In my post on statistics, NukemJim just invoked the belief that ownership of guns represents freedom. According to Abigail Kohn, that was a common belief among the gun owners she interviewed for Shooters, which I recently read and reviewed on TTAG. Kohn theorized that because, in colonial times and since, only free citizens were allowed to own guns, ownership has been associated with freedom. But that “freedom” was at the discretion of the government, and I sense that the current association of guns and freedom is at least potentially in opposition to government intrusion.
The foot soldier and his rifle used to be the backbone of an army, but today’s military relies on tanks, helicopter gunships, air support, etc. Even if I could afford them, I don’t have room for any of those in my backyard.
Even some police forces have armored vehicles. We saw how quickly people were disarmed by police during Katrina. There have been a few laws passed to prevent that happening again, but laws can be changed, or suspended.
So, in what practical way does owning a gun ensure one’s freedom?
Easy. Because politicians are still scared of us. Without guns, the powers that be won't be scared anymore.
Somehow I doubt that owning a few peashooters is really gonna scare anyone.
If they're not scared, then why keep trying to ban them? It's not a ploy to win elections. Too many politicians lost their day job cause of the issue, yet they keep coming back to gun control. It has to be a fear of an armed populous.
You individually owning a rifle or two isn't scary. You, voters plural, owning weapons is.
Banning guns has more to do with fear of crime than fear of revolt. An armed populace isn't nearly as frightening as an organized populace. That's why national politicians and the media play divide and conquer with the rest of us.
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