July 29: The Arizona Concealed Carry Bill Becomes Law
Are We Ready?
This bill was the subject of numerous articles looking at the positives and negatives that may result from it. Tucson Gun Rights Examiner, Chris Woodard said, "I do not think that there will be numerous people here that will start carrying concealed. While those of us who are active in the movement are only too aware, this new bill will escape the vast majority of the population."
And he is right: Most people in Arizona are focused on SB 1070, the Immigration Bill.
For myself, as an avid Second Amendment supporter and shooter, this bill has really only one or two negatives that I can see. As an NRA-certified Range Master and regular volunteer at our local range, I see bad habits being formed and at times dangerous actions occurring. It is my job to ensure that those committing the dangerous actions are either removed or educated. The negative I see happening as a result of this bill is that more untrained individuals will carry with the mistaken belief that simply having the firearm is enough.
Any true martial artist will tell you that training is imperative; having knowledge and tools does one no good without training. Shooting is a martial art, and skill is acquired not through the simple owning of the tools but the constant use and practice with them. Ask a boxer if simply owning the gloves is enough to make them a pro, and they will laugh and walk away. Ask any skilled martial artist if simply owning the bo staff, or batons, or kubotan, or knives makes you an expert and prepares you for what may happen. Their answer will be, "One can own anything, but only a few can use what they own properly."
In my opinion, as someone who trains regularly, even with training, we cannot possibly be prepared for everything. However, with training, we can better the odds for ourselves and those we love. Without training, one can be sure of only one outcome, failure. As a Libertarian, I agree that this is a good law, as the right to defend should be up to each person. However, as a well-trained shooter ,and someone who has seen the results of bad training, I have to ask, should we remove all training requirements?
Let's be honest here: Modern Americans are generally not ready to accept personal responsibility for anything, hence the reason there are so many civil attorneys and defense attorneys out there. We would rather blame someone, anyone else for our decisions than take personal responsibility. So, while I embrace freedom, I have to say that, unless a person has taken the responsibility inherent with owning and using a firearm seriously, maybe we should mandate some form of at least basic training.
What do you think; I welcome your comments and discussion. Remember, if you would rather not comment on a public forum, you can e-mail me as well.
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Published by Jesse Mathewson
As an individual who believes in Liberty, Non-Aggression, Self-Defense, Self-Ownership and a Free Market without state interference it is my firm belief that we should all be better students in life. With my... View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentGood report.
I do agree, responsibility cannot be taught after the fact. However, since our society allows people to discard any sense of personal responsibility in favor of a societal sense of "guilt." The unfortunate thing than is that we must as a result legislate responsibility.
As a libertarian I detest further legislation...however, as a logical person it is obvious that that "personal responsibility" that supposedly is supposed to exist does not generally speaking in the United States today.
As a child, my parents taught me that you never point any gun at anyone that you don't want to kill. That included toy guns. That simple rule was the beginning of respect for guns and people. In today's world parents put the 'job' of teaching respect on the teachers, the job of punishment on the police and courts, and the job of rule making on the politicians. RESPONSIBILITY STARTS AT HOME! An interesting study would be: How many parents could quote more of: Their Constitutional Rights, or their Miranda Rights...(and which do they teach their children?)
And just who decides what is an acceptable level of training? Who certifies the trainer? A mandatory training requirement is merely another form of "license" that allows some official to decide if you are worthy enough to defend yourself.
As a past instructor of basic firearms safety and defensive shooting, I can say with certainty that training does not teach responsibilty. People will leave a training class just as responsible as they were when they arrived.
Responsible people will obtain the training they need, either formally or informally; they don't need an "approved certificate" - irresponsible people aren't changed by it.
I'm agree that training should be required.
But I disagree on the venue.
It should be taught in public schools.
Beginning in kindergarten, with the Eddie Eagle program "STOP, DON'T TOUCH, TELL AN ADULT" And concluding in high school civics class with ethics and the use of deadly force.
I wonder if, with the AZ law being gutted yesterday, some citizens may take things into their own hands!
May I see proof of your First, Fourth and Thirteenth Amendment training, please?
As a libertarian-minded individual and an NRA pistol instructor (who lives in NJ, aka gun-freedom hell), I believe very strongly in the right to bear arms AND personal responsibility. I do not believe in government mandates on training, but I do believe in societal requirements. I work every day to educate people on firearms, the need for them, and their personal responsibility to own them and know how to use them. Education and public awareness are the only thing that will get this country back on the right track regarding gun ownership, and I hope that all current signs are that we're headed in that direction.
The things you mention about knowing how to safely use the firearm and truly be aware of the hazards of others are points I agree with fully. It is the responsibility of others to either educate these people or report them is vital too. You have again said the things I agree with fully.