Eddie Vedder, of the rock band Pearl Jam, offers a Utilitarian assessment of the gun situation in American society:
In many ways, Vedder’s thoughts remind me of the philosopher Jeff McMahan’s argument that I looked at back in May.
Vedder’s argument about guns is not particularly articulate or sophisticated (and he can be both). However, it very much mirrors my sentiments about guns.
In March, I referred to the gun culture of Wyoming as a a form of cultural psychosis. It is a form of psychosis that reaches far beyond Wyoming.
In the grand cultural divide, I will take Eddie Vedder over Ted Nugent any day. The above clip reminds me why.
Also, see my other posts on music.
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The interesting part about this issue is that we either discuss mental health or we discuss guns. As if one or the other is the only solution. I think the true answer lies in making sure people feel comfortable in discussing and getting help for mental health issues. I also think that there has to be a way to limit ammunition capacity while not restricting the freedom to own a gun.
I also have to say that musically, I much more enjoy Nugent.
Really? That might be the most shocking thing I have read all week. 🙂
unfortunately the video ^ no longer works
Fixed. I another video of the same segment. Thanks for the heads up.
Thanks so much. His point about the 30-bullet magazines is an important one. The courts have never ruled out regulation of firearms and ammo, since the term “well-regulated militia” implies regulatory schemes (which were everywhere in the 1700s).