Op-Ed: Americans taking personal protection more seriously than ever

February 8, 2006
Rock River Times (Rockford, IL)

The debate over legislative control of guns continues to rage. This summer, the National Rifle Association, the NRA, pulled its 2007 convention out of Columbus, Ohio, after that city passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale or possession of semiautomatic rifles with pistol grips and detachable magazines. The city is the first major city to pass such a ban after similar federal legislation expired last fall. According to the NRA, the ban is unnecessary and ineffective.

Columbus city officials complain that the NRA knew they were considering the ban and chose the city as a host site for their convention simply to make a point. The point being that many Americans want guns for recreation and safety, and such legislation can be too limiting and even unconstitutional.

Indeed, according to at least one weapons expert, Americans are feeling the need for gun ownership to protect themselves like never before. This trend started with the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. “For decades, Americans have been brainwashed into taking a passive role in their own survival,” says Chris Bird, a journalist and handgun expert. “On Sept. 11th, we learned that the government and the professionals could not protect us.”

Click here to read the entire op-ed from the Rock River Times.