Many of us take for granted the right to defend ourselves against
random acts of violence. Not all of us have that right. In the state of Maryland it is nearly
impossible for a citizen to get a carry permit.
In the neighboring Commonwealth
of Virginia most malls have posted policies (in ¼” print) prohibiting
firearms.
A few hours ago (Sat, 1/25/14) a gunman opened fire at the
Columbia Mall in Maryland, killing at least 2, the police are still sorting
thing out. The unimaginable terror, the
impact on first responders, the lives lost and families who will never be the
same. This isn’t the first, and I fear
not the last, time this kind of tragedy will happen.
Disarming citizens is not the answer, but neither is
allowing anyone to possess a firearm.
Education, training, background checks, mental health care…there are
many factors. Details will emerge, but a
lawfully armed citizen could have made a difference…but they never had a
chance.
There are no easy answers, but we must do better than the
bans on guns.
