How to Live Without a Gun

Owning a gun is as traditionally American as apple pie, the flag and racism. Due to fear mongering, a false sense of machismo and a dangerously overactive NRA, the proliferation of guns in our society has reached ridiculous proportions. We can't seem to break our addiction to them. But like most other disasters and foolish behaviors typical to the American culture, you are called a commie or a sissy if you don't buy into them. Here a few suggestions that may help you reach a state of mind where you feel guns are unnecessary in your life.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Self-assurance
• A peaceful nature
• A sensible mind

1. Hunting is an obsolete and cruel endeavor nowadays. Stop playing Rambo and get your meat at the supermarket like everybody else. If you feel the need to hunt, use a knife. Then it becomes sport.

2. Statistics show that you are anywhere between 40 and 50 times more likely to be injured by a handgun if you keep one in your home.

3. The news is constantly filled with images of crime and victimization. These are inflammatory tactics. Peacefulness and a good night's sleep does not make for interesting news.

4. Violent behavior and a violent nature will severely increase your chances of dying a violent death.

5. Living your life in fear is unhealthy. The false security of having a gun feeds that fear.

6. Guns are ridiculously dangerous. Particularly if children are around them.

7. Gun culture breeds a violent culture.

8. There are plenty of simulated gun experiences available to quench one's thirst for shooting.

[arufa]

on 8/30/2009 I think that Stalp is right about the hunting. It makes no sense to follow the predator/ pray laws of nature. It is much more humane to buy meat at the store. These animals get to live in small cramped stalls or cages where their activity is limited so they get extra fat. And don't forget about all the meds pumped into them and how good it is for the environment!. Then they are lucky enough to be forced into a truck or corral where some nice man hangs them upside down and cuts their neck.

Sounds a lot better than hunting to me!

[writinghigh]

on 8/3/2009 Stalphonso is absolutely right. Having a gun in your home is a disaster waiting to happen. I've lived over 60 years and never felt a need for one. I'm sure I'll live another 60 just as successfully. Thanks for writing this. 5 stars

[mobyclarke]

on 7/30/2009 First, the statistics you site have been refuted many times over. They are flat out wrong. Secondly, gun culture and violence have no relationship what so ever. To claim such is to be intellectually dishonest. Finally, yes, guns are dangerous. So are cars, household cleaners, knives, bats, forks, swimming pools and many other items found in everyday life. Being responsible, safe and teaching everyone in the family about all potentially dangerous items is what intelligent parents do. Something Stalphonso apparently knows little about.