It's a harsh reality that a lot of people don't want to accept, but America had very good reason to create the 2nd Amendment, and because they're so prevalent now, like tobacco products, they're here to stay. Try to ban them, and like prohibition, it'll be a disaster.
As a teacher, I was struck when I read, years ago, that adolescent suicides were four times more likely to be successful if there was a gun involved. That makes sense, but it's a hard pill to swallow. Likewise, people who commit suicide with a firearm are far less likely to seek emotional help than those who use other means. That may not have a damn thing to do with my right to keep a firearm in my home, but it sure gives me pause when I think about the people in my home, who are less likely to get help and more likely to succeed in an attempted suicide.
The answer, as always, is education. Great article!
I love this, Matt, thank you so much for this thoughtful response and for sharing your perspective here. I agree that it does really all come down to education... I wish we could get better at helping kids learn things, rather than shoving XY or Z narratives down their throats. Assessing our own personal risks—such as, others in your home who might suffer from depression or mental illnesses—and making informed decisions from there is an important first step for sure :)
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Mario—thanks for reading, and thanks for the comment. Glad to know there are other level-headed, reasonable people out there—even though we don't agree on everything :)
It's a harsh reality that a lot of people don't want to accept, but America had very good reason to create the 2nd Amendment, and because they're so prevalent now, like tobacco products, they're here to stay. Try to ban them, and like prohibition, it'll be a disaster.
As a teacher, I was struck when I read, years ago, that adolescent suicides were four times more likely to be successful if there was a gun involved. That makes sense, but it's a hard pill to swallow. Likewise, people who commit suicide with a firearm are far less likely to seek emotional help than those who use other means. That may not have a damn thing to do with my right to keep a firearm in my home, but it sure gives me pause when I think about the people in my home, who are less likely to get help and more likely to succeed in an attempted suicide.
The answer, as always, is education. Great article!
I love this, Matt, thank you so much for this thoughtful response and for sharing your perspective here. I agree that it does really all come down to education... I wish we could get better at helping kids learn things, rather than shoving XY or Z narratives down their throats. Assessing our own personal risks—such as, others in your home who might suffer from depression or mental illnesses—and making informed decisions from there is an important first step for sure :)
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Mario—thanks for reading, and thanks for the comment. Glad to know there are other level-headed, reasonable people out there—even though we don't agree on everything :)