Clearly, I am and have always been an advocate for the 2nd Amendment. I have always said that if a person that can legally possess and carry a firearm, they should. I just read two articles about 2 shootings that show that some people should possess firearms and some should not. In my opinion, and I’ve been in the 2nd Amendment world for the better part of 30 years, it comes down to responsibility and self control. If you don’t have either of those traits, maybe a firearm isn’t for you.
In the first article, two “people” (even though the article did not state it, I’m thinking Gang Bangers) began shooting at each other in a crowded State fair in Toledo Ohio. The reports said it appears that a group of Juveniles were attacking another youth when shots were fired as the groups were fighting. In all, 12 un-involved people were shot with 2 in critical condition. In recent weeks, groups of Juveniles have been involved in multiple “street takeovers” and have been responsible for several shootings from Florida to California. It is likely that these Juveniles are not carrying legally due to their age. Moreover, it appears obvious that their lack of responsibility and self control has led to dozens of uninvolved people being shot. If you are going to an event where you can legally carry, please carry your firearm. remember, in every state you have the right to self-defense. We teach the IDOL theory, the gun is used In Defense Of Life. We also teach situational awareness. Always know what is going on around you. Learn Coopers color codes. When in public, you should never be in anything less than condition Yellow.
The second incident that I just read about took place in Tulsa Oklahoma. I man was home with his wife and children at midnight. He hears a noise outside the house, from his second-floor window, he sees a man looking into his first-floor window. He retrieves his legally owned firearm and proceeds downstairs. According to the article, by the time he gets downstairs, the man had already kicked in his front door and was in his living room. As he confronts the now Burglar (a Felony in most places) he starts grabbing for things, surely to be used as a weapon. In a huge showing of self-restraint, the homeowner gave the Burglar several verbal commands to leave, all of which were ignored. Fearing for his life and the life of his family, the homeowner fired one round, striking the Burglar in the chest. Police arrived shortly after the man had fled and found him several blocks away. In an effort to arrest him, the burglar was shot with pepper balls, tasers and a police K9 was used. The Burglar fought off the K9, ignored the pepper balls, bit one officer, spit at another and scratched another, all with a bullet in his chest. The report said that it took “several” officers to get the man into custody. I’m betting in this case, some mental illness and/or some drugs may have been involved. What are the lessons learned here? When seconds count, the police are only minutes away. I was a police officer for 25 years, their job for the most part is reactionary, rarely proactive. YOU are your own defender. The gun in this case equaled the playing field between a crazed burglar and an average homeowner. That’s why Sam Colt called his guns “the Great Equalizer”. If you keep a gun in the house for self defense, know how to use it, have a plan for your family in the event someone is breaking in. Practice the 3 D’s, Deny, Delay, Defend. That will be the subject of my next rant.
Stay safe and become a better defender!
Leave a Reply