Article in Ms. magazine

[brianj - now in Kansas]

It seems that an anti-2a magazine writer has decided to make a stupid point in as dangerous a way as possible.

 

http://msmagazine.com/blog/2013/06/12/my-month-with-a-gun-week-one/

 

I read the article.

 

I read the comments.

 

And then I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Part of me wanted to chime in on the comments, but I don't know how to explain to someone that carrying a firearm means you're being all grown up and taking responsibility for your actions.

 

This person's carrying legally, but still acting as if (and expecting) the state to take responsibility for her and the exercise of her rights.

 

"Why didn't you make me get training?"

 

"Why was this so easy?"

 

 

It just boggles the mind. I can only pray that she doesn't end out killing some poor individual out of sheer stupidity before this month "experiment" is over with.

 

[Helpdesk9]

I don't think she bought ammunition

 

Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2

 

 

[cm.stites]

http://illinoiscarry.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=38893

[brianj - now in Kansas]

Whoops. Sorry. Didn't see the duplicate. My bad. Mods, if you want to lock or delete, please feel free.

[lee n. field]

It seems that an anti-2a magazine writer has decided to make a stupid point in as dangerous a way as possible.

 

http://msmagazine.co...a-gun-week-one/

 

I read the article.

 

I read the comments.

 

And then I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Part of me wanted to chime in on the comments,

 

Don't bother. They haven't been letting any serious critical comments by their moderation.

[Danielm60660]

Ridiculous. Even her premise is all wrong.

Her four rules are incompatible. Carry it everywhere, be law abiding, only do the minimum and be prepared to defend herself.

You can't do the minimum AND be prepared to defend yourself. I think I will send her a nice note, privately.

[Smittyp83]

it says my comment is awaiting moderation - let's see if it gets by...

 

 

"The author broke one of her "rules" from the onset; with no training, and no familiarity with even the basic operation of a firearm, she is in no way ready to defend herself. Her stunt, while trying to prove how easy it is for a law-abiding citizen to purchase and carry a firearm in her state, is dangerous, irresponsible and childish. Hopefully, in the future parts of this essay, we do not read about the author accidentally discharging her weapon and injuring herself or someone else.

Some may think that this is how "most" firearm owners act, but I believe that is far from accurate. A responsible adult who wishes to carry a dangerous weapon will go through the proper training on how to use that weapon - unlike this author.

With rights come responsibilities and we, as actual grown-ups, understand that if we wish to exercise our 2nd Amendment rights, we need to do so in a safe and responsible manner. Mommy and Daddy are not always going to be there to tell us how to act like an adult. Sometimes we must figure that one out ourselves.

I hope the author will rethink the very dangerous - and quite stupid - game she is playing in order to prove a made up "point" about firearms."

[Jen-in-Normal]

Doing the bare minimum... That works great if your just trying to pass a test but not for responsible gun ownership. At least that's how I feel. I just took my first gun safety class and I don't feel I'm ready yet to purchase and carry my own gun. I am the type of person who wants to be knowledgeable about the dos and don'ts of gun ownership.

 

However, she is following the laws of her state as verified by her asking a police officer to verify the state of the gun. It's unfortunate though that the gun seller seemed to only care about the sale and not in educating her.

[brianj - now in Kansas]

Well, I can tell you that my comment vanished into the ether. The gist of it was like everyone elses' here: that purchasing a firearm and carrying it without training simply makes you a danger to yourself and society. Yes, she has a constitutional right to be an idiot as long as she doesn't hurt anyone else. I even support her right to do what she's doing. I just hope that, in the case that she injures or kills someone, she's held accountable for the utter stupidity of her actions.

[McCroskey]

My comment has been awaiting moderation since the 16th, they are only approving comments that they like and a couple weak ones in order to give the impression they're objective. Waste of time.

[Powerstroke]

I wonder if any dealers refused to sell her a gun. If indeed any did we would never hear about that on her blog. I also find it hard to believe(if she asked)that there are many firearm dealers that would not spend as much time as necessary to show her how to safely load/unload the weapon....

[Jen-in-Normal]

I have to wonder, as I read the article again, is she that ignorant to think she had a loaded gun? Did she load it herself (based on her interaction with the officer, I would say no). Did the gun dealer sell her a loaded gun? Of course not! There is just way too much here that doesn't make sense. I'm ignorant a out guns but even I could tell if a gun was loaded. Hmm....

 

[brianj - now in Kansas]

Her stated purpose was to "be prepared to use it for protecting [her]self at home or in public." So, if it ain't loaded, she's gonna have a hard time doing that.

 

Of course, she may clueless enough that she doesn't realize the brass thingies have to go in the kaboom thingy so that when you pull on the bang switch, you get a bang.

[POAT54]

------ work of fiction

My Month With a Gun: Week One

 

Getting the permit to carry a concealed weapon was simple. I filled out a form, had my fingerprints taken for a background check and paid $56.50. ~ It took far longer to get my dog a license.

Concealed pistol license $52.50 Obtained from local law enforcement (Police, or Sheriff).

"How long does it take before I get my license?"

If you’re a Washington State resident, it may take up to 30 days to complete the background check. ($56.50-$52.50= $4.00) must have had to buy the LEO Starbucks coffee.

Yes, I bought a handgun and will carry it everywhere I go over the next 30 days. I have four rules: Carry it with me at all times, follow the laws of my state, only do what is minimally required for permits, licensing, purchasing and carrying, and finally be prepared to use it for protecting myself at home or in public.

Washington is an "open carry" state for firearms

This means a person may carry a firearm in an exposed holster without any kind of permit unless there is something that makes it specifically illegal. (For example, carrying a weapon onto primary or secondary school grounds or other prohibited places}

Stupidity is not illegal.

Now you also must stay away from your kids school.

She did not say anything about buying ammo. I am pretty sure "Tony" would have sold the most expensive personal defense rounds possible.

She made no comment about exploding bullets near the kids in Starbucks.

The cop thought I was an idiot and suggested I take a class. But up to that point I’d done nothing wrong, nothing illegal.

Maybe not illegal, but irresponsible beyond belief. The University of Denver Police acted, sorry, did not act when they received a report of a person who was declared a threat to himself and the public. One month later that person went to see the new "Batman" movie.

[Bud]

my comment which I am fairly certain will never be approved:

I am both a retired cop and a retired soldier. I also strongly believe that everyone has the right of self-defense and whether you want to admit or not, there are animals walking the streets killing innocent, unarmed people every day.

Did you know that you can walk into any car dealer and buy an automobile? There is no license required, many don’t even require a down payment. With good credit, you can walk in, sit down, sign your name and then get behind the wheel and attempt to drive away.

Of course, the chances that someone with even just a smidgen of common sense would do that.

Cars kill almost 40,000 people a year. That’s about 350% more than guns kill.

All of the people that cars kill are victims but many of the folks getting shot are perpetrators, muggers, rapists, and just good old gang bangers attempting to exert their savagery on others.

While all joining hands and singing kumbaya is a pretty picture the real world is entirely different.

A couple of years ago, here in Illinois, six women shopping at a dress store were put down on their knees and shot in the back of the by an armed robber. Only one survived.

I have often wondered that if it had been possible to ask them at the time of their death how they would liked to have had the opportunity to carry a concealed weapon to defend themselves if they would have?

There was a policeman in uniform in a marked squad car right outside the door in the parking lot while this was happening. The offender, to this day five years later, still has not been caught.

All of you warm hearted, good people cannot seriously be this naïve, can you?

[ZomBGone012]

Moderator never approved mine the apparently deleted it.

[BobPistol]

Moderator never approved mine the apparently deleted it.

 

They'll never approve a dissenting opinion. They live in an echo chamber.

[ZomBGone012]

I even mentioned the Kardashians and feinstein I thought I was a shoe in.

[Jen-in-Normal]

I posted a comment as well, so we'll see if its approved. Basically I hit on her last objective (be prepared to protect myself and my home). Based on week one of her gun ownership, she is NOT ready. I will be following this for the remaining three weeks to see how her already biased view of gun ownership truly is. While I haven't always been a supporter of guns, I've never been adamantly against them, as it appears she has (is).

 

[Danielm60660]

Jen in Normal, first, welcome. From your screen name I surmise you are female. I strongly encourage women to get involved with this, in part due to the story Bud posted. Also, ladies who support the right to self defense will truly help turn the tide on this issue. Please feel free to stick around, contribute, ask questions, etc. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we're glad to have you.

[Jen-in-Normal]

Jen in Normal, first, welcome. From your screen name I surmise you are female. I strongly encourage women to get involved with this, in part due to the story Bud posted. Also, ladies who support the right to self defense will truly help turn the tide on this issue. Please feel free to stick around, contribute, ask questions, etc. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we're glad to have you.

 

Thank you. I'm only now realizing the need to protect myself and am going about it the way I feel is correct - training and research. Once I have my FOID card, I'll make some decisions on my next steps. I am becoming more informed about gun laws. I just felt that Heidi in her blog is not informed thus making poor decisions. I do hope this changes and she does not hurt herself or someone else. Doing so will only make all gun owners look irresponsible (just like the media plays off of every mass shooter out there who obtained their guns illegally in order to commit their crimes).

 

And yes, I am female.

 

[Federal Farmer]

Jen in Normal, first, welcome. From your screen name I surmise you are female. I strongly encourage women to get involved with this, in part due to the story Bud posted. Also, ladies who support the right to self defense will truly help turn the tide on this issue. Please feel free to stick around, contribute, ask questions, etc. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we're glad to have you.

 

Thank you. I'm only now realizing the need to protect myself and am going about it the way I feel is correct - training and research. Once I have my FOID card, I'll make some decisions on my next steps. I am becoming more informed about gun laws. I just felt that Heidi in her blog is not informed thus making poor decisions. I do hope this changes and she does not hurt herself or someone else. Doing so will only make all gun owners look irresponsible (just like the media plays off of every mass shooter out there who obtained their guns illegally in order to commit their crimes).

 

And yes, I am female.

 

Jen,

Sue Darnall at Darnall's is one of the best trainers in the state. I highly recommend her classes. My wife and I took her basic pistol class and we also took a self-defense-in-the-home class at their range put on by GSL Training. Another great resource. If you haven't checked out 10-8 Outfitters at Towanda and Rt 9 you should. Great gun store. The owner Steve is a great guy and runs the monthly 3-gun matches at the LeRoy Rifle and Pistol Club.

[Jen-in-Normal]

Jen in Normal, first, welcome. From your screen name I surmise you are female. I strongly encourage women to get involved with this, in part due to the story Bud posted. Also, ladies who support the right to self defense will truly help turn the tide on this issue. Please feel free to stick around, contribute, ask questions, etc. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we're glad to have you.

 

Thank you. I'm only now realizing the need to protect myself and am going about it the way I feel is correct - training and research. Once I have my FOID card, I'll make some decisions on my next steps. I am becoming more informed about gun laws. I just felt that Heidi in her blog is not informed thus making poor decisions. I do hope this changes and she does not hurt herself or someone else. Doing so will only make all gun owners look irresponsible (just like the media plays off of every mass shooter out there who obtained their guns illegally in order to commit their crimes).

 

And yes, I am female.

 

Jen,

Sue Darnall at Darnall's is one of the best trainers in the state. I highly recommend her classes. My wife and I took her basic pistol class and we also took a self-defense-in-the-home class at their range put on by GSL Training. Another great resource. If you haven't checked out 10-8 Outfitters at Towanda and Rt 9 you should. Great gun store. The owner Steve is a great guy and runs the monthly 3-gun matches at the LeRoy Rifle and Pistol Club.

 

Funny you mention both Darnall's and 10-8. I took a class at Darnall's two weeks ago (and yes, Sue was awesome, as was her son Scott and another instructor Jeff Burger). I'm taking another in July. I won't to 10-8 for my FOID card picture and they seemed nice and willing to deal with a newbie.. They may be opening up a range in town in the future.

 

[Mack]

I attempted to post a comment but it too went into the ether after awaiting moderation for two days. Guess I shouldn't have been polite and concerned and used statistical references to back up my points.

[Jen-in-Normal]

Well apparently whoever moderates the comments does not like to see someone questioning Heidi's actions. I should have guessed as much.

[Jen-in-Normal]

So it seems Heidi Yewman and Ms. Magazine are doing what they can to make sure that those who are for responsible gun ownership are not having their voices heard. Heidi's editor, Michele Kort, states that due to the gun-nuts posting on her blog, she has decided the magazine will not run the rest of her installments. Many of the comments on the blog do seem to be from those who don't want responsible people to own guns. I'm not surprised. It's a shame though that those who have valid points, such as myself, we're censored because we actually support gun ownership and in a responsible way. I think the 'gun-nut' comment says it all. There is a post stating more about this on the New York Times Opinion page (nice liberal rag).

 

I saw one post on Heidi's blog that said the HuffingtonPost may run the rest of the installments.

 

[lee n. field]

Can't loose control of the narrative, after all.

[ZomBGone012]

Articles will not be produced by MS anymore now hugfington post. The antis said it was because of the nra.

[Jen-in-Normal]

The first part that was on the Ms. Magazine site is now on the Huffington Post. I didn't read the comments yet but guessing they are probably praising Ms. Yewman for showing that its much too easy to purchase a gun (despite what has been pointed out as flaws in her narrative). Wonder if the rest will be posted....

 

[POAT54]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/heidi-yewman/getting-the-gun_b_3512606.html

 

Same story, comments are there.