What’s wrong with common sense gun control?

Posted 10Nov2017.

What’s wrong with reading the plethora of comments on similar questions?

A quick search reveals plenty of the same:

What’s wrong with common sense gun control?

What is “common-sense gun control”?

If I am for “common sense” gun control, can I still call myself a libertarian?

…You get the idea.

Firearms owners here on Quora are, for the most part, very rational and more open to elaborating on their ideas of a compromise based on exactly that: compromise. I have read some of the most elegant and reasonable approaches to this question on Quora, and I get it – in the wake of the seemingly incessant litany of news reports, the wishes for “something to be done” are shared by nearly all who are similarly tired of it all.

Here’s the problem, though: we – as a society – have moved into a realm of reactionary bickering that is quickly transcending any hope for “common sense” to prevail. We have stifled the moderate point of view for the loudest argument with the shiniest supporting evidence, and this polarization is the key to the question “what’s wrong with common sense gun control.” The answer is not in the discussion of policy, but the act of discussing these issues themselves and the trust that the emotional and logical triggers will not override the topic at hand.

The media and politicians play major roles in this trifecta of contributors… Whether it is the fostering of public opinion based on poorly-researched “facts” or the idea of “trying to solve tomorrow’s crime with last weeks’ laws,” this discussion on the topic of “common sense” anything has turned into a nightmare of noise and paranoia.

Back to the original question… I’m surprised no one shared one of the more interesting videos on this exact topic. Granted, Steven Crowder can be somewhat provocative to some folks at times, he made fair points in his video “Common Sense Gun Control Debunked! (Man-On-Street.” The average person, with little-to-no access or education on firearms will follow the lead of whichever news outlet, political figure, or celebrity which appeals to their sensibilities with negligible independent research. This realization has been reinforced several times in discussion with relatives and friends who appreciate my moderate stance on many of these issues and my critical views of the media. Yet, in discussions on the internet – apart from the occasional participation like this – I cannot compete with the volume of opinions shared by those on either side of the debate who disagree.

…Whatever.

So, here is what I propose to those on either side of the debate: you want to solve the problem, don’t contribute to the stereotypes which feed it. If you know nothing about firearms, find a trusted person who does and learn. Look at what local and national requirements there are for purchasing a firearm and/or carrying (concealed and -ugh- open), what training is available… those sorts of things. If you feel up to it, take that person up on their offer to go to the range (I know they will suggest it) and get comfortable with learning.

If you are a firearm owner, find someone who is a trusted and rational antipode of your perspective and sit and listen to what they have to say. Look at why firearms may be viewed with such paranoia in your area – socioeconomic contributors to include, unemployment, and crime. If people seek you out for your perspective, don’t be “that guy” who fits the identity pigeonhole (throwing the Bill of Rights at someone as the first step is reactionary and put them on the defensive).

For both advocate and critic, however, the best way to regain the balance and common sense lost is to start actually listening to the other person without jumping to the well-worn conclusions.