Publisher’s Note: Gun Reform

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution states: “A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”  I have read this amendment many times to understand its importance.  During the beginning of building this great nation, the country did not have a sufficient army or militia to protect the colonies that eventually became the original 13 states. Given that context I certainly understand the importance of bearing arms during our formative years. 

As our country developed and grew, the United States instituted several branches of armed services to protect and defend our nation — Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and the National Guard. They all were created for the sole purpose of defending and securing the safety of this country. Along the way our citizens interpreted the second amendment many ways to satisfy their own objectives and initiatives. 

I used to be a gun owner with several firearms. I received gun training courses to make sure I was certified to effectively use them. I took my son to the range to properly show him how to use guns.  I will never forget how I held my great uncle’s shotgun for the first time. I was nervous but not scared. It was intimidating to see in my hands an instrument that had the ability to injure or kill someone. The sole purpose of guns is to inflict pain on someone or something. Bearing arms is a personal decision that I decided was not for me. Again, though, I think every citizen has that right – the right to protect your home, your property, your family – period. 

I get a little perplexed, however, when I see our citizens in municipal and city properties or at events brandishing their guns. I have a difficult time understanding the rationale for bringing guns to parades, city hall, city-permitted public events, restaurants, bars etc. An AK-47 – a military grade weapon – what’s its purpose in parks or anywhere in our community? The intimidation factor of guns in public areas of our community – is that something we as a community want to endure? Is this something we want our children to see? 

In my lifetime, I have seen too many deaths at the hands of guns in our community. As an African American man my experience related to guns has not been great. Besides going hunting with my great uncle and to the range with my son, my gun experience has not been positive. Regulation is needed to promote and protect the public welfare to ensure fair practices in our community and/or government.  We regulate the water we drink. We regulate our environment. We regulate how we as parents should act toward our children.  In my view, we should provide more regulation over guns in our community to make sure all citizens feel safe and not intimidated.