A Personal Reflection on Guns and Safety

A Childhood MemoryI remember the time when my little brother discovered a small gun, a Ruger, in our parents' sock drawer in our small Montana town. He picked it up and showed it to me, and when Dad found out, he was very upset—it was loaded. This incident highlighted the ever-present danger of firearms in the home and the importance of gun safety.Lessons from the NRAI took an NRA hunting class where I learned to always treat a gun as if it were loaded and to respect others' lands. The focus was solely on safety, not on the right to own guns. The teachings were practical and straightforward, emphasizing responsible handling and awareness over any form of patriotism or political agenda.The Shift in the NRASomething troubling has happened to the NRA. Once an organization focused on safety, it has become entangled in money and politics. An overzealous leadership has transformed it into a group pushing radical, nationalistic propaganda to further its agenda. This shift has significantly impacted its original mission of promoting safe and responsible gun use.A Tragic Incident in the ArmyI recall when I was in the army, a tragic incident where a ranger was killed by his little boy who was playing with a gun. This happened on a military installation, and my immediate thought was, "Why were there weapons in a home?" This event further reinforced my belief in the dangers of keeping firearms where children can access them.Personal Stance on Gun OwnershipI don’t keep a gun in my home. The notion of having a robot to hold someone until the cops arrive seems far more appealing to me—kind of like a humorous twist on home security. In the military, I often saw people waving M16s around, reveling in their right to bear arms. It always unnerved me. When I see civilians with military-grade weapons, I leave. To me, if people feel the need to own a gun, it indicates deeper issues—unusual fears and a potential for unhinged behavior. Owning a gun doesn’t feel like safety; it feels like inviting danger, particularly from those with possible mental health issues.Alternatives to Lethal DefenseWe need to move beyond the mindset of being ready to shoot to kill. There are more effective ways to ensure safety that don’t rely on the threat of lethal force. By focusing on non-lethal defense methods, we can create a safer environment for everyone.