Touchy subjects can make for productive discussions

I think far too often, in the social media age anyway, we get lost in the emotion of topics and forget to have civil conversations. One thing leads to another and we spend too much time typing out a response that riles up the person on the other side of the debate.

In this political landscape where everyone needs to choose a side and it’s either right or left of the aisle, it’s refreshing to have a conversation that allows us to take things from both sides and come to a conclusion. I’m not saying we solved a world problem with a seamless process, but hanging out with a couple of my close friends around a campfire over the weekend, I learned about a polarizing issue.

We were on the hot topic of gun legislation. I’m not going to use the word “control” because the term is used far too often to gaslight conversations.

I came into the conversation ready to ban AR-15s because in my head, I didn’t see a purpose to owning the weapon. I was quickly educated on the subject from the perspective of an AR owner. He told me that it is perfectly legal to hunt with an AR but they are politicized as the weapon of choice for mass murderers. The style of gun is no different than another form of semi-automatic rifles but they have pieces of plastic attached to make it look more tactical.

I was taken aback by the research and information he shared with me on the subject but was appreciative that the conversation was knowledgeable insight and not name-calling and profiling.

The thing we could agree on was that something needs to be done. Far too often do we see people who have the opportunity to institute legislation, sit back and wait for the anger and frustration to pass. There are many ways to improve school situations. They range from instituting more security at schools whether that’s personnel, electronic locks or other systems. There are also ways to add additional fail safes to weed out people who want to use a gun for harm. Requiring a license to purchase a gun could be one of them. The government began requiring drivers to get a driver’s license in 1959. They required hunters to go through a hunter safety course starting in 1985. Surely, there’s a way to educate firearm owners on the importance and honor of owning a weapon that can take life away.

These aren’t perfect suggestions but the fact that we (and lawmakers) sit idly by as shooting after shooting occurs should enrage people.

Ultimately, the conversation proved to be very enlightening for me but what will come of that night? To me, it seems like just a few empty beer cans and a new perspective on the topic. But we also gained experience in discussing touchy subjects without negativity or hostility and that is the more valuable takeaway.

SPEEDING

THROUGH

L

IFE

NEAL HOGDEN

EDITOR