Posted on 02/13/2006 8:50:39 AM PST by kiriath_jearim
Monday, February 13, 2006
Wife should talk with husband about fear of guns
By DR. JOYCE BROTHERS
SYNDICATED COLUMNIST
DEAR DR. BROTHERS: I recently moved to a new area of the country, in which it is very common for households to have a rifle or handgun for hunting or personal protection. I have never had any exposure to weapons at all and have always been very frightened of them. Yet around here, children are routinely taught to hunt, with a healthy respect for but no fear of guns. Anyway, my husband brought one home after I reluctantly agreed (we do have a problem with predatory wild animals at our new farm), but I find myself being very nervous about just having it. I would never want to use it. Is this strong a reaction normal? -- D.K.
DEAR D.K.: I would say that it is quite normal and even smart to be afraid of any dangerous weapon that could kill you or a member of your family. It could even make for a very unpleasant situation should the victim be a predator in your yard and you have to see it dispatched. There is almost no upside to having a gun if you aren't a gun lover, and you shouldn't have to live with this creepy feeling indefinitely.
That said, I think you need to sit down with your husband and discuss all this. He needs to be able to tell you how he feels about having -- and possibly using -- the gun. Did he buy the gun mainly to minimize discord in the new neighborhood -- in other words, to fit in? Does he have any background or training in gun use and gun safety? Was he ever in the military? And do you agree that you really need it? If so, take some lessons and do some skeet shooting so that you can gain some mastery and lessen your fears. Keep the gun locked up, of course, and keep that fear at a healthy level. After all, they are deadly. If you still feel terrified after taking these steps, I suggest that you surrender your weapon.
Joyce Brothers? Who cares?
Remember New Orleans.
Does Joyce Brothers also think that husbands have the right to quiz thier wife about an impeding abortion decision?
If not, why the double standard?
DEAR D.K.: Get yourself some training in the use of firearms, so that you will be able to confidently dispatch any dangerous predator, of any species (including human) that threatens you or your family. If you are still frightened of guns after you have undertaken a reasonable amount of train, seek a qualified therapist to help you overcome your hoplophobia.
What exactly is a "gun lover"? (BrokeBack Mountain is OK, but gun love is wrong?)
A gun is a tool, like an axe or a shovel. No more, no less. And idiots like Dr. Brothers not help by applying emotions ('love') where they need not be applied.
There's almost no upside to eating pizza if you aren't a pizza lover.
But anyone who doesn't love guns and pizza is weird.
Isn't She considered something of a joke anyway?
I sent her a fax pointing this out, and offering the help of Second Amendment Sisters to educate her about guns and gun laws.
The fax was sent last Friday. To date, we haven't heard from her.
Two dumb cows mooing at each other in print? Who cares?
This woman is an embarrassment to the pioneer women that moved across our frontier. I'm so glad I don't have any acquaintances like this! Such a pantywaist!
Sounds like the NRA is going to have to open up a counseling division for gun owners wives. They could include a class in how to cook wild game. :)
bang
Two words: NRA Course.
I would say that it is quite abnormal and even really pathetic and stupid to be afraid of an inanimate object that with the correct attitude and training could save the life of you or your family.
But anyone who doesn't love guns and pizza is weird.
But never try to combine your two loves. It is too tough to get mozzarella out of the chamber.
"To date, we haven't heard from her."
Did you expect to? Trying to convince the firearms haters is a waste of time. It's futile.
Better to spend your energy education those who don't have a firm opinion on the subject.
Liberal gunphobia :/ If you are taught a healthy respect and proper safety care for the weapon (like her new neighbors and I have) guns are not dangerous. Far less than cars at any rate. The proper answer would have been to skip the bullshit and go straight to the "learn to skeet shoot" and reassure the woman guns are safe.
I would suggest, go get some training and do some shooting.
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