TexasCHLforum.com

Common sense gun laws and reasonable restrictions are the knife cuts that are slowly bleeding our RKBA to death.

Note that the phrases used "Common sense gun laws" and "reasonable restrictions" are part of the terminology of the people who seek to [gun] control us rather than allow us to live as free men and women. The use of these phrases might appear to indicate a certain level of acceptance of their methods and agenda, perhaps through their time honored braying long and hard to anyone who will listen. I know anygunanywhere used these phrases in contempt, and appreciate that, but I make a habit of not using such Liberty-averse turns of phrase without identifying them somehow as lacking validity from my perspective.

FWIW, I believe in my heart that firearms SAFETY training is important enough to possibly consider mandating in public schooling. While we are at it, it might be a good idea to mandate a semester or two of shop class so kids can learn to do more than push a button with their digits without hurting themselves or someone else around them. Firearms proficiency training is another thing entirely. It IS definitely important, particularly for someone who considers themselves responsible and therefore worthy of a life of liberty. To mandate proficiency training, though, is to once again put restrictions on a fundamental right.

Basic firearms safety should begin from Pre-K to elementary school with programs like the NRA's Eddie Eagle. It should be continued in middle/high school with rule we as adults are (or at least should be) familiar with -- perhaps as part of Health classes or even Physical Education. Though the Left will oppose such training it could be done under the banner of public safety -- which they'd have a hard time arguing against.

I also doubt that the Left would go for marksmanship or similar training in public schools, except as an elective (optional) class or even an extra-curricular activity.

I agree wholeheartedly that knowledge of the laws pertaining to the use of force and deadly force is important for anyone who may have a need and desire to defend themselves or others. That said, rights should not be turned into permissions contingent upon payment of a tax and attending a class. Properly stated, rights are inherent to the individual and can be exercised at the sole discretion of the individual.