Sorry I'm late... keep getting lost in the virtual traffic.
I think that there are many risks to being alive. Many risks are advertised way (WAY) out of proportion. People spend a lot of their time and energy debating issues that will never affect them.
When this article started, it was about gun ownership, toward the end it was about whether or not killing animals was ok. Inbetween, well, just have a read for yourselves. I think the only topic not covered was the cleanliness of soda cans versus soda bottles. I my self prefer bottles.
Here's my take. Gun ownership should be a "personal choice". If you want one, go get one. If you don't like them, don't buy one. They are quite expensive you know. For a good one. If you hate that this country allows it, you can also choose a country that doesn't and go live there.
I don't think anyone should tell me that I have to own one or not. It should be my choice. With that said, the percieved risks are way out of proportion either way. I'm in more danger driving to church the liquor store (statistically speaking) than from going in and buying liquor and ending up in a gun violence situation. Peroid. Here's the top three killers of americans:
#1, smoking. #2, alcohol. #3 Auto accidents. Those three add up to more deaths than the next 25 causes totalled together. Fine print: (The top three causes include accidents and health problems associated with said activities). Now the finest print: All bets are off on number of deaths from anything when the next flu pandemic rolls through... But at least if I survive it, I'll feel safe when I go out foraging for food for my families survival. PS. The number one cause of accidental death for all children 6 years old and younger:
Iron poisoning from overdose of vitamins. Ponder that one about.... vitamins. Number one cause.