Many guys are used to handling a firearm.
It is just another tool. You need to be disciplined with it and not be an idiot. Don't point the muzzle at anyone, and don't put your finger on the trigger, and don't load the gun unnecessarily.
However, many people are afraid of guns.
It is an item of death. For killing.
In SG or US, many people have not handled firearms before.
Yes, even in US, even with liberal gun laws, there are a lot of people who have not even tried to fire a gun.
They are afraid of it. To them, they don't want to learn about it. They don't want to get near it. They don't want to have anything to do with it.
Yes. Firearms can be used for malicious purposes.
And for me, all the more so, that I should learn about it. Know how to handle it. Understand it, and learn to use it well.
Do you find this similar to something else?
Financial education and products.
There's only a very small percentage of people who are interested in finances and products.
Many times, if you talk to anyone, your friends, family, etc... most people won't have much clue about what is available on the market, won't know about interest rates and how they affect markets, etc.
When you want to discuss or talk about it, somehow, their brains just shut off. Their eyes glaze over and they just nod but the conversation dies very quickly.
If you want to keep conversation, you need to quickly turn the topic back to Korean drama.
The thing is...
In US, even if you are afraid of guns, you should learn how to use it.
Cos... guns will/may come to you.
You can campaign and fight for stricter gun laws, but before those laws come into place, you better know how to use it. Cos by hiding your head in the sand, avoiding guns, doesn't mean the gun won't come and find you.
Ever since I came to the US, it's common to hear about armed robbery, car chases, people getting shot, etc.
Yes, you can say, "That's the reason why guns should be banned."
And you may be right.
But before they are banned and guns are taken off the streets, I think people should be familiar with firearms and learn how to use them and maybe consider owning them.
Same as retirement planning and financial education.
You can say, "the Government should take care of the citizens in their old age, provide pensions..." etc...
But before that ever happens, I think it's important to plan for yourself and get educated on the topic.
Cos... old age is coming, like it or not. Age will come and find you.
And you/people may be afraid of financial products or education, but all the more, it's important to learn and get familiar with it.
And it's not too hard to learn some basics.
Some insurance education, some ETF investments, savings, budgeting, etc. Don't need to learn how to price options and derivatives. For the layman, that's just looking for trouble.
Can investment products cause harm to people? Yes it can. Think of the mini bonds issue in 2008.
So is it important to get educated? Yes! Of course.
So don't be afraid of learning about guns. Only be afraid if the gun is pointed at you.
Same as financial products. Don't be afraid of learning about financial stuff. Only be afraid if someone is trying to scam you, or trying to make you take more risk than you're willing to take.
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