Basics?

[Patrick Chadwick]

I realize that few people are real experts with firearms, and I don't consider myself to be among them, but there should be some basic technical and safety knowledge before somebody actually tries to fire a firearm. Am I wrong???

No, you are quite right!

Here in Mauserland you actually have to pass a "basic training" course as a condition of acquiring a gun licence. It covers safe keeping, transport, handling and operation - and legal aspects. You also have to have been a proper active member of a gun club for a year before applying for a licence (using a club gun loaned at the range). Since the club has to confirm this as well, they also act to impart proper, safe behaviour and handling in their members.

So the biggest idiots either learn to behave sensibly or are weeded out. And why not? After all, if you drive a car you have to pass a test to get a licence - and I never heard of anyone saying that this was infringing a basic right! In the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness, my right to life is more important to me than someone else's freedom to misuse liberty and enhance his happiness by endangering me and others.