text: This will be a debated subject for as long as the United States is a functioning republic. There is no question that the initial reaction to any type of violence is repulsion and to some degree fear. You and I (and thankfully most Americans) wake up every day, trying to do what is best for ourselves and our communities. It never crosses our minds to harm another.\n\nBut there is another element in our society that is not wired this way. The are predators who seek out harm innocent people. Most of us will never be a victim of a violent assault or an attempt on our lives or on the lives of a loved one; but, heaven forbid, if that situation were to arises, how would you respond? If you give up control to the predator and let them injure or kill you or your loved one, then that is a conscious choice. If however, you value your life and the the lives of your loved ones, you will realize that the police cannot protect us one on one.\n\nMany studies have shown that weapons in the hand of law abiding citizens are used thousands of times of year to PREVENT a violent act from occurring. A recently published report by the Federal Government stated that the numerous restrictive gun laws (including the Assault Weapons Ban) had had no effect in reducing violent crime. In fact, just the opposite was true. In each of the States that have passed Concealed Weapons Laws, violent crime has been reduced.\n\nIf you take the time to study these statistics in thoughtful way, you may begin to understand that it is not the instrument (the gun) that is inherently harmful.\n\nCareful study of the intent of the 2nd Amendment reveals that citizens of that day were extremely distrustful of a central government. No doubt, the citizens of any repressive regime would agree that only allowing the government, police or military to have the guns is a bad idea.\n\nAnyway, this is just some food for thought. I know that you probably have already made up your mind on this issue. I rarely (if ever) had heard anyone say lately..."Gee, I never thought of it that way..."\n\nPerhaps you will surprise me.