Reply #66: bizarre and truly sad

[iverglas]

last time I checked, the decision to carry a gun for self-defense was the ultimate expression of the right to self-determination

And there was me, thinking that when I decided what to study, what work to do, where to live, whom to live with, whether and when and with whom to have kids, what political activities to engage in, all the stuff I have done by conscious choice all my life, I was engaging in some pretty significant exercises of my right to self-determination.

But no. I have not reached the pinnacle yet. I am still non-self-determined.

My decision NOT to tote a weapon around in public is NOT an expression of my right to self-determination.

Not until I decide to do that will I be a fully self-determined person. And since that day will be never, I am doomed to be, I don't know, what's the opposite of self-determined? Me, I guess. Going along my un-self-determined way, presumably having someone else make all my life choices for me, or just being so unconscious that things just happen to me by accident.

Why? Because some nobody on an internet discussion board said so, I guess.

And yes, the poster is right, of course. The exploitation of women's long struggle for self-determination in so many ways, including reproductive freedom, in the service of anyone's agenda, let alone one so inimical to women's interests, is as disgusting every time it rears its head as it was the previous brazillion times. And it doesn't matter who or what the person or organization doing it is, or claims to be.

Carrying a fucking gun around is the ultimate expression of self-determination. Ye goods and little fishies, just when you think you've seen it all ...