Bringing up kids with "them" in the house.

[Pierre k31]

This is a side trip from the Lost Prairie Chronicles, written about and for my children and grandchildren.

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[hillwalker]

You might find your audience divided by this particular piece - largely due to the fact that it does tend to read a little like an endorsement for the NRA.

Don't get me wrong, I was brought up on a farm where shooting guns was as natural as chopping firewood. But it was always a case of carrying a twelve-bore shotgun with the specific intention of shooting vermin or whatever. It wasn't the American Second Amendment practice of everybody being armed to counteract every villain who is armed (and I know that is a very simplistic way of describing the situation, but you catch my drift).

In the UK there might very much be an uncomfortable reaction to a story such as this, relating how a five-year old girl is shown gun control. I shot my first twelve-bore at eight, but there again I was driving a tractor when I was nine. Those sorts of things just don't happen over here any more. Health and Safety, etc. etc.

It is quite likely you will find American readers view this piece differently so my comments should be taken with a pinch of salt.

As a literary endeavour it is just as strong as the other material of yours I have read. Just be forewarned that it might ruffle a few feathers though. Good luck.

[Pierre k31]

I get it, H..... But its absolutely not an endorsement at all. The full thrust is child safety and nothing more.
This is a very important subject to us here in Montana and safety of our children overshadows all but defense of the Family, but then its all-encompassing anyway isn't it. Child/firearm safety begins at home, and if it doesn't, its certainl;y going to happen in someone else's home, a far less welcome circumstance.
The view from here, anyway. :biggrin5:

P

[hillwalker]

I agree entirely with your statement. It is a cultural issue and nothing more. In the UK guns and families don't mix - unless you belong to the 'huntin, shootin, fishin' fraternity (which is considered the elite - to which I most definitely not belong, by the way).
No one else over here can imagine having a firearm in their home - so to see and hear about it being such a part of normal life in the States send shivers down our spines.

My post was just a friendly warning - some readers might get over-heated and take issue with you for advocating such a lifestyle (which, of course you are not - but you get the message, I'm sure).

H.

[Pierre k31]

The story is a true one H, but I'm sure you know that. My daughter just pointed out to me that she was 6, nearing 7 years of age.
Odd that parents will teach children early on of the dangers of fire, drugs, crossing streets, strangers, even cutlery, but the one great danger to children, that being firearms is largely ingored. Most of the above are likely recoverable dangers. Firearms are usually fatal.
Why then would reasonable, rational parents not adress the one issue that looms large in the American culture?

The Family not owning a firearm is the paramount reason to teach the reality and dangers of finding one in a friend's home.
Mystery provokes curiosity and potential disaster. Education removes mystery and ingrains understanding. Its not rocket science. Its simple parental responsibility.

P


*And I might add that if Admin finds this short story unreasonalbe or personally offensive, please feel free to delete it.
I personally find it of some import.*

[hillwalker]

Have no fear - I don't think the mods will find anything to worry about in this piece.

H


EDIT - Life imitating art? Just heard on the news a gunman has gone on the rampage in Cumbria, N England. 12 killed / 27 injured / worst mass-shooting in the UK since 1997. These kinds of headlines are what make Britain so paranoid about gun laws and about bans on hand guns and semi-automatics. Although, in this particular case, it sounds like a shotgun was used. Now you see how your reasoned and intelligent piece might be misconstrued this side of the puddle.

Best wishes

[Pierre k31]

......... and not one single, trained armed citizen to stop him.
What a shame. This is exactly why I feel it important to make a personal judgement about firearms. I don't want to be one of those lying on the floor because of a man made law.
I'm thinking this might be a good time to leave this one alone. Waddaya think H? :lol:

[hillwalker]

:iagree:

[TheBearJew]

I like your voice and the content of the work, but on the flipside, it reads a bit more like a blog/diary than a short story. I think an eventual collection of it all, as I see you've started to create, could be an entertaining read for sure, with some interesting insights.

Though some of the .......'s have gotta go.

[zoolane]

Personal I do not agree firearms and kids same house but if that way you bring child up and teach respect, safety with it then that up to you as parent.

I do like why to told that peice, it striaght to point.

Ok striaght might spelling this way but I can't remember today now spelling today lmao.