A man taking his trash to an apartment dumpster was shot and killed after he slipped while walking and the gun he was carrying went off accidentally, according to San Antonio police.

  • el_abuelo@programming.dev
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    4 months ago

    Honestly if I lived in the US I probably would. Not because I feel the need to pull it out and show everyone, but because I don’t want to die without a chance to defend myself.

    That said - I think the fact that guns are so readily available in the US is bad and should be stopped so that people don’t feel the need to carry themselves.

    Edit: woah boy this comment really got some people excited. Look, I’m not pro gun and I’m not American - I’m just saying how I feel…nothing more, or less. Over here in Europe I have the luxury of not needing to even think about it…and without any desire to live in America I also don’t need to think much beyond what i shared. Have a great weekend all!

    • surewhynotlem@lemmy.world
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      4 months ago

      Defend yourself how? Really imagine the scenario. Someone wants you dead, so they walk up behind you and shoot you. Where is your opportunity for defense?

      • el_abuelo@programming.dev
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        4 months ago

        Indeed. I don’t imagine that’s how most deaths by gun violence occur.

        I imagine most of them could be defended against by being better trained than someone looking to steal your stuff.

        I may be wrong. It’s just how I feel on the balance of my current knowledge.

        I will observe: no one in this thread has brought any new facts to the table, just downvotes and hypotheticals.

        • Soggy@lemmy.world
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          4 months ago

          Most deaths by gun violence are self-inflicted. And most of the murders are gang-related.

          Not owning a gun and not joining a gang are far more effective ways to prolong your life than joining in on some Old West shootout.

          • el_abuelo@programming.dev
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            4 months ago

            Fair…I have no reason to dispute you and no reason to believe you…but it sounds sensible and hence if I had to actually make the decision for real I’d look into it!

            I know I sound flippant, and that’s because I am. I don’t need to choose - that choice was made for me. And I’m glad it was.

    • jerkface@lemmy.ca
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      4 months ago

      Do you have any empirical basis to believe that carrying a gun increases and does not decrease your life expectancy

    • Echo Dot
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      4 months ago

      I worked in the US for a long time and at no point did I ever feel the need to carry a gun around. If anybody ever did mug me they’d just get my wallet It’s not worth fighting over it.

      If somebody wants me dead then the gun isn’t going to do me any good, how am I going to get it out of the holster in time?

      • Valmond@lemmy.world
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        4 months ago

        You should obviously keep it in your hand, finger on the trigger, at all times. Like the garbage guy in the article.

    • Zetta@mander.xyz
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      4 months ago

      I live in the US, you’re more likely to die in a car accident than get killed by someone with a gun. Plus all us Americans should be pretty desensitized to shootings and what not now, just get over it lol

      • el_abuelo@programming.dev
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        4 months ago

        Yes I believe that to be true. I wear a seat belt for a reason, so I’d carry a firearm for the same reason.

        I am not saying it’s logical, or that it’s my preferred way to live. I am not advocating for gun rights. I am not an American.

        My view is that all guns should be illegal to own. As they are where I live.

      • el_abuelo@programming.dev
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        4 months ago

        The kind of country that has the NRA, The Republican Party, Florida, multiple mass shootings a month, a militarised police force, Donald Trump, the KKK…need I go on?

        Honestly mate I’m well aware of the fact that most folks can lead entirely ordinary gun-free lives in the US. As a European I train in martial arts to ensure I can defend myself, in the US I’d also train in firearms - because that’s the worst case. Not the likely case. The worst case.

        • zarkanian@sh.itjust.works
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          4 months ago

          I’ve never owned a gun, and I’ve never felt the need to own a gun. Not when I lived in a small town and not when I lived in a big city.

          • el_abuelo@programming.dev
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            4 months ago

            Fair play, I believe you. I also have never felt that way, I am simply applying my views on self defence in Europe to a wildly different set of laws…so I’m guessing what I would do. Not saying that’s how everyone feels - just how I feel.