There is a common misconception going around that guns kill people. Most guns do not load, aim, and fire themselves so there has to be an operator. You’ll never see a gun pull itself out and demand someone’s wallet or car keys. You’ll never see an assault rifle burst into a movie theater packed with people and begin firing at random alone. The reason why you’ll never see this is because bad people, with bad intentions, will do bad things. Guns are not bad, their just merely tools for doing something. Sadly, people who wish to do harm to others will most always succeed and stringent gun laws only hurt law abiding citizens. So what gives? How can you protect yourself, your family, and your fellow law abiding citizens?
Before we get into ways and reasons you can protect yourself, let’s look at some instances where guns are hailed for saving the day.
On April 11, 2009, Attorney Jim Corley was attending a 12-step recovery meeting in Columbia, SC. Just before 11pm a gunman by the name of Kayson Helms, 18, of Edison New Jersey barged into the room waving a pistol and demanding wallets. Helms exclaimed, “Give me your wallet”, so Corley reached around to his back pocket and gave him what he had. What the gunman received was a shot to the abdomen, torso, and neck. Helms made it about 100ft away from the building before dying. Police said that it was “…absolutely justified.” and Corley was not questioned, arrested, or charged; nor was he liable for a civil suit (MSNBC).
On July 13, 2012, Samuel Williams, 71, was sitting in a crowded internet cafe in Ocala, FL. At about 9pm, two masked gunmen came in the store waving guns and demanding money. “Don’t none of you [expletives] move,” one of the robbers shouted. While one of the gunmen was facing away from him Williams drew his concealed pistol and began firing at them. He shot both men, and they fled the store and were arrested moments later by police (ABC NEWS).
These are just two examples out of hundreds, if not thousands of instances where someone relied on their personal weapons to protect themselves or others. I doubt anybody who was involved in these events would object to someone potentially saving their life.
Having a personal protective weapon, whether it is a pistol, stun-gun, or knife can and often does save lives. There is added assurance when you’re out with family or alone. This assurance is not a license to kill, means to instigate fights, or cause trouble. Just the opposite in fact, people who go through the trouble and waiting involved in getting a concealed carry license are required to meet certain criteria and are well aware of the rights and risks involved. This time, money, and effort makes for a much more responsible and informed carrying citizen.
The fact is that more responsible, sane, law abiding citizens with guns whether concealed or open carry, makes for a safer community. Think about it, would you rob a store knowing it’s widely common for everyone to have a gun? Keep yourself, your family, and your neighbors’ safe by getting a concealed carry permit. Get a gun, get informed on the laws, learn how to safely use your weapon, and never draw your weapon unless you’re going to use it. Remember, in the moments where you only have seconds to act the police are often minutes away.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34714389/ns/us_news-life/t/record-numbers-licensed-pack-heat/#.UAobO_UzKuI
http://abcnews.go.com/US/florida-man-71-shoots-alleged-robbers-internet-cafe/story?id=16800859#.UAogXfUzKuI
