No Guns Allowed Manifesto

Community Grace Blog, El Dorado Times, KS Posted 2013.02-20 Its scarier than ever to be out in public and in public places . . . private and public buildings have a right to post No Guns Allowed signs on their premises. Note: This is the second in a series of occasional blog postings about firearms. I support and respect gun owners right to own guns. I dont support their right to bring guns into my home. Especially when my grandchildren are with me. I support and respect people who use their guns for hunting, target practice, or a hobby. But studies show that only 60% of gun owners practice good gun safety. Im not comfortable with my grandchildren playing with friends in a home without knowing if they are gun owners and practice good gun safety. See, e.g.,: What parents should know about guns. I dont like going into Braums or the local movie theater and seeing a gun strapped to the hip of the customer in front of me. It doesnt make me feel any safer. In fact, I feel less safe. I dont know whether that person: Has passed a background check Has taken and passed a concealed carry class. Is recently under a great deal of mental and emotional stress. Has developed symptoms of an active mental illness since passing a background check. Is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescriptions that affect cognition. Practices good gun safety. Has the impulse control of a teenager boy, and might start shooting someone in the mistaken belief he is in danger. We have a well-armed militia to protect us. Trained law enforcement officers who have ongoing oversight of their psychological state and weapon competencies. That includes local police departments, sheriff offices , state troopers, the army reserves, etc.
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I understand that for some people carrying a gun helps them to psychologically feel stronger, tougher, and safer. Just as a cool sports car gives you a rush. Similar to wearing a uniform or other badge of power. It doesnt help me. Its scarier than ever to be out in public and in public places. I believe that every private and public building has a right to post No Guns Allowed signs on their premises. Homes, churches, museums, hospitals, schools, restaurants, drug stores, etc. That includes Braums and the movie theaters. Our government protects me from second-hand smoke in those venues. I want it to protect me against guns and gun violence, too.

Resources Accidental Firearms Fact Sheet, National Center for Child Death Review Guns in the Family: Firearm Storage Patterns in U.S. Homes with Children Gun Safety for Kids and Youth Gun Safety: Keeping Children Safe No Smoking Allowed signs can be purchased or downloaded for free on the internet, including at : www.mydoorsign.com.

Prepared by: Judith G. Storandt, Community Consultant and Blogger El Dorado, Kansas / jgstorandt@msn.com Community Grace Blog, El Dorado Times: http://eldoradotimes.com/section/blogs01?taxid=905 El Dorado LunchBox: Summer Meals for Kids: http://kidsneedtoeat.org/el-doradolunchbox/ Kids Need To Eat, Inc. (KN2E): http://kidsneedtoeat.org (non-profit status pending)