Enough's Enough!

An increasing number of military leaders, police chiefs, NRA members and gun owners are joining a majority of U.S. citizens to say, "Enough's enough. We must have responsible gun regulation." Not "control." REGULATION. As a long-term gun owner, I have to clear my conscience that I've contributed to this community dialogue. We must have common sense regulation of assault weapons and high-capacity clips. We must have comprehensive background checks. We must revisit and reverse the open carry nonsense that common sense tells us is making our communities less safe. Certainly on our school campuses. Gov. Ann, a responsible gun owner, would have been on the right side of these issues. (Ann's photo by Roger Catlin)

Growing up in West Texas, I owned several guns from the age of 10. Since those who know me know I'm occasionally guilty of embellishment, I've included this dated photo of me at age 12, having just dispatched a charging javelina with my 30-30 saddle rifle. Most of my boy friends, and many girls, had access to all kinds of firearms. Most of us hunted, and it was not uncommon for us to have deer rifles, shotguns and 22 rifles. I did. Many pickup trucks at my high school displayed loaded gun racks. We were all taught gun care and safety. People didn't shoot people and a gun crime was a rarity. Responsible gun ownership was a given. I'm a gun owner to this day.

Flash Forward

The United States has more guns per capita and more gun crimes per capita than any other major industrialized nation. While crime in general has declined in many of our cities, gun crimes are increasing. Chicago has become a war zone, toddlers are shooting their careless gun-owner parents and siblings, and a tragic increase in gun-related suicides reflects a frustrated citizenry and traumatized military veterans. I don't need to elaborate on recent mass shooting incidents.

The NRA financing/intimidation of legislators has created a non-existent regulatory environment that now enables the proliferation of military assault weapons and high-capacity clips that promote high-casualty events and a devastating mis-match for our police. Our legislators and congressional reps seem spineless when compared to such public servants as Dallas Police Chief David Brown relative to this issue. But, we're all complicit if we don't man/woman up ourselves to help Brown and his colleagues. With Common Sense.

Yes, It's Complicated, but Not Incomprehensible

But, Dan, it's not just about guns. What about the Second Amendment? And mental health issues? And enforcing legislation and local ordinances that are already on the books? Those are all valid issues, but they are also distracting smokescreens for the gun lobby, which wants no regulations whatsoever. Let's look at a couple.

The Second Amendment

When we hear gun owners shouting "Second Amendment," I'm guessing most don't know what it says or means. It was created to assure the right "to keep and bear arms," so that the citizenry could establish "a well-regulated militia necessary to the security of a free State." This language was written in a time of muskets and muzzle loaders. Our operative word is "right," not type. We gun owners and supporters will fight for the right to bear arms. But the type of weaponry (assault weapons, etc.) should certainly be subject to regulation. Just like the size of fireworks used for patriotic celebration, the size of a knife I can legally carry, our food, drugs, autos, etc., etc. The gun lobby aggressively opposes any form of regulation, stating that letting down their guard will open the door to ultimate gun confiscation. Nonsense.

Mental Health Issues

But, Dan. It's not guns. It's mental health. No, it's both, and they're not either/or. We fall woefully short in adequately addressing the mental health challenges of this State and Country. We've spent far too much on ill-conceived military excursions and sacrificed budget outlays for education, health care (including mental health) and job opportunities. This country's mental health challenge is greatly influenced by chronic underemployment, hopeless youth and poorly served returning vets. Also, drug abuse issues and underfunded rehab programs. And an increasing number of those economic and societal victims are turning to guns for negative options. Yes, our mental health challenge is significant. But that's a separate issue from gun regulation. That's Common Sense.

Protection, Safety? A Gun Owner's Observations

Gun OWNERSHIP doesn't necessarily correlate to PROTECTION and SAFETY. Think about this. Few people can shoot accurately and few people have constant ready access to weapons. So, who are we fooling? I know many gun owners. I know few marksmen. And, if you have loaded weapons readily accessible, they're accessible to anyone. Children and the bad guys.

And consider this relative to concealed and open carry. Are we safer in a movie theater, nightclub, auditorium or any large group if there is a shooting incident, police arrive and see other gun-waving individuals? Give that some thought. Honestly. More guns cannot equate to greater safety. At home or in public. Because more guns means more gun owners who can't handle them.

So, What is a "Mosey" Response?

The Mosey Principles remind us to Slow Down, Pay Attention and Be Informed. Then, act accordingly and make a difference. We need to inform ourselves as to the complicated challenges of gun regulation and not be influenced by emotional, fear-based, simplistic gun lobby spin or media rhetoric. We should consider affiliation with credible gun regulation interests where we can channel our energy and resources into constructive efforts for change. And let's be less reluctant to debate and challenge family, friends and colleagues who are uninformed and don't have a broader perspective. 

And, as you'll hear from me on most any issue, work with your appointed and elected public officials to learn, share your concerns and determine constructive options to effect change. We live in a time of political and societal dysfunction and citizens on edge. But these circumstances make communities ripe for change. Let's enlist our friend in the mirror to be a positive change agent. We all win in the process. LET'S MOSEY!