Have You Ever Lost Someone To Gun Violence?

I understand your feelings about firearms and this is not meant to change your mind. It is only a different perspective.



No I do not know any one personally that has been killed by a firearm (other than in war), but do know a few that have been accidently shot. I taught a 12 year old girl how to swim after she was paralyzed from the waist down after being accidently shot by a classmate. Another friend gave up hunting after being accidently shot in a hunting accident.

I do know many individuals that have been killed in traffic accidents including one classmate that was hit by a car while sledding across a road. This does not keep me from driving nor does it make me want to ban vehicles. I still went sledding with my sons when they were growing up. It does make me more careful and supportive of safety procedures.

The same beliefs hold true with firearms. When my sons were growing up they were taught to treat every gun as if it was loaded. They were also taught that if they pointed a gun at something they better intend to kill it. The only gun loaded in my house at that time was my pistol and it was always with me. The guns were not locked up, but the ammunition was. The case of the young girl was a loaded gun left unattended that another minor was showing off. The case of the hunting accident was someone did not unload a gun when they got into a vehicle and it went off. Since my sons have left the house, all guns are loaded. If we ever have grandchildren, hours will be spent unloading guns and locking up the ammunition.

The irony of my situation, one of my sons is a gun rights supporter and lives in Wyoming. The other is in favor of gun control and lives in a metropolitan area on the east coast. Therefore I am respectful of both views and understand the views are based on upbringing and environment.