I tried to downplay the whole playing-with-guns thing as much as possible, using words like “water shooter” for “water gun,” but even Rick rolled his eyes at me about that one. The thing is, Truman is a boy. Boys make guns out of sticks and Tinker Toys and grilled cheese sandwiches. That fighting mentality was sort of road mapped into my boy’s DNA along with cars and drums and the color blue. That’s just how it is.

It is up to us to teach him the boundaries.

Considering I’m anti-gun, I am obviously not a fan of the National Rifle Association (NRA). But I will give the organization credit for providing parents good advise on talking with your child about gun safety. The group encourages parents to discuss with their children the differences between real guns and toy guns so that he or she will not mistake a real gun for a toy gun. Because, even if you don’t have guns in your own home, your kids may somehow encounter them at a friend’s home.

Here is what the NRA suggests you teach your kids to do if they ever see a gun:

STOP!
Don’t Touch.
Leave the Area.
Tell an Adult.

(Photos, JWJourney)

JWJourney

Post from: Blisstree

Guns Suck, But What Can You Do?

In light of the problems in our neighborhood, my husband brought up the subject of gun ownership. Guns make me nervous petrified, when I think about them being in our residence. When it comes to owning, operating and storage protocol, I will readily admit that I’m in the dark. I’ve never had to ponder the idea of having a gun in our house. We’ve never felt threatened enough to make it an issue.

 After moving to our current neighborhood, we realized the dangers of buying a brand new home. We had no idea who our neighbors would be. Since we purchased a cheaper home, for the sake of saving money, we have had to deal with a lower class of people. I know that sounds prejudiced, but it is fact. There are few exceptions to this rule, of course, but the majority of residents are from the rough parts of Los Angeles and Rialto, California. These are well known areas of widespread gang activity and drug problems. Had I known that this is what our neighborhood would be composed of, I never would have moved here. But until we can get out of here, gun ownership is going to have to be a topic with which we concern ourselves.

How many families, with children, own a gun?  According to the National Center For Health Statistics, 34% of homes with children, house a gun. Caucasian families represent the highest percentage of firearm ownership, than any other ethnicity. In fact, it is more than double the percentage of any other race. I was shocked to read this. No matter what purpose the firearms serve, the fact is, that they are still present in many homes in the US. The stories of children being injured or perishing because of gun accidents are ever increasing. This is what scares me most. Statistics show that 2.6 million children, who live in a home that contains a firearm, have access to them. Gun control is obviously an issue that needs to be better executed. Furthermore, the AACAP, claims that guns kept in the home are 22 times more likely to kill a family member or friend, than kill someone in self defense. That is a staggering statistic! 

What is your opinion on the subject? Do you think that we are foolishly letting our fear drive our decision regarding purchasing a gun? Would you keep a firearm in your  home? Do you think the possible safety a gun can offer, is worth the risk of hurting/killing a child? Sound off in the comments section.

Post from: Blisstree

Under The Gun