stanc Wrote:Yes, you did. But, I doubt that many Californians can relate to your life experience. During my 60-plus years here, I have never been shot at, never been the victim of a violent crime, never knew anyone who was a murderer, never knew anyone who was murdered. I'd wager the same is true of most CA residents.
When one is accustomed to a life with no personal exposure to violence, it's very easy to feel no need to be armed. Living in a seemingly safe area, I feel no need to have a gun for self defense. Although in my case, the point is moot, since I wouldn't even be able to use a gun, if I had one when being attacked. LOL.
It is our life experiences that shapes our thinking and attitude. Both my parents taught me at a very young age to never come home crying if another kid was bullying me or they would give me a reason to cry. Some would think this was horrible parenting, but what it did do was teach me to learn how take care of myself and not become dependent on others. When I see the masses today, "fighting so others can take away their rights to self defense, free speech, property, due process, and income" I'm left baffled and confused. I was taught civics and responsibility to my community and nation when I achieved my Eagle Scout at age 14. I was taught that I had to earn what was mine and that nothing was free. My first job was at age 4 changing irrigation pipe and feeding our live stock. From age 16 on, I personally payed for everything in my life. The best lesson taught to me by my parents was that life is not always fair. Like a grinding wheel, life will highly polish you are grind you to nothing, it all depends on what you are made of. If a persons life is sheltered and privileged, then the realities of that life will never be truly understood or appreciated. This is why the role of being a victim or helpless needy citizen, "dependent on others" will never be part of my make up.