Do any of you that own guns feel guilty about it when such unfortunate tragedies happen like recently in Florida?

SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:04:31 -0500

I was having a conversation with a stranger yesterday while riding the commuter train. He brought up the unfortunate shooting in Florida. Then he went on to ask me did I own any guns. I said to him yes I do. He then asked me do I feel guilty as a gun owner when such acts of violence occur. I told him absolutely not it's an unfortunate situation when something like that happens and I sympathize with the families. But it's no reason for me to feel guilty and give up my guns. Then he said that's what the Police are for to have guns to protect the citizens. I then said to him sir with all due respect to you, if you want to continue to talk to me lets change the subject. He then got up and changed his seat and said he didn't want to be associated with a gun owner. I just responded with a big LOL!

Peace!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 4:08 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:08:32 -0500

No, as a gun and rifle owner, I do not feel guilty, and neither should the other law abiding citizens that happen to own guns and rifles. In the Florida shooting, law enforcement did not enter the building and failed in their duty. There were many warning signs that were ignored. Can we do more to keep guns out of the hands of those with mental issues - yes. Can we lay part of the blame on violent movies and video games - yes. Can we place part of the blame on poor parenting - yes. Can we close the loopholes on background checks - yes. Can we enforce the gun laws on the books now - yes.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 4:12 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:12:47 -0500

No, I don't. However, I have always considered my weapons (both while on duty and privately held) as a grave responsibility and source of potential threat if uncontrolled for even a moment. In an earlier post, I mentioned how I perceive the "sincere" "anti-gun" activist. Certainly, there are those who for ulterior political or social motivations want to limit ownership...but there are also many who likely have genuine fears. I believe these fears are rooted in the same motivators that may compel you or I to go out, purchase weapons, and train to use them. We sense a lack of security and safety, and want to take proactive steps to prevent disaster. For "us", that means being prepared to fight for our families and lives...for others, it may mean trying to "remove" violence from society itself.

To my mind, the latter, even if sincere, is naive. Dangerously so.

"They" seem incapable of differentiating between those who do violence towards selfish ends, and those who are prepared to do violence towards selfless ends. So too, are "they" incapable of understanding the differences between those who are charged with enforcing laws or national defense...and those who justly bear the right to defend themselves.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Mar 8 at 2018 4:16 PM

Maj Marty Hogan — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:16:51 -0500

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Mar 8 at 2018 4:21 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:21:20 -0500

No.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Mar 8 at 2018 4:29 PM

MSgt Stephen Council — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:29:16 -0500

SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter Nope

Response by SN Greg Wright made Mar 8 at 2018 4:30 PM

SN Greg Wright — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:30:34 -0500

No more than I feel guilty for being white. (Which is to say, not at all.)

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Mar 8 at 2018 4:31 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:31:27 -0500

Does he feel bad when a drunk driver kills someone? Same principle... it is a tool, that is all. It will not sprout legs and arms and go on a massive killing spree by itself. It can't do anything without a human using it. So, no... Very telling they did not want to sit next to you afterwords. How compassionate....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 4:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:31:50 -0500

Never.

It is terrible when tragedies happen, especially ones with numerous indicators demonstrated beforehand.

Also, as I recall, I do not believe it is a requirement for police officers to protect people.

Response by SPC David Willis made Mar 8 at 2018 4:37 PM

SPC David Willis — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:37:18 -0500

I wouldn't say I feel guilty, however each shooting that occurs does reinforce the responsibility that comes with owning guns.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 8 at 2018 4:41 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:41:14 -0500

No
Just like I don’t feel guilty when a male rapes
A drunk driver kills
Or my dog farts

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Mar 8 at 2018 4:42 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:42:14 -0500

No, I feel bad for the poor unarmed victims but I have nothing to feel guilty about.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 4:43 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:43:59 -0500

not a bit.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 4:47 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:47:46 -0500

I would have asked him if he felt guilty owning scissors.

Response by SGT Jim Arnold made Mar 8 at 2018 4:49 PM

SGT Jim Arnold — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:49:17 -0500

nope they are free to be a victim. I will not allow myself to be a victim

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 4:49 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:49:27 -0500

At times when I am in traffic and feel the need to pull out my GAU-19

Response by MAJ James Woods made Mar 8 at 2018 4:54 PM

MAJ James Woods — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:54:27 -0500

"Guilt" is the wrong word for this conversation. As a man, I don't feel guilty every time a man rapes a woman. As a combat veteran, I don't feel guilty with each incident of a military attack negligently killed civilians (to include children). I feel remorseful and sympathy while also feel some form of reasonable discussion and corrective action implemented to mitigate, reduce, prevent future occurrences. In my opinion, you missed an opportunity to have an informed discussion with this guy that could have been rather interesting for both sides.

Response by SPC David S. made Mar 8 at 2018 5:01 PM

SPC David S. — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:01:07 -0500

I would have asked him it he felt guilty no one there had a gun to stop the shooter.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Mar 8 at 2018 5:01 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:01:16 -0500

I feel there is something wrong with the leadership of the local Police and FBI Miami office that did not take the scum off the street knowing he stated he was about to go postal.
I feel bad knowing a lot of individuals in our State Department have done nothing to Mexico about their invasion.
I stay armed and in the gym. Because, our government brings in thousands from the Ummah.
I will stop there for now.
Over

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 5:06 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:06:20 -0500

What’s there to be guilty about? I didn’t shoot anyone there. I don’t feel guilty cause I drive a very, very fast car that used a lot of gas.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 5:07 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:07:10 -0500

I agree with everything you said and did, I also would have agreed with him that the Police carry guns, and asked him, "Why do you think the Police have to carry guns." Then showed him my guns. Lol

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Mar 8 at 2018 5:07 PM

PO1 Brian Austin — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:07:20 -0500

Not in the least. Why should i feel guilty about something i had nothing to do with?

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Mar 8 at 2018 5:09 PM

1SG Dennis Hicks — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:09:06 -0500

I tend not to feel guilty about things I didn't do or had no way of preventing. If that fellow had come up to me I would have asked him if he felt guilty about being borne due to quality control inspector #13 at the condom factory failing to do his duty and causing his mom to suffer 9 months only to birth an asshole and guilty that his father had a beta male for a son..

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Mar 8 at 2018 5:09 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:09:26 -0500

Frankly, I wouldn't even respond to questions like that, one way or the other, SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter. Firstly, it's none of that person's business as to whether I own any weapons or not. Secondly, it's none of that person's business as to whether I have any feelings of guilt, or not. Lastly, it's obvious to me he was simply baiting you, looking to get the result he wanted so that he could make a scene. Just another troll that should not be indulged. Trying to enlighten or argue intelligently with someone like that is akin to conversing with a rock. SPC Chris Benson SGT Private RallyPoint Member SN Greg Wright Maj Marty Hogan PVT James Strait Sgt Private RallyPoint Member LT Brad McInnis MSgt Stephen Council LTC Private RallyPoint Member SGM Erik Marquez

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Mar 8 at 2018 5:14 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:14:02 -0500

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 5:14 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:14:27 -0500

I rarely feel guilty for the thoughts or actions of others. I cannot control them...only myself.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 8 at 2018 5:20 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:20:32 -0500

Response by CW3 Harvey K. made Mar 8 at 2018 5:24 PM

CW3 Harvey K. — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:24:02 -0500

Should any owner-operator of a tractor-trailer feel any guilt because that homicidal maniac in Nice, FR killed 86 people with that kind of vehicle?
How about the rental truck used in the NYC attack on the bike path? Is Home Depot guilty? Is the manufacturer of the truck?
I welcome the opportunity to straighten out the thinking of anyone who thinks they can lay any guilt on me for something I clearly did not do.

Response by MAJ Don Bigger made Mar 8 at 2018 5:25 PM

MAJ Don Bigger — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:25:45 -0500

First, my short answer - No

Now, for my long answer - No

Response by Sgt Jeffrey Warner made Mar 8 at 2018 5:27 PM

Sgt Jeffrey Warner — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:27:36 -0500

I do not feel guilty about owning guns. I feel remorse for not being present when these events happen, and I could hopefully stop the perpetrator.
I am a FFL holder, as well as an owner of a gun shop and weapon repair business
I witness frequently in the news media, the anti-gun people trying to blame guns for the events of Carnage, without recognizing the events would not happen without the shooter.
When I drive a car, I am responsible for my driving. The car is not.
When I perform a job, I am responsible for my actions, the job is not.
When I fire a gun, I am responsible for where it is fired, the direction it is fired, at what it is fired. The gun is not responsible.
To feel guilty would be to accept some wrong doing. Owning a gun is not wrong, shooting someone who is innocent is wrong.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 5:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:37:14 -0500

If I felt guilty for anything it would be not pushing harder for stronger background checks.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 8 at 2018 5:39 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:39:53 -0500

No.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 5:40 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:40:48 -0500

Nope. And before anyone asks, I don't feel guilty drinking beer even though thousands and thousands of people die each year in alcohol related incidents.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 8 at 2018 5:48 PM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:48:06 -0500

First, To the best of my knowledge, none of my weapons have ever been involved in a criminal act. I am reasonably sure that they have never contemplated participating in a criminal act.

Second, there is not a single weapon in my home that is primarily for recreational purposes.
Those purposes are:
_Killing large predators (so far only coyotes)
_Killing small predators and varmints
*Because every goat I lose is about $1200-$1800 net lost income that year.

_Putting large game on the Table
_Putting small game on the table
*Because it tastes good, and is on heck of a lot cheaper than going to a market that sells wild game.

_Putting large game birds on the table
_Putting small game birds on the table
*Because it tastes good, and is on heck of a lot cheaper than going to a market that sells wild game.

_Self-Defense
*Because if the stars are not aligned perfectly in my rural community, armed police response to an in extremis 911 call is 20-45 minutes away. On a bad night, with two simultaneous major incidents already in progress, maybe an hour and a half.

_Humanely putting down culled or severely injured livestock (captive bolt stun gun)
*Because I don't want to worry about over penetration when my wife or I are putting an animal down.

I won't tell you how many weapons that is. But my friends that have no interest in bearing arms, (none of whom know for a fact that I have firearms) all think that there is NO POSSIBLE REASON anyone should have more than 1or 2 weapons per household.

So I do not have anymore guilt about any of my weapons than I do about owning a set of pliers, or T-square, or a table saw. If I did have a weapon purely for entertainment purposes, I would have no more guilt about owning it than I do about my guitar or ukulele. (Both of which have caused far more misery to man than any of my firearms.)

Response by CPO Glenn Moss made Mar 8 at 2018 5:54 PM

CPO Glenn Moss — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:54:02 -0500

No, I don't. Absolutely not. Not one bit.

I don't do the "guilt trip" BS. That was a game my ex-wife tried and I rapidly learned what kind of horse pucky THAT is.

I don't feel guilty at all about someone else's actions and anybody out there who would have the unmitigated gall to try to pin something like that on me better stand by for an ear full. Because blaming someone else for another person's bad behavior is the same kind of childish behavior you see from children when they grow up and try to blame their bad actions on someone else:

"But JIMMY does this" or "How come BECKY gets to do this"...

Only it's WORSE coming from an adult simply BECAUSE they're an adult and therefore should know and understand the concept of personal responsibility.

Nope, I don't play that game at all. And I'm glad to read that YOU don't either.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 5:55 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:55:47 -0500

Ask him if he feels guilty when people die in traffic accidents when he is driving his car.
Hell no I don’t feel guilty. I didn’t commit the crime. Crime are committed be people not inanimate objects. He probably believed spoons made him fat too!

Response by MSG Charles Turner made Mar 8 at 2018 5:59 PM

MSG Charles Turner — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:59:43 -0500

SSgt Porter,

What everyone, yes even us GUN OWNERS, has to remember is that because some people are evil that does not make the rest of us evil just because we happen to have some of the same things as them or even some of the same beliefs. Americans have certain inalienable rights BUT My Rights stop where some one else's begin and vice versa. The right to bear arms is GUARANTEED IN THE CONSTITUTION. If folks get"BUTT HURT" over it well, I hope they exercise their right to not have a gun, or support those of us that do have guns. On the other hand, I will continue to exercise my right to bear arms. And just so those that dont bear arms KNOW, my weapons have not harmed or killed anything in the 40 plus years of possession.

Response by SPC Janet Roush made Mar 8 at 2018 6:04 PM

SPC Janet Roush — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 18:04:20 -0500

Good grief!! I too am a gun owner and also have a conceal carry permit.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 6:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 18:06:33 -0500

Good for you! We don’t cause the problem as responsible gun owners! And police? Takes 5-15 minuets to respond.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 6:10 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 18:10:03 -0500

SSgt Harvey “Skip” Porter,
It defies logic how individuals affiliate law abiding gun owners with mass shootings. To me it’s akin to blaming someone for vehicular homicide simply for owning a car. Did you ask him if he was a car owner? Was he a chainsaw owner or perhaps he owns a machete or axe. I know it’s worn on deaf ears, but guns don’t kill people; people kill people.

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made Mar 8 at 2018 6:30 PM

Capt Dwayne Conyers — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 18:30:57 -0500

I only shoot four-legged animals that taste good. No guilt there. Granted, if a two-legged person tries to harm me or my family...

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Mar 8 at 2018 6:41 PM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 18:41:28 -0500

I own five cars and feel nary a bother when someone kills another human being from drunk driving. Callous I know, but hey...

Same with guns. And guitars. And microwave ovens. And bleach. (yes...bleach...).

Response by SPC Mike Lake made Mar 8 at 2018 6:49 PM

SPC Mike Lake — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 18:49:04 -0500

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 6:54 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 18:54:21 -0500

No!

Response by Alan K. made Mar 8 at 2018 7:14 PM

Alan K. — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 19:14:16 -0500

Not Hardly....

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 8 at 2018 7:34 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 19:34:27 -0500

It is the people who have no conscience who own guns that we need to worry about.

Response by CPL Dave Hoover made Mar 8 at 2018 7:35 PM

CPL Dave Hoover — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 19:35:23 -0500

Hell NO, WHY WOULD I?

Response by LTC David Brown made Mar 8 at 2018 7:46 PM

LTC David Brown — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 19:46:17 -0500

I do not feel guilty. Should I feel guilty when a terrorist runs over people with a car or truck because I own a car or Truck? Should I feel guilty because box cutters were used during 9-11 and I own several box cutters? More people are killed with knives than guns. Should I feel guilty because I own a set of cutlery?

Response by SGT John " Mac " McConnell made Mar 8 at 2018 8:04 PM

SGT John " Mac " McConnell — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 20:04:37 -0500

Never Will ! Family upbringing ... Never trust but on your one hand. ✋

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Mar 8 at 2018 8:05 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 20:05:31 -0500

No long answer no

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Mar 8 at 2018 8:11 PM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 20:11:53 -0500

Just like l feel guilty when a car runs over people. Sad for the people,yes. Guilty because I own a car, no.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 8:23 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 20:23:25 -0500

Nope sure don't.

Response by SSG Will Phillips made Mar 8 at 2018 8:29 PM

SSG Will Phillips — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 20:29:38 -0500

It may be your life I save someday when an insane person starts lighting up a restaurant or theater. The old saying stands true. "When seconds count, the police are minutes away." As we have seen... A lot can happen as far as lost lives in just a few minutes even with the police on scene. Everyone should remember this, the police are under no obligation to protect you as an individual. They are obligated to protect the community as a whole. That is why IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND FAMILY! Responsible parents/adults when feasible, should always be the first responders.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 8 at 2018 8:48 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 20:48:58 -0500

Nope

Response by PO2 Kevin Parker made Mar 8 at 2018 8:59 PM

PO2 Kevin Parker — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 20:59:39 -0500

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Mar 8 at 2018 9:27 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 21:27:49 -0500

I don’t feel guilty one bit. Just like I don’t feel guilty about being a car owner knowing that thousands of Americans are killed every year in car accidents.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Mar 8 at 2018 9:33 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 21:33:14 -0500

I feel more guilt when I pass gas in public.

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Mar 8 at 2018 9:38 PM

SGT Mark Halmrast — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 21:38:05 -0500

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 9:40 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 21:40:28 -0500

No. If I had been present and armed in Florida when it occurred, I would have stopped it.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 8 at 2018 10:04 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 22:04:30 -0500

It's good to stand up to people like that who try to shame or bully a person because of gun ownership. Totally inappropriate type of question only used to twist a person's tail and evoke an emotional response. Blaming a person or persons for the actions or behavior of others is a phony strawman tactic reserved for demagogues of any color or stripe.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 10:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 22:09:49 -0500

I've recently started roller blading to work because I feel guilty about owning a car and all the deaths they cause. ;)

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Mar 8 at 2018 10:13 PM

LTJG Richard Bruce — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 22:13:26 -0500

No, I feel bad that I wasn't there to stop it.

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made Mar 8 at 2018 10:37 PM

Cpl Mark McMiller — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 22:37:34 -0500

No, I don't feel guilty. I own a cell phone. Should I feel guilty when someone is killed by a texting driver? I would have sarcastically replied to the guy that the police sure did a good job using their guns to protect those kids who died at that school. It's too bad we have so many dumb asses living in this country.

Response by MSG Jay Jackson made Mar 8 at 2018 10:39 PM

MSG Jay Jackson — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 22:39:14 -0500

I only feel guilty that I could not save the lives of the dead by being there to shoot the sorry SOB that shot them.

Response by TSgt David L. made Mar 8 at 2018 10:42 PM

TSgt David L. — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 22:42:50 -0500

I feel empathy for those affected. Border line sympathy, but guilty? For what? Myself, my modest supply of firearms ;-) and perhaps slightly larger supply of ammo ;-) ;-) killed NOBODY! Neither did over 5 million NRA members. Nor the unknown numbers of law abiding gun owning, non-NRA members.
I feel that we need to fix the revolving door that is the criminal justice system. I also think if the folks that were/are being bullied got help and were left alone, most school shootings would nearly stop. There are still some kids that will have problems. But I didn't contribute to the crimes either way.

Response by CW5 John M. made Mar 8 at 2018 11:16 PM

CW5 John M. — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 23:16:54 -0500

No more than feeling guilty about driving my car, owning a knife, or aiding a stranger being attacked by a criminal. If a “gun” can solely be blamed for killing, then so can a vehicle, knife, ball bat, rock, etc. “People” are to blame for killing, not the implement. Police are great when they are present, and I WOULD rely on law enforcement IF they are in a position to stop the threat. When that is not possible, I want to be able to defend myself or innocent “others”, as a trained, responsible, law abiding citizen. I resent that the action(s) of “criminals” have become the major “anti-gun controlling factor” as to whether I am allowed to own a gun for self defense. What about outlawing alcohol because of what “drunks” do? How about outlawing merchandise in stores because of what the shoplifter does?

Response by SFC William Farrell made Mar 8 at 2018 11:26 PM

SFC William Farrell — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 23:26:27 -0500

SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter , a resounding no!

Response by SFC George Sease made Mar 8 at 2018 11:27 PM

SFC George Sease — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 23:27:22 -0500

No. Why should I be feel guilty? My weapons did not kill anyone. I believe that I am a responsible gun owner. Why judge a huge number of gun owners by group that is probably less than one percent?

Response by CPL Dave Hoover made Mar 9 at 2018 1:52 AM

CPL Dave Hoover — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 01:52:03 -0500

SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter Is he referring to the law enforcement who were there, armed and didn't respond?

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made Mar 9 at 2018 2:28 AM

SSgt Christopher Brose — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 02:28:13 -0500

Did the guy feel guilty about supporting gun free zones?

Response by SGT John Meredith made Mar 9 at 2018 3:12 AM

SGT John Meredith — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 03:12:03 -0500

No I do not feel guilty about owning my handguns,rifles nor my shotgun. There are approximately 170 deaths per year due to shotguns and rifles. 1400 deaths per year due to knives. Should I feel guilty about owning knives? How about the deaths from automobiles? Should I feel guilty about owning owning a car? I feel the FBI,the sheriff's department and the teachers should feel guilty about the deaths of the students in Florida. Their inaction caused the deaths because they were warned repeatedly about the insane activities of the shooter.

Response by MSgt George Cater made Mar 9 at 2018 6:08 AM

MSgt George Cater — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 06:08:47 -0500

As the eloquent Bugs Bunny once said, "What a maroon!". He presumably has one or more cars. Does he feel guilty when a drunk or worse, a terrorist, kills someone with a car? Betcha a dollar he doesn't. I'll bet he owns one or more knives of some nature. Same analogy. But as many have pointed out, don't confuse the gun grabbers argument with logic.

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Mar 9 at 2018 7:00 AM

LTC Jeff Shearer — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 07:00:40 -0500

I feel guilty I was not there and was not able to kill that son of bitch before he hurt any of those kids.

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Mar 9 at 2018 7:11 AM

LTC Jeff Shearer — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 07:11:36 -0500

Maybe a good response would be, yea I have a gun and I do feel guilty that my brain is telling me I should not do what I want to do right now. Which is jump up and pistol whip you with my gun. As much as I would like and my heart rate would drop 8-9 points I could damage my gun and would most likely get some jail time out of it. Hell, I could become a felon and lose the right to carry altogether. So yea I guess I feel a little guilty.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Mar 9 at 2018 7:56 AM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 07:56:39 -0500

SSgt Porter,
Once again, I think some people are missing the big picture here and has nothing to do with firearms. It has to do with the mental state of certain individuals that have no business owning or trying to obtain a firearm. I owe a pistol and no, I don't feel guilty. I know where I stand, I know what rattles my mind so I constantly work on that. I probably would've laughed also and put my bag on the spot this individual was sitting at.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2018 8:06 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 08:06:02 -0500

That's like asking if because I have male anatomy I feel guilty when a woman is raped. No.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Mar 9 at 2018 8:27 AM

SSG Robert Webster — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 08:27:51 -0500

No, not at all.

Response by MSG Mark Million made Mar 9 at 2018 9:20 AM

MSG Mark Million — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 09:20:01 -0500

No, most of the time I wish I had been close by with it.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Mar 9 at 2018 9:30 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 09:30:44 -0500

Why would I feel guilty? I didn't pull the trigger, nor did I encourage the shooter(s) to do so.

It's high time we as a Nation stopped blaming inanimate objects and started holding individuals responsible for their own actions again.

Response by SGT John " Mac " McConnell made Mar 9 at 2018 9:44 AM

SGT John " Mac " McConnell — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 09:44:34 -0500

No ! I am more worried about social media and bullying in schools...

Response by CDR Zachary Kitchen made Mar 9 at 2018 10:11 AM

CDR Zachary Kitchen — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 10:11:00 -0500

Does he feel guilty for having a penis when someone is raped? The very idea is moronic. Is he going to cut off his junk in solidarity with the victims of Harvey Weinstein? It's illogical to feel guilt for something that you were not involved in at all.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2018 10:58 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 10:58:09 -0500

Response by SFC Craig Dalen made Mar 9 at 2018 11:00 AM

SFC Craig Dalen — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 11:00:07 -0500

Response by MSgt Gerald Orvis made Mar 9 at 2018 2:47 PM

MSgt Gerald Orvis — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 14:47:03 -0500

SSgt Porter, it looks like you were the victim of an anti-gun provacateur trying to shame you. Why should you (or I) feel guilty? You did nothing wrong, illegal or immoral with your guns. But that seems to be their tactic against guns and their owners. It's all about their feelings, not what the law says. What most of these pro-gun control cupcakes don't seem to realize is that if I load my rifle or pistol and chamber a round, leaving the safety off and setting it on a table, it can sit there for a thousand years and won't do anything without human agency. That means a person must pick it up and make the decision to pull the trigger. Without that, there is no bang. So, what should the authorities do? Go after the person that pulled the trigger, thus causing the tragedy. That idiot kid who killed the 17 students in Florida should get his balls hammered hard. I'm not sure if Florida has the death penalty, but if so he should get it. Publicly, so all the other kids can see what happens to a bad guy. It would make them think about the consequences of their actions.

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Mar 9 at 2018 3:05 PM

TSgt George Rodriguez — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 15:05:30 -0500

I would feel guilty if I didn't have my gun with me and I couldn't prevent a situation like that from happening in front of me. To have and not need is better then to need and not have. I'm to old to take an ass whoppin (74) and I'm too young to die.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2018 3:22 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 15:22:08 -0500

I feel no more guilty than I do for owning a pickup truck when some terrorist runs his into a crowd ... or some teen gets liquored up and runs his into a family traveling in the opposite direction. The answer to your question, in case it isn't obvious, is an unqualified "no".

Response by PO1 Mary Vermont made Mar 9 at 2018 7:19 PM

PO1 Mary Vermont — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 19:19:58 -0500

Not a bit. Its not me or the gun. Its idiots that are responsible. Libs want us to be at the mercy of criminals and idiots

Response by CPO Scott Langhoff made Mar 10 at 2018 3:55 PM

CPO Scott Langhoff — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 15:55:38 -0500

Nope.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2018 10:37 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 22:37:42 -0500

I would only feel guilty if I was the one responsible for those weapons. I do sympathize with the families and everyone affected.

Response by SSG Jesse Piippo made Mar 18 at 2018 11:09 PM

SSG Jesse Piippo — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 23:09:52 -0400

Why should I?