The NRA continually beats the drum about the usefulness of firearms in the home for protection. However, how safe are you if you have handguns in your home? In one recent case, sadly, the very gun that was supposedly protecting the homeowner ended up being used against him. With fatal results.
This was a couple who cared for others, yet felt the need to be armed. But this particular incident did not end in accordance with the NRA's "fairy tale" narrative. It was the good guy who became a victim. What makes me angry is that those who support unfettered gun rights so callously skip by incidents in which guns in the home have been used to kill the gun owner, or a member of the gun owner's family.
The research clearly shows an increased level of risk in homes with guns. Research has also shown that increased levels of ownership result in increased gun violence. And finally, there is an overabundance of research and analysis that links domestic violence and gun violence in the home.
Full disclosure: I have close family members who own guns, keep them in a safe, separate from the ammunition, and use them for recreation. They are well-trained in use and care of their firearms. Wouldn't it be great if the NRA focused itself on safe training and ownership, as it emphasized back when it truly supported recreational and hunting firearms use, rather than constantly endorsing the militarization of the populace?