I often wish that the gun-owning community spent more time discussing this subject than they do defending the Second Amendment.

I have often tried in the past to turn gun discussions into this channel, and always began by stipulating that I accept the Second Amendment and beleive in their right to keep and bear arms. But once that point is settled, then this subject - when does one have a moral right and a rational motive to use their gun - becomes the imperative issue.

I find that when I try to steer this turn in the argument, sadly, it leaves most gun owners vehemently trying to get the argument back to the right to own guns. They feel secure in that argument. They prefer it. It is familiar and they know all the answer by rote. They do not seem nearly as comfortable discussing the responsibility side of the issue. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Since I already accept the right to own guns, this leaves them berating me for a position I don't even hold, to avoid an issue I think is of vital, life-and-death importance. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

So thank you for posting this.