Security and Gun Control - Part 1

Most discussions of national political issues are complex. The discussion of gun control is not an exception. I want to explore it in a bit of a more organized fashion to try to step over some of the emotional roadblocks that keep people on all sides from reaching as much agreement as they could and that I think is possible.

I feel like presenting arguments in any direction while ignoring the perspectives of the people who disagree with you is a recipe for lack of real communication. Echoing "your side's" talking points and echo chamber crafted arguments will do little to speak to someone from a significantly different upbringing.

Most arguments are logically posed from the perspective of the person making the argument. They have their perspective and share their take on the topic. They hold certain agendas, biases, and core assumptions though that are often not revealed. That does not mean they are not being transparent or that they are trying to manipulate people. It just means that isn't part of the discussion. How often do you even think about why you react a certain way to something? Sometimes I'm sure, but it is probably rare.

Therefore I want to go through some of the assumptions, biases, and agendas that I am aware of. I know I will miss some (or a lot). I want to start with those though so I can use that as a starting point of this exploration.

My motivation for all of this is with the recent mass shootings, police shootings, terrorist attacks, and overall increased awareness of gun violence I feel like having a solid and thought out stance on gun laws is quite important.

To start I will give a brief outline of my own biases so that I can better gauge my analysis in comparison to other's biases which I will go over next time.

My assumptions:

1. I believe that we humans have a fallen (evil) nature that cannot be tamed exclusively through our environment.

My biases:

1. I grew up in the rural mid-west. Hunting and gun ownership in general were commonplace to the point of being presupposed.

2. My family did not have guns nor did we hunt.

3. I own guns.

4. I am highly educated with a BS and MS in engineering.

5. I am married with children.

My agenda:

1. I am strong supporter of the 2nd amendment for a number of reasons, many of which I will get into here, and want to see it protected.

2. I want to see the US become a safer and more prosperous place for everyone.
3. I want to see the discussion surrounding gun control to lose the emotional/political mess and actually become a discussion.