defintion in S-1431 (re-authorization and expansion of the AWB)
http://www.banassaultweapons.org/docUploads/s1431.pdfUnder this bill, which did not get far in congress but which the sponsors will surely renew next session, even an M1 Garand is subject to banning.
It would be hard for me to label myself as a gun fanatic since I do not own any guns, and have not even shot targets for many years. However I have given it a lot of thought lately as I feel that it might be more difficult to get one in the future, and that I have a responsiblity to my fellow citizens to be prepared in the event that the last resort becomes a reality.
My fanaticism, if one could call it that, is directed to historical accuracy. The way the steady disarming of the citizenry is being accomplished is even more troubling to me than the fact that it is being done.
The Ninth Circuit's decision in Silveira v. Lockyer reads like something Orwell's Ministry of Truth might have written, and yet there was little coverage of that decision by major media except to dutifully report the Ninth Circuit Court's "findings".
http://news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/gunlawsuits/silvlckyr120502opn.pdfIf you ever come across someone who has difficulty believing what you have stated regarding the powers that be, have them read Silveira with a copy of the Federalist Papers, Anti-Federalerist Papers, and a copy of US v. Miller close by to be able to check the veracity of the citations made by the majority in Silveira.
I agree with your sensible steps of locking your gun safely away, and teaching your children to respect its power, however I hope you will also encourage your children and others to read the basics (US Constitution, Federalist/Anti-federalist, and important Supreme Court cases) when they are of age to understand.
Education is the first line of defense against tyrrany, and if the people are educated about their rights and responsibilities, the last resort will not be needed.