complete,and,utter,pacifist,here,but,that,sounds,utterly,
sane,to,me-nothing,threatens,the,ones,i,love.

Personally, I doubt I would ever own a gun, but if I absolutely needed to defend my life or the life of another, then yes I would "shoot". It's the nature of nearly every living thing to defend itself when threatened. Defending the lives of our family, especially our offspring, is also in our nature.

The real challenge isn't determining whether or not you could go to such extremes, but rather what can you do, what steps can you take to prevent being in the kind of situation where you would need to.

I've been in some hairy situations before, but I've always found non violent ways of getting out of them. I've never once thought that having a gun would make things any better, or safer. Common sense has always been my greatest defense, wisdom my greatest weapon.

I personally wouldn't have a gun, I am not stable, and don't think it would be safe for me to have one. Don't know if I would in fear of my life, if I would be able to use one. I tend to freeze up and get hysterical, for me the person threatening me would probably be able to get the gun away from me, and use it on me.
This being said, I believe u have every right to have a gun, and knowing ur background about knowing how to use a gun, I definitely would use it for my safety, and the safety of my son. Just be careful so that ur son can't get to it. Hope u don't have to ever use it, but makes sense for u to own one.

Bree44,

I understand what you are saying about environment. With me it is simply I live surrounded by Detroit, MI and Inkster, MI both in the top 20 most dangerous cities to live in the United States. Multiple shootings are a daily thing here, and that is no exaggeration.

I've been married to a Police Officer, my brother is a Police Officer, my exson in law is a Police officer.

My dad was a life long member of the NRA, and was also the Fire Arms Safety Instructor for our County.

I have used guns recreationally , target practice and for hunting .

I know how to use a gun, and do not feel particularly afraid of them.

At this time in my life, I choose not to own a hand gun or rifle .Or have one in my home

But yes, in the event I needed to defend my family , I would probably be able to use deadly force

I've wanted a handgun myself. I'm a pacifist, don't really believe in violence, but I will kill if I have to. And I can solve the problem before the police get here. I'm out in the boonies.

No Richard I don't but I can not change the fact that the Army did a good job training me. I guess I am just saying I would tend to be more homicidal than suicidal if it came down to it. I have a friend with anger issues and he fantasizes about killing people tooo often. (he needs help).

The statement more was to address how it would effect me if I had to take someones life. Rational thought, well if someone raped my son I don't know if He would make it to trial before I would. I would use all my knowledge and skill to do something that drastic as I do not believe the laws go far enough in that situation.

Your observation is appreciated as I love that which makes me reflect on my inner self.

Also if there is any danger in hurting yourself, just take it to a friend or relative's house. That's my plan. Because I do want one.

When a person does take a Hand Gun Safety class...the very first thing the Instructor will ask

If you think you would be unable to take a life with this gun...don't come back for the next lesson

I applaud you exercising you 2nd amendment rights. The only reason I don't is I have been suicidal before.

I am a tree hugging liberal.

You have a right to own a firearm since it is protected in our 2nd amendment. Guns do have a purpose. Protecting your self and family is an important safety concern for many. Guns are for sport as well. I used to shoot guns quite often with my ex-boyfriend. But the guns were treated with respect and dignity. Never in a flaunting way. They were used for sport, cleaned, and then put away in a safe area. People didn't get them out otherwise. It was a very mature attitude. There was no talk of having to be afraid of the 2nd amendment being infringed upon since we all knew that was our right. It still is our right and it always will be. There should be no fear about that fact. The media got everybody up in emotional mind and there is no reason to be.

If someone came into my house to harm my family I would take them down in a heartbeat...I would use any weapon I had available including baseball bats. So defending yourself in your home is pretty natural even if you are a liberal.

P.S. I would try and and get my family and I to safety first. Then as a last ditch effort I would take the other person out. (had to clarify that last thought)

I am actually not allowed to own a gun. I have had involuntary admissions. However if I had been on the right meds they probably would not of happened. I have 5 years of stability now but still am considered crazy in this matter.

that being said If I did have a gun and there was a situation that it was the safety of innocent people or the criminal and only one could come out alive bet your arse that criminal would be put down like the animal they choose to be. I would never shoot unless it was the only way to stay safe. I for some weird reason have this amazing ability to over ride the anxiety disorder in a crisis and become very calm and able to think very clearly. This gives me confidence I would do the right thing at the right time.

Now the after math that is another issue. if that is where your post was going I think this would crush me like a bug. the fear and guilt and what if would defiantly mean a need for therapy at least 3x a week to deal with.

I used to have a handgun, but came close to blowing my brains out one day so I sold it. I can't trust myself to have one around.

I would protect my family at all costs. Be gun or crowbar. I do understand pacifist ideation against violence. But those that are intent to do harm do not care about your views on gun ownership.