@west2east I'm 60. The guns of the house in which I grew up in were in a glass / wooden gun cabinet in my parent's bedroom, a room we were forbidden to enter. My own today are in a safe. Included in both (albeit at different times) is the same small caliber relic pre-serial number semiautomatic that my Dad had a permit to carry to make nightly bank deposits. My 75 year old WVa friend tells me he used to put his squirrel rifle in the coat closet of his middle school.
What may have changed over time is the willingness to use a gun to take the life of another outside of military action (excluding organized crime turf wars).
Fist fights over guns to resolve a conflict is a false choice. When one feels their life is not valued, they are probably more likely to use a gun on another. A gun is a great equalizer. And a person who thinks they've got nothing, may think they've nothing to lose. Pretty sure there are song lyrics to that effect.
I am not too sure what you are trying to say, or even which side you are on? It is not a GUN it is a WEAPON. Watch FULL METAL JACKET. There are hundreds of things that can be used as a weapon. Guns were not used during 9/11!
Where I live, in the not so distant past. Our HS had a Rifle team as did many others. Pictures of students carrying their rifles to school, and shooting in the Range(which was later turned into the Wrestling room by my Father after they canceled Rifle) you can still find. Banners on the gym walls of various schools honor Rifle Team champions.
Just thinking about it makes me shake my head and wonder what in hell went so completely wrong so quickly? A town down the road named after an Indian Tribe whose school name is CHIEFS, is under attack to remove the name for GODs sake!!!
There is lack of respect, lack of decency, lack of morals, values, and common sense. I always like to hear different stories from different parts of the country. Some of the things that you all do, sometimes make me laugh, sometimes make me envy, sometime make me wonder how that is even possible!?!?
Many of the freedoms you have, I do not have were I live here on Long Island NY. To just get a Hand gun for example is a whole process. FORGET about a full carry permit! We use to ride mini bikes,dirt bikes, even trikes and Quads 30 or so years ago. All pretty much gone here.
I do understand the non-political idea here on these pages, but be VERY CAREFUL is my warning. What you are seeing in some places, is what some are trying to spread to you. NYS, by area, is RED as is most of the county. Look where the blue is, look what the laws are in those areas, look at the way of life!!!
Does not matter where you stand, and what you believe. As long as you support our Constitution, laws, and understand liberty and FREEDOM!