The two rifles pictured above are guns that I used for hunting small game, many years ago. However, my interest in hunting waned, back in the ‘90’s; that shotgun and the ancient Enfield WWI-issue have been in my closet since that time. I have a small box of ammo for each, which is kept in a separate location in my house. Truth told, since I have not used them in the last 30 years, I never bothered to register them.

I lived in a semi-rural area. I have friends who hunt and own registered guns. They are responsible sportsmen.

I have never understood — nor I identified with — this “concealed carry” status some of my acquaintances have earned. In a large city that is a two-hour drive from my home, I have a friend whose identity seems to be linked to having “concealed carry.” Recently the license was revoked, following a DUI; but after doing rehab, he has re-aquired it.

I am loathe to lend any sympathy or agreement to gun-toters. I am a Christian who emphasizes Jesus’ gospel of peace. I am content to leave law enforcement and the use of guns for that purpose to our qualified, trained personnel.

I have no dog in this fight. But it seems that the extremists who have turned the Republican party, of which I am a member, have corrupted that party with their violent, trumpian rage. Even so, I will not be re-joining the Democratic party, which I left behind in 1972. If the trumpians do go full fascist and start a civil war, I will not be fighting on either side, but protecting my own little homestead where I have lived since 1992.

Thanks, Nbuford, for your response. And thank you for being a gun-owner who takes that responsibility seriously.