Gun. Control.

I live in Texas, where gun laws are pretty liberal.  Most folks have at least one gun in their home, and likely at least one in their car or on their person.  My husband, in fact, is a Concealed Handgun Licensee and we own multiple guns.  Someone trying to break in to our home wouldn't stand much chance with the small arsenal we have.  I like guns.  I like to shoot.  I have never shot anything but targets and maybe a beer can, but it feels good to gently squeeze the trigger and cause a chemical reaction to abruptly and rapidly launch a projectile to wherever I choose.  It feels good to be in control.

I have been asked how I feel about guns before.  There was a time, in my youth, when I was afraid of guns because all I knew of them was their power to destroy.  But I got a little older and learned more about them.  In the Navy, I learned about the physical and chemical properties of bullets, and the mechanics of the gun, that cause it to be effective (or ineffective, as the case may be).  I married a hunter, and he taught me about the types of weapons and ammo needed to bring down everything from a large white tail deer to a tiny squirrel.  I began to respect the class of weapons we broadly call "guns".  And, honestly, I began to really like them.

I hate that there have been so many instances recently of people abusing their opportunity - and their constitutional right - to bear arms.  From school shootings, to church massacres, to movie theater terrors... it's all terribly sad that someone used guns in such a terrible way.  And because the instance of such shootings has become too common, people begin to throw around terms like "restriction" and "gun control."  At this, I shudder.

Constitutional amendment aside, there are plenty of reasons why the government should not be allowed to take my guns away.  Making it impossible, or at least difficult, to own or buy a gun does not keep shootings like these from happening.  Only law-abiding citizens abide by laws.  So, creating laws to keep people from owning guns doesn't stop the bad guys from buying, trading, or otherwise owning and carrying guns (can you say prohibition?).  It just keeps the rest of us from legally being able to enjoy the sport of shooting, or defending ourselves.  In essence, we would be punished for following the law.  That hardly seems fair. 

Like I mentioned, I live in Texas - a state known for it's gun laws.  I believe, in all seriousness, that should a federal gun law pass forcing Texans to register their guns, surrender their guns, or give up their right to carry their guns, Texas would once again become a sovereign republic.  Mark my words.  That mess ain't gonna fly in Texas.

Look, let's be honest.  If we applied the logic that these kinds of tragedies should mean loss of privilege, none of us should or would own a car, a cell phone, or a steak knife.  Stuff happens.  There are always folks who do stupid, irresponsible, reckless, and nasty things.  But I'm not one of those folks, and I don't believe I should lose out on the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. 

"A well-armed populace is the best defense against tyranny."                                  -Thomas Jefferson

Because we are responsible legal gun owners, my husband and I have both taken safety courses for handling and firing our weapons. We have trigger locks where appropriate.  We have our guns out of the hands of our children, who have also been taught proper gun safety.  We treat our guns with the respect they deserve - after all, they can be deadly weapons if not handled properly.  We do things the right way.  And for that, we should be praised, not penalized. 

Don't take away my guns.

I believe in gun control:  It's called a steady hand and a clear head.