Should People Have The Right To Carry Guns?
I read some bits and bobs on the pro-gun internet and one girl said when interviewed that if she carries a gun it makes her instantly as rough and tough as anyone she comes up against. That’s true. If I were a small defenceless person hanging about after dark, a gun would make me feel a lot safer. But when we live in a culture made up of thousands of individuals, we have to think about what’s best for everyone. It’s tempting to want to do what’s best for you and your family (even though everyone but you thinks your family are a bunch of plums).
We need altruism. That’s a skill that’s hard won. We need to stop killing each other and robbing. But to do that everyone must first be equal, and to do that we must be financially even and totally without bias. And as neither of those things are going to happen anytime soon (or ever, if you’re a realist like me) it follows that disorder and violence will be constant bedfellows of us mournful human creatures.
I always say “don’t bring me a problem unless you have a solution” (I’ve never said that), but some problems can’t be easily solved. The Dali Lama is a complete dude, and he has a lot to say on mindfulness and the consideration of others, I wholeheartedly agree with his principles. I could do with following some of his pointers myself, but I don’t. I’m too stressed to start being mindful, however would I fit it into my busy schedule?
So if I can’t be bothered to make myself more open to liberalism, peace, harmony and understanding, how can I expect others to?
More guns overleaf…
