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Guns have always been around. They are a tool. Sometimes used in war, sometimes for defense but, for the average American in the past, used for hunting. A tool. What is new is that:
The inherent fear in this culture has gone through the roof and people are consumed with worst case scenarios. I chuckle to myself when I read discussions about particular load velocities and stopping power. It seems that people are convinced that if someone broke into their home they need the firepower to stop someone crazed on PCP's. A .38 is too small, maybe 9mm +P, or better yet a .45, definitely hollow points. A highly unlikely scenario where most of us live but the scenario focused on. Not that it doesn't happen but the threat/reality ratio is way out of whack. It's the same with keeping a pistol by your bed with a round in the chamber. The way I figure it is that if I don't have a 1/2 second to cycle a round I am screwed anyway, and if the bad guy happens to hear me put one in the chamber then maybe he will leave and we both avoid a bad outcome. If he doesn't leave then I do what I have to do to defend myself and my family.
The anti-regulation pendulum swing that has made even sensible regulations cause a nuclear response. Hell, even in the "Old West" quite often you had to check your gun when you came into town, or at the least before you went into the saloon. The last thing they wanted was a bunch of drunks walking around with guns. This reaction to any regulation is also based on fear that is amplified by the minions of gun manufacturers to increase sales. There is not a doubt in my mind.
Finally, TV's glorification of shoot em ups. It seems that everyone on TV is armed and has to use that weapon at least three times a show. Once again subconsciously feeding the fear.
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