Yikes! I have been using all my computer online time to do all the homework you guys provided me with!
That’s a lot of stuff to read. You all have done nothing but make me feel welcome since I got here (so to speak).
Othermarc: My son’s water gun doesn’t exactly look like a gun. It’s shaped like an elephant and the barrell (I don’t know if I spelled that right) is the elephant’s trunk. We did not want him to have even a glowing neon water gun until we got it straight between us how we were going to approach the whole gun issue (I know, that probably sounds extreme). Thanks for the links to the sites. I had been looking through them as per Rob’s post on a Rosie thread. I haven’t made it through them all yet. You guys are doing a great job developing them. Yes, I have actually thought about creating one of my own. I’m still trying to figure out what I want to say and how to say it best.
Hksignwalther and Ron S: thanks for the words of encouragement.
Walkin’man: you’re right, I was reading in real time... I was rocking the baby when your post came up. Maybe you should listen to your girlfriend more often!
David Schmidbauer: thanks for the direct link to your site. It looks great! I found it very useful. I was always terrible with history (and anything concerning how the government works is history to me).
Mike in VA: I would love to offer my perspective as a non-owner whenever you would like it! You’ve all enlightened me and educated me on so many things already. I would be honored to offer you any opinions you ask for.
Hank L, you crusty old guy: I guess I’m taking my job as a mom pretty seriously lately.
Jeff Thomas: Like your professor, I too “feel that our media is demonizing a tool, and conveniently ignoring the tremendous psychological changes that have led to our current problems with violence.” I guess that’s why I am trying so hard to gather information. I apologize for making so many posts. I was telling my husband after the Columbine tragedy that although this wasn’t the first, for some reason (even before all the serious blame game) it affected me the most. Somehow, things seem different. I can’t just sit by as a spectator this time. I think my Rosie flock is a little burned out right now. I’ll try though.
I guess it’s long past due for me to let you know a little bit more about me. I recently quit a 7-year career as a graphic designer/animator in television to take on the rewarding job of raising my two sons (preschooler and infant) and our dog. I graduated from college in graphic arts. I almost completed enough courses to have a third major – in early childhood education. However, being in the classroom was too depressing for me and I had to just let it go. I may pursue it again someday when my kids are all grown up. Although I am now in my 30s, I only registered to vote 2 years ago. I never bothered to exercise that right for three reasons: (1) although that truly was my right, I did not feel that I had earned the right to use it (I was too lazy and uncertain as to what I truly believed to make an informed decision – and I didn’t feel I should vote until I understood what it was I was voting for); (2) I was sick of all the negative campaigning. I didn’t want to hear what “the other candidate” did or did not do. I thought that if I voted, I would be picking the one I didn’t like the least. (3) none of the issues seemed to affect me directly, therefore it didn’t matter to me (funny, but after I became a mother, my whole view of the world changed). That’s the honest truth.
Again, I’m sorry for asking so many questions. I feel as though I’ve made myself at home here. Thanks again for all your help.
[This message has been edited by Gunz-n-Rosie (edited May 26, 1999).]
) He took me to the Marine Corp rifle range at El Toro when I was only a few years older than your oldest. He made sure I knew how to handle and, more importantly, respect any and all guns. I've never forgotten those days.