. . . REALLY a reason to own a firearm ? ?
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Since the tragic shooting of 26 people in a school building in Newtown, CT a few weeks before Christmas last year, I have had many discussions involving the 2nd Amendment.
Some discussions were with friends, while others included persons unknown to me.
The most striking thought I have had since engaging more than a few people I consider to be extreme gun-phreaks, is the level of FEAR that is evident among those who are most afraid of losing their "2nd Amendment rights".
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Their main 2nd Amendment arguments, which include being allowed to keep assault weapons, to NOT being required to register their semi-automatic firearms, to skip the background checks at gunshows or in private sales, or their rights to concealed-carry options, is that they NEED these firearms and protections in the event a tyrannical government attempts to confiscate their firearms.
This is evidenced by the ENORMOUS sales of these types of semi-automatic firearms, in the weeks after the tragic Sandy Hook shooting, and the re-election of Pres Obama.
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But in the multitude of conversations I have previously had with many of these same citizens over the last few years, their one central point of view has been that the USA is the BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD, and that EVERYBODY in the ENTIRE WORLD wants to live like Americans, or even move to the USA.
The thing I can't figure out though, is WHY these same "patriots", who are absolutely convinced that the USA is THE role-model for the rest of the world, are also unwavering in their conviction that their government poses a threat to their Constitiutional rights, and therefore MUST BE FEARED.
And feared to the extent that they steadfastly declare they will fight TO THE DEATH, if their guns come under threat of confiscation by this very same "best government in the world."
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I mean really, if a large percentage of a population lives in such abject fear of losing their Constitutional rights under the government, including being locked up in camps, or losing their rights to keep and bear arms, then is it REALLY the best government in the world ? ?
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I have resided in SWEDEN for 25 years, and don't recall ANY conversation suggesting a fear that the government was going to confiscate private firearms, or of a threat of tyranny that would require an armed revolution/overthrowing of the government.
Nor have I ever felt a need to arm myself for protection, or a fear of being assaulted with a firearm or other weapon.
So the question arises, which government is better, the one that nutures feelings of security and trust among the population, or the one in which citizens FEAR government control and CONFISCATION of private property ? ?
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And finally, this brings me to the question; are those citizens who suggest they live in the "best place in the world" in one breath, and then argue that they must maintain private arsenals due to a FEAR their government will take control of their lives and confiscate their firearms, just TOO DAMN STUPID to be trusted with possessing a firearm ? ?