In Deer Hunting With Jesus by the brilliant Joe Bageant, we see the connection that so many Americans have with, well guns and God.  The right to bear arms is more than a right to self defense, it is a continuation of a family tradition, also worth mentioning is that most violent gun crimes take place in cities.  In rural areas guns are used for hunting and sport and reenactment(which I’ll admit does puzzle me).  So what might you ask do guns have to do with God, well the link is there just not clear, although ideally we shouldn’t be taking out God’s woodland creatures with semi-automatic weapons, hunting for food is acceptable.  Although I have never been hunting, I assume it can be a real bonding experience, roughing it with some friends and killing for sport, patience and focus must really bring your contingent together.  What we learn is that both religious and family traditions are sacred to so many people and when your family traditions are hunting and churching, you hold them very dear to heart.  When you get your fathers gun and sit in the same pews your great great grandparents sat in, that must be moving to some.  I can’t do the book justice, but after having read it and understanding where Obama comes from, I get his remark.  Sadly in politics we don’t take things in context.  Check out Joe Bageant, his work and his website and if ever in Winchester ,VA definitely check out The Royal Lunch, I hear their roast-beef sandwich is king!

http://www.joebageant.com/