As the son of a gun owner I was taught to shoot both rifles and handguns at an early age. Also, at an early age, I determined gun use was not something that appealed to me. Although I accompanied my stepdad and his friends on many hunts it was always without a gun in my hands. My true joy was when I could accompany them on fishing expeditions and sometimes even show them how it was done! Since I left home I've never owned any kind of gun nor knowingly allowed one in my house.

That said, I watch the gun rights debate with mixed emotions. Mick, you've stated that dialogue can't happen "as long as the anti gun forces advocate against law abiding citizens, and the rights they have had for generations." But, admit it, the polemic from the organized anti gun control lobby has been just as rabid and is at least as responsible for the lack of reasoned debate as is anything gun control advocates have had to say. I assume you received your original concealed carry permit in Michigan, where you were required to pass a test on proper firearms usage as well as a background check that could have ruled you out for such permit for any of numerous reasons including mental disorders. But, when Allen Cropsey (a conservative who I would place among the worst Michian legislators I've seen in my lifetime) introduced his amendment to the concealed carry law, he envisioned mandatory issuance of a permit with practically no restrictions and the gun rights advocates fought long and hard against the restrictions that were finally implemented. And, unfortunately, the restrictions for handgun ownership are far lower in most other states.

One thing that no gun law in my knowledge requires is that a gun owner maintain his/her competence with a firearm and this, more than any other reason, makes me hesitant to see citizens running about willy-nilly with guns. Although I learned to shoot and to shoot well, it's been almost 50 years since I've touched a gun and, although I'd certainly have the ability to shoot one if it was handed to me today, I certainly have no assurance I'd have the competence to hit my intended target or that I wouldn't instead shoot an innocent bystander. My stepdad carries a concealed handgun with him, and has told me on numerous occasions that he doesn't get to the practice range anywhere near often enough - and I've always considered him a relatively responsible gun owner! It's the millions who would buy guns and never make it to the range that worry me.

I have no argument with responsible gun ownership. I do have an argument with those who maintain that individuals should be able to buy any guns they want with almost no restrictions on either the purchase or ownership and, let's face it, that's where the big money gun lobbyists seem to want us to go.