So, I was out with some friends. We had interesting discussions (one was a philosopher). However, towards then end we ended up talking about gun rights. They just kept repeating how "wrong" I was for thinking free people have a right to bear arms to protect themselves against tyranny (as a last resort, should that day come), choose for themselves, etc. They basically said there would never come a time when we, the (minority) of the people, would need to draw a line, say that's it, and stand up for our freedoms (and put our metaphorical "money" where our mouth is). That would just not be possible, in a modern, enlightened democracy, they said. I was insane.
Since I'm Swedish, they're too of course. It was really depressing, I was a "conspiracy nut", "insane", "gun toting" lunatic repeating the talking points of the NRA basically, in their view.
I found the whole experience rather depressing. To them it was obvious there would never be a need for the people (=minority) to stand up to, or even threaten, the ruling class (or the police, military, etc.), since they're elected by the people (=majority) for the people (=majority), or rather by the media, for the [owners of the] media imo.
They didn't just say my priorities were wrong, they flat-out said my logic was wrong. I fear that's what propaganda does to people.
My view was basically that disarmed peoples are slaves, perhaps under benevolent rulers (for now), but who knows about the future? Armed people are free, perhaps short-lived, but have the choice to die free. I'd rather die free with a gun in my hand, than die as a slave. Of course these are all "talking points" and couldn't possibly my genuine thoughts.
I don't know, I'm pretty drunk (and not only that), so I may not make a lot of sense. But I'm posting since they basically said "the gun-crazed yankee [nuts, implied] are awake now, why don't you go talk to them instead?"
Well, Americans, this is your liberal, socialist future. Enjoy it!
:'(
Oh, and they thought, if it came to that, I should just my fists...
Oh, and in my view, the people should be the militia, and not a professional standing army (that may or may not be loyal to the people rather than the ruling class) be all there is.