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Gun ownership in America
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Why do I Own a Firearm?
I won’t waste anyone’s time by citing the second amendment as justification for owning a weapon. Hardly anyone argues against its intent, and those that do are seldom able to defend their position. I also won’t waste your time with the insane idea that by owning a pistol I can stop a potential invasion by our government. I will suggest that while the private ownership of firearms should not be infringed, a responsible amount of control is a necessity. Why do I own a firearm? I have many reasons. I’m active duty military, who just bought a new home in Washington. One of the first things I purchased after I closed on my house was a pistol. First of all, I enjoy target shooting. It’s a difficult skill that takes time and practice to become proficient in, and a lifetime to master. I also own this firearm for protection. Do I keep my pistol loaded under my pillow? No, I keep it locked in a safe (unloaded) in my bedroom closet. I do keep a loaded magazine next to it and can have the safe open and weapon loaded in roughly ten seconds. We as citizens have a right to defend ourselves against potential threats. We do not have the right to escalate situations. If someone breaks into my house, the suspect knowingly committed a crime and knows I may be armed. Therefore if someone breaks in, I am within my rights to defend myself and my family. This right only extends to the boundaries of my property. The right of maintaining weapons applies to private businesses as well. Just as I have a right to arm myself at home, a store owner has the right to ban weapons on his or her property. To strip a citizen of the right to ban weapons on private property is just as unconstitutional as banning the right to own them.
I understand people’s fear of rampant gun ownership. Personally I would have no problem with citizens passing a competency exam to own a weapon, as long as the test is standardized, and fair. Some would argue that a test denies Americans of their rights; however I would point out that no one claims taking a driver’s test strips us of our right to own a vehicle, unless we are proven unfit to operate one. Just as I wouldn’t want a person incapable of driving allowed on the road, I don’t want someone unable to accept a firearm’s responsibility waving one around.
Firearms come with heavy responsibilities, this is indisputable. When you purchase a firearm, or carry one, you are accepting responsibility for everything that occurs because of it (just like when you buy a car). Just ask Mr. Zimmerman in Florida about the consequences of carrying a firearm. I carry one because it gives me a tool to defend myself with. Does this mean at the first sign of trouble I draw it and threaten someone? Not at all, carrying that weapon means I must show a level of calm and restraint beyond what I would show without a firearm.
The idea that a citizen with a gun in the Aurora Colorado (Theater) could have prevented the massacre is also highly unlikely. I know a thing or two about firefights, Police and military operators train for years for a situation as chaotic and intense as a man shooting up a crowded theater as terrified civilians run around in a dark, smoke filled room. A civilian, scared, worried about friends or family, engaging an unknown assailant is more likely to harm another civilian in the crossfire. I am not arguing against the right to carry. In a small engagement, like getting jumped on the street or other similar scenarios having a gun can prevent a robbery, assault, or worse.
The events in Aurora are heartbreaking and tragic. They should cause everyone to examine their positions and views on firearms and their use. A well informed and educated populace is the best way to lower crime and injury from firearms, not more or less weapons on the street. As the fear and unease around them lessens, the stigma of firearms disappears. Proper control of firearms, just like vehicles, chemicals and other dangerous items results in a proper balance. It is the price of living in a free Republic, that we accept some risk in return for enhanced liberties.
I understand people’s fear of rampant gun ownership. Personally I would have no problem with citizens passing a competency exam to own a weapon, as long as the test is standardized, and fair. Some would argue that a test denies Americans of their rights; however I would point out that no one claims taking a driver’s test strips us of our right to own a vehicle, unless we are proven unfit to operate one. Just as I wouldn’t want a person incapable of driving allowed on the road, I don’t want someone unable to accept a firearm’s responsibility waving one around.
Firearms come with heavy responsibilities, this is indisputable. When you purchase a firearm, or carry one, you are accepting responsibility for everything that occurs because of it (just like when you buy a car). Just ask Mr. Zimmerman in Florida about the consequences of carrying a firearm. I carry one because it gives me a tool to defend myself with. Does this mean at the first sign of trouble I draw it and threaten someone? Not at all, carrying that weapon means I must show a level of calm and restraint beyond what I would show without a firearm.
The idea that a citizen with a gun in the Aurora Colorado (Theater) could have prevented the massacre is also highly unlikely. I know a thing or two about firefights, Police and military operators train for years for a situation as chaotic and intense as a man shooting up a crowded theater as terrified civilians run around in a dark, smoke filled room. A civilian, scared, worried about friends or family, engaging an unknown assailant is more likely to harm another civilian in the crossfire. I am not arguing against the right to carry. In a small engagement, like getting jumped on the street or other similar scenarios having a gun can prevent a robbery, assault, or worse.
The events in Aurora are heartbreaking and tragic. They should cause everyone to examine their positions and views on firearms and their use. A well informed and educated populace is the best way to lower crime and injury from firearms, not more or less weapons on the street. As the fear and unease around them lessens, the stigma of firearms disappears. Proper control of firearms, just like vehicles, chemicals and other dangerous items results in a proper balance. It is the price of living in a free Republic, that we accept some risk in return for enhanced liberties.
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