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May 10, 2007
Guns and Cyber Ashes
Many words were spilled this week over a newspaper's decision to publish a searchable database of licensed handgun owners in the state, and the same newspaper's sprightly one-eighty on the issue.
In the tender glow of hindsight, it's easy to spot the benefit — that a healthy conversation sprang up — from such an otherwise completely befuddling move. I doubt that was the editorial intent, but we'll take it, even though we have to sift through some pretty tired arguments to find the gems.
My own position on guns has ranged from abhorrence to mild distaste to grim acceptance. Even given what could be described as a linear evolution toward tolerance, I don't expect to make it all the way to packing heat myself. Never say never, and all that.
There are plenty of people whom I trust with guns. As with anything else, there are conscientious professionals and expert amateurs whose skills and restraint are admirable, and I have no reason to emotionally oppose their having firearms. But there are also a lot of idiots; and idiots with guns, lawful or otherwise, are stupid scary. Someday I'll share a few first-person anecdotes to that effect.
As for the Second Amendment, I do recognize the necessity of enumerating, in cold metal clarity, the right of a free people to take all measures into consideration in defense of their liberty. Usually, I think, there are means available to achieve that end without having to resort to shooting. Striving to utilize those avenues first is not wimpy, in my view. Last-ditch efforts really have to do with being in the ditch; else they seem just a tad nefarious.
I admit that I got curious when I first read of the Tennessean's ill-fated database. I didn't get the chance to feed my peckish intrigue before it was taken down. That is probably for the best.
Lastly, you tell me: am I a Nongunner or an Ungunner?
