Yes I am.
You are making your first visit to the P&R Gun Control Thread on the day after the mass shooter was identified as a trans person.
You think -- as most do -- that mass shooters are mentally ill. You are also saying the mental illness stems from an overall moral decay in the United States. Your examples of moral decay are based entirely on human sexuality, and the acceptance of sexual mores that used to be shunned and vilified. You believe moral standards -- or "truths" -- have been well established, dating back to a time you won't commit to, and they can not and should not evolve according to either scientific evidence or the changing norms of society. You carry this clear definition of right and wrong with you as determined by gut feeling and anecdotal experience. Since moral relativism is a naive enemy, you believe your truths should be the standard, and indeed law, for everyone. The possibility that your truths might infringe on someone else's freedom and self-determination does not really concern you, as you are fighting a larger war for a definitive moral code that you believe will save lives.
Gun control is a complex issue worthy of lively debate, but it also just presented a chance to talk about your deep-seeded issues with human sexuality and the dangers of tolerance.
Did I miss anything?
You misrepresent a few things, but I appreciate the effort.
- I'm in the thread as I have thoughts on gun control and, actually, had no idea what/where the thread was or the parties involved. It was hot on the active front page for top comments, and I jumped in to see where Husker fans stood on the matter. Quite eye-opening. Quite simple in explanation.
- Mass shooters are all mentally ill. I'd be curious to meet folks on the other side of the fence and discuss (the some that don't believe this).
- Moral decay is accepted, championed, and celebrated in the US. The US is in a steep moral decline, absolutely.
- Moral decay of a group is comprised of morally broken people which come from both genders, any race, and any creed.
- Moral relativism is a cause for the decay in the US.
The very issue of moral relativism - my truth and your truth oppose. Who is right? "Just don't infringe or impede on my truth." Until ones truth does infringe...like one is a sociopath and decides truth is people need to die because of his/her pain. Example is too fringe? It's a. an example and b. certainly relevant
What do you do with relativism and tolerance? "Everyone has his/her truth and we're tolerant of all." Until opposed and then it's name calling, contempt, veiled lures to try and fuel rage through COC etc. Small time stuff. I'd submit it makes it more difficult to not inevitably overlap on truth targets that move...
Gun control, at its core, allows for conversation about a cause as, in itself, deals with an effect. My deeply-seated issue here is dealing with effects don't solve problems. They come back in a different way. People are the problem, not the tool.