GUNS in USA – voices of we the people

Eddie thinks about the way our culture developed because of guns. How has the environment of guns in America changed in his 66 years?  His thoughts about assault riffles are shared? What IS the 2nd Amendment and what was the intention of it in 1791? How strong is the emotional influence of fear? Can we sort out responsible individuals in society?  Do you want to hear about "A crazy guy with a gun" who was on the loose while Ed lived in El Salvador? What was considered an "arm" in 1791? The danger of a brain? And a tragic story about a botched home invasion.

Jacky describes a "split feeling" about Guns in America. What does she respect about much of the hunting community? What does she have issue with in urban areas? Does having a gun make her feel safer at home? Visits to England & Ireland are described to share cultural differences. Do YOU feel any differentiation between a sense of "community" surrounding guns in rural vs. urban areas? Exploring feelings regarding general types of guns available in America... hand guns, high capacity clips, & assault riffles. Contemplating the 2nd Amendment and it's intended meaning. What is a militia? What are "ARMS"? Has the passing of 225 years changed the meaning or interpretation since 1791? Is it clear or does it need clarity? Does time & increased population change the relevance? Has SOCIETY changed the meaning of the 2nd amendment by reducing it to JUST THESE FIVE WORDS... "the. right. to. bare. arms."? Who loves their children more? Are we "WELL REGULATED" or in need of regulating? What do WE use guns for? What about policing and the idea of COMMUNITY? What training do individuals who own guns have to use them? What would make it safer for everybody? How are you qualified to own a gun? Do you have a banana chip Rambo riffle? Do the police still work FOR US? Does our gun culture affect Police composure in general and result in a heightened level of aggression due to existing stresses?

John is a Trial Lawyer who shares his perspective from an angle of law and politics. Is this truly a Polarized issue?  Automatic weapons & high capacity clips. Public Policy, Corporate Interest, and disconnect of what the PUBLIC would like to see. MONEY & POLITICAL CLOUT ... How is OUR Democracy SUPPOSED TO WORK vs. how it works in practice. How does he feel about gun ownership, sales, & use? What about assault riffles? The 2nd Amendment and general history. Exploring feelings of distrust towards our government today. His personal opinion on handguns in a home. Should there be a heightened liability (both civil & criminal) for people with guns in their homes if a child or visitor is injured or killed due to irresponsible gun storage? IMPORTANT QUESTION: WHO is really making our public policy as far as guns in this country? How DO YOU get to your personal truth? What SHOULD BE A CONCERN??? How can the tort system change corporate behavior? How is "Dialogue" developed over decades? WHEN & HOW does the Federal Government step in and take action for the greater good of society? "WHO's BEHIND THIS DIALOGUE"? Do YOU distrust the Federal Government?

The right to bare arms comes to mind for Bridget. Should that right be regulated by government or not? Should school shootings even be considered in regards to regulations? Should we be able to make that choice on our own??? Should their be limits on WHAT arms? ...What about assault riffles? What is Bridget's gun experience? How does she feel about hunting?

DON'T MESS WITH Jo!!! She's a fiery senior who is going to tell you EXACTLY how she feels about guns in two minutes flat! Why does she feel like she's living in Dodge? Should guns be allowed in our churches & schools? Are guns part of society's problem or the people using the guns??? Do people NEED guns other than hunting? Why do you need a cache of guns in your house?

Post gun show commentary & discussion: What do you see at a gun show? Does President Obama & Hillary Clinton REALLY want to TAKE AWAY your guns? What fears are legitimate? What are "prepper scenarios"? What concerns should society be addressing right now? Are 3 rounds per second (180 bullets a minute) necessary to defend yourself, family, & property? What is our TRUE reality? Is there a "mythology that a 'gun on the hip' plays into"? Is this a "disconnect from reality"? Important things to know for the "inexperienced" who now have a gun. Are you or a family member MUCH MORE LIKELY to be shot by your own handgun? If so, why? What happened when someone threatened to kill this Pastor in his church? What does he talk about that could "stir up the white male listeners"? Projection of power & the cycle of violence. Insecurities & coping with them. Is "a gun" the answer to all of our problems? When do you need the Police vs. When do you need a gun? THE DYNAMIC OF FEAR! Examples of "WHITE PRIVILEGE"that he has experienced. What is the systemic RACISM in this country? Is it based in fear? What is a "straw purchase location"? George reflects on being at a KKK rally at Stone Mountain where there were many counter protestors, opposing groups, & numerous officers... Is it concerning that people where carrying assault riffles & other firearms at this gathering??? Do 'guns' take away all the other options? COMPLEX ISSUE!!!  Are there sensible solutions that maintain our right to protect ourselves? Should weapons designed for combat on battlefields have a place in civilized society?  TRUST vs. DISTRUST in our government. Shouldn't care for veteran's mental health be part of "the true cost of war"? WHERE SHOULD OUR FINANCIAL RESOURCES BE INVESTED FOR "OUR" GREATER WELL BEING??? Individualism vs. Collective thought. US, Us, us... & ...THEM, THem, them. Opinions vs. FACTS. How many rabbits are we actually chasing? If Jesus Christ meditated.... Why is the practice of meditation not part of the Christian culture (IN ADDITION TO PRAYER)?  How can 'REAL CHANGE' take place?

In this introduction to Pastor George he talks about working on sensible gun laws in GA. What was childhood activity like on his Aunt's farm in South Georgia during Summer visits when he was 12-13 years old? Do "we need a serious conversation about what responsible gun ownership looks like"? How can we protect ourselves AND our common good? What did it USED TO SAY on the back of a 'concealed weapons permit'? Should there be a distinction between rights and "unlimited rights"? Does experience eliminate the possibility of accidents and malfunctions? Are individual "rights" exclusive of rights of society? How do 1791 Muzzle Loaders compare to 2016 AR-15 "Bump Fire Stock" assault riffles? Do firearms belong in our houses of worship and on college campuses??? We arrive to his gift field trip destination - an Atlanta Gun Show. (I DID NOT record inside the show however, Part #2 is an informative post-show discussion).

Tom tells why guns these days tend to scare him in general and why. Is the process to obtain guns too easy compared to other established processes such as getting a drivers license? WHAT types of guns are within the intention of the 2nd Amendment for civilians to bare? Is the randomness of today's horrific tragedies due in part to a lack of proper procedure? Does the advent of social media diminish face-to-face communication skills? WHERE ARE WE AS A COUNTRY RIGHT NOW??? Do fears unnecessarily snowball into anger due to social media? Is the "Mental Health Piece something that is missing here"? Did the founding fathers clearly intend civilians to have assault riffles in their home? What is the TRUE MEANING of "a well regulated militia"? How much have things changed in America since 1791? What do WE use guns for? What training do individuals who own guns have to use them??? Do you know the history of Muhammad Ali?

Lynda remembers growing up "we always had guns around the house".... Guns were thought of in the context of hunting. Are anger management & psychiatric problems part of the reason why guns are now more often thought of in the context of violence & mass killings? Do T.V. programs, video games, etc... play a negative role in shaping our children's minds? Is civilization CIVILIZED anymore? What is civil? How much does "respect" tie into this dialogue? How are individuals becoming 'aware' of guns today? ...and as a result, how does this influence how they "FEEL" about guns? Sticks & stones and MUCH BIGGER STICKS!

Frank agrees with the right to bare arms but, expresses concern for all the random killings and amount of violence occurring today. He voices a desire for stricter gun laws and stresses the importance of safety and safe storage. What is the "right" intention when we bare arms? Do you make full preventative effort to protect yourself & others from the consequences of accidents?