Gun Control
We are the last line of defense against tyranny
Gun ownership, gun control, gun rights, and gun violence are all things politicians use to incite fear; it’s never just about guns, but rather about politics and pandering.
My strategy on firearms
- Put gun safety and access to training first
- Protects the law abiding citizens’ liberty
- Address root causes of violence and despair
- Removes politics, money, and fear from the conversation by focusing on a community approach to foster accountability and common sense
Put gun safety and access to training first
Lawful firearms owners are not criminals. Their compliance with background checks, registries, and limitations are all indicators that they plan responsible ownership. Community organizations advocate for training, education, and open conversations about the statistics, access to firearms, and contributing factors for gun-related fatalities (link). I support responsible firearms ownership.
We have the technology to hold the links in the supply chain responsible. For example, blockchain can register firearms as they are manufactured and track them through lawful transactions and ownership. I support voluntary industry self-regulation. Private citizens have organized to protect their 2nd amendment rights and advocate for vulnerable communities to leverage the 2nd amendment to protect themselves. I support community firearms awareness and management.
Protects the law abiding citizens’ liberty
As a Libertarian, I oppose use of the state to suppress or oppress citizens. A “see something, say something” mentality creates a bureaucratic nightmare of state agents chasing down and harassing private citizens on the basis of accusations, not actions.
Gun control advocates perpetuate fear and drum up support for strict laws. They use the state to suppress our liberty under the false promise of safety. Meanwhile, police units are militarized and citizens are treated as criminals as a first response, not an escalated one. Law enforcement should protect our rights, not violate them. An armed citizenry is the best protection against tyranny.
Address root causes of violence and despair
Mobilize the community to improve the conditions that breed gun violence. Start with poverty. People turn to illegal occupations when they’re prevented from making a living in legitimate markets. They use violence when they need to protect themselves or their property, or when there’s no other way to settle disputes. Government has never solved poverty. We have to provide education and opportunity through businesses and civic organizations.
Work on mental health. Create community opportunities to look one another in the eye and humanize and harmonize with one another. Being alive in the real world and experiencing the joy of humanity works miracles against the isolation that leads to digital indoctrination and deteriorating mental health. Build volunteer networks, and engage children, teens, and young adults in contributing to common spaces like town streets, parks, and schools.
Removes politics, money, and fear from the conversation by focusing on a community approach to foster accountability and common sense
The state cannot solve gun violence. Its only means are restrictions, and laws only apply to law-abiding citizens. We must solve violence in our communities together. Remove occupational licensing: people need to make a living. End the war on drugs and legalize sex work: markets need visibility to be safe. Support mental health care: make it available for people who need it. Bring compassion back. Citizens are not criminals. They have a right to dignity and justice. An armed citizenry is the best protection against tyranny.
