Sometimes stupid can't be fixed

[Lady Di]

Here's a letter to the editor that appeared in my local newspaper today. It's in response to the several pro-2A letters that have appeared over the last few weeks. Bill and I are leaders of IN Self Defense, and it's our job to educate the local community about this issue. Any suggestions?

Giving Up Guns for Safety of Others

Sadly, more students have died on a university campus because guns don't kill, but people do. Therefore, I've decided to give up my right to bear arms and my right to be a part of an all-male militia because guns don't kill, but people do.

I would keep my gun and go hunting, but still worry that guns don't kill, but people do. I can't remember the last time I was held up (I'd just turn over the money) or my family was threatened (we have a Doberman for that, after all). I'm not a member of a drug posse or hate group. I don't live in the Wild West, uncharted territories or even on a secluded lake in the middle of the northeast kingdom of Vermont.

I don't carry a registered assault rifle. I'm not waiting for someone to rip a weapon out of my cold hands. I simply see young people getting killed with guns, and I've decided that guns don't kill, but people with them do.

Thomas Bacher
West Lafayette, Indiana

[DMorrison]

The sad thing is he isn't that far from the truth. Even if he is misguided. Ciggerettes, Cars, Booze, and McDonalds kill people to, yet they aren't illegal.

The college and school massacres present a major PR problem for pro-2a folks, because most of the firearms used are bought completely legally. Unlike the majority of weapons used in some sort of organized crime. It doesn't change the fact that if a person wants to kill people and isn't worried about getting caught then he will find a way. Regardless if he legally buys the guns, buys them from some gangster, or uses a bunch of home made pipe bombs (probably the cheapest option). To be honest I think with a little pre-planning and practice a would massacring looney might be more effective with a good knife.

The whole situation is just sad, and the mentality is so far beyond most peoples comprehension that it's hard for folks to see all the variables I think.

[BrianDeschenes]

What he is forgetting, is that by giving up his right to bear arms, he's only disarming himself and not the person who is going to "kill people". A law abiding person who has never comitted a crime giving up his gun prevents crime how? He's not the guy shooting places up in the first place, so all he's done is comitted himself to being a victim if that situation occurs. In the years since I began carrying, I've only had to use a weapon once. Someone tried to rob me at an ATM and when I drew my pistol, he ran. I didn't fire on him, I called the police instead. Just becase someone decides to carry a gun doesn't make them a killer. It just gives you more options to deal with a threat situation. Oh well, it's not like people like him would listen, but I wonder how many victims of crime wish they had a weapon in their last minutes. It really is sad that people take no personal interest in defending thier own lives.

[junglebob]

Colleges and schools shouldn't be PR problems. The problems is that they are gun free "Victim Zones" like those "no guns allowed" posted malls. In Israel they had a problem with terrorist shootings in schools. They decided to arm the teachers rather than put up signs. The shootings stopped. Even shootings outside schools declined a lot after about 15% of the citizens conceal carried. When a pair of terrorits opened fire in a market place and citizens returned fire killing one and wounding the other, the survivor said "they didn't tell me people carried guns". Before they would simply wait till police were not in an area before their terror attack. After this they started using more suicide bombers.

If the police have information about an attack coming they call all people who conceal carry and tell them to be sure to "pack" that day.

Will the U.S. ever learn from this part of modern Israel history?

[VegasGeorge]

Mr. Bacher, guns don't kill, but people do. It just so happens that you are not one of them. So, turning yourself in will do no good. Turning your guns in will do no good. The ONLY thing that will do any good is getting rid of the people who do kill. You can't simply take their guns away from them. They can, and will, always get more. You might be able to arrest them AFTER they've killed, then lock them up for the rest of their miserable lives at your expense. But, wouldn't it be quicker, easier, cheaper, and more sensible to just catch them in the act, and shoot them dead? Please take a moment to reflect on this proposition. First case, your typical madman walks into a crowded theater and opens fire on innocent victims, reloads, and fires some more, killing a dozen or more poor folks. Second case, the same madman walks into the same crowded theater and opens fire on innocent victims. A CCW permit holder standing fifteen feet away pulls out his legal, concealed weapon and kills the madman dead on the spot, saving the lives of at least eight innocent would be victims. Which scenario do you support? Get real. Do something positive for your fellow man. Help us defend ourselves and others. Stop being an obstructionist.

[FL Guy]

I can't remember the last time I was held up (I'd just turn over the money) or my family was threatened (we have a Doberman for that, after all). I'm not a member of a drug posse or hate group. I don't live in the Wild West, uncharted territories or even on a secluded lake in the middle of the northeast kingdom of Vermont.



Mr. Bacher is a very fortunate man. In my sleepy little part of the world, Home invasions have increased 35% within the last year. I attribute this to the widespread use of methamphetamines within the lower socioeconomic part of our society. People like him can turn a blind eye to it with their head in the sand. Not me.

[Bill of Rights]

People like him can turn a blind eye to it with their head in the sand. Not me.

Just remember what part is up when your head's in the sand! :shock:

Thanks no, I'll go armed.

Blessings,
B