Chipper Farley’s Blog

In a world of uncertainty, there is at least one thing that you can count on…there is a segment of the US population that is convinced that limiting the rights of law abiding citizens to keep and carry guns somehow will better society.  These folks are out there spreading misinformation on this topic again, right now, in numerous stories and articles in the media that are decrying the Mexican drug wars and their violent fallout as somehow being significantly attributable to American gun shops and the general availability of guns here.  Somehow, these media outlets, as well as numerous politicians, are drawing a connection between the actions of criminals in another country and legitimate business here in the US.

Now, if there are gun stores here in the US selling weapons to Mexicans without going through the proper steps, then they are in violation of the law and should be dealt with accordingly.  However, my understanding is that many of the weapons being used by the Mexican drug lords and their “soldiers” are weapons that are not legal for sale here in the first place: fully automatic machine guns, grenade launchers, missile launchers.  I don’t know about you, but I’ve never seen a grenade launcher in the local gun shop.

Whatever the details of this situation are, it never ceases to amaze me how many people in America are convinced that the solution to limiting the abilities of criminals is by limiting the rights of law abiding citizens.  It’s just absurd.  Let’s look at a real-world example.  I’m a father, husband, and all around normal guy.  I also love guns.  I love to shoot skeet, target shoot, and dove hunt.  I also like knowing that - God forbid - if I ever need to defend my home or family from a violent attacker, I can do it.  Now understand this…I hope and pray that I NEVER have to use a gun to defend myself or my family.  I also thank God that, up until now, I’ve never even come close to a situation where that would be necessary.  But if it ever does happen, I am thankful I live in a place where I can legally own and use a gun to defend myself or my family.

So, with all that being said I’d love to hear how taking away my rights by limiting my ability to own or carry a firearm helps anyone.  Is the country safer?  Am I?  It seems to me the only people that are safer by doing that are criminals who might want to harm me or my family.  Or you.  I wonder if those who would take away our gun rights would be so eager to do so if they were in a terrible situation and were defended by a good Samaritan with a gun.

So please, if you’re reading this and can explain to me how taking away my rights betters the country or makes people more safe, I’d love to hear it.  I’ll publish your comments right here so you can make your point to the countless three or four people who read this blog.  Seriously though, if you think I shouldn’t be allowed to own or carry a gun, please explain to me why.