Preacherman
Member
From the Fort Wayne Journal/Gazette (http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/8185327.htm):
Posted on Sun, Mar. 14, 2004
Why I have a gun permit
With some apprehension, I have contributed to the frightening increase in the number of Americans permitted to legally carry a gun.
Nearly four years ago, following a column I wrote, I received death threats that included disturbing references to my family and descriptions of my home and property. Not knowing where the threats would lead, and knowing that it takes at least a week to receive a gun permit, I decided to apply for one. Having the permit, I knew, would give me the option of carrying a gun should I decide it was necessary.
Not being very familiar with guns, and never having fired a handgun, one of the first steps I took was to go to a shooting range with a trusted friend who has deep knowledge of firearms and gun safety. I practiced with the handgun I was keeping. Like many people new to guns, I found target shooting to be enjoyable, and I took some satisfaction in my accuracy.
As it turns out, the drive to and from the target range was the only time I've used the gun permit.
As someone who has long been concerned about the proliferation of firearms, particularly handguns, I became a gun permit holder with reluctance.
On the other hand, the experience has provided insight into why people have weapons. The police are not 24-hour armed guards, and few of us can afford our own. Having a gun reduces one's sense of vulnerability. Indiana's constitution and state law expressly allow me to carry one for my protection. After having long rejected the idea, I have decided to at least have the option.
At the same time, there's just as good a chance - many would say greater - that the gun could be used against me or a loved one, or accidentally discharged. That's why keeping guns secure and safe must be of paramount importance to every gun owner.
Over the years, The Journal Gazette's editorial page has long called for strict control of guns and opposed state efforts to allow citizens to carry handguns in public. I agree with gun control. Having a gun permit, by definition, is gun control. Permit applicants are screened for prior criminal records and fingerprinted. I remain convinced that secondhand gun sales are a dangerous source of weapons for criminals and that Indiana's failure to apply Brady law gun sale restrictions at gun shows is ludicrous.
But, right or wrong, states that have allowed citizens to carry guns will likely not withdraw that privilege. That's why, in recent years, many of our editorials have focused on gun safety, responsibility and control of gun sales.
I'm not particularly proud of being a gun permit holder, but I'm not ashamed of it, either. Sometimes you do what you have to do.
[I[Tracy Warner is editorial page editor of The Journal Gazette. He can be reached at 260-461-8113 or by e-mail, [email protected].[/I]
Posted on Sun, Mar. 14, 2004
Why I have a gun permit
With some apprehension, I have contributed to the frightening increase in the number of Americans permitted to legally carry a gun.
Nearly four years ago, following a column I wrote, I received death threats that included disturbing references to my family and descriptions of my home and property. Not knowing where the threats would lead, and knowing that it takes at least a week to receive a gun permit, I decided to apply for one. Having the permit, I knew, would give me the option of carrying a gun should I decide it was necessary.
Not being very familiar with guns, and never having fired a handgun, one of the first steps I took was to go to a shooting range with a trusted friend who has deep knowledge of firearms and gun safety. I practiced with the handgun I was keeping. Like many people new to guns, I found target shooting to be enjoyable, and I took some satisfaction in my accuracy.
As it turns out, the drive to and from the target range was the only time I've used the gun permit.
As someone who has long been concerned about the proliferation of firearms, particularly handguns, I became a gun permit holder with reluctance.
On the other hand, the experience has provided insight into why people have weapons. The police are not 24-hour armed guards, and few of us can afford our own. Having a gun reduces one's sense of vulnerability. Indiana's constitution and state law expressly allow me to carry one for my protection. After having long rejected the idea, I have decided to at least have the option.
At the same time, there's just as good a chance - many would say greater - that the gun could be used against me or a loved one, or accidentally discharged. That's why keeping guns secure and safe must be of paramount importance to every gun owner.
Over the years, The Journal Gazette's editorial page has long called for strict control of guns and opposed state efforts to allow citizens to carry handguns in public. I agree with gun control. Having a gun permit, by definition, is gun control. Permit applicants are screened for prior criminal records and fingerprinted. I remain convinced that secondhand gun sales are a dangerous source of weapons for criminals and that Indiana's failure to apply Brady law gun sale restrictions at gun shows is ludicrous.
But, right or wrong, states that have allowed citizens to carry guns will likely not withdraw that privilege. That's why, in recent years, many of our editorials have focused on gun safety, responsibility and control of gun sales.
I'm not particularly proud of being a gun permit holder, but I'm not ashamed of it, either. Sometimes you do what you have to do.
[I[Tracy Warner is editorial page editor of The Journal Gazette. He can be reached at 260-461-8113 or by e-mail, [email protected].[/I]
. Freedom of speech, and the press is a guaranteed right too, right? Guaranteed in the same place his right to keep and bear arms is? 