Originally posted by GoOfYFoOt
Originally posted by thomas_
Everyone that holds a weapon wants to feel powerful, in control, unbeatable, etc and is to some degree, violent.
This is the most absurd thing that I have read, today!
I was with you, until you started generalizing about things that you obviously, have no idea about...
It's about being able to combat evil when it is brought to your door! You don't run into a burning building with a handful of dirt...You wouldn't charge into battle, armed with naught but a sharp tongue...And you can't defend your home and loved ones with the cop that's only 15 minutes away...
Contrary to the the current global political climate, some wars in history were simply one army trying to defend itself and it's country from the tyranny of another. Were those who were successful in repelling such advances, simply wanting "to feel powerful, in control, unbeatable, etc and is to some degree, violent?"edit on 8/21/2012 by GoOfYFoOt because: added text
In broad terms and common sense appart, good and evil are a matter of perspective. Each war, conflict, dispute has two sides and since these often happen when both sides can't agree or allow something from the other, each one of the these sides will always see them selves as being "good" and the other one as being "bad".
But just to clarify, I wasn't generalizing in the sense you obviously understood and I do understand your point. I also understand that porting firearms is a constitutional right in America and has further political and cultural implications. Touchy subject for most for a good reason. Also even though I'm all for a world free of firearms and weapons in general I know it's an utopia, so I'm not supporting any causes here.
All I was saying is that the idea of having a firearm in it self already contains violence in some shape or form. One might buy a gun to feel the power of having another one destiny in it's fingers, planing to use it, while other might buy the same gun to have the capacity, power to defend him self or his loved ones. Or simply to defend his interests without the intention of using it. Either way this is the result of violence.
A bit of chicken, egg dilema if you ask me. But one thing for me is certain. Nobody willing or not to use a firearm, buys one denying the idea that eventually they might have to use it and shoot to kill.
Regarding the "sharp tongue" into battle I have to disagree, tough. Politicians, dictators and terrorist leaders do that all the time and they don't even have to personally "charge into battle". All they need to do is use their "sharp tongue" to incite patriotism or certain notions of rights and wrongs to have other people getting their hands dirty for them or their cause.
Anyways... glad we've agreed on the main part though, because the rest is all too philosophical
