I’m sure I’m gonna get some spicy replies to this, but guns and gun culture in the US. There was a major shooting in my city in the past couple of days, and you can’t even guess where because it happens every goddamn day somewhere in the country.

Any situation where there is a gun or the likelihood a gun is present immediately escalates it. Everyone is on edge because at anytime someone might be carrying. A minor argument or altercation can easily turn into a homicide. I avoid large crowded events when it’s outdoors and there are no security gates and checks. I stay away from bar districts on weekends because the chances of someone intoxicated and carrying is much higher. I’m tired of having my head on a swivel everywhere I go.

And for the 2A folks, that used to work back when you can actually successfully take up arms against the government when they’re oppressing you. Joe Redneck with 500 guns in his house isn’t stopping the government if it wants to take away his rights.

I’ll take a shot at a spicy reply: they aren’t wrong, at least not completely. Having a lot of guns won’t stop the government from taking your rights, but it does limit their options. That’s why American conservatives have to bend over backwards to make sure you know: if you’re an American who identifies with gun culture, they are unequivocally on your side *. The current administration would love to restrict gun ownership, but they’re still afraid of losing the support of that bloc. And I think it’s at least partially because they have guns.

*^provided you follow the law and support the troops and all the police as well and also aren’t openly queer or melanated^