[lit-ideas] Re: Mark Steyn on Gun Control
- From: "Mike Geary" <atlas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2007 23:25:36 -0500
This is futile, but much too fun to quit just yet.
Lawrence argues that if current gun laws were adhered to (i.e., if only the
"bad guys" would obey the law) such events as Virginia Tech and the 34 other U.
S. school shootings in the last 11 years wouldn't have happened. He asserts
further that if laws haven't been adhered to so far, then they never will be.
And I agree with him -- unless, of course, the laws are seriously and
strenuously enforced. Will they ever be? I doubt it. Money and male
insecurity is stacked against it. Most U. S. cities outlaw fireworks, but not
firearms. Go figure.
Lawrence repeats, in so many words, the old gun lovers' saw that if guns are
outlawed then only the outlaws will have guns. So what? Outlaws will always
have the drop on you. Your gunslinger-to-the-rescue fantasies are actuarially
all but nonexistent. I suggest you forgo that vision of yourself for one more
immersed in cooperative enterprises with your fellowman.
Lawrence asks: "What sort of society wants to render itself defenseless." I
don't know. I've never met one.
Lawrence asks: "but does anyone in the U.S. really want to emulate Europe and
Canada?" Yes, Lawrence. A great many of us do will all our hearts and souls.
In a final, futile gesture, let me close by telling Lawrence that I grew up and
have spent 90% of my life in a gun loving environment. Gun loving doesn't come
as a surprise to me or cause any urgent consternation. My closest male friend
whom I've known for 42 years is a gun nut. On occasion, I've gone out into the
country with him to shoot beer bottles with his 44. It's a very loud pistol
with a lot of kick. I've never found it fun, but I've always found his
fascination with guns very funny. He owns several pistols -- no automatic ones
so far as I know, but he knows my position and probably wouldn't share them
with me. He's a very bright boy, brighter than me for sure and better looking
and a much better writer than I am. On top of all that he's very wealthy --
well, his wife is.. But I feel sorry for him. His need to have guns around
him is very sad from my perspective. I don't want to psychologize where I have
absolutely no expertise, but I will anyway, guns it seems to me reassure him of
something that he's very unsure of in himself. I, of course, have my own
psyche-pacifiers, so I dast not pass judgment, I just wish he could free
himself from the need to see things burst into pieces at the crook of his
finger.
Go in Peace,
Mike Geary
Memphis
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