This is one of the best articles I've seen on this topic. It takes a lot of moral fortitude to stand up. My father - one of the most manly, super athletic, masters of pelvic sorcery and all things testosterone I've ever known - was taken hunting by his dad when he was eight. Dad just couldn't shoot a beautiful, harmless bird for sport. Granddad called him a sissy until his death from cirrhosis 10 years later. Dad became the "man of the family" supporting his mom and younger brother until my uncle graduated from college.
Dad went in the navy and graduated under the GI Bill. I suspect he did a lot of macho stuff in his life to orove his dad wrong. Thank you!
I am a die hard liberal, academic, and citizen of a purple state although where I live locally it’s very, very red. Guns were never part of my life until my partner and I went to a resort that had a shooting range and we thought, why not? Let’s try it. So we did some skeet shooting with shotguns and guess what? It was “a blast” (pun intended) and also my partner was really, really good (prior army training). We decided that shooting sports would be something fun we could do together, so we bought 2 shotguns and joined the local shooting club. It opened up a whole new activity for me and I met a few great people. We never, and I mean NEVER talk politics. Lately, however, I’ve gotten a little more hesitant to visit the club because our personae and car are coded, “liberal.” And I get a little nervous now that polarization has grown so, even since 2020 when we first
joined the club.
On the other hand, it is also weird being one of the outliers—a Democrat who owns a gun. I’ve had a few conversations where other liberal folks were taken aback. It’s like everything’s fine until I mention I like to shoot skeet and own a gun. Instantly, I’m suspect in their eyes. They cannot quite accept that I actually have the same beliefs and values they have, with the exception that I like to shoot at little clay “birds.”
Thanks for reading, Nancy. Those are really interesting observations. I will say that after the gun show, we went to my grandpa's rural property, and my dad showed me how to shoot at soda cans with a shotgun. It was fun.
Your experience speaks to how polarized the gun ownership has become. It kind of feels like, conservative folks think liberals want to take away all guns and liberal folks think any association with guns is fanatical. Hard to come to the table in good faith for that conversation.
Unfortunately, since I am stuck in an extremely red area, my wife and I decided to get each of us a hand gun just for protection. Our neighbor 2 doors down is out every week shooting every type of gun imaginable and We just felt it to be necessary. I do not and will not ever keep a bullet in the chamber! In my opinion that is the single cause of over 90% of accidental shootings. For my guns to fire the shooter has to take at least 2 actions, one of which is very difficult to do and no toddler could do. I hope never to have to use them but in the USA today....
Excellent post. I live in a red, rural area and guns are like oxygen to many people living here. Their reality lacks reason and is too distorted to recognize the fact. Humanity appears to be in a race between self-destruction and succumbing to climate collapse.
I grew up in upstate NY with a dad who absolutely loved guns and weapons. He was one of those rarities - a Jewish guy from Brooklyn who happened to be a registered Democrat but also had an "I'm the NRA" sticker and a rifle in a rack in the back window of his Ford pick up truck. I was surrounded by (carefully locked) firearms my whole childhood. He used some of these guns to hunt deer and I know they also made him feel safer - he was a doomsday prepper before it had a name. I went to turkey shoots, target practice and yes, the gun store, and also to an occasional gun show with him and my older brother. I never felt at ease or enthused but it was also just life. He was pro gun safety laws and very very cautious about his weapons (there were a lotta knives, too and a bow and arrow). I always felt kinda weird about it.
I am a die hard Liberal. I am also a Constitutional Contextualist and read the debates of the Continental Congress concerning the actual debate on the 2A. Hence, I am an avid 2A supporter and yes, I am very comfortable in these situations. i have weapons, I carry my 9mm everywhere allowed by law. My wife is Canadian and the first time she even saw a gun brought into our home, she had a panic attack.
About 10 years or so ago, she started realizing that the world around us is a pretty dangerous place- because of criminals with weapons and wild eyed rednecks looking to do harm to others for being different. It was the early stages of the MAGAt movement as President Obama was in office. I took her to a gun range and had a very kind instructor show her the ropes and with knowledge, she became more comfortable with the idea- eventually out-shooting me on the range. She now has her CCW permit and has 3 different pistols for carry- just in case. Yes, we keep a round in the chamber at all times, because timing is crucial in an emergency.
I find that most people have issues with firearms because they lack the proper education and training. The emotional aspect of a fear response is normal- we know what can happen if the trigger is pulled- HORRIBLE stuff. Responsible owners NEVER want to have to pull that trigger in defense; definitely never want to as an aggressor. We train for just such circumstances. There are a myriad of reasons why Americans should support and recognize the 2A as a valuable right. I can also agree that with certain rights, comes a certain responsibility. Yes, we need some common sense reform. It needs to happen WITHOUT that slippery slope of later intentions of revoking said right. THAT is what all these gun nuts, ammosexuals, meal team 6, and tacticool people are afraid of. They use the prohibition messaging to fight every ounce of gun legislation they can and it works. It works because even though the messaging seems ridiculous, they aren't wrong on some level. There is an element that wants to ban the private ownership of firearms outright. If we want to change their minds and stance on the very awful shit that happens, we need to do it from their perspective. Embrace the 2A, get educated, put in the work, and support it.. and them by proxy.
On the whole, anti-2A people have a fear that can be exploited. The ultra-right knows this and uses it against us. Take the power away from them. They KNOW the dangers that an unhinged person with a loaded weapon can do. That's why they are comfortable in the gun show scenario. They also KNOW no one is dumb enough or crazy enough to try that shit at the show. 2A people also know that the average anti-gun person doesn't know jack all about any of it, so there's made up BS designed to throw you off. "15 bullets with every trigger pull" is not a thing. Not at a gun show, anyway.
I apologize for the long response. I just think it is important to find a way to accept and embrace the culture surrounding the 2A before we can intelligently address the issues surrounding it. Yes, it needs some work, but it needs to nuanced and it needs guarantees that the ultimate goal is not prohibition. Look how that worked out with alcohol....be well.
I have thought about it but haven't dropped those thoughts into an essay yet. I think, based on my experience working in a Baker Act facility (72 hour involuntary psych hold) That the very first thing is to revise HIPAA. HIPPA forbids healthcare workers from sharing/ reporting certain things. Good, in and of itself, abused by pro-gun advocates. Here's the story: Had a violent patient involuntarily admitted to the facility after a bout with their partner; apparently, this was an issue where alcohol and drugs are in play. This "patient" was dropped off by the police and during intake, we discovered that they had a CCW license. Upon 3 days of observation and detox, we were required to release the person and hand over the CCW license. After speaking with staff, I discovered this person was what we would call a "frequent flyer."
According to HIPPA law, we were NOT allowed to report this person to the state for their actions and partner abuse. WE were NOT permitted to recommend revoking 2A rights based on this information.
The second item would be fixing the goddamn reporting system. NICS reporting is voluntary by the states and US Military. This is the FBI Background check system that is run EVERY SINGLE TIME anyone purchases a gun from a valid dealer (in some states.) Military often fails to report vets with violent PTSD upon discharge (honorable or otherwise.) Also, each state has different reporting rules. Here is the link to FBI's NICS State reporting requirements: https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/nics-participation-map-020124
I think we should effectively require 50 state reciprocity on concealed carry and concealed carry laws; always erring on the side of caution. In turn have a 100% participation in the NICS system, monitoring for districts that fail to adhere to the law. Currently, the hodge-podge patchwork of state laws is confusing and ultimately neutered by its own complexity.
I have more, (a lot more) but I think maybe I should write out my complete thoughts in an article of my own. I would say to start here and then branch out, exploring the various issues one by one in a logical, rational, yet supportive manner. Back in the day, kids drove to school with a loaded .22 rifle in their car or truck and no one got shot. There's a lot more to this than we realize because our emotional objections make us think in simple terms. Thank you for engaging!
I have lived in Southern California for over 30 years. In the early 90s I had a dozen hourly guys that worked for me that always parked their cars on the street, not the company parking lot. Why? "you can get fired if you have a gun in your car. I have to have a gun, just in case". (this was before the Rodney King riots in LA.)
The photo of Hillary for target practice at the gun show...how many 2A guys see that and fanaticize to themselves of being the one to put a bullet in her head...but not get caught? A lot...too many. Luigi Mangione status, but no one can know they did it. Or if it was known, no jail time, just hero status. The hate is real and right-wing media exploits it.
I can't remember if Hillary had a target on her face when I was there, but yeah, it came off as a really hateful environment towards liberal people and politicians. Really combative and looking for a fight. I can only imagine it stirred up feelings of being under attack from the left for gun owners.
Last Thanksgiving, my nephew left to go hunting. To my dismay, he took his 6 year old with him. At Christmas, the 6 year old got a real gun. I was mortified. I hate guns, but believe in the right to have them. AR15s should only be available to military and law enforcement personnel. Common sense gun laws will save lives.
Great article. Is it possible or practical to organize under one organization but work with local law enforcement to do a gun show where guns are handed in? Just a thought. Make it an event.
This is one of the best articles I've seen on this topic. It takes a lot of moral fortitude to stand up. My father - one of the most manly, super athletic, masters of pelvic sorcery and all things testosterone I've ever known - was taken hunting by his dad when he was eight. Dad just couldn't shoot a beautiful, harmless bird for sport. Granddad called him a sissy until his death from cirrhosis 10 years later. Dad became the "man of the family" supporting his mom and younger brother until my uncle graduated from college.
Dad went in the navy and graduated under the GI Bill. I suspect he did a lot of macho stuff in his life to orove his dad wrong. Thank you!
Thank you for reading, Karen. And cheers to your dad. He sounds like a great guy ❤️
I am a die hard liberal, academic, and citizen of a purple state although where I live locally it’s very, very red. Guns were never part of my life until my partner and I went to a resort that had a shooting range and we thought, why not? Let’s try it. So we did some skeet shooting with shotguns and guess what? It was “a blast” (pun intended) and also my partner was really, really good (prior army training). We decided that shooting sports would be something fun we could do together, so we bought 2 shotguns and joined the local shooting club. It opened up a whole new activity for me and I met a few great people. We never, and I mean NEVER talk politics. Lately, however, I’ve gotten a little more hesitant to visit the club because our personae and car are coded, “liberal.” And I get a little nervous now that polarization has grown so, even since 2020 when we first
joined the club.
On the other hand, it is also weird being one of the outliers—a Democrat who owns a gun. I’ve had a few conversations where other liberal folks were taken aback. It’s like everything’s fine until I mention I like to shoot skeet and own a gun. Instantly, I’m suspect in their eyes. They cannot quite accept that I actually have the same beliefs and values they have, with the exception that I like to shoot at little clay “birds.”
Don’t ever think democrats don’t own guns. They own plenty. They just act more responsible and don’t advertise them.
You’re not an outlier, I don’t think. Most democrats I know, have weapons- for personal or hunting or both.
According to Pew research, only 20% of Democrats or D-leaning own a gun whereas 45% of Republican leaning do. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/07/24/key-facts-about-americans-and-guns/
They may be the case in the entire country, but not in certain regions. Thanks for the article, though.
Thanks for reading, Nancy. Those are really interesting observations. I will say that after the gun show, we went to my grandpa's rural property, and my dad showed me how to shoot at soda cans with a shotgun. It was fun.
Your experience speaks to how polarized the gun ownership has become. It kind of feels like, conservative folks think liberals want to take away all guns and liberal folks think any association with guns is fanatical. Hard to come to the table in good faith for that conversation.
Unfortunately, since I am stuck in an extremely red area, my wife and I decided to get each of us a hand gun just for protection. Our neighbor 2 doors down is out every week shooting every type of gun imaginable and We just felt it to be necessary. I do not and will not ever keep a bullet in the chamber! In my opinion that is the single cause of over 90% of accidental shootings. For my guns to fire the shooter has to take at least 2 actions, one of which is very difficult to do and no toddler could do. I hope never to have to use them but in the USA today....
I get that rationale and hate that you have to live with that threat down the street. Thank you for reading and sharing, Ken.
Excellent post. I live in a red, rural area and guns are like oxygen to many people living here. Their reality lacks reason and is too distorted to recognize the fact. Humanity appears to be in a race between self-destruction and succumbing to climate collapse.
Thank you for reading, Richard.
I grew up in upstate NY with a dad who absolutely loved guns and weapons. He was one of those rarities - a Jewish guy from Brooklyn who happened to be a registered Democrat but also had an "I'm the NRA" sticker and a rifle in a rack in the back window of his Ford pick up truck. I was surrounded by (carefully locked) firearms my whole childhood. He used some of these guns to hunt deer and I know they also made him feel safer - he was a doomsday prepper before it had a name. I went to turkey shoots, target practice and yes, the gun store, and also to an occasional gun show with him and my older brother. I never felt at ease or enthused but it was also just life. He was pro gun safety laws and very very cautious about his weapons (there were a lotta knives, too and a bow and arrow). I always felt kinda weird about it.
Hi Eve, thanks for reading. And wow. What a background. What are your feelings toward guns and gun policy now?
I think we need major gun control!!!
I am a die hard Liberal. I am also a Constitutional Contextualist and read the debates of the Continental Congress concerning the actual debate on the 2A. Hence, I am an avid 2A supporter and yes, I am very comfortable in these situations. i have weapons, I carry my 9mm everywhere allowed by law. My wife is Canadian and the first time she even saw a gun brought into our home, she had a panic attack.
About 10 years or so ago, she started realizing that the world around us is a pretty dangerous place- because of criminals with weapons and wild eyed rednecks looking to do harm to others for being different. It was the early stages of the MAGAt movement as President Obama was in office. I took her to a gun range and had a very kind instructor show her the ropes and with knowledge, she became more comfortable with the idea- eventually out-shooting me on the range. She now has her CCW permit and has 3 different pistols for carry- just in case. Yes, we keep a round in the chamber at all times, because timing is crucial in an emergency.
I find that most people have issues with firearms because they lack the proper education and training. The emotional aspect of a fear response is normal- we know what can happen if the trigger is pulled- HORRIBLE stuff. Responsible owners NEVER want to have to pull that trigger in defense; definitely never want to as an aggressor. We train for just such circumstances. There are a myriad of reasons why Americans should support and recognize the 2A as a valuable right. I can also agree that with certain rights, comes a certain responsibility. Yes, we need some common sense reform. It needs to happen WITHOUT that slippery slope of later intentions of revoking said right. THAT is what all these gun nuts, ammosexuals, meal team 6, and tacticool people are afraid of. They use the prohibition messaging to fight every ounce of gun legislation they can and it works. It works because even though the messaging seems ridiculous, they aren't wrong on some level. There is an element that wants to ban the private ownership of firearms outright. If we want to change their minds and stance on the very awful shit that happens, we need to do it from their perspective. Embrace the 2A, get educated, put in the work, and support it.. and them by proxy.
On the whole, anti-2A people have a fear that can be exploited. The ultra-right knows this and uses it against us. Take the power away from them. They KNOW the dangers that an unhinged person with a loaded weapon can do. That's why they are comfortable in the gun show scenario. They also KNOW no one is dumb enough or crazy enough to try that shit at the show. 2A people also know that the average anti-gun person doesn't know jack all about any of it, so there's made up BS designed to throw you off. "15 bullets with every trigger pull" is not a thing. Not at a gun show, anyway.
I apologize for the long response. I just think it is important to find a way to accept and embrace the culture surrounding the 2A before we can intelligently address the issues surrounding it. Yes, it needs some work, but it needs to nuanced and it needs guarantees that the ultimate goal is not prohibition. Look how that worked out with alcohol....be well.
Thank you for sharing that perspective and for the correction. What would gun reform look like if you crafted it?
So, I just posted my first substack- it is on this exact topic. I break down my argument as much as I can.
I'm actually writing it now. will post it soon (in a day or so), if you are interested.
I have thought about it but haven't dropped those thoughts into an essay yet. I think, based on my experience working in a Baker Act facility (72 hour involuntary psych hold) That the very first thing is to revise HIPAA. HIPPA forbids healthcare workers from sharing/ reporting certain things. Good, in and of itself, abused by pro-gun advocates. Here's the story: Had a violent patient involuntarily admitted to the facility after a bout with their partner; apparently, this was an issue where alcohol and drugs are in play. This "patient" was dropped off by the police and during intake, we discovered that they had a CCW license. Upon 3 days of observation and detox, we were required to release the person and hand over the CCW license. After speaking with staff, I discovered this person was what we would call a "frequent flyer."
According to HIPPA law, we were NOT allowed to report this person to the state for their actions and partner abuse. WE were NOT permitted to recommend revoking 2A rights based on this information.
The second item would be fixing the goddamn reporting system. NICS reporting is voluntary by the states and US Military. This is the FBI Background check system that is run EVERY SINGLE TIME anyone purchases a gun from a valid dealer (in some states.) Military often fails to report vets with violent PTSD upon discharge (honorable or otherwise.) Also, each state has different reporting rules. Here is the link to FBI's NICS State reporting requirements: https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/nics-participation-map-020124
I think we should effectively require 50 state reciprocity on concealed carry and concealed carry laws; always erring on the side of caution. In turn have a 100% participation in the NICS system, monitoring for districts that fail to adhere to the law. Currently, the hodge-podge patchwork of state laws is confusing and ultimately neutered by its own complexity.
I have more, (a lot more) but I think maybe I should write out my complete thoughts in an article of my own. I would say to start here and then branch out, exploring the various issues one by one in a logical, rational, yet supportive manner. Back in the day, kids drove to school with a loaded .22 rifle in their car or truck and no one got shot. There's a lot more to this than we realize because our emotional objections make us think in simple terms. Thank you for engaging!
I have lived in Southern California for over 30 years. In the early 90s I had a dozen hourly guys that worked for me that always parked their cars on the street, not the company parking lot. Why? "you can get fired if you have a gun in your car. I have to have a gun, just in case". (this was before the Rodney King riots in LA.)
The photo of Hillary for target practice at the gun show...how many 2A guys see that and fanaticize to themselves of being the one to put a bullet in her head...but not get caught? A lot...too many. Luigi Mangione status, but no one can know they did it. Or if it was known, no jail time, just hero status. The hate is real and right-wing media exploits it.
I can't remember if Hillary had a target on her face when I was there, but yeah, it came off as a really hateful environment towards liberal people and politicians. Really combative and looking for a fight. I can only imagine it stirred up feelings of being under attack from the left for gun owners.
Last Thanksgiving, my nephew left to go hunting. To my dismay, he took his 6 year old with him. At Christmas, the 6 year old got a real gun. I was mortified. I hate guns, but believe in the right to have them. AR15s should only be available to military and law enforcement personnel. Common sense gun laws will save lives.
Great article. Is it possible or practical to organize under one organization but work with local law enforcement to do a gun show where guns are handed in? Just a thought. Make it an event.