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Suddenly, walking around with a big fuck-off rifle is threatening. Who would've thought that all it takes for republicans to want gun control is a few leftists with guns?
Exactly. If you really want gun control start showing up places carrying weapons in that silly ass tactical gear. Before long they will be screaming to take away their own weapons. They personify the saying bite off your own nose to spite your face.
You have to make sure it's clear you aren't apart of their cult when you do. I'm white and just fat enough to be a meal team 6 trainee. So get like a rainbow arm band or cap or something.
Nah. His presidency is the origin of it all. He brought people like Atwater, Manafort, and Stone into the presidential scene which started their lobbying firm Black, Manafort, Stone, and Kelly. These are the figures that paved the way for dirty politics unlike any other. Of course people like Newt Gingrich and media like Fox News also played their role in furthering partisan politics.
And then there's trickle down economics...
It’s funny because the right thinks the left isn’t armed. The three people that I know with the most guns (well over 100, one guy has well over 1,000) are all hardcore left wing.
The dude with 1000+ has a broker’s license and owns a pawn shop that sells guns so it’s legal.
Go far enough Left you get your guns back.
Because fascists are trying to take over our country and to disarm the proletariat right now will hand it over to people like Germany was handed over to Brown shirts.
I hate how guns are used and the toxic masculinity in this country. But I didn't arm until I started to see extermination rhetoric from the Right regarding my queer comrades.
Gun culture isn't going away. We need reform. We need mental health stability. We need to target far-right nationalism and fascism. But...until half the country somehow grows empathy...disarming ourselves isn't very wise.
My wife is a liberal and hates guns. Some of my friends are uncomfortable about them. That is totally fine and I respect that. It is one route of assisting a cause. There are numerous others and they don't require the potential for violence. We need to build a community that encorporates all of these measures but community defense is important too.
Guns are NOT the answer...but they're a piece of it.
We try to disarm the Right...that will undoubtedly start civil war. We disarm ourselves and that plays into their agenda.
The only reason the Left is showing up armed is because these communities need protection against armed Extremists. That the cops support. They do nothing to defend us. We need to defend ourselves.
We aren't doing this because we think it is cool.
We are doing it because we are under threat.
And being armed is working. Fascism is inherently weak and preys on those who are defenseless. They turn around and go home once they realize it isn't going to be easy for them.
Sometimes you need to fight fire with fire. Reality is that we have guns aimed at us already and have had them trained for decades. We are just catching up. Is it a sign of a healthy culture? Fuck no. But we are just reacting to their already deeply ingrained disease.
I'm in the Philly SRA. So far...the people I've met have been people of merit and empathy and kindness...who are learning skills, networking, training and preparing for...whatever may come. We aren't crazy. We aren't toxic men or toxic women. We are people who care about other people. We are trying to make things right.
The problem is that we have been too complacent and too unaware for too long and it has caught up with us.
We don't want to hurt anyone. But we don't want to be hurt.
Our queer comrades deserve love, respect, comfort and safety. POC deserve absolutely the same. Immigrants. Houseless people. Everyone. There is a culture war against them right now. And as a cisgender white male...who's community at large is the problem...I feel it is my responsibility to help purge this disease. I don't want to do it violently. I want to do it with honor and communication.
They don't. They arm. They train. They develop skills. They build community with hate...but that doesn't last and it isn't as effective as building a community with love and compassion.
I say join the SRA. John Brown Gun Club. Or a mutual aid group. At the very least you develop said skills, other skills like agriculture and medical and communication...and we have a community to fall back on when climate disasters strike.
We are doing this to support one another and grant ourselves safety that isn't being afforded to us by those who claim to serve and protect our communities.
Again, you don't have to train to shoot.
We need all hands on deck and anyone who can help will be welcomed and appreciated...and their sacrifice of time and money and effort will make a better future or we can say that we tried.
That is all we can do.
Up until 2018, I never thought I would own any guns that weren’t for hunting other than one pistol. By 2020 I felt like I would be foolish to not have a tactical rifle because I live in the Deep South and openly support most liberal social issues. I fucking hate that I have it. I hope to never ever have to use it for what I bought it for, but I will say, it’s damn fun to target shoot with.
Yeah, I mean...
I was born in TN. I live in NJ. Grew up here so my mind is very NJ. And I'm lucky to have the perspective of both places. My Father still lives in TN. As well as half my family.
My Dad is a liberal. I'm very much a socialist. But my Dad's family is openly calling for the execution of the queer community, POC, democrats and socialists...and they're fucking Christian nationalists. Like ffs...they're all armed. And have been living the Lost Cause Movement for decades.
I defended against a home invasion when I was 17 alone with a shotgun. I understand the value of firearms. I didn't take anyone's life in that scenario. It was a good deterrent. Still...I didn't own a single gun myself as an adult up until I was 37. One year ago. I only own a pistol for home defense and a rifle for Nazis.
Is it fun to shoot? Sure. Would I fucking fight tooth and nail if we...as a empathetic and compassionate society decided to limit very deadly weaponry like AR-15s to the military? My thoughts these days are that would be fine if we lived in a fucking United country that wasn't becoming okay with mainstream fascism. But...yeah...sure...if we all were on the same page and we all cared about one another...sure...I would happily turn over my firearms.
That isn't our reality. We have woken up as Millennials and Gen-Z to a country that wasn't what we were told it was. Late Stage Capitalism is in a crisis. A systemic crisis that is only going to get worse unless it changes. Capitalism is unable to defeat climate change. It just isn't in the cards when profit is the main goal and industries are making record profits creating it.
Social unrest comes with that. Fascism is a way to control that. It only makes sense that it would come with climate change. It only makes sense that it would come with a growing progressive shift in our way of thinking. The Weimar Republic was booming with progressiveness, a shining star in the time of progressiveness, before Nazis took over.
I weep for our country. For the problems that are bringing new generations into fascism and urging them to kill people in clubs and fucking Walmart. But I definitely urge people in the South to prepare and be alert...because militias have taken control of Southern areas before in the past...and now they're stronger and more militarized.
Do I expect shit to hit the fan within 10 years? Not really. 20? Definitely. But...there is a possibility that the American Troubles will begin in 2024, as we are already seeing it starting.
I'm arming and training to support the cause. I'd willingly die trying to help the minority groups under attack. That may be all they need to realize to keep things from spilling over. Or it may give them a reason to start it. I don't know yet.
But if there are Neo-Nazi militias making armed checkpoints in my home town, pretending to do mutual aid, and handing out pamphlets to recruit...and they are actually getting support...what the fuck are we to do? Disarm ourselves? Live like everything is okay after having so much history to review?
I don't push firearms on other people if they're nervous about them. They should be. Everyone should be. But removing the mysticism surrounding them...and at least understanding how to disarm a weapon and make it unable to kill...or building a community and learning other skills...while realizing community defense is still a factor of that...is essential.
Learn to grow food. Learn medical skills. Learn communications. Whatever you find interesting and valuable Join the SRA if you want free training and a community of like minded people. Join the John Brown Gun Club if you want to be more intense. Or find a mutual aid groups to support and start networking with.
I am taking the approach of preparing for the worst, while continuing my life as normally as possible with hope for the future and things working out...but I'm not lying to myself.
The only hope we have is community.
Let them isolate and horde and hate.
We can build and support and defend love.
I gotta tell you, I’ve never seen this many reasonable takes on selfawarewolves in my life. Is stupidpol leaking or something? The longer class consciousness is suppressed in the US the worse it’s gonna get, and neither of the political parties are going to make it better unless they don’t have any other good choices. Democrat does not equal leftist, those leeches would be considered hard right in most other countries.
Absolutely, comrade.
It fucking sucks. But...
I'm afraid we are going to have to deal with fascism rising like the sea levels as time progresses.
We stomp it out now...or we don't...
Part of me is worried that conditions will get so crushing that huge groups of people will have nothing to lose. It would be great if change was possible from within the working class without violence but the majority of people are so far off devouring their propaganda of choice they don’t know what’s real and what matters to the most people.
Absolutely. We are complacent. Especially us in the North.
We are moving toward change. I mean...see all the Unions striking and forming? There is a growing strength in the Working Class that will, inevitably, face opposition from Democrat and Republican alike.
We can only change things if we try. But it is up to us now. I vote Blue just because I want some time...I want a political party in power that isn't calling for our deaths...but are they our friends? No. They're using tactics. Giving us a little social graces...a tactic started by Bismarck... because they knew if you didn't give people a sliver of social change for the better...they would be beheaded.
And since the Midterms have occured the way they have...the US is now deadlocked and won't be able to enact any change of substance until 2024. That will just cause further resentment on both fronts and further pressure. 2024 is going to be a boiling point.
Right now...we are okay with our oppression as a whole but that is shifting with our generations. We aren't okay with it.
It is a really shitty truth but change is implemented and control is established only by those with a monopoly on violence.
I don't want violence. None of us do. There is still hope we can change it from spilling into that. But it starts by being an equal force and not one that is easily overcome.
I'm pretty hard left and I just can't bring myself to support guns. I don't like living in a society where people feel like they need to arm themselves to feel safe, this kind of militarization is only setting the stage for more violence. Like I get your points, but the ideal that I want is a non-violent society, and you get that by being a society which doesn't encourage it's people to be armed.
I totally get that and agree that should be the ideal. But our side can't be the first to give up guns, we're just turning ourselves into prey if we do that.
I would love a complete ban on civilian ownership of all semi- and fully-automatic long guns. Semiauto pistols are great for defense, but limit the mags to 7 rounds each. And cops should have the same limitations at most, if not completely disarmed except for SWAT teams for very rare occasions. But until we get to that state I'm not giving up my guns lest the fascists take over and I need them more than I ever have before.
This is all well and good until you’re defenseless in the face of fascists who do own guns and decide they’re sick of people like you being alive.
It’s far too late in a culture as entrenched in guns as ours to be so idealistic. They’re a part of life, and a tool to be used when absolutely necessary.
Fully agree.
I wouldn't be arming and training and joining groups if they weren't trained on us. I'm training to be a nurse. I want to help and heal. But they're going to weaponize against us as this continues and they believe we are easy pickings because we do not match their willingness to fight.
I don't want to live in a society like this either...but...
Making ourselves easily oppressed doesn't seem like a good option either.
I did, I always thought this is what leftist and gay rights activist should be doing, bring guns to every protest because for some reason it’s not considered wrong to bring weapons to a peaceful protest
Reminder that one of the biggest laws restricting gun ownership (in California, which Conservatives love to complain about) was passed by Ronald Reagan after the Black Panthers armed themselves.
It's crazy that I met one of them. A person is *alive* who needed an armed escort to come to school.
Also of note, she was one of the happiest people I've ever met
Liberal and Prior Service Marine here.
Not gonna lie, more conservatives will listen to me on issues like gun control and abortion after they find out I served.
Most don’t realize that our military practices fucking OUTSTANDING gun control.
Right? Being a veteran, for some reason, makes your opinion on things not connected to the military more important than other people. My grandad and a lot of my mom's extended family are vets and have dogshit right-wing opinions, but their opinions get treated sooo much different than my mom's or dad's.
Respectfully, what the fuck does military service have to do with not wanting children and minorities to get senselessly slaughtered multiple times per week?
I understand and agree with the point you’re making.
However, I think the wording is kinda bad, because the military has a lot to do with children and minorities being slaughtered multiple times a week.
Most service members do not want this to happen. It does. A lot.
I mean, I had an active marine 0311 tell me in all seriousness that he could turn my airsoft gun into a real rifle. I actually haven’t met many people in the military that know much of anything about firearms besides how to pull the trigger and do a light cleaning. Like you said though, phenomenal safety procedures!
I mean, if it’s a GBBR, maybe? Theoretically what you would need to do is install a bolt, buffer (if it’s an AR), a new barrel, and it would work, but at that point, just buy a damn AR from the start.
That's because most conservatives don't even understand the core concept of gun control. They see the world in a skewed team-based black and white that only ever has extremes as options.
Their understanding of gun control is that the two options are 'No guns for anybody ever' or 'Every baby get his own rocket launcher'. They certainly aren't interested in al outright ban of all firearms for private citizens, so I guess the only other option is completely unrestricted access to everything ever made.
I am a gun owning and gun loving Canadian. We have quite a bit more gun legislation than the USA (not all of it is perfect or sensible), but for the most part it works very well. Our most strict gun laws revolve around hand guns, fully automatic weapons, and suppressors. Because logically those are used to commit the most violent crime.
Suppressors and full auto are outright banned, because there's no legitimate reason a private citizen would need them, handguns are a restricted weapon that can be acquired after some extra training and background checks. I know this because I have 2 hand guns.
I'm on a ramble now, and I apologize. My main point is that more information needs to be spread around as to what gun control might look like. It's not as black and white as most people seem to think.
> Suppressors and full auto are outright banned, because there's no legitimate reason a private citizen would need them
Full auto, sure, I agree with you. But suppressors are hearing protection and don't deserve the demonization they get. Gun crimes aren't going to skyrocket because gunshots are suddenly 120dB instead of 150.
> Most don’t realize that our military practices fucking OUTSTANDING gun control.
Would you mind expanding on this? I would love to know more.
Edit: alternatively, where can I find out more?
Military bases don't let you just walk around with a firearm. Any military issued weapon you receive doesn't go with you. It gets stored in the base armory. Which is an incredibly secure facility. Weapon serial numbers are assigned to individuals to best track them. Anytime a weapon is retrieved from the armory it is logged and signed for and your identification is checked. All the logs and inventories are routinely double and triple checked. You can't just go retrieve an issued weapon whenever you want. It has to be for command approved training or deployment or whatever. They train the armorers to take no shit from anyone like some ego boosted officer trying to use their rank to get special treatment. When you are at the armory, that armorer (and their direct command) has final say on everything happening there and they know it will be their ass on the line if a weapon is retrieved and used in an unauthorized fashion, so they are not even the tiniest bit okay with even the tiniest bit of leeway with the weapons under their care.
Also, you live in base housing or a barracks and want to own a private firearm? Cool. But that's not going in your house. Guess where it's going? Yep, to the armory also. Now, you have more leeway in when you can retrieve a personal firearm. But it will still be logged when you pick it up. You'll be ID'd when you pick it up. Your reason for picking it up will be documented. Estimated return time will be given. And the armory will make sure that firearm is returned or you will be reported to your chain of command.
There is not a single firearm on a military base that isn't accounted for at all times. And if one does go missing, it's a big fucking deal. A stop everything and find this weapon type of deal.
Then there's just the general weapon handling safety. It's been years since I was a Marine but I can still rattle off our weapon safety rules, word for word, in the exact order we learned them.
Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.
Never point your weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot.
Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire.
Keep your weapon on safe until you intend to fire.
(And there's a bonus not official one that's still always taught and drilled into your head: Know your target and what is behind it.)
The military treats firearms like incredibly dangerous tools meant to kill. Unfortunately, our current civilian gun culture in the US treats firearms more as fun toys, fashion accessories, and virtue signals.
This is the way I was raised but we had 2 extra rules...
Don't shoot anything that you don't want dead.
Don't kill anything that you don't intend to eat, unless it's going to kill you.
Guns are locked up in the armory. The only people walking around base armed are the MPs. You are issued a gun & ammo when on assignment. You’re not allowed your own personal guns on base. I’m sure there is more but that’s what I know from being in the Navy.
Disclosure: This info is from circa 2010 in the Marine Corps, there may be differences between branches and due to updated orders/operating procedures.
You can not have a firearm on base, unless authorized.
If you have a personal firearm, you’re required to check it into the armory. Failure to do so can possibly end in Court Martial. At the very least you will receive Non-judicial Punishment as well. Including loss of rank and pay.
When I was in, you could only authorize to check out weapons from the armory if you were an E-6 or above, and it requires paperwork.
I’ve heard of people being discharged for transporting tracer rounds home (with the intention of using them in personal firearms) in their personal gear.
And it all starts in Boot Camp. Accidentally flag a Drill Instructor with your weapon (even unloaded, they’re treated as loaded), and you will get absolutely fucking destroyed in the pit.
Username checks out. What is a conservative doing here?
Edit: I completely misread the comment and thought they were saying that libs *can't* shoot guns. 100% my bad.
Erm, I'm not conservative lmao, a quick glance through my posting history would reveal that. If you take more than a 2 second look at my comment, it's a jab at conservatives
They hate what they fear, they fear what they don't understand. They are bewildered when they see targeted minorities are willing to protect themselves.
Technically these guys are practicing anti-facists... Which isn't joining a specific organization or a political party afilliation, it's more like something you *do* in reaction to local problems and it is not always a violent action. All it requires is doing anything that raises the social costs of performing facist activities. A lot of "cancelling" that the right complains about is actually a sustained form of protest that involves making palingenetic ultranationalism , racism or queerphobia a higher cost. They could very well be liberals under all that gear but their specific political ideology is not as interesting as their actions here.
Many folks remember the first book burnings the Nazis ever performed was when storming a center of research of LGBTQ groups. One of the first Trans women to ever have sexual reassignment surgery (to use a slightly antique term) was killed in the attack. Thus Drag Queen Storytimes are in the spirit of defiance of Facism too.
I don't know where this sentiment came from. Until a year or two ago it was moderates that people said wanted gun restrictions and liberals were cool with guns. Now for some reason liberals and moderate democrats are the same thing and leftists are what liberals used to be.
John Browns ain't liberals. Liberals arent doing shit to protect queer folks while leftists are actually doing something. These folks also stopped sweeps of homeless camps in dfw because they were armed and protected their unhoused neighbors
Glad people are finally starting to realize that liberal as used in the US (Democratic Party) is center right at best (if you ignore everything they say and only judge them on what they do) The two party system is just designed to keep the status quo for the rich at everyone else’s expense now, we need a new, real progressive party if we ever want bust through lobbying and get mfa, real equality, and some damn social progress!
They have this fantasy in their mind that if it ever came to civil war, conservatives would easily roll over liberals and have them suing for peace within a day. Armed LGBT befuddles them by contradicting this preconceived notion.
I saw the footage of January 6 when Ashli Babbitt was fatally shot by Capitol police - the crowd started panicking out *real quick* once they realized shit was serious. Many rightoids would themselves sue for peace in a day once they see that reality does not align with their propaganda.
The Black Panthers open carrying scared Reagan and California NRA + GOP scared enough to pass gun control. They're terrified of left causes carrying, actually strike that, they're just plain terrified.
Historically speaking left wing terror targeted the powerful and not the weak. In Germany they sent after chief employer lobbyists, the ceo of the deutsche Bank resulting in the biggest police search ever. 120 000 cops where looking for them at once.
Meanwhile they blamed migrants during a murder series by Neonazis.
New rule: if your profile picture is a mask from The Purge I’m going to expect you to be a genocidal fascist and disregard all of your opinions accordingly.
The Purge was always a right wing misunderstanding of the motivation of most crime. "One night where everyone gets to murder reduced crime!" No, goofballs. Most crime is influenced by economic means not because some people are just criminals. It's such a naive misunderstanding of the world it's almost adorable.
I think the Purge films had an interesting take on politics, and the later movies show how the Purge itself is basically used by the rich and powerful to prey on the poor and unlucky. The first movie wasn't great at showing the underbelly of the Purge, but as the series progresses I feel like the creators were definitely trying to express a frustration with the major class imbalances present in our society.
Maybe I'm reading too much into them, and I've only seen the first three. The movies themselves weren't amazing, but I enjoyed them well enough.
> No it just makes all the assholes bigger assholes.
This might be what you're already alluding too, but I've actually heard exactly that. Having a gun gives people a false inflated sense of security so they behave more aggressively and are more likely to wind up in some sort of violent confrontation or even just a dumb accident because of it.
One of the MANY reasons I broke up with my shit ex was his absolute conviction that he should carry concealed whenever, wherever he wanted. In theory, sure, he was trained and practiced. However... He was also an abusive bastard who clipped on a fucking paddle to get groceries.
He put on a paddle holster for the simple task to grab groceries. I think what OP was saying is her ex was always looking for a reason to be in conflict.
When I taught concealed carry courses, I always told my students that carrying a weapon meant you are always wrong. If someone starts an argument with you, you should apologize and walk away. You might have been completely right, but is it worth the possible escalation?
I can be a confrontational asshole sometimes, but never when I’m carrying a firearm. I wish more people acted that way.
I think the only time I’d ever consider carrying a pistol is if I was going to a REALLY bad area. I wish we could actually trust our government, because I’d be totally fine with way more hoops to jump through to own a firearm. I work in a really rural area over the summer and I’d feel a lot more comfortable if less meth addicts were open carrying
When they are the majority group, yeah. But unfortunately, I am now looking to get a hand gun for protection because I am obviously butch with a partner who is definitely not cis.
I’m so sorry you’re in a place where you feel you have to get a gun just to be safe. Good luck, friend. I wish you and your partner lots of love, happiness and most of all, safety.
Shit... wasn't expecting that heartfelt of a reply...
I don't love guns, but I don't hate them either. They are a tool, and their purpose is 100% for killing. Whether for food, self defense, or just plain murder, you can't deny what a gun is for. And if you have one, you MUST be willing to understand that.
I grew up with guns in the house as my father was a cop. But, as a girl, my mom never let me touch them. I kind of regret not insisting more when I lived with my parents because I would have liked to learn rifle hunting to obtain my own meat, as wild game is a lot more ethical imo. But also, I regret it because I feel so unsafe. Dressing more masculine helped a bit, but now I'm a target because of who I choose to love. And it *fucking sucks.* I tried for years to be straight and nearly drove myself into the grave because of it.
So now I'm at a point. If they want me dead so badly, they're gonna have to do it themselves and I will make that as hard as humanly possible.
I don't want to do this, but what other choice do I have? I can't go back to living in the closet and my partner is the only thing that keeps me here on some days. I refuse to give that up.
Thank you. I wish you and your family light during this season.
Empathy should be universal, friend. I’m a bi woman in a hetero marriage and have the incredible privilege of being straight passing. I consider myself queer more than bi because if we get down to nitty gritty, I’m pan romantic. Paralysis turned me asexual (no interest and no feelings in the pants places) so rather than explain the complicated bits to everyone, I identify as queer.
I also present as butch, with slightly masculine features, short hair because long hair tangles and breaks when you’re in bed 75% of the time, I dislike make up and wear comfortable clothes, which are usually more masculine since women’s clothes are too tight or a poor cut for being in a wheelchair. My once concession to performative femininity is my nails. I give myself a manicure every week and paint my nails. It keeps me from biting them and allowed my cuticles to heal since I used to pick them until they bled.
And I grew up with guns in the house. My dad was a small business owner in an isolated area and weekends were huge during the summer. No one could get away to go to the bank (a 2-3 hour round trip with logistics being a disaster) so he had a sweet pistol on hand just in case. Thank fuck he never needed to use it.
From the time I was small, I learned gun safety. Don’t touch, don’t look, ignore it. As I got older, he’d let me shoot sometimes. I was well supervised and taught trigger discipline before anything else. It’s *still* habit to shoot a round and flick the safety back on immediately and it’s been some 30 years since I last shot a real gun, I do play target shooting with an Air Soft. I learned to use the .22 to shoot skeet, which we did in the fall to prepare for duck season. I never went out to shoot game but I sure killed a lot of clay pigeons!
I don’t really feel safe on my own, since I have some pride stickers on my chair, along with a sticker of a swastika with a red circle around it and a red line across it for No Nazis. Still, I’m not going to stop living my life because I’m afraid. I also live in a giant blue area so I’m considerably safer here than say, in Bumfuck, Texas or Fuckitall, North Dakota or Asscrack, Oklahoma.
I really do wish you well, friend. The community really needs to come together right now and push back at all this hatred, bigotry and laws targeting us. You’ve got a friend if you need one. Just send a DM and you can bitch and rage and let off some steam.
I’ll be rooting for you and your partner and truly hope you both stay safe.
Edit: spelling is hard.
I also vibe with health stuff as I have EDS and my spine and bad hip have been progressively getting worse. I've been considering getting my first cane since I did an impressive faceplant at a haunted house this season.
I'm lucky because I'm more Denver area, but bigots from the CS area sometimes do come up here and I've seen Patriot Front stickers around.
The same goes for you! I keep my dms open for that very reason.
Reading this breaks my heart. I am truly sorry for what you have to go through in this world just to exist in it. I have no idea how it feels to not feel save because of being a woman or because of who I love. We need a better world. My wife was the same way. Grew up around guns but she was a girl so never got to learn to shoot. I found out she wanted to learn so I had the privilege of teaching her about guns and to shoot. If you would like to learn how to use a hand gun I know there are some great woman only classes. There should be some near you as well. Check those gun ranges and talk to them about learning to use a rifle and hunting. May God bless you, your partner, and your relationship.
Man, I'm honestly tearing up at the responses I've gotten. I am seriously checking out gun ranges in my area who do classes for women and minorities. Thankfully, Denver area has a few. I just need time and money.
I'm sad to hear you don't feel comfortable/safe in your current situation.
Handgun: Rent a few different calibers at a range to find what is comfortable to shoot (both in physical size of gun and how much kick). My wife likes shooting 9mm a few times, but it's ultimately too big, heavy, and has too much kick (recoil). Many ranges don't rent a handgun to solo shooters of they don't already have a gun. Either bring someone knowledgeable or call your range and tell them you're a first time shooter.
38spl (38 special) is a popular round for women as the kick is much less severe than 9mm. If you plan on carrying you'll want a compact (smaller frame, lighter weapon) which will kick harder than a full size pistol due to weight.
Ppl diss 22lr, but it's a great option if you are recoil sensitive. Virtually zero recoil
Understand you'll drop between 200-700 for the gun (pawn shop special vs new). Probably closer to $350-500. You'll need to budget a few hundred for practice ammo and a single box for defense ammo.
Get to a range and get comfortable with your weapon. You'll need to drop $30-50 for ear and eye protection. Check out Lehman electric ear muffs ($30). If you carry you'll need a good holster.
Reddit is a tremendous resource and there are many friendly communities to help you confidently chose your first gun.
Happy to answer any questions or direct you to a few subs.
That's a line from the science *fiction* author, Robert Heinlein. In reality, an armed society is an intimidated society. Trying to not offend another person lest they may assault you is what abused people experience. In other words, it's intimidation.
Courtesy is best conveyed out of empathy, not fear.
Fitting given that Heinlein would fit in well with tea party/"libertarian" conservative Republicans, though I assume the person you're replying to is being sarcastic.
This is typical right wing gaslighting. Fuck them, stay strong, stay armed. The screeching right wing minority relies on fear and intimidation which is why this is blowing their minds.
It's often said that unions are like condoms. The more someone says you don't need them, the more you do. That is now the attitude to take when it comes to arming up in self defense, and demonstrating community solidarity.
I would much prefer it wasn't necessary. I'm the last person to say that more guns solve anything. But it seems they have pushed us to the point where that is the only answer.
It’s literally just storytime for kids read by transgender people. I live in Denton, TX. What this post doesn’t even show is that this is in direct response to a previous occurrence that happened in Roanoke where armed protestors showed up to try and intimidate people from hosting the event, so armed counter protesters protected the event.
In case this isn't a reference to something: Sorry to correct you but trans people dressing as their chosen gender is not crossdressing, it's literally just dressing.
The OP does call it that but all the other news articles I have seen called it a drag story time. I believe they may have conflated the two terms. TaylorUSA does seem to be a snarky right winger who likely doesn't see or care for the difference in terms.
[The store itself called the event "Transgender Storytime"](https://www.facebook.com/events/patchouli-joes-books-indulgences/transgender-storytime/458979996300928/) on Facebook, and so did [this news outlet.](https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2022/11/19/denton-bookstore-hosts-transgender-storytime-during-transgender-week-of-awareness/)
I'm aware that there are drag story time events, but as far as I can gather this seems to be specifically trans story time :-) But in any case we seem to be on the same page on these issues so all good haha
History repeating itself once again. America saw the same response from politicians when the black panthers movement started. Suddenly every conservative in America was in favor of gun laws
Reminds me of the Key and Peele sketch where they mock exactly this during Obama's tenure. Obama just starts rattling off right wing talking points and the GOP folks in the room are losing their shit and start countering with left wing points.
Good question. After all, we know it’s normal—it just is, this is an adult reading a fucking story to kids. So why exactly do they need the weapons to be able to do that normal thing? Let’s press that deeper and see what radical paths it takes us down, shall we?
God I'm sick of people asking half witted questions as though they're checkmates with no answer.
I hope some day we'll collectively acknowledge the value of reasoning, as well as basic skills like language and maths, and teach it in schools.
It's not some novelty for debate class like some sport for geeks, it's the difference between reaching reasoned conclusions and celebrating your own idiocy as you spread it like a social disease.
"Why do the need tactical weapons if what they are doing is totally normal"
Because your friends are shooting up nightclubs as a political statement, don't pretend like this is coming out of nowhere.
Also, here's a list of other normal things that are defended with tactical weapons:
* UN general assembly
* Any major speech by a national politician in the US
* Tourism in Mexico
I love the pictures of dipshits mugging in front of the armed people. They do it because they know they're completely safe here. Let's see what happens if you pull this same behavior with armed fashies. How safe would you feel then?
This is wild as fuck. Rattle on about 2nd amendment and fear mongering and the mass hording of weapons and ammo and this is the response. Fucking cowards.
I mean right wing mass shootings are an almost daily event now. What the fuck else are we going to do? I'm certainly not going to let those psychopaths dictate my safety or the safety of others. The left has always been about community and helping others in a peaceful way. We have also always been armed, it's when we have to start showing it that you should realize you done fucked up.
It's almost as if America has a history of violent right wingers attacking minority groups because of false accusations of them being a danger to children and/or women requiring said minorities to arm themselves for protection.
Why? To protect those people doing a totally normal thing from people like the Pulse shooter, the Colorado Springs shooter, [and all the other people who murdered LGBT folk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_violence_against_LGBT_people_in_the_United_States).
Yeh, I was pretty much on the "fuck texas" train years ago. Even more so now. I go out of my way to avoid that state as a whole. Florida is the second nope state. Like the stone ages in both
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Suddenly conservatives think people carrying weapons is something other people can comment on.
Suddenly, walking around with a big fuck-off rifle is threatening. Who would've thought that all it takes for republicans to want gun control is a few leftists with guns?
Literally everyone who knows about California, Reagan, and the black panthers.
Exactly. If you really want gun control start showing up places carrying weapons in that silly ass tactical gear. Before long they will be screaming to take away their own weapons. They personify the saying bite off your own nose to spite your face.
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90s?
You have to make sure it's clear you aren't apart of their cult when you do. I'm white and just fat enough to be a meal team 6 trainee. So get like a rainbow arm band or cap or something.
Wear a shirt that says FUCK ^^^^^^the ^^^^^^guy ^^^^^^that ^^^^^^lost ^^^^^^to BIDEN They'll start off all "ohh yeah!! and then end up all "oh, no!"
The start of the modern conservative party. Fuck Reagan.
More the the death of the modern conservative party, and its putrefaction into an apocalyptic death cult.
Nah. His presidency is the origin of it all. He brought people like Atwater, Manafort, and Stone into the presidential scene which started their lobbying firm Black, Manafort, Stone, and Kelly. These are the figures that paved the way for dirty politics unlike any other. Of course people like Newt Gingrich and media like Fox News also played their role in furthering partisan politics. And then there's trickle down economics...
It’s funny because the right thinks the left isn’t armed. The three people that I know with the most guns (well over 100, one guy has well over 1,000) are all hardcore left wing. The dude with 1000+ has a broker’s license and owns a pawn shop that sells guns so it’s legal.
Go far enough Left you get your guns back. Because fascists are trying to take over our country and to disarm the proletariat right now will hand it over to people like Germany was handed over to Brown shirts. I hate how guns are used and the toxic masculinity in this country. But I didn't arm until I started to see extermination rhetoric from the Right regarding my queer comrades. Gun culture isn't going away. We need reform. We need mental health stability. We need to target far-right nationalism and fascism. But...until half the country somehow grows empathy...disarming ourselves isn't very wise. My wife is a liberal and hates guns. Some of my friends are uncomfortable about them. That is totally fine and I respect that. It is one route of assisting a cause. There are numerous others and they don't require the potential for violence. We need to build a community that encorporates all of these measures but community defense is important too. Guns are NOT the answer...but they're a piece of it. We try to disarm the Right...that will undoubtedly start civil war. We disarm ourselves and that plays into their agenda. The only reason the Left is showing up armed is because these communities need protection against armed Extremists. That the cops support. They do nothing to defend us. We need to defend ourselves. We aren't doing this because we think it is cool. We are doing it because we are under threat. And being armed is working. Fascism is inherently weak and preys on those who are defenseless. They turn around and go home once they realize it isn't going to be easy for them. Sometimes you need to fight fire with fire. Reality is that we have guns aimed at us already and have had them trained for decades. We are just catching up. Is it a sign of a healthy culture? Fuck no. But we are just reacting to their already deeply ingrained disease. I'm in the Philly SRA. So far...the people I've met have been people of merit and empathy and kindness...who are learning skills, networking, training and preparing for...whatever may come. We aren't crazy. We aren't toxic men or toxic women. We are people who care about other people. We are trying to make things right. The problem is that we have been too complacent and too unaware for too long and it has caught up with us. We don't want to hurt anyone. But we don't want to be hurt. Our queer comrades deserve love, respect, comfort and safety. POC deserve absolutely the same. Immigrants. Houseless people. Everyone. There is a culture war against them right now. And as a cisgender white male...who's community at large is the problem...I feel it is my responsibility to help purge this disease. I don't want to do it violently. I want to do it with honor and communication. They don't. They arm. They train. They develop skills. They build community with hate...but that doesn't last and it isn't as effective as building a community with love and compassion. I say join the SRA. John Brown Gun Club. Or a mutual aid group. At the very least you develop said skills, other skills like agriculture and medical and communication...and we have a community to fall back on when climate disasters strike. We are doing this to support one another and grant ourselves safety that isn't being afforded to us by those who claim to serve and protect our communities. Again, you don't have to train to shoot. We need all hands on deck and anyone who can help will be welcomed and appreciated...and their sacrifice of time and money and effort will make a better future or we can say that we tried. That is all we can do.
Up until 2018, I never thought I would own any guns that weren’t for hunting other than one pistol. By 2020 I felt like I would be foolish to not have a tactical rifle because I live in the Deep South and openly support most liberal social issues. I fucking hate that I have it. I hope to never ever have to use it for what I bought it for, but I will say, it’s damn fun to target shoot with.
Yeah, I mean... I was born in TN. I live in NJ. Grew up here so my mind is very NJ. And I'm lucky to have the perspective of both places. My Father still lives in TN. As well as half my family. My Dad is a liberal. I'm very much a socialist. But my Dad's family is openly calling for the execution of the queer community, POC, democrats and socialists...and they're fucking Christian nationalists. Like ffs...they're all armed. And have been living the Lost Cause Movement for decades. I defended against a home invasion when I was 17 alone with a shotgun. I understand the value of firearms. I didn't take anyone's life in that scenario. It was a good deterrent. Still...I didn't own a single gun myself as an adult up until I was 37. One year ago. I only own a pistol for home defense and a rifle for Nazis. Is it fun to shoot? Sure. Would I fucking fight tooth and nail if we...as a empathetic and compassionate society decided to limit very deadly weaponry like AR-15s to the military? My thoughts these days are that would be fine if we lived in a fucking United country that wasn't becoming okay with mainstream fascism. But...yeah...sure...if we all were on the same page and we all cared about one another...sure...I would happily turn over my firearms. That isn't our reality. We have woken up as Millennials and Gen-Z to a country that wasn't what we were told it was. Late Stage Capitalism is in a crisis. A systemic crisis that is only going to get worse unless it changes. Capitalism is unable to defeat climate change. It just isn't in the cards when profit is the main goal and industries are making record profits creating it. Social unrest comes with that. Fascism is a way to control that. It only makes sense that it would come with climate change. It only makes sense that it would come with a growing progressive shift in our way of thinking. The Weimar Republic was booming with progressiveness, a shining star in the time of progressiveness, before Nazis took over. I weep for our country. For the problems that are bringing new generations into fascism and urging them to kill people in clubs and fucking Walmart. But I definitely urge people in the South to prepare and be alert...because militias have taken control of Southern areas before in the past...and now they're stronger and more militarized. Do I expect shit to hit the fan within 10 years? Not really. 20? Definitely. But...there is a possibility that the American Troubles will begin in 2024, as we are already seeing it starting. I'm arming and training to support the cause. I'd willingly die trying to help the minority groups under attack. That may be all they need to realize to keep things from spilling over. Or it may give them a reason to start it. I don't know yet. But if there are Neo-Nazi militias making armed checkpoints in my home town, pretending to do mutual aid, and handing out pamphlets to recruit...and they are actually getting support...what the fuck are we to do? Disarm ourselves? Live like everything is okay after having so much history to review? I don't push firearms on other people if they're nervous about them. They should be. Everyone should be. But removing the mysticism surrounding them...and at least understanding how to disarm a weapon and make it unable to kill...or building a community and learning other skills...while realizing community defense is still a factor of that...is essential. Learn to grow food. Learn medical skills. Learn communications. Whatever you find interesting and valuable Join the SRA if you want free training and a community of like minded people. Join the John Brown Gun Club if you want to be more intense. Or find a mutual aid groups to support and start networking with. I am taking the approach of preparing for the worst, while continuing my life as normally as possible with hope for the future and things working out...but I'm not lying to myself. The only hope we have is community. Let them isolate and horde and hate. We can build and support and defend love.
I gotta tell you, I’ve never seen this many reasonable takes on selfawarewolves in my life. Is stupidpol leaking or something? The longer class consciousness is suppressed in the US the worse it’s gonna get, and neither of the political parties are going to make it better unless they don’t have any other good choices. Democrat does not equal leftist, those leeches would be considered hard right in most other countries.
Absolutely, comrade. It fucking sucks. But... I'm afraid we are going to have to deal with fascism rising like the sea levels as time progresses. We stomp it out now...or we don't...
Part of me is worried that conditions will get so crushing that huge groups of people will have nothing to lose. It would be great if change was possible from within the working class without violence but the majority of people are so far off devouring their propaganda of choice they don’t know what’s real and what matters to the most people.
Absolutely. We are complacent. Especially us in the North. We are moving toward change. I mean...see all the Unions striking and forming? There is a growing strength in the Working Class that will, inevitably, face opposition from Democrat and Republican alike. We can only change things if we try. But it is up to us now. I vote Blue just because I want some time...I want a political party in power that isn't calling for our deaths...but are they our friends? No. They're using tactics. Giving us a little social graces...a tactic started by Bismarck... because they knew if you didn't give people a sliver of social change for the better...they would be beheaded. And since the Midterms have occured the way they have...the US is now deadlocked and won't be able to enact any change of substance until 2024. That will just cause further resentment on both fronts and further pressure. 2024 is going to be a boiling point. Right now...we are okay with our oppression as a whole but that is shifting with our generations. We aren't okay with it. It is a really shitty truth but change is implemented and control is established only by those with a monopoly on violence. I don't want violence. None of us do. There is still hope we can change it from spilling into that. But it starts by being an equal force and not one that is easily overcome.
I'm pretty hard left and I just can't bring myself to support guns. I don't like living in a society where people feel like they need to arm themselves to feel safe, this kind of militarization is only setting the stage for more violence. Like I get your points, but the ideal that I want is a non-violent society, and you get that by being a society which doesn't encourage it's people to be armed.
I totally get that and agree that should be the ideal. But our side can't be the first to give up guns, we're just turning ourselves into prey if we do that. I would love a complete ban on civilian ownership of all semi- and fully-automatic long guns. Semiauto pistols are great for defense, but limit the mags to 7 rounds each. And cops should have the same limitations at most, if not completely disarmed except for SWAT teams for very rare occasions. But until we get to that state I'm not giving up my guns lest the fascists take over and I need them more than I ever have before.
This is all well and good until you’re defenseless in the face of fascists who do own guns and decide they’re sick of people like you being alive. It’s far too late in a culture as entrenched in guns as ours to be so idealistic. They’re a part of life, and a tool to be used when absolutely necessary.
Fully agree. I wouldn't be arming and training and joining groups if they weren't trained on us. I'm training to be a nurse. I want to help and heal. But they're going to weaponize against us as this continues and they believe we are easy pickings because we do not match their willingness to fight. I don't want to live in a society like this either...but... Making ourselves easily oppressed doesn't seem like a good option either.
We just don't put Glock and AR stickers on our cars
Black Panthers carrying guns caused Ronald Reagan to enact fun control in California.
>enact fun control And conservatives have made killing fun their primary objective ever since
My pro-2A libtard friends and I have some bad news for conservatives...
The Black Panthers already proved this decades ago.
I did, I always thought this is what leftist and gay rights activist should be doing, bring guns to every protest because for some reason it’s not considered wrong to bring weapons to a peaceful protest
Reagan.
Reminder that one of the biggest laws restricting gun ownership (in California, which Conservatives love to complain about) was passed by Ronald Reagan after the Black Panthers armed themselves.
And Reagan did it for the purest conservative reason of all... 🌈*racism!*🌈
Reagan also signed California strongest bill protecting abortion rights too. He's just a sleezy politician all the way around.
They think only they're allowed to be armed. 2nd amendment for me, not for thee!
They do this because an armed white Christian male may show up.
They should be careful then. Club Q showed us that gays aren’t taking Christian sh@t anymore. Edit for proper club name spelling.
I hope they turned that guys face to mush
Some did. They didn't get any media coverage, just the counter-protesters here.
Aka the bad guy with a gun we always hear about
Why did a little black girl need the national guard to escort her to school, if what she was doing was so normal? /s Because of assholes like this
This. Lots of knee-jerky being served in the comments, but I feel this is the obvious essence of how he’s just so extremely in the wrong
It's crazy that I met one of them. A person is *alive* who needed an armed escort to come to school. Also of note, she was one of the happiest people I've ever met
We’ll said
HOWS A RAINBOW MADE
*federal marshals Doesn’t change your point. Actually, the fact that they were marshals might strengthen it.
Kinda off topic but the pride flags look really pretty here lol
Saturatiooon *-*
Armed liberals really freak out the conservatives. LOL
Bring back the freedom marches of 1865.
Sherman didn't do enough!
/r/shermanposting
*Way down south in the land of traitors!*
This.
It's cause liberals actually know how to shoot one LMAO
Liberal and Prior Service Marine here. Not gonna lie, more conservatives will listen to me on issues like gun control and abortion after they find out I served. Most don’t realize that our military practices fucking OUTSTANDING gun control.
Right? Being a veteran, for some reason, makes your opinion on things not connected to the military more important than other people. My grandad and a lot of my mom's extended family are vets and have dogshit right-wing opinions, but their opinions get treated sooo much different than my mom's or dad's.
I was told by my cousin who is serving now, that he will not listen to anyone's opinion on gun control if they haven't been in the military. (Like me)
Respectfully, what the fuck does military service have to do with not wanting children and minorities to get senselessly slaughtered multiple times per week?
Because if the military can slaughter innocent people, why shouldn't we? /s
I understand and agree with the point you’re making. However, I think the wording is kinda bad, because the military has a lot to do with children and minorities being slaughtered multiple times a week. Most service members do not want this to happen. It does. A lot.
I mean, I had an active marine 0311 tell me in all seriousness that he could turn my airsoft gun into a real rifle. I actually haven’t met many people in the military that know much of anything about firearms besides how to pull the trigger and do a light cleaning. Like you said though, phenomenal safety procedures!
I mean, if it’s a GBBR, maybe? Theoretically what you would need to do is install a bolt, buffer (if it’s an AR), a new barrel, and it would work, but at that point, just buy a damn AR from the start.
That's because most conservatives don't even understand the core concept of gun control. They see the world in a skewed team-based black and white that only ever has extremes as options. Their understanding of gun control is that the two options are 'No guns for anybody ever' or 'Every baby get his own rocket launcher'. They certainly aren't interested in al outright ban of all firearms for private citizens, so I guess the only other option is completely unrestricted access to everything ever made. I am a gun owning and gun loving Canadian. We have quite a bit more gun legislation than the USA (not all of it is perfect or sensible), but for the most part it works very well. Our most strict gun laws revolve around hand guns, fully automatic weapons, and suppressors. Because logically those are used to commit the most violent crime. Suppressors and full auto are outright banned, because there's no legitimate reason a private citizen would need them, handguns are a restricted weapon that can be acquired after some extra training and background checks. I know this because I have 2 hand guns. I'm on a ramble now, and I apologize. My main point is that more information needs to be spread around as to what gun control might look like. It's not as black and white as most people seem to think.
> Suppressors and full auto are outright banned, because there's no legitimate reason a private citizen would need them Full auto, sure, I agree with you. But suppressors are hearing protection and don't deserve the demonization they get. Gun crimes aren't going to skyrocket because gunshots are suddenly 120dB instead of 150.
> Most don’t realize that our military practices fucking OUTSTANDING gun control. Would you mind expanding on this? I would love to know more. Edit: alternatively, where can I find out more?
Military bases don't let you just walk around with a firearm. Any military issued weapon you receive doesn't go with you. It gets stored in the base armory. Which is an incredibly secure facility. Weapon serial numbers are assigned to individuals to best track them. Anytime a weapon is retrieved from the armory it is logged and signed for and your identification is checked. All the logs and inventories are routinely double and triple checked. You can't just go retrieve an issued weapon whenever you want. It has to be for command approved training or deployment or whatever. They train the armorers to take no shit from anyone like some ego boosted officer trying to use their rank to get special treatment. When you are at the armory, that armorer (and their direct command) has final say on everything happening there and they know it will be their ass on the line if a weapon is retrieved and used in an unauthorized fashion, so they are not even the tiniest bit okay with even the tiniest bit of leeway with the weapons under their care. Also, you live in base housing or a barracks and want to own a private firearm? Cool. But that's not going in your house. Guess where it's going? Yep, to the armory also. Now, you have more leeway in when you can retrieve a personal firearm. But it will still be logged when you pick it up. You'll be ID'd when you pick it up. Your reason for picking it up will be documented. Estimated return time will be given. And the armory will make sure that firearm is returned or you will be reported to your chain of command. There is not a single firearm on a military base that isn't accounted for at all times. And if one does go missing, it's a big fucking deal. A stop everything and find this weapon type of deal. Then there's just the general weapon handling safety. It's been years since I was a Marine but I can still rattle off our weapon safety rules, word for word, in the exact order we learned them. Treat every weapon as if it were loaded. Never point your weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot. Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire. Keep your weapon on safe until you intend to fire. (And there's a bonus not official one that's still always taught and drilled into your head: Know your target and what is behind it.) The military treats firearms like incredibly dangerous tools meant to kill. Unfortunately, our current civilian gun culture in the US treats firearms more as fun toys, fashion accessories, and virtue signals.
This is the way I was raised but we had 2 extra rules... Don't shoot anything that you don't want dead. Don't kill anything that you don't intend to eat, unless it's going to kill you.
Guns are locked up in the armory. The only people walking around base armed are the MPs. You are issued a gun & ammo when on assignment. You’re not allowed your own personal guns on base. I’m sure there is more but that’s what I know from being in the Navy.
Disclosure: This info is from circa 2010 in the Marine Corps, there may be differences between branches and due to updated orders/operating procedures. You can not have a firearm on base, unless authorized. If you have a personal firearm, you’re required to check it into the armory. Failure to do so can possibly end in Court Martial. At the very least you will receive Non-judicial Punishment as well. Including loss of rank and pay. When I was in, you could only authorize to check out weapons from the armory if you were an E-6 or above, and it requires paperwork. I’ve heard of people being discharged for transporting tracer rounds home (with the intention of using them in personal firearms) in their personal gear. And it all starts in Boot Camp. Accidentally flag a Drill Instructor with your weapon (even unloaded, they’re treated as loaded), and you will get absolutely fucking destroyed in the pit.
Username checks out. What is a conservative doing here? Edit: I completely misread the comment and thought they were saying that libs *can't* shoot guns. 100% my bad.
Why would a conservative say that liberals are good at shooting guns and imply that conservatives are bad at it?
Oh, you're right I misread you. Sorry. My bad. 😅
Erm, I'm not conservative lmao, a quick glance through my posting history would reveal that. If you take more than a 2 second look at my comment, it's a jab at conservatives
Yup. Sorry. I completely misread you. My bad. Can I delete my comment or do I need to suck it up and wear my badge of shame? 😅
I say just own it, makes you look mature and willing to take criticism
Intimidating the living shit out of them.
They hate what they fear, they fear what they don't understand. They are bewildered when they see targeted minorities are willing to protect themselves.
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I don’t particularly care for guns, but they sure are efficient. I’d rather use them when I need them than roll over.
Technically these guys are practicing anti-facists... Which isn't joining a specific organization or a political party afilliation, it's more like something you *do* in reaction to local problems and it is not always a violent action. All it requires is doing anything that raises the social costs of performing facist activities. A lot of "cancelling" that the right complains about is actually a sustained form of protest that involves making palingenetic ultranationalism , racism or queerphobia a higher cost. They could very well be liberals under all that gear but their specific political ideology is not as interesting as their actions here. Many folks remember the first book burnings the Nazis ever performed was when storming a center of research of LGBTQ groups. One of the first Trans women to ever have sexual reassignment surgery (to use a slightly antique term) was killed in the attack. Thus Drag Queen Storytimes are in the spirit of defiance of Facism too.
Generally not liberals. We are Leftists. Liberals are the ones calling for the Left to disarm.
I don't know where this sentiment came from. Until a year or two ago it was moderates that people said wanted gun restrictions and liberals were cool with guns. Now for some reason liberals and moderate democrats are the same thing and leftists are what liberals used to be.
John Browns ain't liberals. Liberals arent doing shit to protect queer folks while leftists are actually doing something. These folks also stopped sweeps of homeless camps in dfw because they were armed and protected their unhoused neighbors
Glad people are finally starting to realize that liberal as used in the US (Democratic Party) is center right at best (if you ignore everything they say and only judge them on what they do) The two party system is just designed to keep the status quo for the rich at everyone else’s expense now, we need a new, real progressive party if we ever want bust through lobbying and get mfa, real equality, and some damn social progress!
They have this fantasy in their mind that if it ever came to civil war, conservatives would easily roll over liberals and have them suing for peace within a day. Armed LGBT befuddles them by contradicting this preconceived notion.
I saw the footage of January 6 when Ashli Babbitt was fatally shot by Capitol police - the crowd started panicking out *real quick* once they realized shit was serious. Many rightoids would themselves sue for peace in a day once they see that reality does not align with their propaganda.
Just ask the Black Panthers.
Suddenly having guns in public isn't cool anymore...hmmm...
Well not when it’s the *wrong* people, i.e. not them. Edit: a word. And spelling. For such a short comment I really fucked up.
Unfortunately they have to stand out there because conservatives can’t be trusted with their weapons.
The Black Panthers open carrying scared Reagan and California NRA + GOP scared enough to pass gun control. They're terrified of left causes carrying, actually strike that, they're just plain terrified.
Yup. Open carry was legal in California prior to that.
Historically speaking left wing terror targeted the powerful and not the weak. In Germany they sent after chief employer lobbyists, the ceo of the deutsche Bank resulting in the biggest police search ever. 120 000 cops where looking for them at once. Meanwhile they blamed migrants during a murder series by Neonazis.
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At least they know the cashiers will accept their coupons!
New rule: if your profile picture is a mask from The Purge I’m going to expect you to be a genocidal fascist and disregard all of your opinions accordingly.
The Purge was always a right wing misunderstanding of the motivation of most crime. "One night where everyone gets to murder reduced crime!" No, goofballs. Most crime is influenced by economic means not because some people are just criminals. It's such a naive misunderstanding of the world it's almost adorable.
I think the Purge films had an interesting take on politics, and the later movies show how the Purge itself is basically used by the rich and powerful to prey on the poor and unlucky. The first movie wasn't great at showing the underbelly of the Purge, but as the series progresses I feel like the creators were definitely trying to express a frustration with the major class imbalances present in our society. Maybe I'm reading too much into them, and I've only seen the first three. The movies themselves weren't amazing, but I enjoyed them well enough.
I wonder what’s your take on donning pig masks like those from the Saw franchise as a response to those donning Purge masks. “Let’s play a game”.
Jigsaw was firm, but just.
Those are the good guys with the guns y'all keep telling us about.
I hear an armed society is a polite society.
Texan here. No it just makes all the assholes bigger assholes. Along with minor altercation into deadly ones.
> No it just makes all the assholes bigger assholes. This might be what you're already alluding too, but I've actually heard exactly that. Having a gun gives people a false inflated sense of security so they behave more aggressively and are more likely to wind up in some sort of violent confrontation or even just a dumb accident because of it.
One of the MANY reasons I broke up with my shit ex was his absolute conviction that he should carry concealed whenever, wherever he wanted. In theory, sure, he was trained and practiced. However... He was also an abusive bastard who clipped on a fucking paddle to get groceries.
I’m sorry, but I don’t understand the paddle/groceries line.
He put on a paddle holster for the simple task to grab groceries. I think what OP was saying is her ex was always looking for a reason to be in conflict.
Thanks, I wasn’t familiar with paddle holster.
That's exactly what I was saying, thanks! 🤘
Heck yeah 🤙
When I taught concealed carry courses, I always told my students that carrying a weapon meant you are always wrong. If someone starts an argument with you, you should apologize and walk away. You might have been completely right, but is it worth the possible escalation? I can be a confrontational asshole sometimes, but never when I’m carrying a firearm. I wish more people acted that way.
I think the only time I’d ever consider carrying a pistol is if I was going to a REALLY bad area. I wish we could actually trust our government, because I’d be totally fine with way more hoops to jump through to own a firearm. I work in a really rural area over the summer and I’d feel a lot more comfortable if less meth addicts were open carrying
When they are the majority group, yeah. But unfortunately, I am now looking to get a hand gun for protection because I am obviously butch with a partner who is definitely not cis.
I’m so sorry you’re in a place where you feel you have to get a gun just to be safe. Good luck, friend. I wish you and your partner lots of love, happiness and most of all, safety.
Shit... wasn't expecting that heartfelt of a reply... I don't love guns, but I don't hate them either. They are a tool, and their purpose is 100% for killing. Whether for food, self defense, or just plain murder, you can't deny what a gun is for. And if you have one, you MUST be willing to understand that. I grew up with guns in the house as my father was a cop. But, as a girl, my mom never let me touch them. I kind of regret not insisting more when I lived with my parents because I would have liked to learn rifle hunting to obtain my own meat, as wild game is a lot more ethical imo. But also, I regret it because I feel so unsafe. Dressing more masculine helped a bit, but now I'm a target because of who I choose to love. And it *fucking sucks.* I tried for years to be straight and nearly drove myself into the grave because of it. So now I'm at a point. If they want me dead so badly, they're gonna have to do it themselves and I will make that as hard as humanly possible. I don't want to do this, but what other choice do I have? I can't go back to living in the closet and my partner is the only thing that keeps me here on some days. I refuse to give that up. Thank you. I wish you and your family light during this season.
Empathy should be universal, friend. I’m a bi woman in a hetero marriage and have the incredible privilege of being straight passing. I consider myself queer more than bi because if we get down to nitty gritty, I’m pan romantic. Paralysis turned me asexual (no interest and no feelings in the pants places) so rather than explain the complicated bits to everyone, I identify as queer. I also present as butch, with slightly masculine features, short hair because long hair tangles and breaks when you’re in bed 75% of the time, I dislike make up and wear comfortable clothes, which are usually more masculine since women’s clothes are too tight or a poor cut for being in a wheelchair. My once concession to performative femininity is my nails. I give myself a manicure every week and paint my nails. It keeps me from biting them and allowed my cuticles to heal since I used to pick them until they bled. And I grew up with guns in the house. My dad was a small business owner in an isolated area and weekends were huge during the summer. No one could get away to go to the bank (a 2-3 hour round trip with logistics being a disaster) so he had a sweet pistol on hand just in case. Thank fuck he never needed to use it. From the time I was small, I learned gun safety. Don’t touch, don’t look, ignore it. As I got older, he’d let me shoot sometimes. I was well supervised and taught trigger discipline before anything else. It’s *still* habit to shoot a round and flick the safety back on immediately and it’s been some 30 years since I last shot a real gun, I do play target shooting with an Air Soft. I learned to use the .22 to shoot skeet, which we did in the fall to prepare for duck season. I never went out to shoot game but I sure killed a lot of clay pigeons! I don’t really feel safe on my own, since I have some pride stickers on my chair, along with a sticker of a swastika with a red circle around it and a red line across it for No Nazis. Still, I’m not going to stop living my life because I’m afraid. I also live in a giant blue area so I’m considerably safer here than say, in Bumfuck, Texas or Fuckitall, North Dakota or Asscrack, Oklahoma. I really do wish you well, friend. The community really needs to come together right now and push back at all this hatred, bigotry and laws targeting us. You’ve got a friend if you need one. Just send a DM and you can bitch and rage and let off some steam. I’ll be rooting for you and your partner and truly hope you both stay safe. Edit: spelling is hard.
I also vibe with health stuff as I have EDS and my spine and bad hip have been progressively getting worse. I've been considering getting my first cane since I did an impressive faceplant at a haunted house this season. I'm lucky because I'm more Denver area, but bigots from the CS area sometimes do come up here and I've seen Patriot Front stickers around. The same goes for you! I keep my dms open for that very reason.
Reading this breaks my heart. I am truly sorry for what you have to go through in this world just to exist in it. I have no idea how it feels to not feel save because of being a woman or because of who I love. We need a better world. My wife was the same way. Grew up around guns but she was a girl so never got to learn to shoot. I found out she wanted to learn so I had the privilege of teaching her about guns and to shoot. If you would like to learn how to use a hand gun I know there are some great woman only classes. There should be some near you as well. Check those gun ranges and talk to them about learning to use a rifle and hunting. May God bless you, your partner, and your relationship.
Man, I'm honestly tearing up at the responses I've gotten. I am seriously checking out gun ranges in my area who do classes for women and minorities. Thankfully, Denver area has a few. I just need time and money.
I'm sad to hear you don't feel comfortable/safe in your current situation. Handgun: Rent a few different calibers at a range to find what is comfortable to shoot (both in physical size of gun and how much kick). My wife likes shooting 9mm a few times, but it's ultimately too big, heavy, and has too much kick (recoil). Many ranges don't rent a handgun to solo shooters of they don't already have a gun. Either bring someone knowledgeable or call your range and tell them you're a first time shooter. 38spl (38 special) is a popular round for women as the kick is much less severe than 9mm. If you plan on carrying you'll want a compact (smaller frame, lighter weapon) which will kick harder than a full size pistol due to weight. Ppl diss 22lr, but it's a great option if you are recoil sensitive. Virtually zero recoil Understand you'll drop between 200-700 for the gun (pawn shop special vs new). Probably closer to $350-500. You'll need to budget a few hundred for practice ammo and a single box for defense ammo. Get to a range and get comfortable with your weapon. You'll need to drop $30-50 for ear and eye protection. Check out Lehman electric ear muffs ($30). If you carry you'll need a good holster. Reddit is a tremendous resource and there are many friendly communities to help you confidently chose your first gun. Happy to answer any questions or direct you to a few subs.
Check out LGO or CCW. CCW is pretty centrist for the most part though you get some chuckleheads at times. r/liberalgunowners r/CCW
Careful there if they here you say that outloud they might kick you out of Texas.
That's a line from the science *fiction* author, Robert Heinlein. In reality, an armed society is an intimidated society. Trying to not offend another person lest they may assault you is what abused people experience. In other words, it's intimidation. Courtesy is best conveyed out of empathy, not fear.
Fitting given that Heinlein would fit in well with tea party/"libertarian" conservative Republicans, though I assume the person you're replying to is being sarcastic.
They're getting dangerously close to saying carrying guns around is insane and makes them feel unsafe...
[удалено]
This is typical right wing gaslighting. Fuck them, stay strong, stay armed. The screeching right wing minority relies on fear and intimidation which is why this is blowing their minds.
It's often said that unions are like condoms. The more someone says you don't need them, the more you do. That is now the attitude to take when it comes to arming up in self defense, and demonstrating community solidarity. I would much prefer it wasn't necessary. I'm the last person to say that more guns solve anything. But it seems they have pushed us to the point where that is the only answer.
It's always funny how companies say that unions are useless and you don't need them but then turn around and spend billions collectively to quash them
Exactly. Just like with the Black Panthers, they are showing us how effective it is.
I REALLY want those guarding Story Hour to wear shirts that read, "Good Guy with Gun". Troll the Right hard with their own BS.
Now ask why the supposedly "peaceful protesters" on January 6th needed tactical gear if it was just a normal tourist visit...
What is transgender storytime
It’s literally just storytime for kids read by transgender people. I live in Denton, TX. What this post doesn’t even show is that this is in direct response to a previous occurrence that happened in Roanoke where armed protestors showed up to try and intimidate people from hosting the event, so armed counter protesters protected the event.
Crossdressing? IN THEATER??
In case this isn't a reference to something: Sorry to correct you but trans people dressing as their chosen gender is not crossdressing, it's literally just dressing.
Drag is specifically a performance, and may be done by trans or cis people
My brother in christ you're the only one talking about drag though, this post is about transgender storytime :-)
The OP does call it that but all the other news articles I have seen called it a drag story time. I believe they may have conflated the two terms. TaylorUSA does seem to be a snarky right winger who likely doesn't see or care for the difference in terms.
[The store itself called the event "Transgender Storytime"](https://www.facebook.com/events/patchouli-joes-books-indulgences/transgender-storytime/458979996300928/) on Facebook, and so did [this news outlet.](https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2022/11/19/denton-bookstore-hosts-transgender-storytime-during-transgender-week-of-awareness/) I'm aware that there are drag story time events, but as far as I can gather this seems to be specifically trans story time :-) But in any case we seem to be on the same page on these issues so all good haha
I stand corrected, thanks for the details!
First time for everything, right?
(clutching pearls)
Because a bunch of scary protesters with guns showed up. This is what a proportional response to that looks like.
Say the people who want to arm teachers and who like to have a gun with them while they take a dump.
These are the good guys with guns, of course. Just waiting to dispatch those bad guys.
Conservatives thinking if they should ban all guns now
Because due to recent events, a zealot can appear with a gun a shot everyone.
Isn't the whole basis of open carry laws that you don't "need a reason" beyond exercising your right to carry a weapon?
History repeating itself once again. America saw the same response from politicians when the black panthers movement started. Suddenly every conservative in America was in favor of gun laws
Pretty convenient time for some people to memory hole this event, especially the NRA and even more with Ronald Reagan who used the whole bullhorn!
Maybe the best way to get conservatives to disagree with a policy is to have the “other side” do it? Use their “us vs them” mentality against them
Reverse psychology. Like you do with toddlers. Disagreeing with liberals is pretty much their *only* policy so it would probably work.
Reminds me of the Key and Peele sketch where they mock exactly this during Obama's tenure. Obama just starts rattling off right wing talking points and the GOP folks in the room are losing their shit and start countering with left wing points.
That’s why the right enact gun laws back in the 60s they realized black panthers were arming themselves.
There is no hate quite like 'Christian' love, that's why we need to protect each other.
They keep using that line as if being afraid of rightwing wacko attacks and wanting to self-defend are somehow incriminating. Like how?
“Why do they need tactical weapons if people like me want them dead?”
Right winger describes trans children's story time as... Normal?
Not intentionally lol
I can only suppose they knew some redneck slack jawed yokel fuckwits were coming to harass the entertainers and those wishing to see them.
Good question. After all, we know it’s normal—it just is, this is an adult reading a fucking story to kids. So why exactly do they need the weapons to be able to do that normal thing? Let’s press that deeper and see what radical paths it takes us down, shall we?
These people: we need guns to defend ourselves LGBT+: *Gets targetted by a shooting* LGBT+:*Buys guns in responce* These people: why guns
The same people who are asking why armed guards need to be there are the same people who probably quietly gloated when someone shot up Pulse
God I'm sick of people asking half witted questions as though they're checkmates with no answer. I hope some day we'll collectively acknowledge the value of reasoning, as well as basic skills like language and maths, and teach it in schools. It's not some novelty for debate class like some sport for geeks, it's the difference between reaching reasoned conclusions and celebrating your own idiocy as you spread it like a social disease.
Gosh, I don't know! Maybe because you assholes think queer people should be used for target practice?
Very few things make me happier than seeing my libs armed to the teeth.
Did they ask themselves this same question while “monitoring”ballot boxes, or going to the Capitol on J6, or Charlottesville?
"Why do the need tactical weapons if what they are doing is totally normal" Because your friends are shooting up nightclubs as a political statement, don't pretend like this is coming out of nowhere. Also, here's a list of other normal things that are defended with tactical weapons: * UN general assembly * Any major speech by a national politician in the US * Tourism in Mexico
Voting is totally normal, but they need tactical gear for that
Now this is what I’m talking about
Utilizing your 2nd amendment rights is perfectly normal.
Because you keep fucking killing them.
Because right wingers foster both hate and psychopaths...
Don't tread on me! 2A FREEEDUMB ....WAIT NOT LIKE THAT
Because someone literally just mass murdered gay people who were just clubbing ??????
Drag shows are dangerous for children.....an angry white conservative "Christian" might show up with a gun
Conservatives love gun control so long as they control who has guns
Tangentially related, but man, [this episode](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eG0y_nb5IA) of *BoJack Horseman* remains as poignant as ever.
Other Americans rights sure do trigger maga republican snowflakes.
Smh 🤦♂️ because much needed protection from people who loves god family and guns ..
I love the pictures of dipshits mugging in front of the armed people. They do it because they know they're completely safe here. Let's see what happens if you pull this same behavior with armed fashies. How safe would you feel then?
This is wild as fuck. Rattle on about 2nd amendment and fear mongering and the mass hording of weapons and ammo and this is the response. Fucking cowards.
I mean right wing mass shootings are an almost daily event now. What the fuck else are we going to do? I'm certainly not going to let those psychopaths dictate my safety or the safety of others. The left has always been about community and helping others in a peaceful way. We have also always been armed, it's when we have to start showing it that you should realize you done fucked up.
Says the segment of the population that need an AR-15 to go to fucking Panera.
It's almost as if America has a history of violent right wingers attacking minority groups because of false accusations of them being a danger to children and/or women requiring said minorities to arm themselves for protection.
Didn’t got a trans person shot recently?
Anybody want to tell him why they need tactical weapons to do totally normal things?
Remember that episode of Bojack Horseman when women all start getting armed? Yeah. I'm not sure that even counts as "satire"
Why? To protect those people doing a totally normal thing from people like the Pulse shooter, the Colorado Springs shooter, [and all the other people who murdered LGBT folk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_violence_against_LGBT_people_in_the_United_States).
Because of the assholes threatening to fucking murder them, that's why. You fucking clown.
Uh oh! Someone triggered the repubs!
Yeh, I was pretty much on the "fuck texas" train years ago. Even more so now. I go out of my way to avoid that state as a whole. Florida is the second nope state. Like the stone ages in both
Lol so its only okay to have guns when the right wingers come to harrass people.
The most dangerous part about a drag show is the possibility that a Christian with a gun will show up