Thought I would pick a "hot" subject for this hot weather. I know some of you will disagree, perhaps violently. Hopefully, not enough to come shoot me.
I believe in gun control. I also believe in the supreme court decision on the right to bear arms. How can I say these two things together? Well, I believe those who choose to own guns should control them. They should have them in protected places where only the owner has access. Any one who uses guns or anticipates a time when he or she might have to use one, should know that gun well. They should know where the safety is and how to load/unload. They should have experience in firing that weapon. That's how I believe in gun control. I DO think automatic weapons and other guns of large calibers should be strictly licensed or outlawed. I believe any person using a weapon in any robbery, shooting, or illegal activity should be given severe penalty. Severe! Not a wrist slap. I believe anyone carrying a concealed weapon without a permit should be subject to a stiff fine; confiscation of the weapon, and perhaps even jail time.
You see, our problem is not with guns in themselves. It is with their usage and control. That is not corrected by taking them away. In the military everyone has guns. They know how to use them. They know all the safety precautions. Having spent hundreds of hours on rifle ranges I never saw one person injure another with a weapon. Had it happened a court martial and likely prison sentence awaited that person. I had never fired a rifle before I entered college! I joined ROTC and began firing a 22. It was a natural for me for some reason. I was high scorer in a match against West Point! Me, an Arkansas hillbilly! (They thought). I coached a Division small arms team in Europe. I never fell in love with guns. I respect them and am careful with them and hunt with them and would defend my home with one, but that is it. I believe in gun control. I also believe in some restrictions on the mass-produced weapons invading our land. I believe in speed laws but I don't believe in taking away every one's car. I believe in water safety but not making it a law to outlaw swimming. Get the point? People are killed by guns every day. Often it is tragic. Cars do the same. Lakes and rivers and oceans take a toll. The ultimate control lies in the person and in laws that are stiff when there is abuse. That's it for Monday.
