My solution to violence- at least when it's directed at me.

[leshtricity]

First post!

Okay, now that that's out of the way...

I'm a handgun-owner. I live in Orlando, FL which is seconded only by SC for most violent crimes committed. As a youngster, I had my house broken into twice and a childhood friend murdered at 10.

I know a lot of deadheads are traditionally leftists or liberals. I'm fine with that, people can believe whatever they want. I'm somewhat of a rarity I suppose, I don't know any other conservative 'heads. But like I said, I don't have a problem with it. I share a lot of the ideals that the older 'heads adopt...I'm a very loving person, I'm kind to strangers, I always have a smile to give.

But when it comes to my safety and the safety of my friends and family, taking a risk is something I can't do, not even for an ideology. I've seen enough crime to know that if you live in a big city, being victimized is not a long-shot. It happens. The only time I would ever use my gun is on a range or in defense of a life.

So what do you guys think of gun ownership? I'm all for it, being a constitutional right and all- I just think the wrong people are allowed to own them. No offense to anyone, but people on MAOI's (anti-depressants) shouldn't be allowed to own/carry guns simply because of the risky adverse side-effects that I have witnessed firsthand. Those types of medicines fuck too much with the conscience and mental functioning.

[tubabike]

Many of us aren't aware of this but Jerry was actually into guns.  (I think it was in Blair Jackson's book Garcia that I read this... but it could have been elsewhere).

From what I remember I think Jerry was just into shooting guns for fun... I don't think it was for protection or hunting.

just an interesting lil tidbit for ya!

Fire Away!

[BongSoo]

I own guns, but the are so locked up that they are basically useless in a self-defense situation, unless I had about 15 minutes lead time... :lol:

On the other hand, I have been practicing martial arts for about 14 years now, so I would probably consider them a last resort.

Of course, in any given street situation, my Korean Zen Master always tells me that Chapter 23 of the self-defense manual is probably the best...

RUN AWAY! :lol:

[Immaculately Gone]

That's about where I am at- "almost pathologically refraining from confrontations."
it's worked pretty well for most of my life (except- whenI siad the right thing at the right time to the wrong person & found myself on the other end of a blade- not nice)-
Would it have been better had I been armed? Probably not- that probably would have given him even more reason to be fearful & stick me. Considering the sort of character they were & prone to exaggerated machismo as it is.
Generally, my feeling is, don;t own one unless you intend someday you are gonna use one. Owning one almost an invitation TO a conforntation where you might Need To. And beyond that- a conciousness wherein you hold no one to be an enemy and hold no grudges invites a lot less of that sort of energy. You know? Being harmless is a virtue  & is its own reward.
it's been working pretty well for me for the last thirty years or so I see no reason to make changes.
but to each their own.
[Just don't ever, EVER pull one on me in traffic.
You'll get the 911/Mr Charlie on your rear just ASAP.]
BTW not only JG but Lesh, Weir, Hart & more were ALL into shootin' cans (and gold albums) for kicks at one time.

[gnargle-whirble]

i dont think that guns are good for defense being offensive weapons. in my experience they just tend to escalate things. HOWEVER, that does not mean that people should not have them. i myself do civil war reenacting and as such own a 58cal. enfield rifled musket. this is because using guns in a respectful manner for entertainment can be very enjoyable.

[dancingbears]

I own guns, but the are so locked up that they are basically useless in a self-defense situation, unless I had about 15 minutes lead time... :lol:

On the other hand, I have been practicing martial arts for about 14 years now, so I would probably consider them a last resort.

Of course, in any given street situation, my Korean Zen Master always tells me that Chapter 23 of the self-defense manual is probably the best...

RUN AWAY! :lol:

haha i know how it is...I grew up in a house like that