I just hope that people learn to make better choices
Kyle Rittenhouse could have avoided being put on trial and the possibility of spending a good chunk of his life behind bars. The McMichaels and Mr. Bryan could have been at home right now instead of awaiting a sentence in which they could very well spend the rest of their lives in prison.
All they had to do was leave their guns right where they were and mind their own business. Instead they chose to insert themselves in a situation that lead to people losing their lives. All they had to do was make better choices. Having a gun doesnt make them invincible. It doesnt make them Superman.
Rittenhouse in particular decided to add more fuel to an existing fire by going to an area where tensions were already high. The ironic part is that because of the gun, he was also very close to leaving Wisconsin in a body bag with that AR-15 strapped to his chest. That protection was close to being the causation leading to his own death. His protection only escalated an already bad situation before anyone was shot.
Rittenhouse, the McMichaels, and Bryan all made stupid decisions. In their particular moments, they were all stupid people with guns that made stupid decisions. Thats not responsible gun ownership. Its not something to celebrate or cheer on or parade on TV or parade in pictures.
As the saying goes play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
There may not be a next time for the McMichaels or William Bryan, but I certainly hope Kyle Rittenhouse will make better choices next time theres an opportunity to do something stupid.