Me and My Empty Holster

There has never been a moment in my life when having a gun on my person would have helped or saved me or my loved ones in any way. And before assuming my life has been a sheltered pile of roses, I will assure you that is not the case. I was once choked to the point of neck bruising by an ex-con. I spent a few nights sleeping in a car. I walked home (near downtown Milwaukee) alone in the middle of the night several times. There have been a number of situations of which could have led me to much harm. In none of those circumstances do I feel that carrying a gun would have helped me.

Yes, women can be as strong as men, but let’s get real. My upper body strength is that of a newborn fish. Had I ever pulled a pistol from my Levi’s, it would have been quickly taken or twisted in my direction. I was even worried about that with my glow-in-the-dark pepper spray, but at least that wouldn’t kill me.

In 2009, 249 people died in Wisconsin due to drinking and driving. 38,215 Wisconsinites were arrested for driving under the influence that same year. You will be hard pressed to travel through most of our communities and not find a tavern on every other corner. We Cheeseheads like our booze. And what goes ever better with beer than deep fried curds? Well, a bright, shiny Glock! That’s what! OOooooo. And even better, let’s add in a tense, hostile and polarized community of emotionally charged citizens. That oughta sweeten the punch.

Honestly, what are people thinking?

Recently, during the Tea Party Debate, the audience cheered excitedly at the high Texas death penalty statistics. A few shouted with glee at the prospect of letting an uninsured young man die opposed to paying for his healthcare. There are far too many “typical” citizens who have no respect for the lives of others. Putting guns in those hands and allowing them to roam as though we are in a war zone is INSANE.

After the State Fair rioting incident, there were many comments on Patch and elsewhere expressing the joy of being able to legally shoot future suspects. Gun fire in the family-filled streets of Milwaukee during a riot. Yes, that would have been the ultimate sundae cherry. What a master plan.

In 2007, there were 613 fatal firearm accidents in the United States. In 2007, there were approximately 15,698 emergency room visits for non-fatal gun accidents. How many of these fatalities or near death experiences were had by victims of self-defense shootings? How many were victims of stray bullets, suicides, accidents by children or domestic dispute participants? I am willing to bet there is a considerable gap. And when weighing the benefit-to-risks I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would think it is worth it.

Yea, I get it. The bad guys have guns and do not play by the rules. So because the scum of our society want to play cowboys and Indians we should all join in the game? Because MORE guns is the solution to firearm violence? Where is the logic? I suppose since so many people smoke and create the potential for second hand consequences, I should simply smoke my own cigarettes just to make it fair? Or since so many choose to drink and drive, I should throw a few back before each ride just because THEY are? Honestly, how many documented cases of “successful” self-defense gun shots have there really been? How many lives have been saved by concealed carry and other lax gun laws?

Again, I cannot think of a single time in my life when carrying a fire arm would have benefited me. But I can think of probably about a thousand when it could have caused great detriment. I would likely be dead or in prison. And then you wouldn’t be able to argue with my liberal, lefty, socialist views and that would just be a shootin’ shame.