Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/02/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Luggers, I can't stand it any more. I've got to comment on this subject; not on the photographic technique, but on the nature of the subject matter. If the photographer's intent was to paint a disturbing picture, he's done a good job. Most of the people in these pictures give me the creeps. Last year, I retired after 25 years as a police officer and crime scene investigator on the largest department in my state. Much of my on duty time was spent photographing the aftermath of firearms related injuries and deaths, and I'm really glad I don't have to do it any more. The overwhelming majority of these incidents were needless, senseless, and had nothing to do with self defense. The effect of television, drug and gang cultures, and even urban legend has given many people in this country the idea that they really need a firearm for personal defense. In a perfect world, this would make sense. (But in a perfect world, you wouldn't need to worry about self defense.) In the real world, the fact is that 99% of off-range discharges of "defense" firearms are accidents, suicides and homicides (in that order), the vast majority involving family, friends, or innocent bystanders. Why? Because people are basically stupid and irresponsible when it comes to guns. Even the Vice President of the United States can't even follow basic firearm safety. Taking a hunter safety course doesn't qualify a person for use of a personal defense gun any more than a driver's license qualifies that same person for NASCAR. When you look at the photos of people and their guns, know that eventually some of them will injure or kill a family member they had intended to protect, long before they shoot a real "bad guy". It's a fact, and it's scary. Randy Holst Boise, Idaho