Way off topic, but it's Real Life...

WARNING: This thread has little or nothing to do with Second Life. It also discusses matters of a highly political nature. It will probably get locked or deleted quickly…in the meantime, the views expressed are my own. You’re free to have your own opinions, and I won’t argue them with you. But this was something I felt I had to say.


To All My Sisters in SL,

This morning in the Resident Answers forum, I participated in a thread in which we were bantering back and forth about handguns. I’d like to drop the humorous tone for just a moment and talk seriously.

In that thread, I quickly saw examples of two very common attitudes. Amazement, on the part of the guys, that a woman would know anything about, let alone appreciate, firearms. And ignorance, on the part of the women. And that made me want to scream.

Ladies, we live in a dangerous society, and in dangerous times, especially for women. How many of us are afraid to walk down the street alone at night? How many of us get nervous when we hear footsteps coming behind? How many of us have actually been raped, or robbed, or assaulted, and how sick and helpless did that make you feel, if it has happened to you?

We have got to stop being afraid of guns. It’s not cute, it’s not feminine…it’s stupid. A gun is a tool. Yes, it’s capable of killing – so is a kitchen knife. Does that mean you tremble in fear or feel revulsion when you pick up a knife to dice an onion? So, why feel that way when your boyfriend invites you out to the range for target practice?

A handgun is the greatest equalizer in the world. It makes a ninety pound, 5’ 4” woman more than a match for a 250 lb. rapist out of his head on crack or speed. It costs a lot less than getting a black belt in karate, less than the premium on your auto insurance. It only takes three things: You must actually have it with you when you need it. You must be willing to use it to protect yourself. And you must know HOW to use it.

I own handguns. I enjoy practicing with them, and the feeling of being competent at something. Although the chances are small that I’ll ever have to use it, I have a concealed carry permit, and I carry my weapon everywhere it’s not expressly forbidden. As a result, I feel stronger, more confident, and better able to handle myself no matter what happens. That’s a good feeling. Another result is that I’m MORE cautious about where I go, and what I say to people. Knowing that I have deadly force available to me makes me very wary of putting myself in situations that could possibly escalate to the point of having to use it. Some people picture those of us who carry as having “itchy trigger fingers”, just looking for an excuse to draw down on someone, but it’s really just the opposite. It truly is a case of “Speak softly, but carry a big stick.”

We keep guns in our house. I’m not worried about that…because my husband and I are both rational people. I know that, no matter what domestic argument may take place between us, neither of us is so unstable as to resort to violence, ever. And I know my kids are safe around guns, because my husband and I raised them to be so. All of them knew what to do, from the age of four on, if one of their friends offered to “show them Daddy’s gun”. All of them knew, as soon as they were physically strong enough, how to handle a weapon, check if it was loaded, and make it safe. All of them learned how to shoot.

I’m a member of the NRA. No, I’m not a wild-eyed redneck gun nut. I’m just a woman who saw one of her best protections and greatest freedoms threatened, and joined the one organization that’s out to protect that freedom.

The gun control advocates would take away my protection. In its place, they would put a publicly funded rape crisis center, and universal health care, and police…all of which would be there to give me help and sympathy AFTER I got assaulted, robbed, and raped. Thanks a lot, but I’d rather keep my 9mm and prevent the problem in the first place.

It’s time for us to stop being afraid of guns. If your husband or boyfriend shoots, ask him to teach you. Or take a class. You might find out you really don’t like it…that’s fine, at least you’ve learned something about yourself.

Or you might find that you have just got yourself a fun new hobby. Once you’re competent, think it over: Would you be willing to take a life to protect your own, or that of a loved one? If the answer is yes, get your permit. Join the NRA. Tell your representatives that it’s your life, thanks, and you can take care of yourself.

Stop being afraid of guns…and stop being afraid.

well said!

It's different for residents of the USA - in the UK the laws are different regarding firearms, which means women learn to look after themselves best they can, by other means should they need to (martial arts being one option) If the laws were to change then it would definitly stir up all sorts of debates! (I've not yet seen the thread you are refering to Lindal)

/me salutes Lindal. I keep a .38 snubnose that my Brother bought me as a housewarming present in my nightstand, and my Dad's shotgun is in the downstairs closet. Even though I live in an area where the biggest crime is usually speeding, I know too many victims, both in cities and neighborhoods like mine. It can happen anywhere. It's a sad reality to face, but it is the time we live in. Come into my house uninvited, looking to do harm and you will get a surprise. Even if you don't like guns, or they are illegal where you live, learn how to protect yourself in any way possible.

Very well said Lindal......

I lived in Los Angeles for a while and I had a 12 gauge... I'm no good at football, basketball or indeed any other sport I can think of but you know what...... after receiving this rifle as a birthday gift, I suddenly discovered that I was darn good at clay-pidgeon shooting and could hold my own with the best of them... Anything, in the wrong hands, can be dangerous, guns, knives, cars etc. Education and responsibility in these matters is what's of utmost importance.

Funny you should mention the NRA... I'm a singer in RL, and I happened to be performing at one of their functions in LA, the NRA Celebrity Shoot'.. it was without a doubt one of the most exciting gigs I've ever done. Here's little 'ole me wailing away, and in the audience were celebrities that I'd only ever seen on the big screen.

Good for you girl. I have had a handgun for years. It is just a little thing that I carry in an ankle holster. I havent worn it in a while because I dont go out late nite by myself much anymore. One thing I did though that I don't know is wise or not was to let my friends (the people that I was out with) know that I was carrying it. Of course the men shuddered but it didnt bother the women.

I believe most women would be good shots if they werent afraid of the gun which just takes a little practice because women generally have a good eye. The first pistol I ever shot was a .357 that sent me for quite a spin. I used to sleep with that thing under my pillow.

We are NRA members as well. I just wish they'd stop trying to sell us all that damned insurance.

That's, um, nice for countries such as the US where it's easy to get a licence. Germany? No way. You can go join a club and get a gun and you're only allowed to use it there for target practice. I've done several self defence classes instead and do carry a scary pocket knife....and no, I'm not afraid of guns as such-I'm afraid of the fact that every one who has one has it really easy to just pull the trigger and kill someone. It's so terribly easy to pull the trigger I didn't belive it the first time I tried out a handgun at a shooting range and I just don't like the idea that any old idiot can use it....that's the scary part. Not rational people carrying a gun for self defence.

And oh, I actually like shooting things (targets, not living beings!!!!), also with slingshots and my beloved recurve bow (squirrels in the garden have to hide when I do that, though...). And I love my big old paintball revolver that uses paintballs that were en vogue 15 years ago....

So somehow, I like weapons, just not for anything beyond target practice.

good for you lindal, while i don't own any guns i am a big advocate of being allowed to own them. i grew up in the inner city of a large east coast city with lets say a colorful past. the main thing to remember about criminals are

1-they are not the smartest people, if they where they would be doing some thing else for a living
2-they're lazy and not very brave. in that they are looking for an easy mark if you look like your going to give them trouble then they'll hassle someone else.
3-they are used to people who give in and don't know how to react to some one that doesn't back down. that moment of hesitation is your time to act.
4-if they are buggin hard and looking for a fight then it not a robbery and every thing about is irrelevant.

if you have an attitude like your going to fight back 9 out of 10 time they will leave you alone.

ladies if your going to learn martial arts learn some thing with joint locks, very few men will keep fighting after you have broken a few of their fingers, a wrist or an ankle. you don't need much strength to do either.

or knee them in their invisible prims.

Good for you, Lindal.

Good for you Lindal!

One statement made by the Texas Ranger who was my handgun instructor so many years ago that has never left me: Once you pull the trigger you can't take it back.
Makes one very aware of the consequences. But if your intent is to harm me, and I know it, I will show no mercy.

I carry one and have one handy at home. I live alone and no place is completely safe.

It really doesn't matter if you carry a gun or train yourself in some kind of self-defense, if you have some kind of knowledge you are the stronger for it.

Unfortunately, criminals don't agree with you. Still, I'm sure the police will protect you. LOL Oh look! A flying pig......

Mmmmmm, ...wonderful.
Why don't we issue guns to everyone, then we can all be equal.

That's a good idea - just don't give them any ammunition.

I am not a good shot!
I tried, I practiced, and I lost interest.

I do not own a hand gun but I do own a beautiful Browning 12 gauge shot gun. I can't miss with that thing.

I'm more afraid of garage power tools, electric saws, drills, lawn mowers etc then guns,
eh but that's me

Thank heavens I live in a country where it's not necessary to resort to carrying weapons. I can walk the streets of any state capital city in Australia late at night and not fear unduly. Yes, I am a woman, but it is a fallacy to believe that women are at greatest risk from stranger-instigated violence - in just about every country, that burden falls upon (and is usually caused by) young males. Women are up to eleven times more likely to experience violence at the hands of family members, or people known to them.

I am extremely grateful for the tight gun laws imposed by my government, and I believe the 'right to bear arms' in the United States potentially created the gun culture there - and if it didn't create it, significantly exacerbated it. There will be plenty who disagree with that view, but it is the conclusion I have come to after considerable thought and research on the nature and causes of violence in society. As for putting a weapon that can kill another human being into the hands of a child, I regard that as an obscenity.

I certainly do not need to draw my courage from possessing a gun, and I am not afraid. I have been to countries with high levels of violence, including North America, but even there, statistics speak louder than cold metal if only people would choose to listen. As long as the first recourse is to physical violence, there is little incentive to address the root causes of dysfunction in western societies - inadequate education, poverty, social inequality and injustice.

Australia may be one of the most truly civilized countries on earth.
Congratulations on your good fortune in living there.

Thank god I don't live in USA or I would be looking for another place to live right now!

I just read the first post on this thread and I was amazed!!!

How many more kids must be killed in USA high schools before you people get clever enough, once and for all, to just eradicate hand guns!!!!!

I find this completely Unbelievable!!!

No matter how responsible you think you are! Doesn't matter!!! Shit happens, i know, but the far you keep yourself from the "happens" the less shit you will take!

I was a well trained officer in one of the best special forces of all armies in the world and I know that even when you are a pro accidents happen! I have seen them happen in front of me, luckily none with casualties but only luckily!!

As far as I'm concern... i prefer being killed by some criminal, that live with my hands dirty of blood of some innocent victim of my accident or any other "accident" envolving a gun I could possibly have.

Sorry... just my humble opinion.

edit: typos (english is not my mother language )

Oh goodness, I love them. Making sawdust is one of my very favorite things.

During the 20th century, there were an estimated 8.5 million people murdered as a result of crime. There were over 90 million murdered by governments.
Would the Jews of Europe have been better off if they had been armed? The gypsies? The homosexuals? The citizens of China? Cambodia? The Armenians in Turkey? Would the Ukrainian farmers have been better off armed? If you are honest you would have to say yes to each of these.

So, it's OK for YOU to have firearms and know how to use them, but not me or my children? I detect a double standard here.

As for accidents -- yes, they do happen. With cars, doors, power drills, and cheese graters...and with guns, too. One of my instructors told me, "There are two kinds of shooters. Those who have had an accidental discharge...and those who are going to." This is why we are taught never to point a weapon at anything we are not prepared to shoot. Please re-read that last sentence, because it, not "luck" is why none of the accidents you witnessed resulted in casualties.



I'd rather put my faith in my own training and abilities, and those of my loved ones, than in the intentions of "some criminal".

You mention "high school shootings". First, guns are not permitted in our schools. Notice that *this did not stop the Columbine or Virginia Tech or other school shooting tragedies*. If responsible, trained adults had been permitted to bear arms in these locations, in my opinion the nutters who took all those innocent young lives would have been stopped a lot sooner.

In fact, in every instance in which we have data, a responsible armed citizenry works as a better deterrent against armed crime than any attempt to ban firearms. "Right to Carry" laws have resulted in a *decrease* in the use of firearms in the commission of crimes, and a *decrease* in the murder rate.

I am not the threat. My kids are not the threat. Armed criminals and nutcases are the threat. Ban the guns, and you take away my protection (and maybe yours too, if I happen to be around)...but you leave the threat untouched. Not exactly a good solution to the problem.

I'm with you 100% on this one, Lindal. Police don't prevent crimes, they solve them after the fact. If you don't want a gun, hire a bodyguard, or keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best! I hope to all the gods that I never have to defend myself or more importantly my loved ones, but I'm prepared to do so if I must.

I am not convinced that this thread properly fulfils Friday Controversial Thread Standards, and would thus like to make the following additional statements. Where an option is give, please delete components as appropriate for maximum offence.

* abortion (is absolutely wrong / should be allowed under any circumstance);
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* (if you're poor, it's your fault / the world's problems can be laid at the feet of capitalism);
* why don't we have a White History Month, eh?;
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* (furries/Goreans) are cheap, sexually immoral and also smell.