I agree completely!
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I do know quite a number, some over 50, some late 20s or early 30s, some in between. Some I’m even related to. 
For some, a personal incident changed their view on firearms and self protection… an abusive ex, a stalker, a robbery, an assault or the assault of a loved one. But that didn’t change all their social views and beliefs… Just the self defense ones.
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That is interesting! Thank you for sharing.
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Omg…that is so untrue. If a 16yo shoots and kills someone they can be tried as an adult. This is completely contradictory to your age of accountability statement. I’ve read somewhere that the human brain isn’t fully developed until age 25. And then some adults don’t even have the mental capacity of their numerical age. So…although society would like to see things matter of fact or black and white, there is a lot of gray and plenty of color.
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I’m coming late to this party but, while it’s been interesting, this statement stood out for me:
Once again, speaking only for myself and having all caveats firmly in place, I wish to respectfully disagree. What I must actually respect is an individual’s RIGHT to hold any opinion they may choose on any subject whatsoever. While I absolutely respect this ancient and inalienable RIGHT, I do not necessarily respect the opinion itself and, in the extreme, I may not respect the individual for having chosen it. That being said, I give greater weight to a person’s actions than their words, while at the same time considering that the manner in which they express their opinion is itself a form of action.
In the matter of speaking in generalities, which can be a valuable conversational tool, it is all too easy to decline from generalities into “tarring with a broad brush” which can degenerate quickly into identity politics, which I find to be insulting as it implies that the speaker believes I am either gullible enough or ignorant enough to simply accept the sweeping condemnation (or approval) of the “indentity” presented without examining it. I try to express generalities in such a way as to at least imply that I understand the exceptions which exist within the generalizations. For instance, rather than state that Democrats are anti 2A, I would say that the Democrat party tends to be anti 2A, or at least skews heavily in favor of much greater restriction of 2A rights. The generality is preserved while simultaneously recognizing the variability within.
But now I’m treading close to rhetoric and I’m not sharp enough this morning to travel too far down that road without getting lost.
Regards.
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I can agree with you on this, @David38.
If I don’t necessarily respect the person for making that extreme choice - that doesn’t mean I’ll be disrespectful to them. I’ll end the relationship or limit interaction. Not respecting them doesn’t mean I lower my standards of dealing with other individuals. My actions speak to my integrity - even if I don’t respect the other person. My opinion only… 
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I should have added this same statement to my post. I am civil to all and courteous to most, until the individual proves themselves unworthy of even that much consideration. Words on a screen are unlikely to provoke such a response.
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In order for a juvenile to be tried as an adult there must first be a hearing in which a judge determines that they are competent to stand trail as such.
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I agree with your correction on my statement. I say correction because my meaning was to respect each others right to have an opinion and not that we must respect the opinion itself. In context though; when someone’s opinion is to not allow a person to bring a firearm on their property and you do not bring your firearm on their property you are in effect respecting that opinion. Thanks for your feedback.
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@Dawn Thank you for this. I am a liberal but believe in protecting myself and those around me. I believe people have the right to protect themselves.
I believe in and support the 2nd Amendment. I have found this community to be open and welcoming.
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True enough. Nothing’s ever simple, is it? In this situation I apply one of two lines of reasoning: either my need to be on that property overrides my disdain for the ‘no gun’ policy, or my general respect for the person balances out my disagreement with them on this issue.
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There seems to always be more grey area than black and white. I generally do not patronize businesses that ban guns. However; there are a couple of exceptions I make for personal reasons. My Pharmacy options have just been reduced so I will avoid all these new virtue signaling companies. Although if I must enter one and it is not easily avoidable then I will still carry. We must all push history, facts and common sense when the opportunity presents itself in the hope of reaching those that are open to it. If someone bases their life on emotional responses to everything, we will most likely not reach them.
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I agree with you, that’s why I try to always say “idiotic democrat” instead of “Liberal”. Not all democrats are idiotic and some Conservatives are liberal.
Does that make sense!?
I don’t think “idiocracy” is political party specific. 
I think we all can learn from each other on a variety of topics, no matter what we agree or disagree about. But the first step is respectful conversation and listening to each other - even if we might not agree what the other person has to say.
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It was just a comedy, it was never supposed to be a documentary!
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LOL! I wasn’t necessarily referring to the movie, but I’ve wondered the same thing you stated a number of times.
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Idiocracy is the Great Prophecy. So many things in that movie have come true…
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You’re right. Going forward, I will monitor my terminology because I don’t wanna stereotype. I’ll start using Anti 2A or Anti-Gunners to describe folk who are against people keeping & bearing arms. 
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I am that gun owning ,gun carrying liberal that seems to stir up so much debate.
A little about me, I am a combat veteran and fought in the gulf war during desert storm. I Practice martial arts and many years ago taught beginner self defense classes at a dojo I practiced at. I own more then one gun and believe in the right to own, carry and defend oneself and family.
Does this make me any different then any of you?
Just because my views are politcally left leaning, does not mean that I disagree with your views and rights.
I think we tend to put people in catigories too soon without really getting to know who they are i have tattoos and cauliflower ears, if I don’t tell you what i think and who I am what is your first thought when you see me?
My point is just because someone doesnt think like you or vote like you does not mean that they wont stand up and fight for your rights.
Lets give everyone a chance, you might be surprised when they agree with you or give you something that makes you think.
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