Armed and Dangerous

The horrendous tragedy this week on the campus of Virginia Tech has again raised the issue of gun control. Those in favor of that type of legislation claim that our country would become safer if strict gun laws were in place. The rest of us believe that when a coward decides to go on a killing rampage, he will find the proper weapon to carry out his purpose. No law of any kind will stop him. He doesn't care about laws.

Therefore, it makes sense to me that those of us who could one day become potential victims should be armed and dangerous. One doesn't just sign a name to get a concealed handgun permit. It requires hours of classroom instruction and performing on a shooting range. To keep the permit, more time in a classroom is needed. So, measures are taken to ensure that armed citizens know how to use their weapon and protect themselves.

Consider this scenario: Suppose the professor teaching the class had a concealed handgun permit that was allowed on the school premises (we all know cowards choose locations that are vulnerable and feeds their power). Suppose every faculty member had a permit. When the first shot rang out, they would be ready to take action. I believe the devastation would have ended on a much smaller scale.

Here's another scenario: Suppose YOU are at the park with your children and they are approached by a person wielding a knife, exposing himself, or just plain acting weird. Would it feel comforting to know there was a handgun in your purse or in a holster strapped on your shoulder? It would make me feel less helpless in a situation like that. If I thought my children were in danger and their safety depended upon me, I could easily pull the trigger.

I could easily pull the trigger, too, if I happened upon a tragedy like the one that befell Virginia Tech. Strangers or not, they are innocent victims of some idiot's agenda. If the killer has no respect for human life, I don't have a problem with showing his life a little disrespect too. Vicious crimes are everywhere and decent citizens have the right to defend themselves.

The opponents of gun permits are telling me that criminals who disregard the laws anyway, will have their weapon of choice, and citizens are left empty-handed. I don't buy into that logic, no more than adding four more numbers to the Texas Lottery increases our chances to win. Being able to carry a gun does not turn a decent person into a crazed criminal. It merely gives us the opportunity to protect ourselves from those who are hell-bent on causing harm.

Of course, owning and carrying a gun is a responsible privilege that requires great care. I strongly agree that every applicant should be checked out thoroughly. The process doesn't have to be easy, but it should be accessible to law-abiding citizens.

If I ever find myself staring into the barrel of a gun, I don't want to have to say, "oh well, time to check out". Instead, I want a way to protect myself. The creep needs to know he isn't the only one who is armed and dangerous.