April 2024. Blues Vol 40 No. 4

GUEST COMENTARY Det. Art

GUEST COMENTARY Det. Art Woolery, Ret. “The Armed Citizen” Be prepared. At the beginning of each month, I look forward to the delivery of my N.R.A. issue of the American Rifleman magazine. Within its contents is a section titled “The Armed Citizen.” It is usually seven short stories about people from all walks of life that have decided to exercise their second amendment rights to arm themselves, to protect themselves, family and property. Having read these stories every month for many, many years, I did a little math. Eighty-four stories a year, but that is just the ones published in one magazine each month. I wonder what the total number would be if the Uniform Crime Report (UCR) from every state were gathered. Maybe I’ll ask Google for the number. Wow, Google did not have a number. In the February issue, I gave my thoughts on what it is going to take to solve the crime problem in this country. In the meantime, I suspect there will be no shortage of material for “The Armed Citizen” staff. Regarding the constant call for more gun legislation, it is hard for me to understand how more laws are going to change anything. Any act is not a crime unless an existing law is violated, so why would anyone think that new laws would be obeyed with all the crime we 16 The Blues - April ‘24 see today? Gun owners are not the ones calling for more legislation, more restrictions and the like. It’s the non-gun owners most of whom have never held a firearm, don’t know the difference between auto and semi auto, single shot or 8 round magazines. These are the very people wanting to impose more gun legislation on us. If you were to place a handgun on a table alongside a hammer, screwdriver, butcher knife, and chain saw, the handgun would be singled out as the villain. However, it’s a tool just like all the other items mentioned. That is until such time it’s in the hands of the wrong person and used to commit a crime. I wonder if the anti-gun people are raising all this hell because they truly believe all the BS that is being spread or, have they just found a “tool” they can use to draw support to their side for other political reasons. Society is going to have to take responsibility to change the mindset of future generations. We must change the way people think, how they feel about each other and themselves. Federal and State Governments can’t do it. The Laws only apply to those who want to obey them. Society will decide if we want our country to be a safe place to live the American Dream. Our country is only as strong as the citizens are as individuals. Strength in numbers only happens when singles come together as “one”. Recently, I had the occasion to be in a conversation with two friends of mine, one on one at different times and places. The conversation with both however was the same, crime and the condition of the country as it is today. The first friend said to me, “I have my CHL (concealed handgun license), but I don’t carry. I asked why not? and he replied, “All my friends carry so I don’t feel I need to.” Okay, so he can’t defend himself when he is alone, and with friends, he puts the burden on them not only to be ready to defend themselves but him as well. The second friend said “I am thankful for the police and citizens who carry because I really don’t want to have to shoot someone or have any of my family to have to shoot someone. So, number one at best is going to tell his assailant “Stop I have a CHL.” Number 2 is going to be held at gun point, while his wife or daughter are assaulted. Some people say I’m paranoid. I like to think I’m just alert and prepared. Until next time, stay safe my friends and God Bless

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