Over the last few days, several people have said to me, “Nobody needs an ‘assault weapon.’”
The implication: nobody should oppose banning such firearms because nobody needs them.
I can think of many scenarios I would need a weapon more powerful than a handgun to defend myself, my family and my property. These include any situation involving breakdown of social order, such as natural disasters, an economic meltdown, power-grid failures, riots or governmental instability.
More importantly, what does somebody’s opinion of my “need” have to do with anything? Needs are subjective. I’m sure I could walk into your home and find all kinds of things I don’t think you “need.” Does that give me the right to take your things away? Does my evaluation of your needs override your own?
Of course not.
