Gun Permit

[durangodawood]

.....As I said, guns are tools here. They all serve a purpose.....

Guns are tools everywhere.
The kind we're discussing is a tool for killing people, everywhere.

The purpose of owning such a tool might be'
to deter other people from killing you
or to kill other people yourself.

I think it might be a bad idea for a person with an acknowledged anxiety problem to be owning this kind of tool, given the consequences of its potential misuse.

 

[Sketcher]

I am getting to the point of this thread. My question is, is it ethical or wise for somebody like me with an anxiety problem to get a gun permit? My friends and family think it would be wrong, especially with an anxiety problem.

I'm going to side with your family and friends, and say you probably shouldn't get a gun. Guns are a serious responsibility, and if you don't have a mind that can soberly discern threats from non-threats, then please do not get one.

 

[durangodawood]

..... if you don't have a mind that can soberly discern threats from non-threats, then please do not get one.

But guns are a tool.
So ones mental state is somehow a non issue.

 

[JerushaC]

You should not get a gun for that reason. Also, there is a very small chance of being targeted by a serial killer. I have watched a few of those documentaries so I know the feeling of fear and suspicion you get after. Kinda like after an empowering movie you feel empowered. Be careful what you take in and don't let it me you anxious. It's not really good for the mind to meditate on such negative things.

 

[Sketcher]

But guns are a tool.
So ones mental state is somehow a non issue.

Guns ARE a tool. I'm not sure if I'd trust OP with a blowtorch either, no disrespect meant to him.

 

[Armoured]

I guess I don't know what you're aiming for... As I said, guns are tools here. They all serve a purpose.

As to defense, I can see how one might be anxious, being bereft of defense - Folks here aren't raised up like that. Getting lost in the timber, a bad winter, a bear or moose, a bad fall in the rocks - Preventing all of it takes a form of defense - Fighting's just another form. Usually, when you get in a fix, help is too far away, so it is best to do for yourself.

Getting lost in "timber" is hardly the sort of thing the OP is talking about, is it?

 

[roamer_1]

Guns are tools everywhere.
I think it might be a bad idea for a person with an acknowledged anxiety problem to be owning this kind of tool, given the consequences of its potential misuse.

Do you think folks out here don't have angst from time to time? And everyone out here with a house full of guns. Do you see everyone out here shooting each other to ribbons?

Hardly happens at all.

The point being that the angst is derived from vulnerability. Becoming less vulnerable resolves the angst.

Always face the fear.

 

[Tinker Grey]

An anxiety problem is not the same as "angst from time to time."

 

[roamer_1]

Getting lost in "timber" is hardly the sort of thing the OP is talking about, is it?

Yes, it is quite the same thing. It seems to be an irrational fear of firearms that is in the way.

Let me move the scope without changing the focus:

Many people are worried for what is coming upon us, and are preparing. Prepping for Armageddon is pretty irrational at this point, but the prepping in and of itself is not, for any number of very valid reasons. The irrational fear of 'the end' does not negate the sensible action of preparing for bad times.

The very same approach is valid wrt defense. And the training (which I emphasized), be it with tools of any kind, or by hand, does the very same thing as the 'prepping' does for the 'end of the world' folks. The ability to defend assuages the fear, even if it is an irrational one. And the confidence instilled by knowing one can defend oneself is invaluable in the mean time, alleviating the fear.

 

[roamer_1]

An anxiety problem is not the same as "angst from time to time."

The remedy is the same - face the fear.

 

[Armoured]

Yes, it is quite the same thing. It seems to be an irrational fear of firearms that is in the way.

Let me move the scope without changing the focus:

Many people are worried for what is coming upon us, and are preparing. Prepping for Armageddon is pretty irrational at this point, but the prepping in and of itself is not, for any number of very valid reasons. The irrational fear of 'the end' does not negate the sensible action of preparing for bad times.

The very same approach is valid wrt defense. And the training (which I emphasized), be it with tools of any kind, or by hand, does the very same thing as the 'prepping' does for the 'end of the world' folks. The ability to defend assuages the fear, even if it is an irrational one. And the confidence instilled by knowing one can defend oneself is invaluable in the mean time, alleviating the fear.

The OP is talking about fear of serial killers, not playing survivalist woodsman.

 

[CRAZY_CAT_WOMAN]

How on earth can I trust people?

You don't. But you don't just go around caring a gun, because you don't trust people.You might freak out and shoot the wrong person. If you have issues.

Serial killers can be charming and very friendly according to what I've read.

Child abusers and rapist seem very charming. That must be common with bad people, that don't want people to know their horrible secrets.

 

[twin1954]

I have this weird phobia. In my mind, everyone is a potential serial killer. I actually did not know people kill just for fun. But then I watched a documentary on serial killers and they enjoy it. I thought people kill in a heat of passion or because a drug deal gone wrong or whatever. But now I feel unsafe. How on earth can I trust people?

Serial killers can be charming and very friendly according to what I've read.

I am getting to the point of this thread. My question is, is it ethical or wise for somebody like me with an anxiety problem to get a gun permit? My friends and family think it would be wrong, especially with an anxiety problem.

You shouldn't get a gun but you should learn self defense if only to allay your fears somewhat. Be smart, though, in who you seek out to teach you. There are some who teach just for money and don't care that you actually learn anything. If they ask you to sign a contract go to another teacher. Ask to watch the class before you commit to anything. If they will not allow you to do so go somewhere else. When watching the class look for how the instructor relates to the students. Is he/she trying to help them or just demanding they do certain things?

Since you admit to having an anxiety problem a gun can be very dangerous for you. It only takes a split second to ruin your life. As a gun owner, several in fact, swords, knives and other weapons as well as being a martial arts instructor I still am cautious when I go out. Try to always be aware of your surroundings, it takes practice to be sure, and be aware of those around you. There is no need to be fearful but simply being aware can make you more confident in your ability to escape when needed.

 

[durangodawood]

Do you think folks out here don't have angst from time to time? And everyone out here with a house full of guns. Do you see everyone out here shooting each other to ribbons?

Hardly happens at all.

The point being that the angst is derived from vulnerability. Becoming less vulnerable resolves the angst.

Always face the fear.

Thats not facing the fear.
The fear is about a wrong understanding of what normal people are like.

 

[durangodawood]

Guns ARE a tool.

I did say that, right?

 

[roamer_1]

Thats not facing the fear.
The fear is about a wrong understanding of what normal people are like.

I would disagree - I think the fear is born of vulnerability. It is irrational to suspect that everybody walking by might be a serial killer, but the fear comes from feeling vulnerability and realizing a lack of control. The idea to acquire a firearm is a proactive solution (whether qualified or not) of a mind trying to establish invulnerability and control. That is what protection and defense is about (in as much as it can be attained).

I'm curious:

Taking the weapon out of the equation for the moment, if the OP had suggested undertaking an hand-to-hand defensive discipline instead (Jujitsu, etc) as a proactive solution, rather than obtaining a gun, would that have been as objectionable?

 

[durangodawood]

I would disagree - I think the fear is born of vulnerability. It is irrational to suspect that everybody walking by might be a serial killer, but the fear comes from feeling vulnerability and realizing a lack of control. The idea to acquire a firearm is a proactive solution (whether qualified or not) of a mind trying to establish invulnerability and control. That is what protection and defense is about (in as much as it can be attained).

I'm curious:

Taking the weapon out of the equation for the moment, if the OP had suggested undertaking an hand-to-hand defensive discipline instead (Jujitsu, etc) as a proactive solution, rather than obtaining a gun, would that have been as objectionable?

This guy said it best:

.....Guns are a serious responsibility, and if you don't have a mind that can soberly discern threats from non-threats, then please do not get one.

I'm at a loss for how anyone can disagree with that.

For the sake of this discussion, I'm going with the situation initially presented, and wont add a bunch of guesses that might soften his predicament.

(As for hand to hand fighting techniques, yeah, much less of a risk to society than a ballistic weapon in the hands of a paranoid individual.)

 

[roamer_1]

I'm at a loss for how anyone can disagree with that.

And I do not disagree. But the OP has not demonstrated that he is not capable of sober determination. He is not attacking anyone now, so why would that change?

For the sake of this discussion, I'm going with the situation initially presented, and wont add a bunch of guesses that might soften his predicament.

That is not my purpose - I am trying to understand your point of view, which is wholly foreign to me.

(As for hand to hand fighting techniques, yeah, much less of a risk to society than a ballistic weapon in the hands of a paranoid individual.)

Yet in close combat, the hand-to-hand is more lethal than the weapon. Sans discipline, a properly trained hand-to-hand fighter is very capable of killing multiple people - Barring his equal to stop him, the threat is very nearly the same.

 

[KitKatMatt]

Have you talked to a psychiatrist about your paranoia? That is a serious problem that needs to be addressed, and they should be able to help you find ways to lessen your anxiety.

Just buying a gun in this state will not make you feel any better, because a phobia is an irrational fear. At best it won't do anything at all, at worst it could ramp your distress up to eleven. Seeking medical treatment could help ease your anxiety and paranoia and help you cope with this phobia.

Once you have your fear under control, you will have a more stable platform to have the discussion with yourself about whether or not you should buy a firearm.

 

[durangodawood]

And I do not disagree. But the OP has not demonstrated that he is not capable of sober determination. He is not attacking anyone now, so why would that change?

He hasnt demonstrated it. But he has told us so. Thats enough.

That is not my purpose - I am trying to understand your point of view, which is wholly foreign to me.

I used that other guys quote to sum up my pov. You more or less agree. So I'm not sure what to make of it being "wholly foreign".

Yet in close combat, the hand-to-hand is more lethal than the weapon. Sans discipline, a properly trained hand-to-hand fighter is very capable of killing multiple people - Barring his equal to stop him, the threat is very nearly the same.

As for close combat. Just getting close is so much more of a commitment than operating at a distance. And it can offer a vastly better opportunity for discovery: who is this "enemy"?