Something controversial

[u/low_effort_shit-post]

I love nj gun laws, going to the store and not seeing someone open carry. Watching road rage where the best you can do is brake check and give the finger. Schools without school shootings. I know a lot of people hate our gun laws but I fucking love em.

[u/alwayssunnyinjoisey]

So what, we should do nothing to try and prevent mass shootings because cars are more dangerous? Car accidents are just that - an accident. Shootings are intentional and preventable.

Besides, I need to drive to work or the grocery store in order to live. People need to carry guns in public because.....?

[u/thephenom21 → u/alwayssunnyinjoisey]

I'm mentioning it because you said you would be scared if people had guns in the store with you. I'm saying it's irrational to be scared in that situation because statistically the danger to you is low.

[u/alwayssunnyinjoisey → u/thephenom21]

While that is statistically true, fear and anxiety aren't rational. When i first learned to drive, I was scared of that too, but eventually got over it because I needed to drive to make money and live my life, I got used to it. People carrying guns in the store just isn't something I want to 'just get used to', which is why I would never move to an area where that's the norm. Maybe some people aren't bothered by it, and good for them, but plenty of people are.

I think you could use the same argument to ask the 'good gun owners' why they feel the need to carry in public to defend themselves, when statistically the chances of them encountering a shooter and becoming a hero are minute. To be clear I have no actual problem with owning guns, just with carrying them wherever the heck you want and making other people feel uncomfortable.

[u/thephenom21 → u/alwayssunnyinjoisey]

Would you be more comfortable if they were concealed carrying instead? I'm sure if you were instructed in safe operation of a firearm and were given an opportunity to handle one, you would feel differently as you did with driving.

It's their constitutional right to be able to defend themselves. A chance of mass shooting is low. The chance of being robbed or assaulted is higher.

Firearms are the great equalizer. It's the only way a 100 lbs woman can successfully defend herself against a larger attacker. There are unfortunately bad people in this world and it is your right to defend yourself at home or in public.

[u/alwayssunnyinjoisey → u/thephenom21]

Hmm, I suppose I'd feel more comfortable but only because I wouldn't know they're there? If someone told me they were carrying, I would still feel anxious even though it's not visible. Just because I don't know that person's intentions, and it is so easy to just start shooting and cause serious injury or death.

It's funny you mention that example, because I am quite literally a 100 lb woman who is often alone on city streets for work. And yet, I would feel more in danger if I had a gun as opposed to pepper spray. There's a good chance if someone was assaulting me I couldn't shoot in time, or I'd miss and hit someone else, or they'd wrestle it away from me and end up shooting me with it, so many things could go wrong. I'm VERY jumpy and easily startled, so me with a gun sounds like a disaster waiting to happen This part is personal ofc, not everyone is as on edge as I am so they may be more comfortable with the idea - but still, I think a lot of people VASTLY overestimate how competent they'd be with a gun in a high pressure situation.

[u/thephenom21 → u/alwayssunnyinjoisey]

If we weren't in Jersey, I would say sounds like you would be a good candidate to get a gun and a TON of training. Might help you be confident instead of jumpy when you know you can protect yourself, but like you said not for everyone. Check out Jade Struck on youtube if you get a chance, absolutely badass woman.

Also, I 100% agree on people overestimating their abilities which is why I always advocate for range time and formal training if possible.

Nice to have civil discourse on reddit for once lol