Independence Day 2007

Posted Wed Jul 4, 2007 in Ruminations

Happy Independence Day. This is one of the holidays that I take a moment to think as I enjoy family and friends. In my opinion it’s our most important national holiday — the day we celebrate declaring our independence from England.

The days leading up to that point were difficult. I suspect we don’t know how challenging it was. I’ve never had the experience of an occupying army, who had the authority to come to my home, billet here against my will, and basically do about anything their commanders would allow.

I find that prospect untenable. I believe that is one of the reasons the Found Fathers chose to include the right to keep and bear arms as one of the amendments to the Constitution.

Arms were common then and a part of ordinary life. They were necessary for personal, familial, and community defense, as well as to put food on the table. There was no running down to the Albertson’s for groceries 200-odd years ago. Provisions were stocked for more than a few days.

People were not as fearful of arms then as now. I recently heard a story that the local Costco posted a sign forbidding firearms in the store. Apparently, a group of young men came into the store after spending part of the day in the field shooting. Nevada is an open-carry state, so they carried their arms. This frightened some customers and someone complained. Not wanting the negative impact on business, after consulting the local sheriff the general manager had the sign posted.

I’m going to call the general manager and explain my position. I can understand his desire to preserve his business. However, I believe he takes on additional exposure with the sign, which does not distinguish between carrying by permit holders and open carry. I would think it tragic if the Killeen incident should be repeated at the local Costco because of store policy that permit-holders be forbidden to carry on-site. That’s a bad rule.

The issue here is not the lawful carrying of arms, but the fear many citizens feel when the see arms. Yes, arms are dangerous. They can be used for good or ill. But they are just tools and are no more dangerous than many tools. There are certainly fewer people killed by arms than by automobiles, which I believe are quite dangerous.

There is no reason to fear a fellow citizen with a firearm. It is good to be aware of everything around anyway, so my belief is that being watchful of others around me is a normal part of life. I am not afraid of another citizen with arms. But, I am watchful. I think that’s good.

I rather doubt criminals open-carry. They would lose the tactical advantage of weapon concealment. The shoppers’ fears of individuals carrying sidearms openly is misplaced, however I doubt that fight can be won. That’s a shame.

Independence Day is based on the right of citizens to keep and bear arms. We would still be British had our forefathers not had weapons. I fear that we will become slaves if we lose that right.

Happy Independence Day.