Common Sense Affirmed in Delaware

Last week, the Delaware Supreme Court ruled that a long-standing ban on guns in Delaware State Parks violated the state's constitution. A lower court had previously ruled that the much sought after nirvana of "public safety" trumped the rights of gun owners. In acknowledging the Constitutional right to bear arms, the justices noted poignantly,

But that conclusion is based on the questionable notion — unsupported by reference to any evidence – that outlawing possession of firearms in an area makes law-abiding citizens safer because criminals will, for some reason, obey the regulations.

In other words, criminals don't care about your "gun free zone," be it a school, a movie theatre, a church, or even a state park.

See also  "Why legal guns can’t be banned from state parks" and "Bridgeville Rifle & Pistol Club v. Small."

It's All About Responsibility

I've written on the subject of beer and firearms together previously, and it's not an uncommon topic of discussion among friends and acquaintances. In my opinion, nothing beats a good beer after a fun day at the range. Quite often I have to make a decision between the two activities. The enjoyment of firearms, like the enjoyment of alcoholic beverages, requires a high level of responsibility and respect on the part of the participants.

I've often stated that if a person can't be trusted to walk in public with a gun, that person probably shouldn't be out on the streets unsupervised. If someone fails a background check because they were deemed too dangerous to own a gun, why should we allow them to walk around free to find other ways to do harm?

Recently I saw an online comment posted in response to article touting the typical anti-gun screed which raised the same discussion. (I won't dignify that article with a link.) The commenter pontificated thusly:

But, all that said? I truly am on board with the rest of it. I recently decided against buying a handgun for one of her reasons. I drink fairly often. Should I have a gun on me, or even in the house, when I've had three beers? No. So I have finally decided that a gun is simply not for me.

That statement elicited a migraine salute from me. Sadly this is not uncommon "logic" as exhibited by people who have little experience with firearms. What I read in the statement is an admission, that after three beers, this person feels they may become a danger to himself or others. Seriously, if you can't be trusted to have a locked up gun in your house after three beers, perhaps you really ought to skip those three beers.

In other words, if you know that doing something could cause you to act irresponsibly, don't do that thing.

The Stupid, It Burns

"A pencil is a weapon when it is pointed at someone in a threatening way and gun noises are made."

 --Bethanne Bradshaw, Suffolk Public Schools

Yep, a Virginia second grader was suspended for holding his pencil like a gun. I wonder how Ms. Brandshaw manages to dress herself each morning. Sadly, this is exactly the sort of mindlessness that we've come to expect from the State indoctrination centers.

You Have A Duty...

... to protect yourself and your family.

Despite the shrills of the hoplophobes, Sheriff Clarke did not call for vigilantism or for people to take the law into their own hands. He merely reminded people that they have a responsibility and a duty to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Sadly, there are those who will refuse to take responsibility for their own safety, and even work to take away that natural right from others.

Mass Shootings Can Be Stopped. Now.

Listen. Just 4 minutes.

Okay, maybe it's harder than I thought. After all, it would require common sense and personal responsibility. Those commodities that are apparently in short supply these days.

Common Sense. Where Is It?

I am not one for blaming the victim, but there's also something to be said for using common sense and taking responsibility. I was skimming through the local "Police Blotter" and noticed a recurring theme.

LARCENY: 

900 block Cornell St, 1/3 – 1/04 7:30 a.m.  A resident reported that an unknown person rummaged through her two unlocked vehicles and stole a laptop computer from one of them.  No suspects or witnesses at this time. 

800 block Sylvania Ave, 1/3 – 1/04 7:50 a.m.  A resident reported that an unknown person stole her purse from her unlocked vehicle.  The purse was later found inside a storm drain in the 1000 block of Littlepage Street, but the cash was missing from it.  No suspects or witnesses at this time. 

900 block Cornell St, 1/04 12:05 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.  A resident reported that an unknown person rummaged through his two unlocked vehicles and stole an iPod from one of them.  No suspects or witnesses at this time. 

Marstel Day, 2217 Princess Anne St, 12/27 – 1/02 8:00 a.m.  A manager reported that an unknown person entered the unlocked office and stole a computer and other electronic equipment.  No suspects or witnesses at this time. 

1100 block Prince Edward St, 1/3 – 1/5 11:00 a.m.  A resident reported that an unknown person stole loose change and other small items from both of his unlocked vehicles. No suspects or witnesses at this time. 

800 block Cornell St, 1/3 – 1/04 6:30 p.m.  A resident reported that an unknown person rummaged through his unlocked vehicle and stole a camera.  No suspects or witnesses at this time.

There were 5 other larcenies report that did not specifically mention unlocked vehicles or offices. However we are still looking at greater than a 50% rate of making it easy for the bad guy. In addition, there were two thefts from apparently unattended student backpacks.

Get your heads of the sand people!