I'm writing an article

[Guest jwp]

I have been asked to write an article detailing my thoughts regarding the recent Heller decision for a local/regional magazine. I have about 99% of it in the can but I want to make sure that I'm not overlooking anything.

A portion of the article deals with the fact that gun owners are not drooling cretins but are in fact very responsible people who hold good jobs and are upstanding members of their communities.

Also I'm trying to debunk some of the more common myths associated with gun ownership.

What are some of the greater misconceptions about guns and gun owners that need to be addressed?

[molonlabetn]

#1 in my mind is that many seem to assume that just because someone takes an active interest in buying, shooting, and/or carrying a gun, they are just looking for an excuse to use it on another person. That is just as false as it would be to say that someone who practices martial arts is itching to get in a fight.

#2 is that people see firearms ownership as something other than a social norm. This is a very recent misconception, earlier in the history of this country families had to depend on themselves to protect each other and procure food... both with the aid of tools in their own hands, including firearms. Squeamish weenies just didn't survive (too bad some of their genes did). Even though the nature of survival in society has changed, there is still oftentimes the essential need of protection by ones' own resources, even if for only the 10 minutes until professional help arrives.

[Guest db99wj]

That firearm ownership, either for sport, for protection or both, is not a taboo, there are many many people out there that you see everyday, that you would never know and possibly be shocked if you found out, even the guy with a shirt and tie on.

Oh, and the gun owner, the husband, the father of 4 would like to go to Chili's or Applebee's or any other restaurant that services alcohol (which is every restaurant in Memphis that isn't a fast food place like Mcdonald's, Taco Bell, etc.) with my family and still be able to protect them and not leave a firearm in the car. The odds of me having to use a handgun in a restaurant is highly unlikely, my gun getting stolen out of my car is a lot more likely, especially in Memphis. Tell them this is not "bar carry" as the media likes to portray, we are not wanting to be able to slam back a bunch of cocktails while we are carrying a firearm, that doesn't mix. I hate the term "bar carry". This is the ability to carry at a restaurant that happens to serve.

Park Carry. Crime happens in parks. Why should we have to disarm because it is a park, a park is no different than Walmart, the grocery store, etc. http://www.wmctv.com/global/story.asp?s=8588385 <-- A runner on the Greenline Trail, an urban park trail (running trail that runs along the old abandoned CSX rail line from midtown Memphis out to near Collierville) was assaulted almost raped in the.......get this......the middle of the day.

Anyway, the Heller decision says we have the Right, so how about stop restricting law abiding citizens from protecting themselves and following the right given to us by the 2nd amendment.

[poak]

I dont know how well it fits into your article, but I wouldnt mind seeing someone bring the several liberal pro2A groups into the light. When talking to anti-gunners from the left, they are always shocked to learn of the several liberal homosexual and feminist groups that support firearm ownership for self-defense.

I cant really line myself up w/ their politics, but it's cool to see the look on a liberal's face when they realize there are gun-nuts on their side of the boat too.

[strickj]

I dont know how well it fits into your article, but I wouldnt mind seeing someone bring the several liberal pro2A groups into the light. When talking to anti-gunners from the left, they are always shocked to learn of the several liberal homosexual and feminist groups that support firearm ownership for self-defense.

I cant really line myself up w/ their politics, but it's cool to see the look on a liberal's face when they realize there are gun-nuts on their side of the boat too.

http://sayanythingblog.com/entry/heres_a_twist_nra_sues_san_francisco_on_behalf_of_a_gay_man_who_wants_to_ke/

[Guest Ranger Rick]

I have been asked to write an article detailing my thoughts regarding the recent Heller decision for a local/regional magazine. I have about 99% of it in the can but I want to make sure that I'm not overlooking anything.

A portion of the article deals with the fact that gun owners are not drooling cretins but are in fact very responsible people who hold good jobs and are upstanding members of their communities.

Also I'm trying to debunk some of the more common myths associated with gun ownership.

What are some of the greater misconceptions about guns and gun owners that need to be addressed?

Guns are a tool... used to protect the things you love from those who would take them from you.

Guns are not evil... but there are people who are.

Gun laws don't work... cause evil people do not obey the laws.

Gun owners realize that the police can not protect them. It's impossible.

"When seconds count... the police are only minutes away." right?

You'ld think that after all the school shootings that have occured... that educators/administrators would want adult staff and faculty to have the option to be armed. I work in a University setting. Sure can't protect myself or be of help the way things are now.

BTW...THANKS for your efforts!

[Guest jwp]

Excellent feedback so far. Anyone have anything else before I close the article out?

[Guest dotsun]

Don't forget about possible zombie outbreaks.

[Guest jwp]

Don't forget about possible zombie outbreaks.

That was addressed in the first paragraph. Before ninjas but after aliens.

[Guest ProguninTN]

molonlabetn got the big one. (Many people believing that owning/carrying guns is abnormal. )

I believe you could address the principle of being prepared. For me, carrying a gun is the same as having a spare tire or a fire extinguisher. Many anti-gunners do not equate the two. (Having a spare tire is a good idea, carrying a gun is paranoia.) This is likely because of a stigma with guns that molonlabetn references.

[Guest jwp]

Article is written and is off to the publisher for his approval.

Thanks for all the input. I'll keep you updated as to when it will be published.

[Volzfan]

I'm sure looking forward to reading it!