And so it begins...

On December 15, 1791 when the first 10 amendments were ratified changes were already underway to the newly formed United States.  The second amendment reading “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”  A profound statement and one that is heavily contested; although the tides are ebbing, but much like the ocean, the ebb will retreat as politics and people change.  In 2011 a Gallup poll held that the percentage of Americans supporting a gun ban had fallen to 26% the lowest since the poll began in 1959₁.  While this drop might come as a surprise, arguably a more interesting figure is the drop identified in the same poll tracking people who feel there should be stricter gun laws, just a paltry 43% of the population, the lowest since 1990’s poll results of 79%₁.  While it would seem the support for the second amendment is strong the actual percentage of people who keep guns in their homes has dropped, across both parties and genders₁.

So here I am.  A young 37 year old male, a professional in technology, home owner, and happily partnered with my best friend, where do I fit?  I have always had a keen interest in guns, mostly drawn from the dramatization on T.V. and Hollywood movies.  However I had never fired one and only held a very few.  I had no experience to make my decision nor to argue for those that either supported or opposed the 2^nd amendment.  I wondered what drove my indecision.  What was it that kept me on a fence for what is ultimately a RIGHT bestowed upon my by the forefathers of this great nation?  What could I do to better educate myself and ultimately accept the responsibility to be able to exercise my rights as a citizen both legally and safely?

 I decided the best way to answer some of these questions and to fill in the gaps of my knowledge, and hopefully find some enjoyment, was to find someone I trusted and spend time learning from them.  Not taking on anyone else’s political views or ideologies, instead focusing on understanding guns what makes them work and how to safely co-exist.  This is a collection of my thoughts and experiences as I learn more about our rights, laws, and most importantly safety in the enjoyment of this great sport/hobby/pastime.  Join me, I am looking forward to it!

₁ : Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_politics