Oh, how horrible, some say. It’s so dangerous, others preach. Some suggest we teach our kids to be ‘killers’. But we know individuals who dedicate their spare time to make certain none of this happens. Their procedure is simple: Respect for others and their rights (such as trespass laws), learn safety from the empty gun up, learn the psychology of avoiding an argument, and responsibility is in their hands, so they must learn from it.
If you believe in the time-tested Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights amendments, you will certainly find the 2nd Amendment essentially says, “The right to bear arms shall not be infringed upon.” There are some that are bent to deny or change that amendment. But there are hundreds of thousands in this country that say that won’t happen.
An interesting conversation developed recently about some kids who carried their .22 rifles or .410 shotguns to school years ago. Why? Were they killers? Were they afraid of someone or classmates? Were they insecure to the extent they wanted protection? Did they want to assert their importance or their superiority over those that might not have a gun? Of course not, because their reason was legitimate in that particular time.
One of these ‘kids’ is now a city councilman in Dayton, Texas. When talking with Felix Skarpa about his youth and guns, he explained that when he got on the school bus he just handed his rifle or shotgun to the driver who kept it safe for him until the trip home. The driver might let him off at his favorite place to hunt near his home and he would bring home game for the table or varmints which he brought back on the bus to the ice house the next morning. Those would be sold for his spending money and no one thought the lesser of it.
American’s reputation of owning guns for collecting food or protection dates back before the American Revolution when our patriots won our independence from England with their won guns for the most part. At the beginning of WWII, Japanese Admiral Yamamoto once said, “The occupation of the United States would be most difficult because there is a gun behind every blade of grass.”
Many youngsters were taught gun safety at home, game laws, and respect for others, but most certainly, they might bring something home for supper. Squirrels, rabbits, and at times, waterfowl were fair and legal game. They were taught conservation and how to avoid waste or excessive taking of game. Furthermore, the nutritional value of wild game, as we now know, is likely more healthful than the programmed or supplemental diet of marketed foods we find in stores.
This story can’t be a stone’s throw from our small communities. All realize times have changed in regard to the proper responsibilities of guns as it relates to prohibited areas of business, public buildings, and certainly schools. By far, the majority of us understand and respect the rules and abide by them, or certainly should.
A rather extreme example of misinformation came from a TV interview by a sarcastic and opinionated lady announcer. She addressed a retired military officer about his shooting training course for youngsters. Why? What will be gained? Are you equipping these children to be killers?”
His answer, after much slanted interrogation by the announcer, when the officer had enough: “Madam, when these kids finish this course they will know responsibility and will use it wisely. On the other hand, you might be equipped to be a prostitute; but, you’re not, are you?”
The interview ended.
Bob Jamison is a columnist and book author. He is a conservationist and past state chairman of Ducks Unlimited of Texas.
jbobalong.com
