The Right to Bear Arms

One of the biggest topics of conversation lately, other than the NCAA basketball brackets, is the subject of gun control.  Like all political issues, there are groups on each side of this topic that are passionate in their beliefs.  There is a large group of the public that is floating in the middle of the pool.  They have thoughts that cause them to float to one side of the debate but then the waves can take them to the opposite side.  There seems to be a belief that you have to be ultra pro-gun or mega pro-control.  I am one of those floating somewhere in the middle.  So, here goes my first politically based blog post.

I believe, as a United States citizen, I should be able to own and carry a gun if I qualify for one.  I am required to pass a test and obey certain laws to have and keep a drivers license.  If I want to legally catch a fish, I have to fill out a form and get a fishing license.  I show my identification when I purchase alcohol, and I have had a criminal background check done prior to volunteering at my children's school.  When I adopted my dog from a rescue group, I filled out a four or five page application, had to give three references, and list the name and number of my veterinarian to make sure I would be a responsible pet owner.  I follow all these guidelines to show that whatever it is that I am pursuing, I am willing to show the powers that be that I meet the requirements listed for the desired task.  If I am found not to possess the basic skills needed to safely drive a car, or own a dog, or hook a blue gill, that privilege is taken away from me.  If I decide to continue these activities regardless, then if I am caught I can be punished on varying levels of severity.

My father was a police officer for 20 years and an avid hunter.  I would estimate that the number of rifles and handguns in our home for most of my childhood probably numbered around ten.  My siblings and I knew where they were.  The rifles were not kept loaded, but we knew where the ammunition was.  The handguns were loaded, no trigger locks, and kept out of reach, but all it would have taken was a kitchen chair pushed into to the bedroom closet to get them.  My father carried a gun every time he left our property line.  He not only wore a gun to work, but he carried a gun to church, the grocery store, to our cousin's house for birthday parties, and even to grandma's house for Thanksgiving dinner.  He usually would take it off when we got to our relative's home and put it on top of the refrigerator.  When it was time to go, the gun was placed back on this hip.  However, you would never have known he was ever, "packing heat."  His small, off duty gun was always covered by his shirt.  My dad never tucked in his shirts because they concealed his weapon.  If my dad's badge was hidden in his wallet, then his gun was hidden under his shirt.  The only time my dad's revolver was obviously displayed was when he was in uniform and his badge was as well.  Out of uniform, he did not want people to know he was carrying a gun.  It was there in case he needed it, not to let people know he had the right to carry it.  We were taught about how guns worked, how to clean them (I can smell the gun oil in my mind), and how to respect them.  They were not toys, they were not to represent status, and they could not only protect but also kill.  When your father is a cop, you want him to carry a gun to work with him, and you want to make sure his bullet-proof vest (which he wore every night) is just an uncomfortable wardrobe accessory.

I do not think gun control should mean that people can no longer own guns.  I know that any type of gun regulation is not going to prevent criminals from being able to get firearms that they will use in violent crimes.  I do think there should be guidelines as to what kind of weapons should be available for private ownership.  Prescription drugs are regulated and require a doctor to issue them.  Many prescription drugs have become the most popular street drugs, so obviously the wrong people are getting access to them.  But, what would it be like if Oxycontin was available to buy like aspirin?  People can get their hands on it if they want, but if they are caught with it, there are legal repercussions. 

When it comes to gun control, I want my law enforcement and military officers to have access to better weapons than the public.  I do not want the asshole who sells crack out of his kitchen to be able to buy an assault rifle that holds 30+ rounds.  During a recent demonstration against gun control, a supporter was holding a sign that said, "Criminals don't register their guns."  This is true.  Responsible gun owners register their weapons.  Responsible gun owners educate their children on how to respect firearms.  However, responsible gun owners cannot deny the fact that not everyone can be trusted with the responsibility of a gun.  Do not start quoting the Second Amendment without thinking of the responsibility that comes with it.  We have driver's education and learner's permits before we allow a person to drive a car.  They have a written test, a driving test, and a vision test to pass before they can legally operate the vehicle.  Responsible drivers abide traffic laws, have auto insurance, do not drive while impaired, and keep their vehicles maintained.  Irresponsible drivers do none of these and are commonly the ones that are the cause of fatal accidents.  Imagine if the irresponsible drivers had access to an Indy car.  Even more damage could be done with a vehicle that goes 200 mph.  I know that people will read this and say these examples are not comparable to the issues of gun control.  I think they are.

If guns are legal to buy and own, make the purchaser prove they are qualified for the responsibility.  They should have a clean criminal background check.  They should be able to show they can load, operate, and unload the firearms.  They should be given materials and resources on gun safety for homes with children.  There should be categories of weapons that are not accessible to people outside of law enforcement or military personnel.  If you need an Uzi to defend your home, you probably are involved in something illegal or you are a Cuban immigrant being played by Al Pacino.  I believe most pro-gun activists are responsible gun owners.  What they need to see is that there need to be regulations since not everyone can be a responsible gun owner.  I also do not want the government to reduce my options and privileges, but I do not oppose proving that I am able to be trusted in my choices.  If someone were to illegally enter my home, they would hear the unmistakable sound of a shotgun being cocked. If that sound alone does not make them wet their pants and leave, then I am glad I have that tool at my disposal to protect my family, my home, and myself from an uninvited intruder. 

We live in a different world than when our Bill of Rights was written.  A world where people walk into movie theaters and shoot random people for no reason.  Children are shot in their schools.  People make illegal drugs in their garage out of the medicines most of us take for sinus congestion.  Weirdos kidnap children and hold them in backyard bunkers for years.  I think there must be a way to find some middle ground that still gives people the, "Right to Bear Arms," while making sure they can do it with accountability.