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threeplusfire) wrote2002-11-21 02:24 pm
threeplusfire) wrote2002-11-21 02:24 pm
in which I ramble about guns
I've been thinking about this site for a few days now. They lay out their arguements well, and I tend to agree. I'd like to say something, but I don't know what yet. The site contains a large number of by images both hilarious, chilling and thought provoking.
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My grandparents were pretty prominent, peaceful people who didn't own guns early in their lives. My grandfather's father, however, did. When the Nazis invaded Prague, guns were immediately outlawed, and any civilian found in possession of a gun faced the death penalty. My grandmother's brother joined the underground anti-nazi resistance, and all those guns of my great-grandfather's went to the Czech resistance. My grandfather almost got caught with several assault arms in the trunk of his car (he rear-ended an SS official who, thankfully, didn't bother to search the car). My grandmother's brother eventually died in the resistance, and I've always seen him as my greatest family hero. My mother and grandparents, due to their dispositions, aren't terribly happy with the idea of owning guns, but my aunt followed in her uncle's footsteps and owns a sawed-off shotgun to protect herself from burglars (she lives in the absolute middle of nowhere- no police could help her in the event of a break-in).
I personally can't shoot guns, and don't own any, but I sort of want to. It's a hard decision for me. I worry that I couldn't trust myself with it, or that my children would play with it. And then there's the issue of making gun-control laws that at least make it somewhat harder for people with actual criminal backgrounds to buy guns. It's a complicated issue. But I certainly at least want the option, considering that I'm a (mostly) psychologically balanced, law-abiding person. *sigh*
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Can you tell I have huge problems with the Nazis? Oh well, I'm certainly not the only one in the world who does.
It's possible that some of the guns that my great-grandfather owned got into the hands of the guys who killed Heydrich. It's also possible that my uncle knew some of those guys. But it's impossible to know anymore.
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No history other than that of the Russians makes me as sad as that of the Czechs. But it is one of the things I love about that country, the palpable sense of history in certain places.
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I think all people have the right to defend themselves from a great many things, however they choose. It's a choice, and it's one people need to take seriously. If you're going to have a weapon you should damn well be responsible with it, in my opinion.