The Politics of Fear

The anti-gun lobby is busy trying to convince people that the evil gun companies and the much hated NRA are driven by paranoid fears of criminal violence.  Violence Policy Center hack...er...vice president Dennis Henigan devotes about 500 words to this idea in his opinion piece here in The Huffington Post. 

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! 

The anti-gun lobby has often led the pack with hysteria-based claims that "hundreds of children" were dying daily or weekly by guns.  Another favorite of theirs was that "people will shoot each other over fender benders or parking spaces!  There will be blood in the streets", when Florida was debating "shall issue" concealed weapons laws.  Each time a citizen has successfully defended themselves or their property, we can count on a quote from the anti-gun lobby that such escapades are "the rare exception".  According to the anti-gun lobby "people are more likely to get hurt or have the gun taken from them". 

That's a load of pig crap.

Fear as a Marketing Tool
Besides, fear is a well-used marketing tool.  From the fear of "ring around the collar" to the embarrassment of yellow teeth or foot odor.  How do condom manufacturers stay in business?  Fear of unwanted pregnancies and diseases.  

How does the NRA raise millions for its lobbying efforts?  By reminding you that there are people working to strip you of your civil right to own a firearm.  By keeping you updated on the serious threats to your rights. And certainly they play on fears of registration, prohibition and denial of our rights.

The anti-gun lobby however, touts the idea that any gun on the hip of a citizen, due to the God-like power it contains, will magically transform him into some kind of Terminator-like killing machine.  Their literature historically claims that armed citizens will be unable to resist pulling the trigger over trivial matters, like a parking space or fender bender.  Or that a mere argument will automatically escalate into a homicide.  Their message is clear - Citizens with guns cannot be trusted not to go on a killing spree! 

Yet, their logic crumbles when that same civilian puts on a uniform or pins on a badge. If citizens are so emotionally unstable, as they claim, why don't bus drivers go on deadly rampages with their 10-ton bludgeons?   Why don't gardeners attack clients or passersby with their chainsaws or hedge trimmers?  Why aren't we seeing mass slaughter in restaurant kitchens when chefs wield those carefully honed sharp knives?

Because most Americans are good people. Regardless of the tools they use, most people don't get angry enough to actually kill another person over trivial matters.  Therein lies one of the principle differences between the anti-gun lobby and gun owners. 

The anti-gun lobby believes no citizen is trustworthy without government-issued credentials.  Gun owners believe in the inherent decency of their friends, neighbors and others.  The anti-gun lobby's culture might be a little bit safer, but I believe our vision would be much more comfortable to live with.