Of Guns and Power Tools

I can't say with any surety that I know a woman who likes guns.

Most of those I know that have commented have expressed a dislike for them in their homes with some absolutely forbidding them.

Even my wife, who served in the US Army and has trained with machine guns, hand grenades, assault rifles and claymore mines, doesn't much care for them.

I find this attitude towards firearms to be interesting. It would seem that our culture has civilized the pioneering fortitude right out our women. Probably the men as well. And now what had been a perception that firearms were a useful tool for defense and sustaining life has evolved into fear.

I blame the media for generating this fear toward guns. Sensationalistic stories of family members - usually a husband or boyfriend - using a gun to kill a spouse, fiancee, children and/or relatives have created this notion that a weapon sitting in a closet, drawer or gun cabinet is just a timebomb ticking away, waiting for an occasion to explode.

What other reason for the fear?

Well, I know more people who have been harmed by power tools than I have by guns. In fact, I always approach my table saw with a bit of trepidation and suspicion that one day it will eat my fingers. That happened to my father.

My mother has never told him to get rid of his table saw, though.

Granted, potentially losing your life is more serious than losing a pinky. However, the chances of the latter happening are probably greater due to more frequent usage. How often do people get their guns out besides for hunting season or target shooting?

I think we should approach all tools with a measured amount of fear. This generates respect for the implement and, with it, a more careful approach when using.

Otherwise, our driving just might go all to hell.