I spend a lot of time surfing the net on behalf of TTAG readers. I’m always careful to read the comments underneath gun-related articles. In the main, it gets real ugly real fast. Often times comments are deleted by the moderator, or the discussion is closed to comments completely—and for good reason. Gun control is no less of a left – right “touch stone” issue than abortion. I’m not saying that the level of discourse makes a second grade playground seem like the Oxford Debating Society. It’s a lot lower than that. But every now and then, I encounter a stunning example of careful, considered, reasonable and well-reasoned commentary on gun rights from John. Q. Public. Here’s one I scraped from msnbc.com; the original comment from “Patriot” that inspired it was deleted.
If I may a few questions please. I am requesting out of respect so please do not take offense.
As I have been concerned with the manner (and constant reference) you make to guns, the promotion of carrying concealed weapons, and a suggestion that more people should “pack” in public in defense of the innocent I had some questions. And the reason I ask these questions is because I have several close friends, and know of many others, who although are strong proponents of a person’s right to bear arms do not do so themselves for reasons I will mention later. But my first question Patriot is, have you ever served in actual combat in the military? My second question is, have you ever shot and killed anyone?
My experience with guns has been limited to pheasant hunting when I was a kid followed by three tours in Nam as a sniper and several years in other places I won’t mention as a sniper in service of my country. Many of my close friends, and many of our/their acquaintances experienced a similar background. We have remained a tightly knit group throughout the years. All, myself including, have seen combat in the military and all, including myself, have shot and killed people. I’m not speaking of combat fire fights where the air is so thick with hardware that no one really knows who killed who, but actually viewing the explosion of another human being’s head or chest in the cross hairs. And if upon discovering that we may have been off by the smallest of fractions leaving the target still alive, slowly and deliberately placing and viewing another round enter the target ensuring instant death.Interestingly, of these close friends, those still alive, and the many acquaintances who performed similar duties, none carrying concealed weapons. Many do not even own a gun, and most if not all if threatened (even by another with a gun) would do all it takes to protect themselves by means other than by carrying a similar weapon in the event such an incident might occur.
My point is this Patriot. My friends and myself are firm believers in a person’s right to bear arms and a person’s right to protect themselves and loved ones. We would be the first to take action, whatever action was necessary, to protect innocent people. But after having served in combat after having participated in and witnessed up close and personal the results of taking another’s life (even if they were enemies), gives one pause at times when hearing or reading strong comments from others who promote gun toting that can and will result in the death of another human being. I just wonder sometimes if those who have not participated in the taking of life as my friends and I experienced would be so willing to verbalize their support of arming everyone in order to protect innocents. I don’t know. But I do know this. Not a day goes by that myself and my associates do not ask for God’s forgiveness for the lives we ended even though at the time such persons were attempting to take our lives.
Interesting post, What are you thoughts on the points he brings up?
While I am proud that he has served and grateful for his service I hope and pray he never encounters a criminal with a gun threatening him or his loved ones… he will do everything in his power to fight back short of using a gun ? his fight back must be total compliance with the criminal and then hope he and his family aren't killed so there are no witnesses. His response seems to be typical liberal arguments. He seems very quick to assume that a criminal who has no problem mugging you or breaking into your house will not cross the line and kill. However slim that is a chance maybe I would never risk myself or my family.
BTW my Uncle served many tours in Vietnam (in combat) and he currently has many different firearms
Thanks ! Awesome site !!!
Sabre
For truth:
the second is one sentence with commas’ no fullstop to justify the rights to bear arms other than being subjected to ‘a well regulated militia’.
In context, the sub clause is more relevant for slaves to have the right to bear arms with the militia. By definition slaves had no personal rights’ not even recognized as a ‘whole’ person-not even a human being.
The real estate for condos and townhomes are run down and asking to much overpriced severly for these places. The banks and mortgage companies are giving really high loan amounts for these places that are really trashy. The Appraisals that are done is confirming the value of these run down condos and townhomes . You need to send a news investigator out and see for your self. These properties that the Bank, Mortgage companies Appraiser and realestate are going to cause a lot of foreclosures because of what these properties run down properties that they are selling that are overpriced. Like in 2008 with loans being given to people who could not afford those payments and the Banks pushed it through, but these properties are run down and need to be repaired. I see this as a real problem here in Utah. Examples of properties: 5259 South Rome Beauty Park W Murray, Utah 2 beds, 2 baths 1100 sqft., $175,000, 4196 S. Oak Meadows #10 Taylorsville, Utah 3 beds, 2 baths $175,000, 333 E.4500 S. Murray, Utah #16, 2 beds and 1 bath, 850 sqft. 1360 W. 6690 S Murray, Utah #E-202, $189,900, 1320 W. 6690 S #C202, 2 beds, 1 bath. 850 sqft $189,900. Pease have an investigator go under cover asking to buy a condo or townhome. I was approved for $200,000 and maybe that is what your investigator should do. I can not believe these places have been appraised for these amounts. Nearly everyone run down that are passing appraisals for these amounts. I am telling you because I think people are going to be foreclosed on with these high prices for trashy and run down condos and townhomes.
GOONS, LOONS, AND BUFFOONS, Isn’t it incredible how all of these phony accusations about and toward BRET KAVANAUGH comes up just before the vote, and you like the rest of LOONY left news media have swallowed it hook, line, and sinker? You have the man already guilty from news comments that I have listened to. Yet, you don’t have much to say about keith Ellison. WHY? Where is the condemnation toward him? You are real sympathetic toward these KAVANAUGH accusers but not much toward someone on the right. Just like bill Clinton; AMAZING!
Why do you start with insults in ‘caps’ and expect a decent response like the rare one I am offering you?
This is because SCOTUS should be the custodian of high Ethics and Morals, is not should not be partisan.
The sooner the country gets back to ‘justice is blind’ to partisanship the better to advance American Culture .
The reporter that reported the death of Kobe Byrant and said the word nigger , I’m sure that’s not her first time using that word. I’m sure if the tables were turn black people would have nothing but love and respect for all nationlity. I believe that she serves noting but hate in her heart. I hope that she’s not allowed to purposely to repeat that awful word again.
It’s interesting to note that none of these close friends, those who are still alive, and the other acquaintances who carried out identical tasks carried a hidden weapon.
Amidst the noise, encountering Patriot’s thoughtful comment is like finding a rare gem. In a discourse often marred by polarization, his rationality echoes the essence of the SASSA Program SASSA Status — seeking solutions through dialogue rather than division. Let’s emulate this approach for progress.
Ensuring that you stay informed about your SASSA status is essential for accessing the support you need in a timely manner. By utilizing these methods for checking your status, you can navigate the process more efficiently and effectively, ensuring that you receive the assistance you’re entitled to from SASSA.
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