When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away. Clint Smith
A Month of Carnage
The month of October, 2023 began and ended with mass killings. In Israel
terrorists, high on the drug Captagon, slaughtered over 1,400 innocents. In Maine a mentally disturbed man, entering two different establishments, killed a total of 18 innocents. The familiar cry for more restrictive gun ownership laws was immediate.
The opening quote is a reminder that personal safety ultimately rests with the individual. The October evils can be attributed, at least in part, to the inability of the citizenry to defend themselves by force of arms in the attack locations.
Contrary to popular perception, less than 3% of Israeli civilians have gun licenses and they are allowed no more than 50 bullets in their possession. Although Maine is a Constitutional carry state there is a catch: No firearms are allowed in establishments serving alcohol such as bowling alleys and bars.
The allure of soft targets seems to have been a significant factor in these two very different scenarios. By the time law/military authorities arrived, civilians lacking the means to defend themselves were no longer alive.
Florida Hardens Public Gatherings
Israel does not have a Constitutional “right to bear arms” clause and will need to sort out the civilian defense problem that it presents. In Maine, as well as Florida, firearms are not allowed in bars or bar areas. This rational restriction also presents a protection conundrum. Sun-Tzu is quoted as saying "Convince your enemy that he will gain very little by attacking you; this will diminish his enthusiasm.” It is past time for a serious discussion on how to implement Sun-Tzu’s advice.
One of the most enlightened aspects of Florida’s SB 150 (effective as of July 1, 2023) is the emphasis on hardening our schools (public and private). Not only is money allocated for on premises armed guardians but funds are also being approved for police K9 sentries able to provide firearm detection prior to school entry. Florida houses of worship already allow congregants to conceal carry as of 2021. Large public gatherings (stadiums, concert halls, etc.) already screen entrants for concealed weapons.
Learn From Our Mistakes
Humans are fallible and no law is perfect. What is important when things go wrong is learning. Asking how, why, where and when is crucial to improving our society. We need to view October 2023 as a month where Evil slipped through the safety nets of civilization. If hard lessons are learned about how Evil got by us, we may be able to “diminish his enthusiasm” the next time.
The 2nd Amendment is vital to a free and secure America. COS stands with Florida’s efforts to secure our places of gathering from nefarious actors. Please share your thoughts regarding SB 150 with your state legislators. If they were supporters of the bill, be sure to thank them. If they were opposed, start a respectful dialogue and see if common ground is possible.
This is, in fact, a life or death issue.
