Interesting comment about gun ownership
From time to time, I've been accused of not sufficiently representing the Republican point of view. Mea culpa. Perhaps the below comment will go a little way toward mitigating that. It also shows why this issue of mental health and gun ownership can trouble some people. Thanks to Linda L. for sharing:
Both my husband and I have been baker acted or marchment acted. He is conservative Republican who believes in the right to bear arms. However, we decided to sell his passed away father's guns that were locked in a safe in our house.We both feel safer now. Not that we would hurt each other, it was more of safety for keeping ourselves from harming ourselves.
Does that make any sense?
Comments
I don't declare myself Republican or Democratic, I choose to stay non-party affiliated.
I believe personal safety and freedom come first. If I were a cutter or self-mutilator I wouldn't work in a razor factory. But should they hire me if they knew that in advance? It's MY responsibility during lucid times to make my home and my world safe from anything I might use to hurt myself. Same goes to alerting doctors and hospitals that I am a recovering alcoholic and that I do in fact receive Mental Health care and take a slew of anti-psychotics, anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds. I put myself on the firing line every time. By firing line, I mean health care professionals who are uninformed of mental health and recovery. The damndest things come out of their mouths. Luckily I have a good team that I know are on my side. I make it MY priority to be with Dr's who are kind, gentle,smart and fair. And they better be up on the latest 'cause I read alot.
Posted by: ttq | January 11, 2008 07:34 PM
I live in the country, keeps animals and have predator problems from time to time. I grew up with guns and it would be the most normal thing in the world for me to have a 22 rifle for varmint control. BUT, I also have a history of serious depression and suicide attempts.
I'd be even crazier than I am if I were to keep a gun in my home or on my property. Too bad it impinges on my lifestyle, but there's lots of other things I won't do for reasons other than mental health. It's the luck of the draw and I have to be responsible to my family and friends not to play with what is, for me, fire.
Posted by: Sherry | January 16, 2008 06:33 PM