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Question of the Day: What Three Things Should ALL Americans Know About Guns?

Robert Farago - comments No comments

We’re living in a nation divided against itself. On one hand we have bible-clinging, small government seeking, get-off-my-lawn, live-and-let-live conservatarians. On the other hand, bleeding heart pro-government liberals. While there are non-gun owners in the former group and gun owners in the latter, people on all sides share one firearms-related characteristic . . .

ignorance.

The number of people who know nothing about guns and gun rights is staggering. Not to mention millions of undereducated Americans who know nothing about anything, including the fact that they live in a constitutional republic.

When it comes to our Constitutionally protected firearms freedom, ignorance is not bliss. Far from it.

When a person doesn’t have a clue about firearms, when they don’t know the truth about guns, they rely on “common sense” and emotions. Making them silly putty for mainstream media anti-gun agitators.

So what should all Americans know about guns? Here are my three ideas (kept as simple as humanly possible):

1. Americans have an absolute right to keep and bear arms — no matter what criminals, crazies and terrorists do with guns

2. Guns save life

3. The Four Safety Rules

What are your three “you should damn well know this” points for firearms ignorami?

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Robert Farago

Robert Farago is the former publisher of The Truth About Guns (TTAG). He started the site to explore the ethics, morality, business, politics, culture, technology, practice, strategy, dangers and fun of guns.

0 thoughts on “Question of the Day: What Three Things Should ALL Americans Know About Guns?”

  1. It is real simple. If you are expecting a firearm in the mail/shipped, and it doesn’t arrive, you contact the FFL that sent it to you, and tell them it never made it. Report it to the ATF, and there you go. I have had this happen. FEDEX to be exact has no clue where it is. Tracking stops at a location, it never moves again, your package is gone! It is best practice to insure shipments and also require a signature. Set up notifications through whatever shipper you are using. This is not a ploy to waste FFL’s time/manpower. This happens more than you know. I am an FFL.

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  2. ” The United States has become a place where entertainers and professional athletes are mistaken for people of importance” * Robert A Heinlein said. Never more true.

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  3. Three millenials who have obviously never carried a concealed firearm before and likely have never shot one before the commercial was filmed.

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  4. The gun grabbers need to realize that their various schemes to restrict guns have ultimately resulted in more guns in circulation. A lot of people who thought they might “someday” get an AR15 or AK47 (but never would have gotten around to buying one) now have multiples because of the Clinton AWB Ban!

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  5. How a boot an update a’ da’ FORDS Theatre thingy?Dis time make it OUR ARMENIAN COUSIN.DA Kaladashians can staah in dis new production.

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  6. Well, there is actually a small subset of liberal country singers, such as Steve Earle, James McMurtry, Emmylou Harris. She would fit right in with them. It’s not the success she would have in mainstream country, but someone listens to it.

    The funny thing is that Steve Earle and McMurtry get played regularly on a SiriusXM station called “Outlaw Country”. Sure, they consider themselves as “outlaws” now that Trump is in charge, but when Obummer was in office, the term “bootlickers” probably fit better.

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  7. “…compressed air homemade machine guns that shoot paintball pallets”

    That’s a big contraption to shoot pallets. 😉

    Wouldn’t that be a thing to see though? 😀

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  8. Guns in the hands of the common man scare totalitarians. Guns are cheap under the Trump administration. You do not want be on the wrong end of a gun

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  9. What are your three “you should damn well know this” points for firearms ignorami?

    1. Guns are dangerous. You shouldn’t have one.
    2. Guns are expensive, you can’t afford one.
    3. Ammunition is dangerous and expensive, you don’t need any.

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  10. I would for sure be more inclined to render aid here in a state like Texas (with the notable exceptions of Austin, San Antonio, or Houston). In Commiefornia or anywhere in New England, forget it. I would likely be the only one getting killed in that situation.

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  11. The number of people who know nothing about guns and gun rights is staggering. Not to mention millions of undereducated Americans who know nothing about anything, including the fact that they live in a constitutional republic

    Citizenship requires responsibility. Those described above are bereft of one and should be stripped of the other.

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    • Really? Didn’t read that in the Constitution: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”

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  12. I have only one. If your daughter were being attacked by a robber or rapist, would you want her to have a gun to defend herself?

    Face it fellow PotG; we aren’t as good at persuasion as the professionals on the Anti side. This is not a match of “My statisticians can beat your statisticians!” That just doesn’t move voters; and, we need to move voters.

    The Constitution is on our side; but, most voters whom we need to persuade are not much interested in the Constitution. The facts are on our side; but, most voters whom we need to persuade will not be moved by facts. Do we want to succeed? If we do, then we had better get ourselves educated on what forms of communication are successful.

    Scott Adams (author of the Dilbert comic strip) wrote a book titled “Winning Bigly” wherein he explains how Trump won the election. Notwithstanding that Adams is a self-admitted lefty, he publicly predicted – from the outset – that Trump would win; because Trump was a masterful persuader. Ever been puzzled by what Trump says when he seems to be shooting-his-mouth-off? Winning Bigly will make it clear.

    Adams explains what we already figured out. People make decisions by listening to their emotions; they arrange the facts to justify the emotionally-driven decision. We need to lead our campaign by addressing emotions.

    How do you REALLY feel about your daughter being defenseless? Can you count the seconds between her dialing 9-1-1 and the cops showing up? Do you think anyone will hear her scream? Blowing her rape whistle? Do you think an unarmed passer-by will rescue her from an armed thug? Do you think your daughter could learn to handle a gun responsibly? Did she learn to drive a car safely?

    Only if some such question prompts some emotional response is a voter likely to take an interest in learning more.

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    • “I have only one. If your daughter were being attacked by a robber or rapist, would you want her to have a gun to defend herself?”

      Spot on.

      “Face it fellow PotG; we aren’t as good at persuasion as the professionals on the Anti side.”

      We need to realize we must compensate for how un-compelling our cause us. Also, don’t assume your audience is stupid. Be respectful, don’t use cliches, listen to issue behind the argument.

      Thanks for posting that.

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    • How about this one: When you’re alone on a dark street and a rapist attacks, would you rather have a cell phone and know how to use it or have a gun and know how to use it?

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  13. Never heard of her. Country music is my “safe space.” I hear a bunch of liberal b.s. coming out of my radio, station gets changed.

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  14. 1) The reason that most American can go to sleep at night free from the worry of home-invasion robbery and assault is because a large minority of homes have a firearm at the ready. Those that don’t have a firearm benefit greatly from those that do.

    Does anyone know the percentage of armed homes?

    2) The original gun control laws in the U.S. were Jim Crow laws intended to deprive blacks of their constitutional right to a firearm.

    3) Automatic firearms have been illegal for many decades. When the media and Bloomberg operatives talk about automatic weapons they are intentionally misleading folks into thinking they are still commonplace. Only semi-automatic weapons are legal for sale.

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  15. I still don’t understand people who buy ammo in physical stores.

    It’s like people who actually go shopping for xmas gifts.

    Welcome to the future people – the internet is here to stay.

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  16. Another attention seeking Elitest Hollyweird Lib TARD Loony looking for a membership within the Communist Politboro…

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  17. 1. It’s a right to own them
    2. 4 firearm safety rules
    3. Operation of said firearms they either choose or not choose to own

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  18. I’m not getting the Judge Dredd “I AM THE LAW!!” vibe that apparently some of the posters here are getting..I assume he just walked in with his wife to have dinner. Yeah, there are LEOs that are jerks, but the overall description of things doesn’t sound like that… the wishy-washy Bloomin’ Brands firearm policy seems to be the problem here…

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  19. 1 i have the right to own guns
    2 if you intent on taking them away, remember, i have guns
    3 if you intent to harm me, i still have them

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  20. So what? It’s private property and the business can be run as the owners wish. That’s the American way. Plus, the rules of capitalism dictate that if you don’t like how they run their business, you can take your money elsewhere, which is what I plan to do (I was already doing that because their food tastes like shit).
    I don’t see the point in getting all huffy about private property being treated like private property. If you come on mine doing something I don’t like, I ask you to leave, which is my right as the property owner. Same thing here.

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  21. 1) GOD knew we’d make gun/smokeless powder out of the stuff that HE made.
    2) GOD knew we’d make guns out of the stuff that HE made.
    3) GOD knows what we will do with the guns and ammunition components from the stuff that HE made.

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  22. If someone has to use the decimal “.” when describing the 9mm, perhaps one could say .9cm. Or just drop the . and stick with 9mm.

    My 2 cents worth.

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  23. Well it’s cute…not interested but yeah I see the need for older folks. I may get the Ruger EC9 for another small nine-on sale at my LGS.

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  24. “I have to agree that the industry’s short and long term health depends on breaking out of the pro-2A, anti-government, Waco Was a Warning OFWG ghetto, converting casual and non-gun owners.

    “TTAG will be doing its part for that soon. Watch this space . . .”

    Did… you just declare you’re going to fear monger? I mean, bravo for being open and honest about it. But, thanks for the warning. I plan to douse this comments section with tons of chicken little themed comments if that’s the route you plan to go. I’m the opposite of those people who say “well that’s it I’m done with this site!” I plan to visit more, and be more of a pain.

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  25. I worked for a mom and pop gun shop for a few years and their wholesale prices were not any better than internet prices. For instance, the wholesale price on a Glock 19 was $475, they would mark up to $535. You can easily find a Glock 19 for right at $500 without looking too hard. If you wait for a sale even better. Ammo prices are the same story. The truth is if you don’t buy large amounts or bulk amounts the savings are not there. So with a little patience, perseverance, and googlefoo you can get great prices without having to obtain a business license, sales permit, or any of the other headaches that deal with taxes and record keeping. This is a gimmick to sell a book, don’t get sucked in. A small retailer will not get the same wholesale pricing that say Buds Gun Shop, Palmetto State Armory, and other major chains get because you are not buying in volume. The headaches involved are not worth the $100 you might save.

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  26. “While widespread public support exists for many gun regulations and policies” – Bloomberg

    = BS, made up sh_t, projection.

    Let me fix it fer ya:

    While most people want Bloomberg, everyone working with and for him, and his fans treated to a Kurdish anti-jihadi fighter slaughter (http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2018/02/06/kurds-protest-video-free-syrian-army-mutilating-trampling-body-woman-fighter/) they haven’t yet been able to accomplish it in a timely manner.

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  27. @ RealAmerican Patriot Against………….I bought some more tin foil and would be happy to send you a hat just like mine, if you give me your address I will send it to you free . I’m with you, guns should be banned, not only in America but world wide. I talked to KimJong just now( via the tin hat) and he agrees with me on banning firearms worldwide

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  28. Marco Rubio has a history of being Anti-Gun when he was in the Florida State Legislature. Yet the NRA supported him instead of better Pro Gun Republicans that challenged him in the primaries.

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  29. The 9 mm Luger/Parabellum a.k.a. 9 x 19 mm bullet and weapon is the best general purpose anti personnel round, Semi automatic handgun combination in the world.
    It is also highly lethal in Revolver sub machine gun and Carbine weapons.
    Nothing to sneeze at in a Derringer.
    I prefer a revolver in .357 magnum standard barrel or snub, and CCW a Ruger LCP II in .380 acp.
    My very first handgun I ever bought after being in the Marines was a Colt Light weight Commander in 9 x 19 mm.

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  30. “If Not for FED UP CONSERVATIVES, Hillary Clinton Would be President. True?”

    Yes, true.
    The NRA didn’t do even half as much as they’d like you to believe.

    They WERE instrumental in getting Harry Reid re-elected a few years ago, though.

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  31. I’m waiting for the FBI version in 10mm! With the right ammo you get into rifle ballistics in a lightweight more accurate package. And instead of losing power in a shorter barrel like a rifle cartridge you gain velocity. And last, but not least, if Hi-Point can do it anyone else can! ????

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  32. Sorry couldn’t read all the responses. But I did read the Kid was bullied.
    I think we need to address this issue Strongly. Zero Tolerance. Cameras, Microphones, & Permanent Expulsions.
    We give out Participation trophies like candy yet cannot punish anyone till they commit an Act!
    BS. Every Morning announce that Bullying is Strictly Forbidden and will result is Permanent Expulsion.
    And Follow Through. There should be Barriers that Prevent any Vehicle from coming with-in 100 Feet of the Schools & Armed Guards Always on duty during early Morning Comings & Goings.
    I know this is extreme but We are too dam easy on Offenders.
    Teach Everyone there will be No Tolerance for Bad Apples.

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  33. I was certified as a marksman in 1966, Since 1972 I have pretty much carried LOADED weapon, IF possible. I have been shot, Sorry but I would rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6. IF you do not like, I DO not REALLY G. A. F. NO COMMENTS WANTED OR NEEDED.

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