benEzra Dec 2016 #64

What hate? DanTex Dec 2016 #73

Believe what you want. hollowdweller Dec 2016 #150

I grudgingly agree. Buckeye_Democrat Dec 2016 #11

Running on gun was good for hitting Sanders on the left, bad for the general election. jake335544 Dec 2016 #14

We see things the same. hollowdweller Dec 2016 #151

the "gun issue" is about stimulating NRAnls to donate after ridiculous guns-in-bars proposals Kolesar Dec 2016 #15

If carry prohibitions were limited to actual carry while at a bar/drinking, or carry while impaired, benEzra Dec 2016 #19

Republicans like to deflect the issue into a discussion on mental health funding Kolesar Dec 2016 #20

I'm not a Repub, and legislating rifle stock shape doesn't prevent suicides. benEzra Dec 2016 #21

Packing Guns in the Day Care Center Kolesar Dec 2016 #123

How are airport parking garages different from other parking garages? benEzra Dec 2016 #124

You are applying logic to emotion-based prohibitionism, so your questions will most likely... friendly_iconoclast Dec 2016 #125

93% of us don't need guns to visit the airport...eom Kolesar Dec 2016 #153

A point that is applicable to any other parking garage in any other place. benEzra Dec 2016 #154

Your second paragraph is daff Kolesar Dec 2016 #155

On the contrary, there is really no other basis for harassing a cohort benEzra Dec 2016 #156

More death and mayhem Kolesar Jan 2017 #157

Umm, Florida *doesn't* allow carry in airport terminals, which is exactly the law you advocate. benEzra Jan 2017 #158

The 'right' of California to enact homophobic laws thanks to Proposition 8 was overridden. friendly_iconoclast Dec 2016 #127

I truely don't understand Zimmerman supporters. stone space Dec 2016 #17

Mos understand the support for Zman stalking, intimidating, and shooting a skinny unarmed Black kid. Hoyt Dec 2016 #27

Except that didn't happen did it Hoyt? Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #29

What didn't happen? Hoyt Dec 2016 #33

"..stalking, intimidating, and shooting a skinny unarmed Black kid." Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #48

Damn sure did. Lots of gunners think that's OK, but it happened. Hoyt Dec 2016 #78

No actually it didn't per the testimony in the trial....which I saw every minute of. Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #87

So Zman didn't follow Martin, scare him and shoot him? You gunners amaze me. Hoyt Dec 2016 #88

Followed maybe...scare..no..shoot yeah.....don't slam a "white hispanics" head into the Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #89

From Matin's friend's testimony, he was clearly scared. You were likely too busy making fun of her Hoyt Dec 2016 #90

EXCEPT...the phone records showed her a liar....she got caught lying Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #91

She clearly said Martin was scared of the guy stalking him. You support gunners, even Hoyt Dec 2016 #92

"of the guy stalying him.."....shall I post the Cross where she's caught in THAT lie? Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #94

Why don't you. Fact is you believe gunners like Zman who shoot unarmed Black kids and get away Hoyt Dec 2016 #96

I call him Zidiot...I do NOT support him as we've discussed on DI....and you know that. Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #98

You clearly support him and similar gunners. LMAO --Talk about fake accounts. Hoyt Dec 2016 #102

Nice try CTA..... Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #118

stoney....you know better....you really do. Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #28

The people on that list are self-identified Zimmerman supporters. stone space Dec 2016 #80

They are supporters of LAW....probably every one of them..like me, watched the trial. Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #86

Thank you for the excellent OP and the truth. Prepare to get hammered with jack_krass Dec 2016 #24

Ha, you are psychic. benEzra Dec 2016 #54

Lol, one of my fav posters. Not sure if that one is an antigunner or is mocking rabid antigunners jack_krass Dec 2016 #59

Why do open carry gun nuts bully Latina students like Ana Lopez when guns are allowed on campus? stone space Dec 2016 #76

I think *that* is a perfect example of how the gun control movement has lost its way. benEzra Dec 2016 #81

Seriously? You're blaming the victim here? stone space Dec 2016 #82

Did you read my post? benEzra Dec 2016 #83

My policy proposal is to stop gunbullying Latina students. (nt) stone space Dec 2016 #84

Stop.....you policy is to eliminate guns.....just say it...Free yourself, be honest with us Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #93

Do you support this sort of gunbullying being deployed against Latina students trying to study? stone space Dec 2016 #95

This meme of yours has been debunked...but I want you to explain to us... Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #97

Why do you feel the need to make personal insults? stone space Dec 2016 #99

No...she isn't...".being gunbullied by an open carry activist like this?" Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #119

Why is her race relevant? Marengo Dec 2016 #120

White wing love of gunz and racism are closely related in this country. Hoyt Dec 2016 #26

My girlfriend is AA...going for her carry permit this month.... Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #32

An old Gungeoneer returns. LMAO. Hoyt Dec 2016 #34

I have NO clue what a "Gungeoneer" is....BUT Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #50

This message was self-deleted by its author Duckhunter935 Dec 2016 #77

Who is it? Or, should I say what was the former user name? Marengo Dec 2016 #85

Next You're Going To Tell Me The U.S. Had Slavery nt SoCalMusicLover Dec 2016 #45

Why do so many Dems like guns? Can I assume its not racisim? jmg257 Dec 2016 #56

Take a critical look at posts in Gungeon, that'll give you a clue. Hoyt Dec 2016 #79

Just Suck It Up, And Get Over It! SoCalMusicLover Dec 2016 #30

why not leave it to the states DonCoquixote Dec 2016 #31

Chicago Is Perfect Example SoCalMusicLover Dec 2016 #35

1400 people are responsible for 80% of the gun violence in Chicago, and the police KNOW jmg257 Dec 2016 #38

Hunting is a very small reason to own guns these days...only 15-18% of the 80-90 million gun owners jmg257 Dec 2016 #39

For Protection? SoCalMusicLover Dec 2016 #44

Yep - self-defense is the number one reason these days. jmg257 Dec 2016 #49

Again, What Confuses Me... SoCalMusicLover Dec 2016 #57

Guns can certainly be in a safe. Or on your person if so inclined. At night you can keep jmg257 Dec 2016 #63

Thoughts... benEzra Dec 2016 #75

That's entirely delusional.... Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #58

I think you are under some misconceptions here... benEzra Dec 2016 #72

Gun control did not lose us this election samir.g Dec 2016 #40

It lost at least 6 senate seats in 2014, and it was a big factor in several swing states this year, benEzra Dec 2016 #70

I Sometimes Wonder How Other Countries Can Exist SoCalMusicLover Dec 2016 #47

"Gun Culture" is certainly a thing. Grow up with them, depend on them even, they are no big deal. jmg257 Dec 2016 #52

You realize "assault weapons" are common in Canada and legal across most of Europe, yes? benEzra Dec 2016 #67

Your thread has devolved into a defense of George Zimmerman and Brett Sanders. stone space Dec 2016 #100

Oh FFS ss.......you're the one that always brings up Zimmerman....... pablo_marmol Dec 2016 #105

Are you going to pretend that Zimmerman is not being defended here in this thread? stone space Dec 2016 #107

I refuse to engage with you any further. pablo_marmol Dec 2016 #108

You are mocking us for being afraid after the bloodiest election in Iowa's history. stone space Dec 2016 #109

This violence is directly related to the election? Marengo Dec 2016 #121

As more and more people bury their children with patched up holes in their chests... wyldwolf Dec 2016 #101

Keep telling yourself that as you continue to believe in that mythical "epidemic of gun violence." pablo_marmol Dec 2016 #106

I will because mass shootings have become more common wyldwolf Dec 2016 #113

While mass shootings are *obviously* tragic........ pablo_marmol Dec 2016 #115

Rifle homicide is *decreasing*, not increasing, from 442/yr in 2005 to 250/yr now. benEzra Dec 2016 #116

Until the same amount fear mass shooting as much as fearing losing their jobs hollowdweller Dec 2016 #152

Zealously advocating for more gun restrictions always hurts us in the general election. aikoaiko Dec 2016 #103

Bernie sabataged his own primary campaign with the PLCAA. And I say this as a Bernie supporter. stone space Dec 2016 #111

The Phyrric victory goes to the anti-RKBA crowd. aikoaiko Dec 2016 #114

The problem is..you don't know what PLACCA is....Bernie gained votes up here for supporting it. Nancyswidower Dec 2016 #122

Copy/pasted from another post: pablo_marmol Dec 2016 #104

k&r flying rabbit Dec 2016 #110

The party hasn't told anybody to "vote non-Democrat, or else". stone space Dec 2016 #112

"Vote for me, and I promise to put you in prison unless you conform to my beliefs" benEzra Dec 2016 #117

Most Trump supporters are white wing racists, as are most gun nuts. Hoyt Dec 2016 #126

And most anti-gun nuts are bigots, so what's your point? friendly_iconoclast Dec 2016 #128

I admit it, when it comes to ignorant racist gun nuts, I am bigoted against them Hoyt Dec 2016 #129

See, smearing the quarter of Dems and third of independents who own guns like that... benEzra Dec 2016 #130

I'm not concerned about someone with a gun or two at home for hunting Hoyt Dec 2016 #131

Unless... benEzra Dec 2016 #132

Gun owners who are irrational and paranoid should be checked by mental health professionals. Hoyt Dec 2016 #133

The ability to read and understand Federal and state law... benEzra Dec 2016 #134

Ben, any discussion that puts you guys' gunz in a bad light is automatically shut down by gun Hoyt Dec 2016 #135

My guns have harmed no one, and I do my part to help ensure they never will. benEzra Dec 2016 #138

NRA endorsed Dem lost in Mo loyalsister Dec 2016 #136

What does threatening people with felonies for having the wrong shape rifle stock benEzra Dec 2016 #137

It's the mindset that's the problem loyalsister Dec 2016 #139

What mindset? The one that doesn't accept what your crowd deems to be 'sinful' as being sinful? friendly_iconoclast Dec 2016 #140

The belief in the right to kill a lot of civilians in a matter of seconds loyalsister Dec 2016 #141

An *imagined* mindset of the owners is more important than actual crime rates to you? friendly_iconoclast Dec 2016 #142

A belief in an unconditional right to own weapons specifically designed to kill a lot of people loyalsister Dec 2016 #143

Well then, take the matter up with your co-religionists and leave the rest of us alone friendly_iconoclast Dec 2016 #144

Basic human decency loyalsister Dec 2016 #145

Basic human decency demands that laws be based on their impact on the public at large friendly_iconoclast Dec 2016 #146

Except those guns aren't on the civilian market, and aren't the subject of proposed bans. benEzra Dec 2016 #148

Thoughts, at some length... benEzra Dec 2016 #147

I don't recall guns even being an issue in the race? Blue_Tires Jan 2017 #159

Clinton made magazine and "assault weapon" bans one of her top issues in the primary. benEzra Jan 2017 #160