RKBA is a DKos group of second amendment supporters who also have progressive and liberal values. We don't think that being a liberal means one has to be anti-gun. Some of us are extreme in our second amendment views (no licensing, no restrictions on small arms) and some of us are more moderate (licensing, restrictions on small arms.) Moderate or extreme, we hold one common belief: more gun control equals lost elections. We don't want a repeat of 1994. We are an inclusive group: if you see the Second Amendment as safeguarding our right to keep and bear arms individually, then come join us in our conversation. If you are against the right to keep and bear arms, come join our conversation. We look forward to seeing you. RKBA stands for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
Hoplophobia (stolen from Wiki):
Hoplophobia from the Greek hoplon, or weapon, is defined as the "fear of firearms"[1][2][3] and as the "fear of armed citizens".[4]
Firearms instructor and writer Colonel Jeff Cooper claimed to have coined the word in 1962[5] to describe a "mental disturbance characterized by irrational aversion to weapons".[6] Although not a mental health professional, Cooper employed the term as an alternative to slang terms, stating: "We read of 'gun grabbers' and 'anti-gun nuts' but these slang terms do not (explain this behavior)." Cooper attributed this behavior to an irrational fear of firearms and other forms of weaponry. He stated that "the most common manifestation of hoplophobia is the idea that instruments possess a will of their own, apart from that of their user."[7] Writing in an opinion piece, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review columnist Dimitri Vassilaros asserted that the term was intended by Cooper as tongue-in-cheek.[8]
The meaning and usage ascribed by Cooper falls outside of the medical definitions of true specific phobias. For example, specific phobias require that the person be aware and acknowledge that their fear is irrational, and usually causes some kind of functional impairment.[citation needed] True medical phobias of firearms and other weapons can exist, but are unusual.[9]
The term hoplophobe has been used to encourage constituent letter writing and to raise funds by at least one gun rights advocacy group. They have employed the term hoplophobe to characterize their opponents as as outrageous fear-mongerers, and irrationally fearful.[10]
TG has some interesting thoughts on hoplophobia (not a play on homophobia.)
Isn't it interesting, how people who are against the private ownership of firearms are so quick to question the sanity of those who choose to own firearms, but people who are for the private ownership of guns never question the sanity of those who choose not to do so?
Now, in all fairness, we'll point out an apparent case of hoplophobia now and then, but only when referring to a person who, through their various postings and/or diaries, shows that they have an irrational fear of firearms. You know, the actual definition of the word. I have never seen it applied, here at DKos, at any rate, to someone who simply does not like guns -- only to those who take it to an irrational, overwhelming level.
So, to recap, it seems as though it is acceptable, in some circles, to label those who choose to exercise their Right to Keep and Bear Arms, as protected by the Second Amendment, as somehow mentally aberrant, even if there is no actual reason to do so. Seems like the very definition of bigotry, to me -- though your opinion may, of course, differ. I won't even question your mental competence if it does so differ.
Perhaps you've noticed the open carry and Starbucks articles going around? Here's their position.
Mar 03, 2010
Starbucks Position on Open Carry Gun Laws
SEATTLE, March 03, 2010 - We recognize that there is significant and genuine passion surrounding the issue of open carry weapons laws. Advocacy groups from both sides of this issue have chosen to use Starbucks as a way to draw attention to their positions.
While we deeply respect the views of all our customers, Starbucks long-standing approach to this issue remains unchanged. We comply with local laws and statutes in all the communities we serve. In this case, 43 of the 50 U.S. states have open carry weapon laws. Where these laws don’t exist, we comply with laws that prohibit the open carrying of weapons. The political, policy and legal debates around these issues belong in the legislatures and courts, not in our stores.
At the same time, we have a security protocol for any threatening situation that might occur in our stores. Partners are trained to call law enforcement as situations arise. We will continuously review our procedures to ensure the highest safety guidelines are in place and we will continue to work closely with law enforcement.
We have examined this issue through the lens of partner (employee) and customer safety. Were we to adopt a policy different from local laws allowing open carry, we would be forced to require our partners to ask law abiding customers to leave our stores, putting our partners in an unfair and potentially unsafe position.
As the public debate continues, we are asking all interested parties to refrain from putting Starbucks or our partners into the middle of this divisive issue. As a company, we are extremely sensitive to the issue of gun violence in our society. Our Starbucks family knows all too well the dangers that exist when guns are used irresponsibly and illegally. Without minimizing this unfortunate reality, we believe that supporting local laws is the right way for us to ensure a safe environment for both partners and customers.