Why the question "Why do you need a gun?" is malformed.

[Ar180shooter]

New image is now THR approved.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

Do you have a larger version of this?

 

[Ar180shooter]

Do you have a larger version of this?

I could probably make a 3000x2000 pixel version.

 

[BSA1]

I disagree. "Why do I need a gun?" is a valid question and gives me a chance to educate the person asking the question a explanation about how important our Founding Fathers considered the right to bear and keep arms in our system of government.

It is important to bear in mind that the Constitution and Bill of Rights are subjects that are poorly taught in public schools.

 

[Justin]

Unless you're a kindergarten teacher, never use Comic Sans for anything.

I know that not everyone is going to drop coin on buying the OTF files for Akzidenz Grotesque, but at the very least, if you don't care about typography, stick with Arial.

 

[DeepSouth]

When ever someone asks me "why do you need ____" I always answer with "why do you need ____" the fact is we don't NEED anything but food, shelter, and clothing. You don't need a gun for anything.... Just like air conditioning.

I can think of more logical reasons to have a firearm than I can logical reasons to have air conditioning. It makes a persuasive argument by rendering the question irrelevant.

Always remember if your logic can't taken to the extreme then your logic is most likely wrong.

 

[316SS]

Unless you're a kindergarten teacher, never use Comic Sans for anything.

Why should kindergarteners be subjected to Comic Sans?! Think of the children!

Back on topic: You won't win hearts and minds (especially those of the sort of person who asks "why do you need a gun?") with a long-winded explanation about how it's an invalid question.

 

[Ar180shooter]

When ever someone asks me "why do you need ____" I always answer with "why do you need ____" the fact is we don't NEED anything but food, shelter, and clothing. You don't need a gun for anything.... Just like air conditioning.

I can think of more logical reasons to have a firearm than I can logical reasons to have air conditioning. It makes a persuasive argument by rendering the question irrelevant.

Always remember if your logic can't taken to the extreme then your logic is most likely wrong.

It's not to say that the question "Why do you need a gun?" doesn't have a valid answer, only that if you want to discuss something in a rational manner, you need to understand where the default position lies, and why it is so.

 

[Ar180shooter]

Unless you're a kindergarten teacher, never use Comic Sans for anything.

I know that not everyone is going to drop coin on buying the OTF files for Akzidenz Grotesque, but at the very least, if you don't care about typography, stick with Arial.

Oh, and here I thought we were on an internet forum instead of a classroom. Criticism noted, I'll make sure to show my work next time, maybe then I'll get a passing grade from you.

 

[316SS]

if you want to discuss something in a rational manner, you need to understand where the default position lies, and why it is so.

In my experience, the mindset of the sort of person who asks this question falls more into the category of "wishful thinking" than "rational."

 

[Ar180shooter]

Why should kindergarteners be subjected to Comic Sans?! Think of the children!

Back on topic: You won't win hearts and minds (especially those of the sort of person who asks "why do you need a gun?") with a long-winded explanation about how it's an invalid question.

I've often heard gun rights activists state that it's a bad question, but never why. That's why I thought it was an interesting explanation and worth sharing. It's not meant to win a debate. But since all you guys seem to care more about the format of the image rather than the content, why would I want to come back and discuss things with people on this board?

 

[Ar180shooter]

In my experience, the mindset of the sort of person who asks this question falls more into the category of "wishful thinking" than "rational."

I agree, which is why we should also try to teach them a little about rational thinking. In my experience, most people know how to do it, but have a "mental block" when trying to exercise it on emotionally charged issues such as gun control. Also, people on both sides of the debate don't understand why it is a bad question.

Also, thanks for being the only one in this thread other than DeepSouth and BSA1 to contribute something of substance.

 

[FROGO207]

I always answer that question with a question. "What rational reason would cause you think that I DO NOT need a gun??" That usually stops them in their tracks.

 

[Jim K]

Other questions for the questioner.

Do YOU want to live in a nation that prohibits its citizens from defending themselves and imprisons or executes people for possession of a device that is harmless in itself?

Is our "democratic" government now so terrified of its own citizens that it feels it must send the police and the army to confiscate guns?

If you don't favor such measures, how do you expect to enforce the gun control laws you favor?

Jim

 

[HOWARD J]

Why do I need a gun?
Because I did not trust my old neighbors & I certainly don't trust my new ones.
I have been carrying a gun for about 65 years----it has kept me alive--
END OF MESSAGE

 

[J-Bar]

I don't need a gun.

I need a whole bunch of 'em.

 

[316SS]

Why do you need seatbelts in your car if you aren't planning to ram someone? Because it may cause a little discomfort, but after a while you barely notice it, and you wear it every day in hopes you'll never need it.

 

[TrickyDick]

Why do you need seatbelts in your car if you aren't planning to ram someone? Because it may cause a little discomfort, but after a while you barely notice it, and you wear it every day in hopes you'll never need it

I use this analogy alot. I have it there should the occasion arise that i may need it and i do treasure my life than your average joe. This of course comes after the fact that i want it, as opposed to need it, either way it's my right.

 

[AntiSpin]

"For the same reason that you need a fire extinguisher."

 

[JTHunter]

You could also save the image then put it in a Word document, like this.

 

[DeepSouth]

I have to say the seatbelt and fire extinguisher answers fall short unless the asker is already leaning in your direction, IMO. Most people that ask "why do you need ___" questions want likely be convinced because they don't feel that they need a gun for the reason you feel you need one, so they'll be forced to admit their wrong if they agree with you. More times than not they probably walk off thinking your at least mildly paranoid.

The ultimate problem is the premis on which the question is asked. Their asking the wrong question, the correct question is why shouldn't ...... ( which was the point of the OP)
If you start with why should...... Then any answer will likely not convince the asker because they start off disagreeing with you ideologically, even though they may not realize it.

EDIT:
I will say those arguements are perfectly valid and logical, BUT most of the time in our culture when a person "feels" one way they tend to disregard reason if there's a opertunity to do so. Like labeling you as mildly paranoid therefore dismissing the connections to your examples.

 

[GJSchulze]

I have an acquaintance who owns a red Mazda Miata and is the typical liberal anti-gunner. I fervently hope that he will either ask me why I need a gun or do the usual small penis joke. If I'm lucky he'll say "why do you need a gun? Is it to make up for your small penis?" If there is any justice, he will, because then I can nail him.

Our freedom to own property of any sort is not based on need. If it were than we would be living in the United States Socialist Republic.

 

[AlexanderA]

The question, "Why do you need a gun?" reveals two things about the questioner: that he has a utopian view of the world (believing that there are no malefactors, on whatever level, in it), and that he is profoundly ignorant of history. The question itself is valid, but it's easily answered. It's actually an ideal springboard for discussion.

 

[frgood]

Only my mother can ask me "Why do I need...". and then only if I am asking her to pay for it. (Now that I'm 53 that hasn't happened in a while)

The world may ask me "Why do I want ..." and, if inclined, I may answer. I am not asking for permission to live my life on my terms.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

IME, the question "Why do you need a gun?" is not being asked as a question or inquiry, but more of a challenge. There is no single good answer to it, not that it matters because the questioner already has his or her mind made up. It is a "no win" situation because they will challenge every reason you do give, and if you try to disengage it will be seen in their minds as a victory. ("See, the guy couldn't explain why he needs a gun!")

And "conceived" is misspelled.