Gun culture in America

There is a gun culture in America. It arrived with the first pilgrims who used them to protect the community from the unforseen perils od an unexplored land. And to procure game to sustain their numbers. Bad people have always skulked in the shadows to prey on the weak, the ill-prepared and the unarmed. The original bands of roving "highwaymen" have now grown into all forms of criminal associations that don't cre what the law says. They use all forms of intimidation, coersion, violence and weapons, including guns, to get the outcome they want. As a whole, I'll call it "Thug Culture."

Modern "rap-stars" sing its praises and glorify it as living the "thug life." Their videos show their expensive cars, clothes, jewelry, drugs and guns as a lifestyle to be emulated.

Millions of law-abiding gun owners participate in myriad shooting and collecting activities so closely scrutinized and regulaed that space here precludes explanation. Quite the opposite for the "Thug Culture" that ignores any restrictions.

I blame the poor parenting, the missing fathers and the apathy and silence of the adults who know the truth about the anti-social nature and emotional instability of their loved ones, but fail to inform authorities. You're the epicenter of the fault!Many of you even swell with pride because your child is "feared and respected."

For all of you crying out for gun confiscation: are you for sending your loved ones to go, armed with assault weapons, door to door and, under threat of violence, demand entry to search and seize the private possessions of citizens? No? Oh, someone else's loved ones! Well, I'll put the coffee pot on so I can provide them the welcome they deserve.

Jon Smith

Moses Lake