March 12, 2007

To many individuals, the use of a firearm as a tool for self-defense seems like too much power. Just pointing a gun at another individual is a very intimidating gesture. (It is also assault with a deadly weapon in many places.) If Mr. Thug is wounded or killed, that's a pretty serious consequence. And, some would argue, that places his shooter in the position of being judge, jury, and executioner. Consider these questions, though. In what other situation can a person be more certain about what is about to happen to her, than when Mr. Thug is sneaking into her bedroom at 3 a.m.? Would he think twice about using his gun on you? If not, then your use of a gun for protection is simply responding to force with similar force. The moral responsibility for initiating the use of that force rests with Mr. Thug. If protecting yourself isn't sufficient reason to be armed, isn't protecting your loved ones? Spouses and children can't be replaced. Which would you rather do -- stop a potential crime from happening, or allow something to happen which can never be undone, and trust in the courts to convict Mr. Thug? Even if justice is served in this manner, you and yours will still have been victimized by someone else's aggression; nothing can change that. The scene of an attempted attack is not the place for niceties and manners; it's a place where, if you don't take firm steps to protect yourself, Something Very Bad will happen.

Many individuals cite drive-by shootings, and shootings in public places -- restaurants and public schools seem to be popular venues -- as evidence that guns cause violence in today's society. These activities are examples of senseless violence and their causes must be addressed. Unfortunately for those who would make banning guns the easy solution, a moment's careful thought should be enough to demonstrate why it won't work. Guns have always been part of this society, yet these brutal killings have not. Despite more than 20,000 gun-control laws already in effect, those who seek large-scale destruction are not deterred. Guns do not cause violence -- have you ever seen a handgun or shotgun sprout little feet and hands, then start running around a town, pulling its own trigger? Guns are tools that require a person to unleash their deadly force; they have no inherent moral value or will to act. As long as there have been people, there has been violence, and that sad fact will never be legislated away. Instead of blaming the tools that are used in crime, those who deplore mass killings are better served trying to find out why such violent acts occur and counter the true causes.

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