Speaking of Firearms….
“Resistance to sudden violence, for the preservation not only of my person, my limbs, and life, but of my property, is an indisputable right of nature which I have never surrendered to the public by the compact of society, and which perhaps, I could not surrender if I would.”
— John Adams, Boston Gazette, Sept. 5, 1763, reprinted in 3 The Works of John Adams 438 (Charles F. Adams ed., 1851).
The subject of firearms has been a topic of passionate discussion since their invention. As we work to restore liberty, we will be asked to address firearms and their uses. We all have opinions and ideas about firearms. People base their opinions on experiences with firearms or what they have been told about them. It is in the interest of liberty that we detach ourselves from the passion and emotion that the subject of firearms evokes. It is important that we speak without judgment because our listeners are ready to defend their positions on the subject. Find a common ground. People are more receptive to what you say if they know you understand their position.
When speaking about firearms or the Second Amendment it is imperative that we use the word “firearm” instead of “weapon” or “gun,” Why? Because there is a small, yet vocal, group of people who do not want anyone except the military or police to have a firearm. The demographics of this group are: White, middle-income urbanites. Some people who live in urban areas only see firearms used as tools to commit crimes and acts of violence.
The topic of firearms has many layers or levels. Each layer of this subject corresponds to how firearms are used by people.
Combat – When considering firearms, most people automatically grant military and police personnel permission to own or use firearms without much inquiry. Firearms are a part of war and police protection. Firearms are used both offensively and defensively. Military and law enforcement personnel are required to carry firearms. It cannot be denied that some people who work in law enforcement and the military abuse their authority with the use of firearms. However, this probably has more to do with personality than career choice.
It is essential that we respectfully consider the veterans who have had to use their firearms in combat for killing. This is a severe trauma for that person. Some veterans never recover from this tragedy. Whether or not we agree with the reason for combat is inconsequential. If you are speaking to a veteran about firearms or the Second Amendment know that they have had an experience that you can never fully understand unless you have been in this situation yourself. Also, remember that police and military veterans have had firearms used against them.
It is a fact that most military and police personnel support the people’s right to keep and bear arms. This almost wins the argument by itself. Veteran’s and those who have experience with firearms are the real experts on the subject.
Collecting – Firearms are a part of our culture. They are a technology and art form that has developed over time. Consider the firearms used in the Revolutionary War or the Civil War. These firearms have great historical and monetary value. Firearms are objects that people collect, just like people collect cars, art, or guitars. There are museums dedicated to the history of firearms. Perhaps the most famous is the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts http://www.nps.gov/spar/historyculture/index.htm. My personal favorite is the Ralph Foster Museum located at the College of the Ozarks near Branson, Missouri http://www.rfostermuseum.com/.
Crime and defense – It is a fact that firearms are used by criminals. It is important to remember that a firearm does not make someone a criminal. Someone with nefarious intentions will use whatever is available to carry out their plan. Rape is one of the most violent acts that can be done against a person. In the instance of rape, the penis is a weapon used to control the victim. Most women’s rights and crime victim’s rights advocates support the security and empowerment that owning a firearm can give women.
It is a documented fact that the institution of stricter gun laws raises crime rates. When the restrictions are loosened crime rates drop. The reason for this is very simple: Someone cannot harm you if you are armed. There are people in the world who take pleasure in committing acts of violence. These people will derive their pleasure from harming someone with or without firearms. If you have a firearm you can protect yourself. Knowing that you can defend yourself from crime is very empowering. People who commit acts of violence know this. Why do you think crime rates fall when there are fewer restrictions on the possession of firearms?
Sport – Success in hitting a target builds self-esteem and confidence. It is like making a hole-in-one on the golf course or making a three-point shot on the basketball court. More than 19 million Americans safely participate in target shooting. Their numbers break out into subsets of people who enjoy shooting handguns, shotguns and rifles. Add special-interest shooters such as muzzleloader enthusiasts, and the total number of active shooters jumps even higher! Target shooting varies from leisurely hobbies to competitive local leagues and from collegiate athletics to the world stage of the Olympic Games.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is an excellent example of how firearms are used positively. http://www.nssf.org/shooting/index.cfm?AoI=shooting.
Being proficient in the use of firearms is a tradition that is proudly passed down through generations. There are children who are being taught how to safely use a firearm through mentoring and educational programs. There is risk of physical harm in most sports. We may not allow OUR children to participate in the sport of football because of this risk, but we would not end high school football for every child. The same principle applies to sports shooting.
Hunting – For as long as there have been people in the world there has been hunting. It has only been in the past one-hundred-years that people have had the luxury of going to supermarkets to purchase meat.
The philosophy of wildlife conservation began with hunters and fishermen. They realized that if they kill everything they will have nothing to eat. To conserve means “wise use.” If you conserve money, does this mean you never spend money? No. It means that you use your money wisely.
There are people who do not eat meat or believe in killing animals at all. I understand their point of view for the following reason: Most people who eat meat buy their meat in a supermarket. They do not see the horrible living conditions and lives that animals live when they are raised in feed lots by huge agri-businesses that receive tax incentives and subsidies. They do not realize the growth hormones and antibiotics that are pumped into these animals are also being taken into their bodies when they eat this meat. There are people who eat meat but are against hunting. All I can say to this is: “So you let other people do your killing for you.”
It is the people who hunt that will ensure that the right to keep and bear arms will never be infringed. People who hunt own firearms and know how to use them.
In conclusion, people who stand for liberty will be required to speak on the issue of firearms. It is our responsibility to hear people’s concerns regarding firearms. It is our responsibility to address these concerns in a manner that ensures that the point of view of the collector of firearms, the people who have engaged in combat or police service, the sportsman, the victim, and the hunter are represented.
People fear what they do not understand. It is our duty to help people understand that firearms are necessary to our society for many reasons. If we speak with respect and we speak the truth we will be free to own our firearms without fear of losing them.
Your friend in liberty,
Renea McMasters
