AuntieM Loc: Eastern NC

Replying to DennisK:


First of all I would like to say to hobbycam; Robbie7; and Up-2-IT - thank you gentlemen for your support and kind words. To MtnMan, thank you so much for the statistical graphs that you posted. They were very easy to decipher and had great information. Thank you also for your recommendation about a firearm to take with me on my trip. I had thought about a shotgun early on, but my husband nixed that idea and told me that I did not need one, and was going to take a Glock .380 with me.....but after learning that Glocks don't have safetys, and seeing the trouble in the video getting it out of a holster, (or in withough shooting yourself) I think I am perfectly capable of making my own decision about what I will be comfortable taking with me. I will be visiting a lot of National Parks and Monuments on my trip, and I really don't think that they would appreciate seeing me traveling around with a shotgun slung over my shoulder....although it would be a better weapon against a moose or bear. If anyone has a suggestion for a good, all purpose, handgun that is easy to use, safe to operate, and has reasonble stopping power....let me know.

Now, DennisK, to answer your question...what I proposed for education in the schools, if you will refer back to my post, was to teach the children if they find an unsecured gun, to leave it alone, and go find an adult. I believe that is exactly what Eddie Eagle does. Someone suggested teaching children the safe handling of guns as a school program. THAT I am against. The people who are raised by hunting, or gun owning parents, are exposed to those guns on a regular basis, and conversations about the handling of guns, being actually taught how to handle guns, given practice handling the guns, and loading/firing/cleaning of guns is an ongoing learning experience....under the direct supervision of that parent/family member for years upon years. Gun safety in schools, in my opinion, should be short, sweet, and have the message to keep your hands off the firearm...especially with very young children. I think having a required "hands-on" educational program on gun safety in the schools would cause a great outcry from those parents that are anti-gun with regard to forcing their children to learn about something that they are violently opposed to. Maybe a better way to educate the children would be to have a series of special field trips on weekends that would be optional, where they would be taken to a gun range, and be able to see the guns in action, hear the noise, and have a demonstration of just exactly what a bullet can do, by shooting at a water balloon, or something that would disintegrate when hit.

Very young children do not have any conception of cause and effect unless they actually see, taste, or smell something. I believe that they see the gun as a toy and don't fully appreciate what the bullet is, and what it can do. Of course, field trips are no substitution for years and years of learning at the side of a responsible adult, but it might be a start.

With older children, say Middle and High School students, I believe that there are other things to consider. These young people are at the age where they believe that they know everything, don't take direction and discipline well, and are smarter than most any adult. A lot of these children would possibly think that they are "good to go" in handling a deadly weapon after a short course. And then there are those, unfortunately, who have emotional problems that will be empowered by the knowledge that they are gaining, and may use that knowledge....

I have no opposition to educating children and young adults about firearm safety, but before we open that pandora's box, let's think it out carefully, consider the ramifications and possible negative outcomes of that education, and then be sure we want to go down that path. If the answer is yes, then let's put together a comprehensive educational curriculum that is ongoing, age-appropriate, and comprehensive in its scope. I would also suggest that education on how NOT to use a firearm should also be taught. I believe coping skills for children in learning to deal with bullys, abuse, and the other things that this society throws at them is just as important. Let's teach our children tricks to survive and become adults that do not have emotional scars from growing up. Long gone are the days of the Lone Ranger, Father Knows Best, and other "kiddie" shows that taught good moral lessons. Let's also institute a mandatory educational program for parents to learn how to deal with their problem children, or the children of other families that are causing problems to their children. Give them resources that they can go to, put a program in place that has professionals of every discipline that will help them. Education them in juvenile law, and what resources are available to them through the court system.

Education is a great idea, but it's not a simple solution, and won't be easy. It will take a great deal of participation, and commitment by educators, students, parents, and outside professionals. Additionally, it's great to talk about education, but the time is now to begin working toward implementing it. I am concerned that if we don't, the "knee-jerk" reactionaries will make it a moot point.

UP-2-IT Loc: RED STICK, LA

Thank you Annie,
It is a pleasure to read a well thought out post, a lot of excellent points made in this article. Again, Thank You.

UP-2-IT Loc: RED STICK, LA

point made! I guess if olks had been cutting off one of my feet to supposedly bring them good luck I would have the tendacy to get P.O. pretty quick.!

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

Wasn't lucky for the rabbit. I remember having one as a kid. Thanks for the memory. :thumbup: :lol:

DennisK Loc: Pickle City,Illinois

Well just let me tell you something Ma. AuntieM.....I can't seem to find anything in your post to disagree with. Dang it!

:)
However, from MY experience, it seems people don't even want the Eddie Eagle program in schools. Sort of the hide head in sand attitude.

hobbycam Loc: Now in "Hollister, Ca."

Thank you AuntieM :-)
I would suggest (My opinion only ) A Baretta .380 with hollow tips for ease of carry and it has a safety on it. It is double action and the safety can be taken off fast enough.
My wife finally wanted a carry gun and i steered her to this gun, showed her what it can do to a water melon at 21feet, and 30 feet. She was impressed but told me she wanted a lighter gun to carry.
My wife chose the .38 body guard revolver. It is extremly light and has no safety on it because it is a revolver.
both guns are very good at close range, say 7 to 30 feet.
Both loaded with hollow points.

I hope this helps.
May God Bless.