Haven't read this thread since I left but I got a PM... I think it's an important question. I asked permission from that PMr to post this and it was granted.

That being "Personally, the idea of a real gun at 5 or less does make my hair stand up more than a little. One thought is, it's great to nudge kids toward creating things, but do you try to teach a 4 or 5 year old to use a circular saw or power plane? Or do you try to insure that a little child simply cannot touch some things, period, apart from immediate hands-on adult supervision."

My answer...

Nope. You teach a child that the porcelin figures of monks in a tea set are not a toy. You let them hold them and examine them and teach them how fragile they are and that they are "art" to be displayed for admiration as a decoration, like a picture hanging on the wall. A child understands the concept that a picture or painting is not a toy and that it is a "tool" for the mind. They then understand that porcelin figures are not toys as are some dolls. A child can also be taught that a gun is a tool and not a toy. Of course... when a gun and ammo are in any way accessible to a child, SOMEONE IS a TOOL and that never seems to get across to some people. However, to call for a complete ban on guns (which is what is gonna happen despite what ANYone says... read the countless threads) is stunned as me arse (read my countless posts).

Thanks for the PM. Any time ya wanna discuss any of it, I am here. But I refuse to be part of another gun thread with a bunch of uneducated people who can't be arsed to listen to reason and common sense. If you ever read any of my posts about my buddy who had his head chopped off and his wife sliced apart, I assume you understand my position on self defense with a firearm on one's own property.
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That is (almost) all. I shall be back in in due time as per my last post unless someone does have anything new to talk about. If so, PM me if you give a shit for my opinion. Hahahaha! Otherwise, I can't be arsed with those who don't have the time to read past threads or otherwise educate themselves regarding the REAL problems with gun violence or gun laws which are bad gun laws. Once again... go ahead, shoot yourselves in your collective foots. The gun nuts are counting on it and you antigun nuts haven't let them down yet. Feed the fire that burns you.

gnightgnu