Why It's Impossible to Have an Honest Gun Control Conversation

From the Bench brought to you by Blue Coat Arms Company "No Matter Your Era, We Got Your Six!"

By Hootey Cline

I've watched friends and colleagues on the Left side of the gun control debate become genuinely confused about why Second Amendment advocates don't seem to budge on their views after mass shootings. As a professional gunsmith who works with firearms daily - from antique muskets to modern AR platforms - I thought I'd try explaining this phenomenon in hopes that we can have better conversations about guns and the Second Amendment in America.

There are several reasons 2A advocates aren't running to your side of the argument, and they might not be the ones you think.

1. We Rarely Get to Come to the Conversation in Good Faith

The most destructive, divisive response when dealing with Second Amendment advocates is the notion that we aren't on your side because we "don't care" about tragedy and loss of life. Two years ago at Christmas, I had a family member, exasperated that I wasn't agreeing about gun control, snarl: "It appears that if your [step] daughter was killed because of gun violence you wouldn't even care!"

I've seen journalists, politicians, and friends say something like: "If children dying won't change their minds, nothing will!" The obvious implication is that we are unmoved by the loss of life.

This is a complete dehumanization of Second Amendment advocates. 

We see the same tragedies unfolding and have the same ache deep in our souls. We read the memorials of those who gave their lives for others and silently cry over our computers or phones. We feel it, we hurt, and some of us even died or were heroes who rescued others.

As hard as it may be to imagine, a person can watch this, ache, hurt, and be profoundly affected by these events and not change their position on the Second Amendment.

From the shop: In my years serving Central Illinois gun owners, I've never met a single person who didn't feel genuine grief over these tragedies. The assumption that we're heartless is where productive conversation dies.

2. The 'Blood on Their Hands' Attacks Are Offensive

The constant screaming about NRA influence means nothing to many of today's gun owners, but the "blood on their hands" attacks do. To the average gun owner, the NRA is seen as a first line of defense, not a holy church.

Many gun owners, including my own family, have left the NRA over various policy disagreements. We don't view it as some monolithic organization that speaks for all of us. But when celebrities and media voices use "NRA" and "gun owners" interchangeably, depicting us as blood-soaked, we know they're really talking about us.

The average gun owner sees these attacks and thinks: "They're calling ME a murderer for exercising my constitutional rights."

3. The Loudest Voices Are Often the Most Ignorant

Whether it's breaking news or late-night TV hosts, journalists and celebrities demonstrate shocking ignorance about firearms. I understand why the Left feels we're deflecting when we get "pedantic" about details like the inappropriate labeling of "assault rifles."

But this is a policy debate that requires precision.

Good policies should be extraordinarily specific, explicit, and accurate in describing what they're actually legislating. It's hard for Second Amendment advocates to believe the loudest voices are approaching this seriously when they constantly get basic details wrong.

From the shop: I work on everything from Civil War-era muskets to modern sporting rifles. When I hear politicians describe "fully semi-automatic" weapons or "30-caliber magazine clips," I know they don't understand what they're trying to regulate.

4. The Most Prominent Policy Ideas Have Nothing to Do With the Tragedy

After every tragedy, we hear the same policy proposals - many of which wouldn't have prevented the specific incident that inspired them. When we examine the data on various gun control measures, the evidence for their effectiveness in preventing mass shootings is often lacking.

I understand it's frustrating that 2A advocates don't seem to want to "do something" after a tragedy. But when proposed solutions wouldn't have prevented the tragedy that inspired them, how can we support them in good conscience?

5. We Seriously Don't Care About Gun Laws in Other Countries

We really, really don't. That's because of the Second Amendment.

The countries often cited in gun control debates not only have inconclusive results, but they don't recognize personal firearm possession as a constitutional right. That's the bottom line. While their laws and outcomes might be interesting academically, they're not applicable here.

6. We Really Do Consider Owning Firearms a Right

I view the Constitution and Declaration of Independence as declaring the intrinsic and inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The framers knew that liberty is only achieved when the citizenry can keep tyrannical government, and those who would do harm, at bay.

Beyond that, part of having liberty is personal safety from harm. Outside of "God's grace", I am primarily responsible for my safety, because I am able to be responsible for my safety. While government's primary responsibility is citizen safety, I am first responsible for mine.

Further, because I can be responsible for my safety, I have a duty as a good citizen to be prepared to protect others who cannot protect themselves. This is part of liberty. And the primary way I can ensure my liberty is by owning a firearm.

Second Amendment advocates truly view owning a firearm as an intrinsic right essential to preserving liberty. It has nothing to do with hunting or hobbies. That's why when discussions turn to firearms "not meant for hunting," you don't see advocates conceding they aren't needed.

Evil acts don't cancel out a law-abiding citizen's rights.

Moving Forward: A Call for Better Conversation

So many gun control advocates are begging for conversation on this issue, and it's unfortunate they don't see Second Amendment advocates as willing to engage. I find it hard to have honest, vulnerable conversation about a deeply held right when the starting point challenges my motives while coming from ignorance about firearms.

If you're really looking to win over your gun-loving friend, try:

• Reading up on firearms and their actual capabilities

• Dropping anti-NRA talking points that paint all gun owners with the same brush

• Assuming they're equally committed to preventing evil acts

• Recognizing that constitutional rights don't disappear because of tragedies

Professional Firearm Services in Central Illinois

At Blue Coat Arms Company, we serve responsible gun owners throughout Central Illinois with professional gunsmith services. Whether you own antique firearms, modern sporting rifles, or anything in between, we understand that proper maintenance and training are essential parts of responsible ownership.

Contact us at 217-416-5962 or bluecoatarms@gmail.com to schedule your appointment. We work by appointment only to provide personalized service to every customer.

Remember: No Matter Your Era, We Got Your Six!