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From military weapon to cultural symbol: how the AR-15 has defined the US gun debate
(www.theguardian.com)
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this post was submitted on 01 Nov 2023
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I believe that "gun free zones" should only exist with the presence of robust security systems. Having an easily-entered school with little, if any physical security designated as a "gun free zone" makes it a target for the fringe minority of people who have a desire to commit mass murder.
I also think that more meaningful social improvements need to be made, including addressing housing affordability, wealth equality, access to affordable health care, and addressing the decades-long mental health crisis.
I won't ever be supportive of a ban on guns for the same reason the United States refuses to sign on to certain arms treaties (such as the ones against cluster munitions and land mines): I refuse to go along with anything that would limit my ability to defend myself. The government won't guarantee my safety, so why should I give up the most effective tool for preventing myself from being a victim of violence?
I don't care what you wouldn't be supportive of. I care that the only people who seem to want to do anything about this are the ones pushing gun bans. The people who like guns don't seem to give a shit, at least not based on how they vote.
Also, once we harden targets like schools, won't they move on to softer ones like grocery stores, churches, and night clubs?
Flip side of that argument: Once we ban guns, won't they just find other weapons to commit murder with? I'm confident that they will.
Ah, and now we're back the good ol' "But then they'll use knives" argument.
Round and round we go, ever since Columbine