Looking together in the same direction.

Looking together in the same direction.
Sea otters hold hands while they sleep so they don't drift apart.

by my favorite poet, Mary Oliver

"Instructions for living a life.

Pay attention.

Be astonished.

Tell about it."

Mary Oliver


Monday, July 16, 2012

Perfection is a moving target.

     For a belated Father's Day gift, Kate and her friend Nathan took Dean to a target range to shoot handguns, which Kate, Dean, and I have never ever done.  Nathan is a hobbyist and owns 3 handguns.  He is an excellent gun safety teacher and knows the history of his guns.  Thanks to Kate for taking us, and thanks to Nathan for the excellent instruction.
     It may sound strange for 3 vegans like us to try shooting guns, but we feel that aiming at paper targets is an okay sport or hobby, whereas aiming at animals definitely is not.  It was a fun morning and a real learning experience.
     We shot a Smith and Wesson 22 revolver, a colt 38 6-shooter revolver, and a colt 45 semi-automatic, so we started out small and went up in size and power.  It was an interesting morning, if nothing else just to people-watch.  I couldn't believe how crowded with people the range was, and early on a Sunday morning no less.  Also, I have a new-found respect, or is it fear, of the power of these things.
     I ended up agreeing with James Brady, that for target shooting, it's okay.  For defense of the home, that is why we have police departments.  



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