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It wasn't that long ago that it was unheard of for blacks to vote... or women.  We need less government, not more of it.  Let the churches decide who they will or won't marry.

How about we get the government out of everyone's marriage - gay and straight.  Seriously.  Make them all civil unions, and if there are benefits to be had, then extend them to everyone.   If you then want the church to recognize your relationship, and want a ceremony in a church - then find one that echoes your beliefs and get them to perform one for you.   Even as a Christian, I just don't get it. I don't particularly agree with the homosexual lifestyle, but it's not like the sin they bring to the table is somehow greater than the sin that I bring to the table.  And, from a "who is my neighbor" perspective, I just don't understand how you keep someone out of a hospital room or whatever in a time of need.    Power is terribly corrupting, but I'm wary of the end result when we as the church try to use the government(Babylon, if you will) as a weapon to do our bidding.

You know there's a simple way to shut BOTH sides up on the matter. Remove all tax credits for marriage. Say to the masses 'We don't care who you marry, it won't save you any money.' Both sides will be pissed but they will stop the bulk of their bickering amongst themselves. Everything boils down to money. America has proven the principle takes a back seat to cash every time. If NO one got a tax beak for being married, fewer would do so all around. The pot would boil for a little while longer then it would fizzle out and people would move on.

Well, I don't think that gay marriage will make anyone gay, so I'm not convinced that if it was recognized in TN it would force anything on anyone.  However, I do disagree with the notion of outsiders attempting to change our laws.   I dunno, whenever this comes up I get so pissy because I think the arguments on both sides are rediculous.  The notion that the worth of a person's marriage is whether or not the government properly defines their version of marriage still makes no sense.  The goverment could declare my marriage invalid tomorrow.  That won't change what I have with my wife.  The government could recognize a legal union between a man and his goat as equal to the one I have with my wife and it still won't change my marriage.  Gay marriage is nothing more than a tennis ball you distract your dog with while the neighbor's cat passes through your yard.

As to the bigger question of gay marriage.  I simply don't care that much what 'Babylon' chooses to recognize or not recognize.  It doesn't much affect me or the way we raise our family.    That said, I think there's a really important facet of this discussion that is conveniently left out because we would rather use the government as a hammer to mandate our way of thinking as opposed to having to think through the issue on our own.  Mind you, these comments while applicable to anyone, are mostly aimed at my fellow "church-going Americans".   It's easy to talk about "getting out the vote".  It's hard to see that, that person isn't really the boogeyman.   It's easy to talk about "marriage" being between a man and a woman.  It's harder to see that from a tax perspective you and your spouse who are married and file jointly are in fact a special class. And you willingly accept a bunch of other benefits from it, too.   It's easy to be dismissive about "Adam and Steve", and as Christians, fail to see those people as children of God.   It's easy to talk about "condoning deviant behaviors" while failing, again as Christians to see that their sins don't get them any further from God than yours or mine do.   It's very easy to use "holy" sounding language when in reality we dismiss the example of Jesus and how he would treat these people.   Like I said, I don't much care what the government says about this.  I do know how I'll talk to my children about it.  I hope that my example trends towards compassion.

From my perspective, if you want to keep the government out of your own personal life - and I do, then you don't have a lot of standing to demand the government keep someone else from doing something in their own private life.    This is dangerous.  I find it kind of ironic, really.  The problem with the "moral majority" type view of using the power of the government to extend your influence is that you're trying to use what will always be a corrupt institution to do your bidding. And yet, you're naïve enough or stupid enough to believe that corruption won't rub off on you.   The government doesn't have a bit of bearing on how I worship, and frankly they wouldn't have much bearing even if they told me I can no longer worship. I already see myself as sort of an exile - there's nothing the government is going to do to change that.    The power structure that is our government isn't going to change.  I'm wary of anyone who thinks they can change it, or even influence it.  More often than not, it seems that the reverse happens and the power ends up influencing them instead.  Not to mention, the simple question that's happening today - what happens when your "majority" loses it's strength?  It shouldn't surprise you to see all of those structures of power that you've worked so hard to build turned against you.

There was a time when we needed to have folks get married and have kids - to grow our country and economy.  It also re-inforced our culture -largely of single-marriage, 2-4 kid, working class families.  Thus the tax credit made sense.   I don't know enough to say whether it should be removed or not.   As far as marriage.  hmm.   I was a pastor for years, and was a Christian for many more years.  As most people see it, I am neither now.  So, as someone who has "been on the inside" - who was a conservative evangelical - who's world-view was formed by - and who's life was given over to Christian mission, and who is sympathetic to the many, many Christian loved ones and friends with whom I share life, this is my perspective:   This whole issue is a case of the church pointing a gun at her foot and pulling the trigger.  Society evolves (I know, bad word).  We are creatures of progress - thus the reason that we are not still living in caves with pointy sticks.  Women's rights (as they have differed from men's .. ie. the recognized rights of the powerless vs the recognized rights of those who held power) over time is an easy way to view this change.  Most of us now would say that any culture that deprives women of basic rights is a barbaric culture.        At some point in the not-to-distant past, conservative religious types saw the writing on the wall and knew that this (marriage equality) fight was coming to a national stage to stay.  If,... if at that point they had said,      "Hey... we're for separation of church and state, and we realize that we are not the only people group in our country or in the world.  So, we would like to keep the name "marriage" exclusive to the church - as it has great religious significance to us.  In order to do that, how can we help you (those who do would like to be legally recognized as a family unit) be treated fairly by the government - which should be impartial to us all?"       ... if the church had done that, conservative politics might be in a very different state... many middlers .. and even fiscally conservative democrats (want-to-be republicans who are incompatible with bigotry), would most likely be republicans, and 2012 would've looked much different.  - With that said, I do understand that uber-conservatives who's values are inextricably tied to their reilgious convictions would probably have jumped ship at that point - which is sad,..   and here is why....       -Do you remember "Where The Red Fern Grows"?  How you catch your first raccoon to train your hound?   .. Billy puts a shiny piece of metal in a log with a small hole.  (I know we all know this story)  The raccoon grabs the shiny metal and will not let go of it.  This results in dead raccoon.   (you can do the same thing with some monkeys - termite holes, and fruit)  The conservative/religious tie in this country is a lot like that raccoon and that shiny piece of metal.  Great conviction without long-term strategy... and no willingness to give up an inch in order to take a mile later.  Short-sightedness and emotional obsessing (I want it all... now!) is killing conservsative politics in our country.     Culture progresses; it's what we do.  Denying that is,... well...good luck.   If you find yourself wanting to kick that comment, just take a good, honest look at human history - the good and the bad... choose any specific culture, Christianity included... tell me progress is bad (David, Solomon?... where do you think all of Solomon's wealth came from?... do you think fairies mined the gold?  nope.. slaves.. with a horrific living situation and a short life span...Catholic church in the middle-ages anyone?  Luther?).  Progress is what we do, and in the moment - being trapped in the present (and formed by the past), we are mostly ill-suited to judge progress.  Managing (instead of trying to deny it), might be a better policy.    "Conservative" as an absolute is not functional in governance.  It's a non-starter for beings that are naturally progressive (intellectually and emotionally) - the results of which we are obviously seeing.  "Conservative" and "Liberal" are meant to indicate the rate of progress - not "for or against" progress.  With my view being that conservatives do their best to match the pace of (policy) progress at or just below the speed of cultural and economic progress.  Liberals tend to want to drive the progress through policy.  I am of the opinion that this is an important distinction that the american public needs to know in order to understand and steward our government.    When conservatives stopped managing progress and started trying to deny it (ie. "drive progress backwards through policy), they were grabbing on tight to that shiny piece of metal in the log, and they are now getting bludgeoned  to death. - because they are working against human nature - in doing this, they come off as uncaring of others... thus they are loosing emotional and intellectual connection with the population.  No amount of conviction will make up for that, and over the long haul, people groups will give in to emotional comfort over logic... thus the way policy is pushed through media these days.   Serparation of church and state is a good thing.  Adults treating other adults like adults is a good thing.     Adults (in power) failing to treat other adults (subjects) as adults -throw in taxes... seems to me I remember something about that in a history book.

Call me an absolutist if you want, but I can't get past the "shall not be infringed" part that follows "the right to keep and bear arms".

*Tangent Rant* ...though still relevant. Before our founding fathers ever inked a single document, they had a very simple idea. That idea works as long as you stick to it very closely. That idea is: You are free to do ANYTHING you want so long as what you are doing does not infringe on the right of someone else to do what they want. This plays right into state rights and why we MUST defend state rights vehemently. As people populate and spread they will naturally segregate themselves. People tend to live with their own class and kind of people. It's not some racist BS they now try to indoctrinate us with. It's only natural and its by and large a good thing. Well, that makes the separation of different states very handy. If you like a certain lifestyle or certain whatever, live in a state where that thing is legal and welcome. If you hate a certain thing then live in a state where that sort of thing is illegal and frowned upon. DON'T move to a state and demand they conform to YOU. That's BS. The beauty part of the Union being, and what would set us apart from Europe is that you are free to move where ever you darn well please without papers or persecution. The ONLY role the federal government should play in this country is to mediate interstate disputes and protect the union from outside threat. NOTHING else. Piss on this socialist nanny state we have become. I'd give much to see this malignant tumor surgically removed. This system works near perfectly. Why the hell can't people get that in their thick heads!!!?!?!?

To say that marriage is a religious matter is to also say that one must be religious in order to participate. Under that philosophy we are talking about something much larger than simply gay marriage. We are now talking about religion dominating our laws. I don't want to live in a country like that. I've spent many years of my adult life in countries where religion dictates law. Not a good thing, no matter how much you may or may not agree with the religion in power.

Subject: Prison release You might recall that John Hinckley was a seriously deranged young man who shot President Reagan in 1981. Hinckley was absolutely obsessed with movie star Jodie Foster and, in his twisted mind, loved Jodie to the point that to make himself well known to her, he attempted to assassinate President Reagan. There is speculation Hinckley may soon be released as having been rehabilitated. Consequently, you will appreciate the following letter from Nancy Reagan to John Hinckley. We could all learn so much from this elegant and gracious lady: To: John Hinckley From: Mrs. Nancy Reagan My family and I wanted to drop you a short note to tell you how pleased we are with the great strides you are making in your recovery. In our country's spirit of understanding and forgiveness, we want you to know that we bear no grudge against you for shooting Ronnie. We are fully aware that mental stress and pain could have driven you to such an act of desperation. We're confident that you will soon make a complete recovery and return to your family to join the world again as a healthy and productive man. Best wishes, Nancy Reagan & Family P.S. While you have been incarcerated, Barack Obama has been banging Jodie Foster like a screen door in a tornado. You might want to look into that

  I guess it's a good thing that every kid in America has a good heterosexual home to go to where they are never abused and live without fear.  This is the US, I can't imagine there will ever be a need for a loving home for some kid who could give a #### if their parents are gay or not.    

 DEAR > > DIARY - DAY 1 > > All > > packed for the cruise ship -- all my nicest dresses, > > swimsuits, short sets. Really, really exciting. > > Our > > local Red Hat chapter - The Late Bloomers decided on this > > "all-girls" trip. > > It > > will be my first one, - and I can't wait!   > > DEAR > > DIARY - DAY 2 > > > > Entire day at sea, beautiful. Saw whales and dolphins. Met > > the Captain today -- seems like a very nice man. > > DEAR > > DIARY - DAY 3   > > At the pool today. Did some shuffleboard, hit golf balls off > > the deck. Captain invited me to join him at his table for > > dinner. Felt honored and had a wonderful time. He is very > > attractive and attentive.   > > DEAR > > DIARY - DAY 4   > > Won > > $800.00 in the ship's casino. Captain asked me to have > > dinner with him in his own cabin. Had a scrumptious meal > > complete with caviar and champagne. He asked me to stay the > > night, but I declined. Told him I could not be unfaithful to > > my husband.   > > DEAR > > DIARY - DAY 5   > > Pool again today. Got sunburned, and I went inside to drink > > at piano-bar, stayed there for rest of day. Captain saw me, > > bought me several large drinks. > > > > Really is quite charming. Again asked me to visit his cabin > > for the night. Again I declined. He told me, if I did not > > let him have his way with me, he would sink the ship... I > > was shocked. > > DEAR > > DIARY - DAY 6   > > Today I saved 2600 lives.   > > Twice.  

  Like watching an Obama speech in person :)

This is one of the anchors at Fox News giving Obama up the road and I love it.....     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XDIvkJqLwU

I don't care where the concept came from, it's irrelevant when it comes to making laws. I don't care if a person marries his lawnmower. It's none of my damn business. It's none of your damn business. It sure as hell is none of the government's business. We DO NOT live in a theocracy.

Those chicks don't shave, Mac. That's some legislation that I'm just not going to be able to support.

Seen this quite funny. Good points if you like him or not. Some crude language it was censored when it played just be fore warned. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2Qtx_ZcHOjw  

  Ding! And, we have a winner

How about this. We get together and I fix it for you. I can solve the problem in about 10 minutes or have it figured out..

 The way the U.S. Gov. treated the Native Americans was/is disgraceful. In all fairness tho, they treat the  rest of the population the same way.

pics or it didn't happen... :stir:

Yes! I don't like mo's but I don't have the right (no one else does either) to tell them what they can and can't do as long as they ain't hurting anyone. If churches oppose it, then oppose it within walls of their synagogue. People have to remember, the very thing that protects their choice of lifestyle, also protects YOURS. Provided no one is being hurt, abused or exploited, people HAVE to be free to live as they choose. I despise whores and lifestyles that support that kind of thing, but the very thing that protects evangelists bible thumping is what protects Larry Flint. True freedom is a very difficult balancing act. Sadly, the scales have been unbalanced in this country for a many, MANY years. It's unclear to me if they ever really were.

I was on Ritalin as a child from K-3rd grade when my parents decided that the school could go eff itself. It was the school folks that initially suggested ADHD testing and then pressured my parents to have me put on Ritalin. That crap is evil. The first teacher or school administrator to broach the subject with me regarding my daughter and/or any other children we may have will get a firm and not so polite warning to never speak of it again. The next one will get knocked the fuck out.

I make no claims to be a prophet but I've been saying this for the last decade. ....all the while ferreting away my lead stores.

    Is purchasing lead from them still an available option Gordon? Or have they already shut down folks?   You know, Ross Perot warned us of this type of thing many years ago. NAFTA, CAFTA, and GAT...but I didn't see this particular route of loosing our manufacturing base in the U.S.A. We're in trouble folks.(understatement intentional). :2cents:

WOW! A Bullpup 338. Mile long shots from the front seat of your truck :)

Locked in a trailer is as secure as locked in my house or my car. I think it’s ridiculous that anyone would even imply they have a responsibility to better secure ammo from burglars.   No 3500 is not a lot.   The driver of the vehicle was an 18 year old adult; the two with him were 15 and 16. I hope they are all headed for prison or reform school; they are burglars.   Why is it a story? Because someone is trying to make it look like LEO’s made it easy for kids to get ammo; which is nothing close to what happened.

Check PSA site daily.

Final tally looks like 166 lowers, 119 uppers and 66 BCGs.  121 total participants.

http://www.poodwaddle.com/Stats/

I voted yes but I think it needs to be a total relaxation down to the word weapon.  That is, I would see *all* handheld weapons be made legal to carry (prefer: no permit needed).  Whether its a black rifle, AK pistol, nunchucks, switchblade, pepper spray, brass knuckles, sword, axe, you name it, all should be legal.   There is no reason for melee weapons to be illegal in a society that has concealed pistols on every 10th person.    And the penalty for ANY violence against another person should be so stiff that no one even THINKS of harming another person with any of these or other weapons or even unarmed.   The act is the crime, punish the act.  The tools used are of no importance.

Nice! The grain pattern on the first and the knot and the last are pretty cool. I want my next few to have a little more "character" like these.

I don't see how marriage "rights" are something to look over. Everything is supposed to be equal correct? There are plenty of problems that arise whenever a member of a gay relationship dies and etc. Rights to body rights to property tax breaks and so on and so on. Homosexuals being granted the same legal perks we get for being married is pretty much a no brainer. The only argument I ever here is, its not right the bible says so etc. I honestly don't see how something wasnt done about this years ago. I understand the whole government shouldn't be involved thing, and the only reason they got involved in the first place was tax money, but that still doesn't change anything. The fact of it is we have perks as straight married couples, that homosexual can't have simply because they are homosexual. Gay marriage will not affect anyone other then homosexuals. I support personal freedoms and equality and small government. I think its is tremendously hypocritical to support personal freedoms, but then condemn something because it doesn't affect you. This isn't a "liberal" issue this is a personal issue, thinking all homosexuals are also liberal democrats is completely ignorant. This is one of the biggest reasons I'm not affiliated with the republican party nor the democratic party. Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk 2

Well, more than anything what I was attempting to illustrate with my post was that behavior modifying drugs may not be the issue, but the behavior which elicited the prescription for the drugs may better point to the issue. Lets say we took 100 adults who have never taken behavior modifying drugs, then we assembled a group of 100 adults that were currently taking behavior modifying drugs. Then we remove all drugs from the equation and monitor those two groups and how they function. Obviously the group that had previously taken drugs are going to have many issues that the other group would not have, even with all drugs removed from the equation. Reason being is that prior to them being medicated they showed signs of mental or personality disorders which led to the prescription in the first place. I don't think it's a great leap to assume the craziest of the crazies are gonna come from the group that has already exhibited signs of issues, ya know? So it's difficult, I think, to blame the drugs on psychotic behavior simply because the drugs are being taken, and there are so many psychotics who have committed violent crimes while taking the drugs. It begs the question, "why are they taking the anti-psychotic drugs in the first place?" The only way to test the theory that the drugs are an issue is to have a control of otherwise stable people take these drugs in order to see how they behave.

Also keep in mind that is isn't just about out of state people pushing this.  I believe at least some of these cases are where TN residents went to another state to get married but it is not recognized by TN, so they can't do a name change, etc.  They are recognized by the Federal Gov't for tax purposes, etc, but in some cases it can also affect their ability to healthcare, etc within the state.   I am sick of all of it from all sides, but as many have mentioned, this is a religious issue, not a state government issue.  Let the church be hypocrites to whomever they want, I could care less.  When it is the state government whom we all pay taxes to, that is a different matter. 

Right now this country is so fucked up we need a govt that can prioritize issues that are killing the strength of our base needs and not Adam and Eve morphing into Adam and Steve... We have kids in tn without school books, we have kids in high school incapable of simple math. But our courts have time and money to deal with this crap. Let the rabbis Swamis and bishops duke this one out.... And those that have time and money to bitch about being recognized for their sexual preference should be part of a solution and not a problem putting effort into something of value. Not a sexual preference issue. The Same sex marriage issue is as valuable as rallying for Asian porn to be free if you have Comcast ... Geez... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2 of course it ate my spelling.

PSA www.palmettostatearmory.com - Expect a long shipping wait, even for in stock items. Generally good/decent quality. Customer service, I've never had any problems. But during the madness there were some stories.... Prices are good.   DSG www.dsgarms.com - good deals, lots of options. Can be difficult to discern quickly what is and isn't in stock - gotta click on stuff to find out.   Primary Arms www.primaryarms.com - if you need a budget optic (aimpoint clone) theirs is awesome. I've got their 3x Compact, it's been great for a couple of years now. They've got some sweet sales from time to time as well. Jump on deals quick, they don't last long. They've also got top end optics, uppers and parts.   Joe Bob www.joeboboutfitters.com - we should all know em, they're a vendor! Great deals and service. Check their sale/closeout bin. Free shipping over $90. Don't forget to grab a vinyl sticker with your order! (check the JoeBobGear page)   SlickGuns www.slickguns.com - not really a retailer, it's a site where people post deals. Similar to Slick Deals, etc. Some are deals, some aren't. Read the comments on the deals. Fairly active and involved community.   PK Firearms www.pkfirearms.com - parts, uppers, etc. They didn't gouge during the madness, they did restrict orders. If it's on the site, it's pretty much a sure bet it's in stock.   ARPARTSFINDER - http://www.arpartsfinder.com/ - crawler that searches whole bunches of places for in stock parts, etc. Was developed during the madness. I used this with success to buy a BCM upper during the insanity - was just trying to finish a build. bingo. done. Has some lag from when items go in stock and when the site catches them.

     I respect you all and love this community, so I'll offer my 2c - none of this is directed at any one person, but it is a reflection of answering my own personal initial reactions (which seem to match most of us here).          This story makes me sad in some ways; however, this is old news.  The decision to close the plant was made long ago, and the decision not to re-build was announced in June, and.... and... while enevitably not good for ammo-land, juicing up scare-talk instead of searching for solutions is just going to make ammo more scarce.  Anyone want to look up the situation of our lead stores surplus?  We need to be funding solutions (politcal?), ... and running to walmart to buy up overpriced federal 62gr is not a solution, it is a reaction.   If we all stay scared and jittery about our ammo all the time.. we'll seem like the crazies some folks want to see.   2014 is coming, and we had better be talking about the economy, the economy, the economy (things to which even non-gun-owners can relate!)(the fed's should have subsidized the plant to meet the requirements - for economic and national security interests).  Bill Clinton's montra just might be the savior of conservative politics in the USA.   It is bad for a nation to be without a primary lead smelter "in-country", and this stinks for those that are loosing their jobs, but this is good for the health of the families in and around that town, period.        Anytime we mention this to left-leaners, middle-minded, or even far-out-ocrats, we had better have our facts straight about lead-poisoning, and lead-exposure to children - and be willing to acknowledge the full spectrum of effects of decisions like these.  Failling to care about - or even denying that this plant had serious health consequences for the families in that town makes us look like: 1) morons 2) morons who don't give a crap about children, and 3) morons who are self-obsessed over our own (seemingly narrow) concerns.     People do not look to #s 1, 2, & 3 for leadership or influence.

Is this the thread where the "beat down" happened?   http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/topic/64774-heres-my-stupid-ar-question/   We're usually quite particular about attitude/tone towards other members, especially when they're new shooters.  Just want to make sure I'm not missing something.   I'd recommend you stay off Arfcom.

I know this has been covered before, but I just wanted to say thanks again for your continued support to handloaders and fellow shooters. I was at the Knoxville show this Sat. and just picked up a couple handtrucks of goodies from David (dlm37015).  I was at knoxville tactical across from him and heard him talking to a new handloader who was looking to buy bulk 223 projos.  The kid looked and sounded as confused as I did 20 years ago buying my first HUGE lot of 500 projos. Even though there were people all around he took the time to get the kid what he wanted.  David has been a great advisor for me, from powders to cement mixers for tumblers :)  If you are looking for any amount of components I would encourage everyone to give him a call first, he will always be my first call.   Thanks again

Forward assist assembly maybe?

Same way I was able to tell who the enemy was in Iraq: the guy shooting at me. That scenario you described is so far from realism it shouldn't be a consideration. Think about it, it is legal to OC a pistol if you have a permit, but where are the throngs of people OCing everywhere? Do you really think that changing the law to allow long gun carry would result is everyone carrying around a rifle? Of course it wouldn't. Besides, if it was legal, I can bet you that most businesses would not allow someone to carry and AK around their store. Keep in mind that it is already legal to carry a long gun around, just not loaded. How often do you see that? No, it should not be illegal. The law does nothing to prevent or stop a criminal bent on doing harm, since I'm pretty sure it's already against the law to shoot people. I don't see how making carrying a rifle a misdemeanor would deter a person intent on committing a capital crime. So then what purpose does the law serve on carrying a rifle? Glad you asked; it serves only the purpose of restricting the actions of otherwise law abiding and moral people. It's a stupid law. Of course, that doesn't mean I support idiots walking around Walmart with body armor, helmet and AR-15 with a combat load. I just don't think it should be against the law.

Why is that? Wern't the Indians always treated fairly and kindly by Washington and the government? :shrug: [URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/JMH42/media/Indians2_zpsa1a64e9e.jpg.html][/URL]

 I would have to say, my shorts would need a change too.  Glad it all ended ok.

  I liked Ike. Best I remember. Things were pretty good growing up during that time.   - OS

I'm willing to believe that statistic at face value, but then again, I don't skydive my way to work. Not anymore, anyhow.

WOW, that is cool.   Bobcats are very allusive / secret and are very seldom seen by most people much less this video. I've only seen one wild Bobcat in my 60+ years. I wouldn't be surprised if that cat escaped a wildlife rehabilitation center or was someone's pet based on how tame it appeared. It appeared to be healthy, well fed and accustomed to humans.

Lots of "pistol" tubes don't use castle nut, nobody seems to complain they loosen up.   Which is why I think staking castle nut is completely optional myself.   - OS

Government's purpose is to enforce the law and prosecute the BGs when they break the law   Well, when YOU are following all the laws, Government has little to no power over you.   So friendly Government simply passes more and more laws and regulations so it becomes quite impossible for you, as a productive individual and upstanding member of society NOT to break the law...How many federal, state and local laws on the books, thousands? You travel across state lines and the rules can change and you just broke the law (and get caught) Quit whining, tell it to the judge.    So now Government prosecutes with the threat of incarceration and pleas down to a hefty fine...I'm not a conspiracy guy, but it is all about the money. Government knows that if you follow the law, carry insurance, trying to provide for you and your family, have a home, have good work ethic and try to live by the Golden Rule, you probably got something they can get - money. Take the professional BG, they typically don't have tangible, attachable assets, so when you break the law, let the pillaging begin.   Let's say you got caught up in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people which resulted in your interaction with Government being more feloneous in nature. Now Government will take all your stuff plus all the stuff it cost you attempting to defend yourself plus they will take away your right.   Once they take the right because you broke any number of the thousands of brain-dead "gun safety" laws on the books, you now can't legally protect yourself from oppressive Government and place yourself in it's power.   Sure they want more gun control laws. It's a good long-term strategy to make it harder for law abiding gun owners to abide by the law(s)   Please get out and vote, send emails to your elected officials and financially support 2A organizations!