Let’s Be Honest About Gun Control In Our Firearms Community

You want honesty? Can you handle it? Most of us have shared the same experiences, our first time on the firing line. I well-remember my annoyance as the DI instructed us to place our weapons on the ground facing down-range, with the muzzle propped up on a short wooden peg, and standing at the position of attention with our stock butt between our feet. Dissatisfied with the alacrity of our attention to his orders or imagined infractions, we had to repeat the response to his orders until... Well, until he had established "control". Leading a combat patrol, I maintained control over my men, absolute control. What they did with their weapons was my responsibility and I was damn well going to insure that they would use them only as I directed them. And, when we reentered the wire, I stood at the head of the line to insure that each one cleared his weapon. Which explains why I focus on the term "well regulated". If we are to live peaceably and safely among an armed citizenry, it behooves us to insure that they are well trained and disciplined in handling firearms, each and every one of them, men and women (and whatever other gender there may be). Firearms safety and proficiency should be a required part of everyone's education. If they choose not to arm themselves as adults, that is their right just as it is their right to defend themselves. However, they must learn that they do not have the right to inflict their opinions on others. Also, we need to reintroduce civics in our educational systems. Laws cannot be enforced. They must be respected. "Law enforcement" agents can't make people obey laws. They must be obeyed willingly. Bad people break good laws. Good people break bad laws...