Experts agree the single most important factor in
surviving a criminal attack is to have an overall safety strategy before
you need it, that is why I strongly believe that all non-criminal
law-abiding citizens who can pass the required training and
background
checks should be able to carry concealed firearms for protection against
criminals. Thirty-one states now have the right-to-carry laws, but I live
in Missouri where unfortunately it is not permitted.
I can see both sides of the gun issue. I didn't
grow up with guns, in fact my mother wouldn't
even allow us to have water guns when we were kids. At the same time, I
also believe in second amendment rights. We were given, in the
Constitution, the right to bear arms. We should be able to defend
ourselves against criminals.
As a student of taekwondo,
I realized in a case of extreme danger
involving a person with a weapon, there
wasn't much I could do to protect myself. So I enrolled in a gun safety
and shooting class to learn how to use a gun properly. I learned about
guns, what the laws are, under what circumstances one can use a gun and I
got hands on experience in actually shooting a gun. I felt the course was
extremely valuable and I began to look at things a little differently.
Operating a gun doesn’t require upper body
strength or special fighting agility, and you can learn to safely operate
one in a relatively short period of time. Many women find that they have a
real aptitude for target shooting. It's one activity where men and women
are truly equal.
Now I personally own several guns and I practice
shooting regularly. I have become an avid turkey hunter
and have enjoyed great success. I have had so many great new
experiences, and I do feel very confident that I will be able to defend
myself if a situation arises.
Remember, a gun is not a charm that will
magically keep the criminals away, and you can't bluff your way out of a
dangerous situation with a gun. Criminals know when a homeowner is serious
about using it. A gun will only protect you if you are honestly and
demonstrably prepared to use it. You must understand the legalities of
using a gun for self-defense, and these legalities vary from state to
state.