I am an active duty Navy Chaplain; I am a non-combatant, who cannot carry a weapon of any kind into battle. But there are Religious Program Specialists or Marines who do carry weapons, and are trained in using them. I am not worried that I don’t have a weapon in that situation, I trust in those who are trained and do have them.

I am worried about individuals who do anything out of panic. Panic may sell guns and even sell permits for carrying them, but the thought of having a novice with a weapon in a tense situation that they are not prepared for is frightening. I think that if those who rushed out to buy guns either are involved in more accidental shootings or heaven forbid accidental deaths, especially involving children or family members; gun laws will change and they will be tougher.

When I was a kid, people would register with the NRA when they got their first BB or pellet gun, because the emphasis was on responsible use ownership of a gun. As a Boy Scout, the first Rifle Safety Manual I saw was from the NRA! The image of the NRA today is a political action lobby that believes every family should have an assault rifle. Everyone does not NEED an assault rifle, even if you can afford it.

Right now the NRA does not NEED the image of pushing “panic” to sell firearms. The NRA needs to return to the calm, rational, voice of promoting responsible gun ownership and safety.

chaps

It’s worked very well and I’m saving up for inauguration day.