I'm seriously getting concerned lately about the priorities of people whose job it is to serve the interests of Americans. Time and again they come up with solutions to different problems than the ones we are actually facing. I foresee a future for America that looks like what Europe is going through now: chaos with naive, bleeding hearts pulling the strings. I worry that my friends are going to turn on me and sell me out to some thoughtcrime mob. I've been wondering lately if buying a gun will give me more peace of mind.
The problem is, I have a history of depression and suicide runs in my family. I lost a grandfather and an uncle to suicide. On more than one occasion I have wanted to kill myself, only to think a few days later "Man I'm glad I didn't have a gun." Would I have gone through with it if I had? I don't know. Will I ever feel that way again? I don't know.
Maybe I should buy a taser? Maybe I should form alliances with people who will protect me in return for something else of value? I honestly don't know if there's a perfect solution. I want to go with the path that has the highest expected reward / risk quotient.
Any advice?
Sort: Top
[–] pacman2000 0 points 6 points 6 points (+6|-0) ago
Well, from what you have said I would recommend not buying a gun until you are 100% sure you will never want to kill yourself. I am not going to lecture you on why you should want to live or anything like that, but if you aren't sure I just say for your sake pass on a gun until you know you are ready. They are serious business and we have the right to own guns, but we have to take that right seriously and exercise caution. Ultimately, you're the only one who can know your mental state and you have the freedom of choice.
It sounds like to me you are primarily interested in a gun for self-defense. Any interest in hunting, shooting at a range, skeet shooting, etc?
[–] jackofdiamonds [S] 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
Not especially. I've fired a gun a few times, and it wasn't a leisurely experience for me.
You're probably right. The risk that society is going to actually descend into madness with roving marauders kicking in people's doors is probably very low.
[–] LetsBeNakedOutside 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
I think you should get a gun; but also talk to someone professionally about your feelings.
You don't need to tell them about wanting a gun; you cloud be more general, say things like kung fu vs muay Thai or something and have them talk through your self-defense concerns. You can do that for peace of mind and still have a gun I think?
Tl;dr: push harder to have both - you're worth it!