How did you form your current opinions? People like being right more than they like being wrong. Is it good to win a debate even though you are wrong? It may be good for you sometimes. You may think you can not afford to lose face in a certain situation. But if you convince people to vote for a politician because you "know" he will do a good job you could be in trouble. Especially if you helped elect a totalitarian. You managed to convince people, but did it do any good?
It's actually good to find out when you're wrong. Then you can stop being wrong. This text is about firearm-related problems. I'm interested in minimizing these. Therefore I have thought about the problems and what can be done to reduce them. I have come to the conclusion that firearms for self-defense purposes should be allowed. I have come to this view by asking myself certain questions.
I will not change my opinion without answers to the questions I have and you should not change your opinion without answering your questions. Not even statistics related to weapons and crime can change my mind. Statistics are usually used by both sides of the debate because it can be skewed to fit both sides. I will ask a few questions. I will develop my thoughts on these questions to the best of my ability so that it is clear how I think. If I'm wrong, please explain how.
Generally, people prefer not being shot over being shot. You can agree on that whether you are for or against the right to bear arms. There are problems with firearms, namely that people can be shot and threatened by people with firearms. Accidents can occur. Some also consider that firearms are problematic because they can be used for suicide. I do not think that this is a problem that has to do with firearms. Even if you eliminate firearms as an alternative to suicide, there are still lots of other methods.
Questions for people thinking about whether banning firearms is good or bad.
- Why do some people want to ban grown-up mentally sane people from having guns for self-defense?
- If adult people who are mentally sane aren't allowed to take responsibility for themselves, then who will be responsible for them? Who does not fit into the above group?
- What are the reasons for the prohibition of firearms?
- How will you maintain the firearm ban and try to solve the problems that can be caused by firearms without creating unwanted problems?
- What are the risks of introducing a firearm ban?
- What is the root of the problems, what are the symptoms and how should the problems be addressed?
- Can you achieve a situation wherein no one gets shot? If yes, what price do you have to pay?
- Do gun ban advocates propose a violent or non-violent solution?
I intend to develop my thoughts on these questions in future posts. Do you think I should add or change any question?