Op-Ed: Right-to-carry a feminist issue

Feb. 26, 2006
Delaware News Journal

By Megan D. Lehman
In the debate over Delaware's concealed-carry gun permits, don't forget the difference between men and women.

The average man can physically overpower the average woman; this is a biological fact. The vast majority of violent crimes are committed by men. We women should not have to depend on the men in our lives for protection, nor can we expect police to be in all places at all times.

My ability to have a gun for self-defense is central to my concept of freedom and safety in a hostile world. Anyone who tries to take that right is trying to take the only tool that makes me the physical equal of a man.

For a link to the complete op-ed, as well as commentary by Buckeye Firearms (lady) Region Leaders Joey Lee and Linda Walker, click on the "Read More..." link below.

Commentary by Joey Lee:

It used to be that if you were a "feminist" you had to also be a liberal and that meant guns were bad. I grew up in the 60's-70's and for all intents and purposes looked every bit the part of a hippie/feminist radical type. I was also pretty conservative and I know plenty more like me.

Once women grow out of that feminist stage and get smart, they buy a gun!!! You may not admit it to many, but you have one. If you are living in a real world, becoming a victim is more than just a possibility, it's a reality. Statisticlly speaking, 1 in 4 women in our country are raped in their lifetime. More women than that will be a victim of some form of crime at one time or another. I personally don't know a single woman who hasn't been victimized. I also don't know one who isn't aware that it could happen at any time.

Those old feminists also helped start the women's shelters. If there was a group more aware of the need to take responsibility for their own protection, this was the group, yet they constantly work against us getting the kind of protection needed.

Commentary by Linda Walker
For a journalist, which typically display a bias against guns and the concealed carry issue, it is refreshing to have Megan on our side. I agree with her thoughts, although I do question her reasoning in not getting her concealed carry license in her new home state of Delaware. In the event that Delaware has full reciprocity with PA, then it is understandable. Otherwise, I view her reasons as a cop out.

I do take issue with the title of Megan's article, "Right To Carry A Feminist Issue". I in no way feel that a female must be considered a feminist, to carry a firearm. I consider myself to have taken the necessary steps to my own self preservation. It would be highly unlikely that at a time of danger, that my husband or the police will be there to protect me. More women need to take responsibility for their own safety and take the steps in getting their own concealed handgun licenses.

Click here to read the complete op-ed in the Delaware News Journal.