My comment:
The photo seems to me a perfect amalgam of the fanatical gun-rights guy who also happens to be a religious nut. Unfortunately, they are legion, and particularly dangerous because they can justify the worst nonsense. Naturally, Robert offered his patented blah-blah-blah justifications which the readership just loved.
About the conversion of formerly anti-gun people by taking them to the shooting range, Robert offered this: “Within minutes, they realize that operating a gun appeals to both their lizard and their leftist—I mean rational mind.” I suppose that’s an example of making assertions which are not backed up by facts. But, I actually don’t mind that kind of thing.
The fact is, there are some, myself included, who went the other way. I have no way of knowing which type is more numerous, but for sure the ones like me offset to some degree those who are converted.
As to the reason why, the suggestion that “They discover that you can shoot a gun without turning into a spree killer,” is a silly oversimplification. In addition to this realization, they also experience the power and thrill of firing a weapon, they feel that particular and unique kind of exhiliration for the first time. They are empowered. Whatever feelings of powerlessness they may have had disappear, replaced immediately by the illusory fantasy of finally having the possibility of being safe and without fear.
These are the things that people find attractive. The more fearful and insecure one is, the more appealing these things are.
