All this talk about carrying weapons to defend one’s self is nonsense. Some people own guns to go hunting; others are dedicated target shooters. But much gun ownership is simply to provide a sense of personal empowerment. It is part of the macho self-image. The more weapons, the more power. The more deadly the weapon, the greater the power.

If guns really were used for self-protection, women would be the main gun carriers. After all, women are far more likely to be assaulted than men — yet they rarely carry guns. Why? Because gun carrying is a male thing and has nothing to do with self-defense.

Stephen Silver Santa Fe