Not to understand resistance to gun control

[Maggiethecat]

I understand that it serves those with financial interests but cannot understand why Joe Bloggs wouldn't want restrictions on eligibility to carry guns. It's not as if guns are being banned and their freedom is being taken away, it's that there should be reasonable checks carried out.

Are Americans not exhausted by the mass shootings and wonder why this is the only country in the world with such a dismal record?

@YorkshireDude - I really struggle to understand the fear about having guns taken away. Gun ownership is legal in all 50 states. Where in America are law abiding citizens having their guns taken away?

Also, I do not understand the fear around the progressive left and guns. The most prominent national politician for progressives is Bernie Sanders. He is from Vermont (where gun ownership is relatively high) and his policies around gun control are considered moderate.

Joe Biden has recently stated that he wants to ban assault rifles and high capacity magazines. For law abiding gun owners that means there will be no access to weapons that are designed to:

1. fight government tyranny
2. defend homes, possessions, and families during periods of unrest

It's been less than two years since all the rioting, looting, and arson that caused an estimated $2 billion in damage. But I appreciate that most people have a very short memory, and often struggle to remember anything that happened more than a few months ago.

Also, in case you've forgotten, all the police just stood down two years ago, and totally failed to protect people and property from all the rioters. The leadership were even worse, in that they declined all offers of National Guard assistance. Meanwhile, various far-left figures were doing their best to get rioters bailed and prosecutions dropped, so that the rioters could get back out on the streets and continue with the wanton destruction.

Are you still wondering why normal law-abiding people want assault rifles and high capacity magazines?

I believe the saying is 'Better to be tried by 12 than carried by 6'.

Hi @Cartoonmom

Think about the US just a few months ago then substitute “gun ownership” for “abortion” in your statements above. There are people that would eliminate legal access to abortion unconditionally, there are also absolutely people that would eliminate legal gun ownership.

People are resistant to any legislation or controls around these areas because they do not trust the people in power.

@WibblyWobblyJane @YorkshireDude , no, I'm not aware of any US politician that has stated (on record or otherwise) that all guns should be outlawed in America. I will definitely look into it so thank you for sharing this pov. It could be my own personal bias that is stopping me from seeing this piece of the puzzle. I think owning a gun is both a right and a responsibility even though I'm a progressive liberal who's never personally owned a gun.

I agree with @ocs30 - no personal arsenal could stop the US government regardless of politics. A civil war is also highly unlikely given the size of our economy according to economists and social scientists who study civil conflict.

I do not think anyone in congress would ever say it. I also am not sure any of them would vote for an outright ban on abortion. I think rational people are reasonable on both topics and the vocal minority are crazy.

My DH bought his first shotgun around age 15, by himself in the 1980s. He does not believe anyone under the age of 21 (or perhaps even 25) should be able to purchase a weapon. He is in favor of a ban on assault rifles. In favor of a 3 day waiting period like we used to have. In favor of massively complex background checks including providing proof you have attended a training course. (Our state requires this for a motorcycle license!) In favor of being forced to provide 3 references before obtaining each and every weapon. Calls the current checks a joke because it's primarily a self certification. (Used to say "are you a known drunkard?" but I think the language has changed.