Who Should Own Firearms?

Source:
http://bit.ly/j7H5bI

A couple weeks ago I discovered the podcast that is "Vicious Circle.'  It is a very entertaining distraction from the norm, usually revolving around firearm ownership, rights, and other topics related to guns.  The current post (#95) recorded on 6/3 engages in a very interesting discussion about how we as a firearms community reach out to groups traditionally not known as being part of this community.  This includes women, inner-city minorities, gays and lesbians, and the like.  This is a very important conversation in which we should be engaged.
Obviously, as a Christian, I take issue with certain lifestyles, and the unrepentant attitude that tends to accompany them.  However, that is not what is being discussed in a case like this.  The discussion is focused on who should own weapons, why they should, what benefits there are, and the positives of it.  Let's be blunt for a moment.  Homosexuality is going to be with us as long as we exist.  While I do believe that is a sin, I will not attack an individual for having that lifestyle.  I may attempt to persuade them to change their mind, but I firmly believe that they have the right to defend themselves by whatever means they feel sufficient.  I say this because there are so many groups who DO attack them, not just verbally, but physically.  They are one of the key groups of people who need to be equipped to protect themselves.
Let's consider who else should be able to provide for their own defense.  Women?  Mothers? Single ladies?  College girls?  They all are more likely to be attacked than a large man in terms of random violence.  They should absolutely have the option to protect themselves, and their children.  What about inner-city residents, especially minorities?  This has been a touchy subject for years for many reasons, not the least of which being that violence between minorities in the inner city tends to be more frequent than elsewhere.  However, how often are innocent people in the inner city victimized?  They absolutely need to have the same ability as we have to protect themselves from attack.

At the end of the day, the 2nd amendment exists to enable our citizenry to protect themselves.  Unfortunately it is impossible for police to be everywhere at all times, so it is impossible for them to prevent every crime.  As such, we need to be able to protect ourselves, no matter what our walk of life, or ideology, ability or handicap in the world.  Someone once said that God created men, but Samuel Colt made them equal.  Let's make sure all people have the option to be equal.

Pro-tip:  This podcast is for those who don't suffer from sensitive ears, and don't mind language that can be a bit impolite.