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Flightmare wrote:Fear of firearms and anything in general is typically caused by a lack of education. I've talked with friends who have never fired a gun in their lives and are afraid of them. Their only knowledge of them comes from what they see on TV. I let them handle mine (after unloading it), and make sure they are aware of how safe they can be (especially compared to vehicles), I then offer to take them to the range to let them try one out. For first time shooters, I almost ALWAYS start them off with my S&W 22A so they aren't surprised by a loud bang or recoil. For the last few people I've taken shooting, they've really enjoyed it and have talked about going back. Once again, education!

So how do we educate people that guns are not some evil thing, but rather are a tool that will keep people safe? I have little hope when we have another active thread where the owners of a gun store are publicly saying that the presence of guns makes their staff less safe. If that type of ignorance is being exhibited by people who supposedly know something about guns, then what hope do we have for folks who have been indoctrinated by the media and their political leaders to think guns = bad?

Is the answer more NRA advertisements, individual out-reach, or something else?

OK, here's what I don't understand. Poor folks, generally speaking are more likely to vote Democrat than Republican. I'm inferring from this that the majority of "poor" folks also are less supportive of the RKBA than the population as a whole. But at the same time, these folks are also much more likely to need a gun for self defense.

I am fortunate to live in a neighborhood where home / vehicle break-ins are very rare. I work in a building with controlled access (including the garage). So I only go into high crime areas on very rare occasions. And I am very protective of my RKBA so I can keep myself and my family safe.

Yet we have a group of people who are much more likely to be victimized by violent crime (at home or otherwise), who generally don't trust the police to protect them, and who are somehow against the idea of law abiding citizens owning and carrying guns. It just makes no sense at all. This is a demographic that should easily understand the dangers that can befall an unarmed person. How can we convince more of these folks to support the RKBA?