Gun-rights People Drive me Crazy
On April 6th the Nevada State Legislature had a hearing on three gun control bills. Assembly 354, 355 and Senate Bill 171. Here’s the meeting in it’s entirety in case you’re interested in watching.
354 would outlaw carrying a gun near a polling or election center, it also changes the definition of lower receiver. 355 would raise the age of owning a semi-auto center fire rifle and and semi-auto shotgun to 21. 171 prohibits those who attempted or committed domestic violence or a hate crime from owning a gun. Make of these what you will.
The hearing started with a heart wrenching story by Assemblywoman Jauregui about the loss she experienced during the Las Vegas shooting. People who testified in support told stories of loss, trauma and fear.
Republican Assemblyman Gray and others used their time to bitch about trans children.
Maybe that argument works for you. Maybe that’s something you agree with. However, nothing compares to a story about the violent and traumatic loss of human life.
Going Over the Second Amendment
I’ve written about gun rights before. I’ll link the article here for your reading. It’s an issue I care deeply about and it’s unbelievable frustrating to watch someone argue for it poorly.
I doubt there are many people on the fence, or lack an opinion on gun rights in America. It remains a serious issue that continues to affect all Americans. Terrible arguments and bad rhetoric only pushes people further to one side or alienates those who agree. I can agree with you and think you’re an idiot.
How would you make a better argument. My first one is tricky. Find someone who wishes they could’ve done something. Find a victim or someone who knew a victim who wishes they could’ve done something to stop the predator.
This way gun rights activists can pull right back on those heart strings. Prove that legislation can have negative consequences.
The second line argument unfortunately can’t be fit into a one minute testimony.
At all stages of life people will make bad choices. At 15 we allow people to operate vehicles that can weigh more than a ton and can travel at speeds exceeding 100 miles an hour. At 16 we let them operate them independently. Every year car accidents change thousands of lives.
At 18 we give young people the option of taking on thousands upon thousands of dollars of unforgivable loans. Student loan debt will burden our young students for decades. Impoverishing them, limiting them, and hurting their prospects for the future.
At 18 we also allow young kids to join the military. We allow children to join an organization that will scar their physical and mental well being for the rest of their lives. It may even get them killed.
At 18 we also allow young people to vote. They may vote for bad politicians, bad policies, and bad ideas. We still let them vote.
At 21 we give young people all sorts of freedoms: alcohol, tobacco, and now guns. We all know the consequences and damage that alcohol and tobacco can do.
Are we going to keep kicking the can down the road? Are we going to keep increasing the age at which people can access guns. Next session will we argue that 21 year old’s are too irresponsible? If that’s the case than we should increase the age at which we hand out drivers licenses. We shouldn’t let 18 year old’s vote or join the military. If we’re going to legislate how mature people are we should at least be consistent.
I could go on, for a while. I could provide a running commentary on the whole meeting if my ADHD rattled brain would allow me. This piece was like some other articles of mine, me venting my frustration. Lord bless me, people are being foolish and I feel as if there’s nothing I can do.
Hi, my name is Michael Vincent Hawthorne, the guy who writes for the Midnight Variety Hour. If you liked what you read feel free to give me a follow. I post about a variety of content so feel free to check out my other pieces.