Don't Let The Wild Animals Win

 Today, at the American Thinker someone going by the nom de guerre of AOF for American On Fire, has a timely article entitled The Wild Wild United States. In his opening argument, he reminds that the citizen is always the very first responder to any situation, and that we should all be prepared. It is a message I have carried from time to time, and it is well to bring it up every so often.

When was the last time you watched an old Hollywood Western movie? Most of the plots centered around a small town or farm with the characters living lives that were not easy and did not have modern conveniences. Their lives were full of hard work, challenge, and danger from wild animals and “bad guys” looking to take something by any means necessary. These characters only responded to violence or threat of violence. The local sheriff supported the community and ensured that the short list of laws was observed and assisted when necessary. There weren’t 150 sheriffs in a town with tactical gear. The citizens policed themselves and defended themselves against threats to their homes, family and property. There was no 911 to call.

Somewhere along the line, we forgot that we were responsible to defending ourselves and loved ones. We abdicated that responsibility to our local and state governments. In turning the responsibility of our safety and security to our local law enforcement, we are now dependent on their process and response times. We consciously or unconsciously agreed to firearm restrictions and gun-free zones. These laws made soft targets of banks, schools, churches, shopping malls and concert venues, to name a few. A “bad guy” shows up with a firearm regardless of magazine capacity or firearm type, and proceeds to do whatever he wants until the police show up. This response time could be five minutes or one and a half hours. A great amount of damage and loss of life can happen within a short time frame. These shooters know this. They know that they will not face immediate resistance to their plan. Shooters do not charge into a biker bar or hunting club to take life. Why not? Because they know the people inside the establishment are armed and their evil mission will be over before it started.

As our culture changes and accompanied by increases in crimes, we have no other option but to defend ourselves and our communities. We cannot rely on our local law enforcement to be everywhere all at once. The crime trajectory is not going to improve due to the state of the economy and culture. How many public shootings could have been stopped and lives saved by a law-abiding citizen? No school should ever have a shooting. It is pure negligence on the leadership’s part that has enabled these murders. There is no other excuse. Ask yourself when the last time there was a shooting at the Capitol building? Why? It is heavily protected to keep our politicians safe. Why not our children? Ask your local school board, principal, and superintendent that question.

Now, I do not mean to denigrate the police and the sheriffs. The hiring of a police force does much to tamp down and discourage crime, when coupled with swift prosecution of the laws. But as pointed out, even when the police and prosecutors are working smoothly and efficiently, they can not be everywhere at once, and you would not want them to be either. So in the end, it is up to you and me. We are our own first responders. And one of the tools you and I need in our "every day carry" is a reliable firearm. Not, of course because it is used the most. Far from it. But on those once in a lifetime occasions, when it is needed, no other tool will do.

Now, as to who carries a firearm, it is composed of the army of the willing. Some may not feel comfortable carrying a firearm. And that is okay. Each one must examine himself and his or her motives.  Some may feel it is not Christian. My personal study of Christ's teachings and the Old Testament lead me to believe that God wants us to defend our lives, but I do not commend the carrying of a firearm to those whose conscience forbids it. But if you have been hesitant, and are on the fence about it, I invite you, brothers and sisters, to take up the gun. Of course, you like me will want to pray on it, and most of all pray that you never have to use it. Your life will be turned upside down if you do. But you will be doing necessary work for us all.

The turning point for me was the events of September 11, 2001. I wanted to be ready should terrorist attack me or my family. AOF concludes with this:

It is very simple. Firearms are not scary. They are the great equalizers when you or your family is assaulted. If you can swing a golf club, tennis racket, or do virtually anything, you can get training and protect yourself and your loved ones. If you don’t believe in protection with firearms, don’t do it for yourself. Do it for your friends, family, and the innocents around you.

Don’t let the wild animals and bad guys have their way.