Of Nuts And Grabbers

[tucsonlib]

I've been heartened and encouraged by the tone of several recent posts here and the comments they've elicited. Most of us, I'm starting to believe (or hope), have very similar views when it comes to firearms and all the related social, constitutional, legal and political issues.


Sure, there are extremists on both sides who make a lot of noise here (and wouldn't this be a duller place without 'em!), but I'm convinced they make up a tiny percentage of the gun owners in this forum as they do in the country at large. But their ability to influence the quality of discourse is often way out of proportion to their numbers. Insults and fear-mongering are the tools they use, and by adopting their tactics we give them a legitimacy they do not deserve. They are the only grabbers. They are the only nuts.


As a gun owner, I'm not sure which epithet I find more insulting and inaccurate - "Nut" or "Grabber". Sorry, Folks, but I AM NEITHER! Does owning several firearms make me a "Nut"? Some on the fringe would insist, "YES!" Like the overwhelming majority here (I'd wager), I would much prefer to be labeled (if labeling is your thing) a
GUN ENTHUSIAST.
And I don't want to "grab" anyone's guns, and I don't want anyone to "grab" mine, either. But I also don't get all bent out of shape when new laws (even stupid and ineffective ones), threatening to limit my purchasing choices, are proposed. Does this make me a "Grabber"? Some on the fringe would also insist, "YES!" I haven't come up with an accurate, catchy label to describe what I see as a reasonable, level-headed stance on the issue. And again, I'd wager my views reflect those of the majority.

So let's reserve the name-calling for those wingers who truly are worthy.


And thus ends my :rant:


:applause: :pals: