Know a Liberal: Gun ownership / gun control

I am a liberal. To many (especially those who unfortunately rely on the likes of Fox "News" for their information), that immediately defines everything about me, and there is no need to even bother with an attempt at further definition. Bill O'Reilly, Ann Coulter, and the other prophets of the Right have already spoken.

Well, just as there are all manner of individuals who regard themselves as "conservative", there are many different views among self-declared liberals. Time for some clarification to hopefully dispel (or confirm :) some of the stereotypes.

So I'm starting a little series to talk about how THIS self-proclaimed liberal feels about various issues. Today's topic in the 'Know a Liberal' series: guns.

I don't own a gun. But I've been considering it for 20 or 30 years, and may buy one this year (or next ...or never). I enjoy shooting -- shotguns, rifles, pistols, whatever. Though I certainly don't go shooting very often (sometimes years go by between outings at a range). I'm not a great shot (especially with revolvers), but not horrible either. There is absolutely no reason for any civilian in the USA to own an assault weapon. Period. There is a Constitutional right to own a rifle, shotgun, handgun, etc ... firearms that are legitimate for hunting and protection. Concealed weapons permits are fine by me; gun safety education should be required before being granted a concealed weapons permit.

The reason for starting with a topic of Guns? Well several of us at a recent Drinking Liberally meeting were talking about how we like to shoot and were talking about getting together at a local range to do just that. And we were also chatting about how it seems that the stereotype of liberals is that we are all for registering all guns, or flat-out prohibiting ownership or something. Nope.

Comments

[dcdave]

rock on, p.s. i am adding you to my blogroll

[shooterbob]

Why not own one? If you look at the time the Bill of Rights was drafted, the writers were ensuring the right to own the latest arms. Glad you have the right to be a liberal! I intend to defend that right with my own assault rifle should that be needed, oh wait, I don't OWN any! Can't afford one! An M16 will cost around $7,000! I almost bought an HK MP5-SD. That's a full-auto or select-fire weapon which is a requirement for a real assault weapon. It's silenced too! Of course, the ATF requires you pay the $200 tax for both the 'trigger group' and the silenser since by the virtue of HK guns the trigger group is functional on more than one model. Anyway, the total cost was around $17,000. I bought an Infiniti Q45 instead. Wish I'd bought the HK. It'd be worth as much or more still, the car is _long_ gone...

[Dr. Lavine (not a doctor)]

hmmm - "Shooting Liberally" - has a nice ring to it. See you at the Revolution.

[anon]

"There is absolutely no reason for any civilian in the USA to own an assault weapon"

Your thinking is along the same regards as:"There is no absolutely no reason for any one to own a high powered Ferrari? when one can drive a honda or toyota."