Gun Control & RKBA
In reply to the discussion: We need a Pro-RKBA group on DU [View all]ProgressiveProfessor
(22,144 posts)Firearms for personal defense, hunting and sport transcend the standard political labels and parties. Those you accuse of pretending may well be at least as progressive as you are when measured across the board. You see limited vignettes here.
I'm out here on the left coast teaching firearms on the weekend to mostly LBTQs and women. Few if any repukes in my classes. That horrifies some, but I do it because today in our environment it is the most effective means of self defense. I wish it was not necessary, but clearly it is.
The Pink Pistols (http://www.pinkpistols.org) got it right with their motto "Armed gays don't get bashed". There was a post earlier today about how TG sisters were being killed in Philly and how violence against LBTQs is up (http://www.democraticunderground.com/113719213). The threat and violence are real. I invest my time to help those who are the most targeted by it. Its quite a bit more effective than whining about rude toters, arguing about DGU stats, or writing screeds with passion but no accuracy.
A story from one of my classes...
Before they come to the class students are told to wear closed in stout shoes or boots, sneakers at minimum, and sandals are unacceptable. This is a basic safety precaution and my range is in open desert. During an after lunch session I noticed one of the students on the line wearing stiletto heels which they had not been wearing earlier. When I asked about their choice in footwear their response was "I don't get harassed when I am in sneakers." It was both hilarious and thought provoking.
Some of us defending personal firearms, and yes even concealed carry, are as progressive as most posters here. We bring different views and experiences to site than others have. They do not come from the GOP or the NRA and claims that we are just spewing talking points is both insulting and not true. When we deny that, we are called liars or worse. Rules for this group are different than other groups and such nonsense is tolerated. Still we persevere...