Sorry for the rediculous King James title, but I wanted to grab your attention. I am sure this post might offend some people, but I think there are some important issues to be looked at with firearms. Many of you might keep firearms in your homes. Some of you might even carry a loaded weapon on your person. That is your right, so long as your state does not prohibit it. My state allows concealed carry on or about the person and in the vehicle.

I know a lot of people have strong feelings about owning firearms. I was brought up around guns and have a great respect for their powerfulness. Guns are not an enemy in and of themselves. If they were, we would have to lump other objects into the same category including the following: rocks, knives, sticks, etc. You see, it’s not the object that is inherently bad, it’s the people in who’s grasp it lies. And the people who carry guns are humans, who are inherently flawed. I will spare you examples to prove this fact since most of us live in the real world.

Anything we choose to wield for the purposes of evil can do hard, but the opposite is also true. If we choose to do good with an object, then good things just might happen. Regardless, a gun is just an object. It does hold the ability to cause death, but it also holds the ability to sustain life. A firearm can be used to protect lives. This is the use I intend for any weapon I carry.

I went out with some friends yesterday and did a truly southern thing. I went target shooting. We had a blast. We made cans and bottles dance like they were on the floor of a dancehall. We sent lead flying into targets and threw spent casings all over the place. However, I was quickly reminded after a couple of warmup shots just how important it is to practice often with your weapon and to get to know your weapon. Every gun shoots differently and many operate differently. Anyone who uses a gun should be very familiar with its operation.

So, to close, I will offer some sound advice to those who may feel it necessary to own a gun. Please take care of your weapon as it might one day save your life, or that of someone else. First, it is important to teach your family gun safety. Allow your children to see you shoot something and witness what the weapon is capable of. It will scare them at first, but that is necessary for them to develop a healthy respect of firearms. Do not place your firearms in areas that your children have easy access to. Be thoughtful and understand that kids are kids and they will try to play with things that are left within their reach. Take your children with you when you shoot your weapon and teach them how to use one. It will not warp them emotionally. This can actually be a time of bonding and can teach them a skill at the same time.

Second, always remember that a gun is not a toy. It can be used for enjoyment in target shooting competitions and hunting, but it is not a thing to be played with. Learn to clean it and care for it. Do not attempt to draw your firearm on someone without due cause and make sure you are will within the law when you do. Do not carry a firearm if you are afraid of it or unsure of how to use it. When you carry a firearm and especially when you draw it, you are a part of the action and there is no turning back. The weapon is there for your self-defense. It is not for intimidation.

Third, keep in mind that the right to bear arms was given to you as a citizen of the United States of America. It is a priveledge. Many men and women died to secure that right and you should be thankful and do the best for their honor. Do your best to uphold the character of law-abiding gun-carrying citizens. Remember that you represent a large number of Americans who have decided that it is not the government’s job to protect themselves and their family. Ultimately, you have chosen to take care of yourself and those you love. It is a right not to be taken lightly, or to be abused. Please let me know how you feel by leaving your comments.

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Filed under: Personal, Politics by Philip Williams