Here is the quote I was referring to yesterday:
Underlying the gun control struggle is a fundamental division in
our nation. The intensity of passion on this issue suggests to me
that we are experiencing a sort of low-grade war going on between
two alternative views of what America is and ought to be. On one
side are those who take bourgeois Europe as a model of civilized
society: a society just, equitable, and democratic; but well
ordered, with lines of authority clearly drawn, and with decisions
made rationally and correctly by intelligent men for the entire
nation. To such people, hunting is atavistic, personal violence is
shameful, and uncontrolled gun ownership is a blot upon
civilization
On the other side is a group of people who do not tend to be
especially articulate or literate, and whose world view is rarely
expressed in print. Their model is that of the independent
frontiersman who takes care of himself and his family with no
interference from the state. They are "conservative" in the sense
that they cling to America's unique pre-modern tradition-a non-
feudal society with a sort of medieval liberty at large for
everyman. The these people "sociological" is an epithet. Life is
tough and competitive. Manhood means responsibility and caring for
your own.
Originally from: B Bruce-Briggs, " The great American Gun War" The
Public Interest 45 (Fall 1976) P.61
And reprinted in "The Samurai, The Mountie, and The Cowboy" Should
America Adopt the Gun Controls of other Democracies? By David B.
Kopel
I feel this is a must read book to understand this issue.
Brian
Member:
Extropy Institute, www.extropy.org
National Rifle Association, www.nra.org, 1.800.672.3888
SBC/Ameritech Data Center Chicago, IL, Local 134 I.B.E.W
Disclosure notice: currently "plonked"
"Joe Dees" <joedees@addall.com>
"Party of Citizens"<citizens@vcn.bc.ca>
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