Regarding Gun Ownership
Find a Conversation
| Thu, 12-24-2009 - 12:47pm |
I have always been adamant about gun ownership and the responsibility that goes along with it. I think our gun laws and regulations are too lax....here is an example:
There is an older woman who is an ex aunt (by marriage) who is obviously in the early stages of Alzheimer's. I have been hearing stories about her "exploits" for several months. She is living with her daughter and husband and apparently is very headstrong and will not go to a doctor or take meds for her condition. Just last week, while I was visiting with another aunt and uncle, this woman's daughter mentioned her mother's gun. "Gun!" I exclaimed, "Do you mean she has a gun?" Her daughter looked a little embarrassed, but affirmed that yes, she has a gun. Then went on to tell about how she also has a concealed/carry permit! She then told about a few times when she was driving her mother in her car and asked where her gun was and was told it was in the side pocket in the door. Once it was just thrown into the trunk and rattled around back there for who knows how long. Then I asked the "scary" question...."Is it loaded?" You guess it, yes it is loaded and is always loaded. This woman has several young great grandchildren who visit often, and you know how youngsters are always getting into purses looking for gum or what not. I was just flabbergasted! If this isn't an accident waiting to happen, I don't know what is! I asked this woman's daughter if there was someway they could remove the firing pin (or whatever it is that makes the gun not fire). The daughter just kind of grinned and shrugged. I would hate to think one day one of her little grandchildren might accidently be shot or shoot someone.
Okay, off my soapbox.


Pages
There seems to be a bulling, abusive, approach to what a layperson would think is subpar. Note: most drivers are subpar! When one compares the best of the best F1 and Rally drivers to the general public, there is a very wide fall off.
Also, there is an experience and practice factor. The US,Nato militaries have found a very dangerous fall off in what is called "situational awareness" , after fighter pilots were on vacation and not constantly practicing. The same happens with drivers.
In my own experience, after not having a car for two years in Seattle,WA I bought one and had to take time to get back up to speed with the coordination,and the velocity of travel.
Many "elderly" are not driving out of their neighborhoods as much as a young or working adult. They lack constant practice in situational awareness. Also many people who are using GPS find themselves in the "I'm not lost but what is this road" because of navigation errors. But after they get of that logging road everyone laughs.
The best is to get the driver out into the real world with real world mindset.
Maybe to clarify, though your post was not directed at me. If a 20 yo
By the way How have you been?
No, not really.
Seattle roads are a HOOT!! Public transit after dark is not so safe. I choose cares for agility and quickness as well as rally suspension to help take care of Seattle's roads! And horrible design of the freeways across the bridge!! (Hell is reserved for that road designer) Did it snow this year? Queen Anne hill after snow is a real horror show!!
I disagree - they drive so slowly because they have no reaction time, most can't see that far ahead, and they don't feel in control.
Hi I never thought of skiing down Queen Anne! I had xc skis and down hill too! I learned because of my friend who came back from Germany and told me of towns where that is the only way other than helicopter. HeHehehE :0)!!
I was on the planning commission when I was there and found that most of the other members were real estate professionals with some business owners and a few section 8's. Most people were stuck on the bridge when the meetings were held. The Real Estate people were paid to be there.
I have not seen what the "mass transit" is lately. I am in Colorado now and the much larger area and social prejudice makes it as impractical as ever. In both Seattle area and Denver metro many jobs were difficult to reach or get home from using mass transit.
Some of the Club areas were dicey in Seattle as they are in the Denver Metro.
Reflexes in IMAO and from studies can be enhanced and some never lose theirs. Some of this is a mystery and others because of the horrible medical care many people are exposed to.
Yes Seattle driving and living is an experience as when I arrived It took a month to form gills!! I expected to see a salmon in the next lane! LOL.
The 520 was hell getting back form Redmond. Where I worked I could not use public trans but at the U I did. Yet the answers were so simple!
Pages