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AsMillions Arm Themselves...
WHAT'SYOUR
SOURCE
OF PROTECTION?
by
Donald D. Schroeder
Here's the way to security from crime and violence-without guns!
H
ANDGUN
sales
are soanng m
the
United
States. And many are
rushing out to buy
shortened shotguns or
rapid-fire rifles for self–
defe nse . Others are
learning martial ar ts
such as judo, karate or
kung fu.
People arou nd t he
world are astounded to
see millions in the United
States arming themselves
out of frustrat ion that
government isn't able to
do anything about rising
crime.
Pollsters find more and
more American citizens say–
ing,
" I
have to rely on
myself. l can't depend on
government to protect me!"
What is the cause of such fear–
evoking crime and violence? And
why are governments often unable
to protect their citizens?
Crime , Gun-control Dilemma
A flood of weaponry, military and
civilian, is flowing in many nations.
Almost anyone with enough money
can buy a gun, if not legally then
illegally.
The rapid proliferation of per–
sonal arms for self-defense and
June
1983
other purposes is creating an enor–
mous dilemma. Frequently, guns
are falling into emotionally unsta–
ble hands. Or into the hands of
cr iminals or terrorist organiza–
tions.
Weapons loaded for self-protec–
tion against criminals frequently
end up being used to settle heated
family or social arguments. Or end
up being mistakenly or accidentally
discharged , ki.lling or maiming
family members, innocent intrud–
ers or children. Or end up being
stolen from homes by rob–
bers, strengthening the ar–
senal of the criminal world.
Tn the United States, the
frequent use of arms by
criminals, and gun violence
by others, has led one group
of alarmed citizens and law–
makers to demand more vig–
orous gun controls. Equally
vigorous and vociferous are
efforts by citizens and law–
makers to protect prívate
ownership and purchasing of
guns . Gun control in the
United States is an emotion–
al issue.
On one side of the debate,
gun controllers believe there
must be stricter gun con–
trols-some even say gun
prohibition-if society is to
reduce the abuse of guns,
accidents and the cbance of
weapons falling into unsta–
ble or criminal hands. They
interpret the U.S. Constitution's
Second Amendment* to apply only
to the support of a state mili tia, not
the right of everyone to possess
arms free of government regula–
tion.
On the other side are antiguo–
control groups. They fear that any
restrictions on gun ownership or
*
The Second Amendment states: "A well–
regul ated militia being necessary to the
secur it y of a free state, thc right of the
people to keep and bear arms shall not be
infringed."
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