I Want to Know

I am not one who believes the POTUS should have served in the military to be a more effective Commander-in-Chief. I prefer they have served in uniform because they are afforded the opportunity to understand camaraderie and can experience firsthand, what being a member of a team feels like.

From the very first day of Boot Camp, we are taught we must trust the Marine (Soldier, Sailor, Airman) to our left and right because they and our training are all we have. They will watch your back, treat your wounds, and if necessary bring your body home. The movies love to show the lone warrior dodging incoming mortars, diving for cover, and maybe even sustaining a wound, just to get his buddy’s body. We are taught to run towards the gunfire, to protect those who need protection, and to help those under fire. The thought of hearing your buddies cry out in agony while still maintaining fire discipline trying to hold out until help—you—arrive, serves as a motivator. Those same cries easily turn to torment, if you do not get there in time. You second guess your every action, attempting to determine what you could have done, to get there before they died.

I do not know how it was in Benghazi, but I can imagine Ambassador Chris Stevens and Sean Smith running for their lives into what they thought was a location secure enough to hold out until help arrived. They probably reassured themselves, maybe even picking up items that could be used as weapons. A mile away, former USN SEAL Tyrone Woods hears the mortars and small arms fire and wants to go help them—to run towards the gunfire. He is told No. Stand Down. He asks again, and a third time. Each time he was told No. Stand Down. Disobeying orders, he and a small group of men go to help. They recover Sean Smith’s body but cannot find Amb. Stevens. During the fight, Tyrone Woods is killed. A while later, a second former USN SEAL, Glen Doherty is also killed trying to help his countrymen. During it all, everyone is calling for help. Help that is denied. They are told No. Stand Down.

Body of Ambassador Chris Stevens.

This attack was not a surprise—it was expected. In the previous six months, two different attacks were made on US soil. Ambassador Stevens made multiple requests for more help. He was denied. Why did he not have more protection before 9/11? Why were requests to help denied during the attack? Who told Amb. Rice, Jay Carney, and Sec State Clinton to say this was a result of a video? There are too many questions, yet this administration believes they do not have to answer. Even worse, most of the mainstream media is refusing to ask questions. As an American citizen, I want to know. Do you? It is my opinion his campaign made the decision(s) relating to Benghazi because if they acknowledged there was a threat, then al-Qaeda is not on the run. Please remember the same president who was quick to spike the ball after the SEALs' actions in Abbottabad is the same president who was even quicker to punt the ball when the SEALs needed his action in Benghazi. Again, I do not know what happened, but I want to know. Do you?

Perhaps if President Obama had spent time in the Service or at least in the uniform of a Little League Baseball team, he might have some understanding of what it means to belong to a group of people who depend on each other. He might have some idea that Commander-in-Chief is not a title that is easily thrown around in a manner to build his self-esteem, but rather is a title that burdens even the strongest of men. Mr. President, please tell us what happened. I want to know.

Cheers!

Last night while watching ET, there was a segment about the cast of Cheers reuniting for a dinner celebrating the 30^th anniversary of the premier episode (30 SEP 82). Cheers has always been one of my favorite shows, as well as its spin-off Fraiser. I could watch them every night and on some nights when I am up late, I do.

Anyway, while watching the segment I started thinking back through years—those fleeting images, the black and white photos in my mind’s photo album—to that time 30 years ago. I missed the first several episodes; when the show premiered I was six days from claiming the title of MARINE from the REAL Marine Corps Recruit Depot on Parris Island. It was not until mid-OCT at 29 Palms MGAGCC, that I caught part of an episode on a small color TV in the barracks’ common area. I do not remember much about it, but do remember watching the show after the Christmas break and quickly loved the show. It became part of my “Must See TV” on the Thursday night lineup.

What was it about this show that on its final episode pulled in over 40,000,000 viewers (20 MAY 93)? What was it about this show that became America’s watering hole?

Perhaps, it was the opening photo montage of early 20th-century bar patrons accompanied by the show’s theme song. It immediately put us at ease. We learned that our problems are neither unique or are they new. What we are experiencing today has been happening to others for a long time. This provides us a feeling of familiarity and we can identify with others. We know the characters that sidle up the bar. How many of us waited for Norm to walk through the door and shouted “NORM!” with the other bar patrons? Honestly, who hasn’t wanted to find their very own special hangout, “where everybody knows your name”? We could all identify with one or more of the characters and the storylines and knew that no matter how bad the problem, it could all be resolved in 22 minutes. Didn’t we all feel better after watching?

The show tackled topical political and social events with irreverence yet tactful humor that forced us to think about the issues, while still allowing us to laugh. Along the way, there were cast changes and additions to several notable guest stars; do you remember the episodes?  Local Sports Figures Wade Boggs (Red Sox) and Kevin McHale (Celtics). Television Hosts Arsenio Hall, Dick Cavett, Johnny Carson and Alex Trebek. Government Officials ADM William J. Crowe (Chairman, JCS), Tip O’Neill (Speaker of the House), John Kerry (MA Senator), Michael Dukakis (MA Governor), and Gary Hart (CO Senator). Musicians Harry Connick, Jr. and Bobby Hatfield & Bill Medley (The Righteous Brothers). Future TV Stars Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe of Friends) and Michael Richards (Kramer of Seinfeld) and Future Fraiser Stars John Mahoney and Peri Gilpin.

I do not know if the creators understood at the time of their decisions, that the show they created was timeless. The comedy, the writing, the characters, and the storylines are as topical today as they were thirty years ago. From the first chord of the opening of the theme song to the last chord played in the closing credits, the show produced a feeling of instant nostalgia and a sense of camaraderie. It is easy for me to watch the show and be transported back to that time.

So where were you when you first started watching Cheers? What were you doing in the fall of 1982? Scan through those mental snapshots and think back to a much simpler time; a time most of us were just starting our adult journey; a time of fewer problems. To help you go back in time, below are the lyrics to the theme song and a list of events that occurred in 1982. I would love to read your comments. Happy Reminiscing and Cheers!

“Where Everybody Knows Your Name”

Making your way in the world today

Takes everything you got

Taking a break from all your worries

Sure would help a lot

Wouldn’t you like to get away?

Sometimes you wanna go

Where everybody knows your name

And they’re always glad you came

You wanna be where you can see

Our troubles are all the same                             

You wanna be where everybody knows your name

Other Memorable Events for 1982

• EPCOT opens (Come on, does citing this really surprise you?)
• Ma Bell was forced to break up
• Falkland Islands War
• Tylenol poisoning scare
• The word “Internet” was first used to describe the connected computers of ARPANET
• Compact Discs (CDs) introduced
• Space Shuttle Columbia launches for the first time
• Prince William was born
• Graceland opened to the public
• The Cardinals were World Series Champs
• The 49ers were Super Bowl XVI Champs
• We were all saying “Like” (think Valley Girl), “E.T. phone home”
• John Belushi dies
• Michael Jackson releases “Thriller”
• Movies: “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial”, “An Officer and a Gentleman”, “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn”
• TV Shows: “M*A*S*H”, “Magnum, P.I.”, “Falcon Crest”, “Dallas”, “Dynasty”
• Top Songs: “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” by Chicago (18 SEP – 01 OCT), “Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League, “Abracadabra” by The Steve Miller Band, “Jack & Diane” by John Cougar (later known as John Cougar Mellencamp, then John Mellencamp), “Mickey” by Toni Basil,  “Maneater” by Hall & Oates

Sustain the Awe

Like many of my generation, I was saddened yesterday when I learned of the death of Neil Armstrong (25 AUG 12). He became the symbol of a nation that could climb any mountain, move any obstacle, and face any challenge. Even before entering the astronaut program, he demonstrated he had the “right stuff”. He flew 78 combat missions over Korea and even had to “punch out” when his F9F was hit by anti-aircraft fire. He resigned his commission at the age of 22 and later went on to become a test pilot.

Armstrong salutes the US Flag.

Earlier today, I watched Moonshot (again), and I am filled with mixed emotions: pride in all the USA accomplished during the years we had manned space travel, sadness at the loss of an American hero, and a bit concerned that our children will not experience the sense of awe many of us felt late 20 JUL 69 watching the “Eagle” land on the moon on a black and white TV. The mission of Apollo 11, commanded by Neil Armstrong, with Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins had made it to the moon.

Saturn V Rocket at US Space & Rocket Center

Even living in the Rocket City, (Huntsville, AL) home of the Marshall Space Flight Center, Werhner von Braun, and the Saturn V rocket, I wonder if many of the next generation understand the significance and contributions we have gained from manned space exploration. I wonder how many of the children sitting in the classrooms of Columbia and Virgil “Gus” Grissom High Schools, Challenger and Ed White Middle Schools, and Roger Chaffee Elementary School understand the heritage of the schools they attend? What do they think when they drive along I-565 and see the full-scale Saturn V rocket standing high above the U.S. Space and Rocket Center? Do they understand that the cell phone in their hands has more computer power than all the computers on the command module? Do they know that the GPS system they used to go across town was a product of NASA exploration?

The space race brought all Americans together to achieve the mandate given to us by President John F. Kennedy—to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. There was pride felt around the world as the stars and stripes were planted on the lunar surface and then saluted by Armstrong. Now, after leading the world in manned space exploration, the US does not even have a way to get our astronauts to the International Space Station. (See Note Final Flight originally published to Facebook 08 JUL 11.)

Since its inception in 1958, NASA has given us many, everyday items and a source of many tech transfer products or spinoffs. These include Satellite TV (Dish, Direct), Satellite Navigation (GPS), Thermal Protection Systems (Firefighters and NASCAR), Freeze Dried Food (MREs), Water Filters, Memory foam (mattresses), Scratch resistant lenses (eyeglasses), and Kidney Dialysis Machines. However, the most significant “spinoff” is knowledge, critical thinking skills, and expansive thinking: seeking answers to questions that have eluded us for centuries and even learning of questions we did not know existed.

Several months ago, I watched a program about NASA. Even adjusted for inflation, NASA’s budget is only 850 billion dollars. Yes, that is a lot of money but just compare that to the bailout of 2008: 4 trillion dollars. That is a “4” with twelve zeros (4,000,000,000,000) compared to NASA (850,000,000,000). The budget for FY 2013 is a paltry $17.8 billion. NASA Budget We as a nation should make manned space exploration a priority and continue reaping the benefits of the programs. In my opinion, this should be achieved through both private enterprises and government programs.

We should also not deny the next generations the feelings we shared through both the successes and failures of the past 50+ years of space exploration. Not only did Neil Armstrong leave his footprints on the surface of the moon, but he also left a legacy that transcends ethnicity and nationalities. It was estimated that 1 out of 5 individuals watched as he made that “…one small step for man. One giant leap for mankind.” This was further evidenced in the plaque he and Aldrin left on the moon’s surface. It stated, “Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the moon. July 1969 A.D. We came in peace for all mankind.”

Carl Sagan wrote, “Everybody starts out as a scientist. Every child has the scientist’s sense of wonder and awe.” Who knows, perhaps a young boy or girl alive today, will be the first to set foot on a distant planet, and the rest of the world will watch it live on their cell phones. We must sustain the awe.

Final Flight

"Final liftoff of Atlantis, shoulders of the space shuttle; America will continue the dream."

It was a little over 30 years ago (12 APR 81) I watched the Space Transportation System—STS-1 (Columbia) rocket skyward towards the heavens. In addition to the contrails that streaked skyward, its journey marked the beginning of a new era of space travel and demonstrated to the world that the USA maintained its dominance in space exploration. Today, STS-135 (Atlantis) began the final journey that will close this chapter in manned space exploration. It leaves a legacy along with Enterprise (never orbited), Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, and Endeavour. In addition to the cargo, experiments, and astronauts, the Shuttles carried American pride. Their recognizable silhouettes represent a rich history of American tenacity, technology, and triumph. Together they carried 803 crew members into space and returned all but 14. We shall forever be indebted to those brave souls that remain “in-flight” and the sacrifices they made for all of mankind. Today, NASA’s Final Four—Christopher J. Ferguson, CAPT. USN, Douglas G. Hurley, Lt. Col. USMC, Sandra Hall Magnus, and Rex J. Walheim, Col. USAF—rocketed into history and space—the Final Frontier. They in our Final Flight like their predecessors have “trod the high untresspassed sanctity of space, put out their hands, and touched the face of God”. God Speed Atlantis.

Where Do We Get Such Men?

Today we celebrate the 236^th birthday of the United States Marine Corps; tomorrow, we

National Historical Plaque, Tun Tavern, Philadelphia, PA

observe Veterans Day. Allow me a few moments to reflect on what these dates mean to me. Of all my accomplishments, earning the title of Marine is the one that I hold most dear. I have several college diplomas, none of which ever hung on a wall or were even framed. I have worked hard and received a couple of professional certifications, yet you will not find any of these displayed in my home. However, my Honorable Discharge is framed and hanging in my daughter’s bedroom. I will celebrate the event with a shot of Jack and quiet reflection of the good times and those Marines that now guard the streets of Heaven.

My time in service to this country was the source of great pride and many wonderful memories. The Marines I met, worked alongside, went on Liberty with, trained with, and served with represented a cross-section of the United States. There were whites, blacks, Hispanics, Italians, Asians, Christians, Jews, agnostic, rich, poor, Republicans, and Democrats—we represented the United States, this great melting pot that accepted “the tired, the poor, and huddled masses” from around the world. We accepted each other and respected the individual. We swore an oath to “…support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear the true faith and allegiance to the same, and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

We laced our boots, shouldered our rucksacks, and picked up our rifles to “serve in every clime and place” to defend this great country. We walked in the footsteps of the Marines that came before us. Marines like Presley O’Bannon, Smedley Butler, Lewis “Chesty” Puller, and Dan Daly. We are connected from the newest recruit reporting to Boot Camp to the first “poolie” who signed his name to enlistment papers at Tun Tavern on 10 NOV 1775. Our values of honor, courage, and commitment provide the foundation that enables us to remain “always faithful” to God, Country, and Corps.

Our history is full of memorable events and battles from around the world. From the Civil War to Tripoli (1805), Chapultepec (1847), Belleau Wood (1918), Iwo Jima (1945), Chosin Reservoir, (1950), Khe Sanh (1968), and now the Global War on Terror. We are the finest fighting force in the World. Every recruit at both Parris Island and San Diego along with the officer candidates in Quantico are taught the history of the Corps, its traditions, and the significance of the uniform. Most importantly, Marines are taught to rely on their own abilities and to trust and depend on their fellow Marines. It is through this process, that each Marine becomes a Leader—a Leader who possesses Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

• Honor means we will hold ourselves to a high standard (physical training, education, appearance, etc) and will live by the highest ethical and moral benchmarks. We will treat others with respect, and always act in a responsible manner.
• Courage means we will face our fears and overcome them. We will use all of our training, skill sets, and spiritual, mental, and physical strength to face all challenges that we confront.
• Commitment means we are dedicated to a purpose and determined to see that purpose completed. We will not stop until the goal or mission is done. 

Once a person earns the right to wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor and claim the title of Marine, they shall forever be a Marine. No one can take the title from us. Once a Marine, Always a Marine. A Leader for Life.

Obviously, I am partial to the Corps but please do not misunderstand—I have great respect for the other branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. I was fortunate to train alongside many great Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, and Coastguardsmen. Any man or woman who freely volunteers to serve their country in uniform—active or reserve—has my unending gratitude and sincere appreciation.

US Marines at Arlington.

So, as we take a moment to recognize the Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day I ask you to reflect on what freedom means to you and your family. Yes, we have differences of opinions, different spiritual beliefs, different backgrounds, and perhaps different political views, but we all live under a flag that represents FREEDOM! This freedom comes at a high cost—one that is never paid in full. Many men and women must live with the physical and emotional scars of battle, while others pay the ultimate price. I encourage you to take your sons and daughters to a National Cemetery and walk it in silence, reading the names, hometowns, and ages of those who died in battle so that we may live free. Be prepared for a rush of emotions from anger to sorrow to pride. The men and women serving in the military today, bring to mind the memorable quote from The Bridges at Toko-Ri, “where do we get such men?” While James Michener wrote this line referencing Naval Aviators, I believe it is still appropriate today. However, I submit we change to line to include women.

If you feel thankful, then donate your time to a Veterans Association, or money to a charity such as Wounded Warrior Project. At the very least, when you see a veteran, tell them “thank you” and give them a hug. If the veteran is a Marine--give them a kiss too.

Semper Fi

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Below is a rough draft response my youngest daughter Morgan wrote to a question on a scholarship application. I am sharing this with you, not because of pride and feeling good about her response, but more importantly of the greater message.

We go about our daily lives responding and reacting to what life throws at us usually without giving much regard to what others see. We can choose to run and hide from the problems, or we can face them head-on and work through them. At the time we may not know or realize we are being watched. We do not know how others will interpret our actions. Morgan’s response to the question “Who are some of your favorite role models? Why?” reminded me of this.

My pain “anniversary date” is 31 JUL 94. This JUL marks 17 years of chronic pain that has impacted every facet of my life: physical health, ability to provide for my family, emotional impact on family, spiritual, daily activities, etc. Morgan was not yet 2 years of age when my pain started. Essentially, all of her memories are of a dad with pain. Yet, through it all, her young eyes and ears were observing me. Most children see their dads as “Superman” and can do no wrong, and then one day they realize that dads are merely human. Thankfully, most of them overlook that fact and still love unconditionally. I messed up a lot, yet she saw the good in my actions. There are many things I would love to take a mulligan, but sadly I cannot. I am proud of both of my daughters. They have had to deal with a lot in their lives, but each day they get up and go about life.

Morgan. Spring 2011.

As you read her words below, I ask you to think of your life. How are you dealing with “life”? What do others see? What can you do differently? So remember, someone is watching and as the old adage states, “Actions speak louder than words.”

Who are some of your favorite role models? Why?

Morgan Gilley: Without a doubt, my father is my biggest role model. While most children can consider one of their parents as a role model, my reasoning far extends past a parental/child bond. For the past sixteen years, my father has been physically disabled. He is also a chronic pain patient. From this, I have learned the most important lessons about life. On several occasions, I have heard people ask my dad how he can handle it. How can he deal with constant pain 24/7? Over the years, his actions and attitude taught me that quitting is never an option. No matter how hard life becomes, or what obstacles come your way, you work through them. You do your best with the hand you have been dealt and leave the rest up to the Lord. While it would have been the easy path for Daddy to throw in the towel over a decade ago, he will never give up. He clings to his faith and wakes up every day determined to be the best he can be. Lessons like these of perseverance, faith, responsibility, I cannot learn from any classroom. I only hope that one day, I will be able to impact a single person in the way that my father has inspired all of those he comes into contact with.

From My Cold, Dead Hands

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Charlton Heston 20 MAY 2000 NRA convention

With the recent shooting in Tucson and the subsequent accusations from the Left blaming everyone and everything Right of Center
and the expected almost obligatory call from the Left for more gun control, I have decided to share my views, comments, history, and facts concerning the Second Amendment and “guns”. I apologize for the length, but if you are interested in current events, and history, or have strong views either supporting or opposing more gun laws, I think it will be worth your while.

History

To the Pilgrims, this country represented a place where a few people sought refuge from a tyrannical and oppressive government—one that refused to allow them religious freedom. They wanted a place where they could gather without fear of punishment. This new country provided exactly what they wanted and needed. They first made friends with locals and when necessary, defended themselves with weapons, including firearms.

Years later, their descendants wrote a Declaration of Independence stating “...that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” This served as the foundation for the Constitution. Please note that the Government did not give any rights to the people. The people were born with these rights. The people granted certain powers to the government.  The Second Amendment ensures the people have the right to keep and bear Arms. This was for security, providing meals, and recreational shooting. Most importantly, the Second Amendment allows the people to secure and protect their other rights. Again it is important to note that the Second Amendment is not a right given to the people by the Government. No, the Government cannot give the people rights—they receive them from their Creator. If the state (government) did not give them, they cannot take them.

Why do we have a Second Amendment? Well in part it was because of what was happening in Great Britain. The Government was limiting the purchase of gun ownership to individuals who made a certain amount of money and would not use it but to hunt for game. The other part was for protection. Along the way, firearms became a source of recreation. Not only does the Second Amendment play a role in recreational activities, but it also deals with key historical events. The United States was founded in order to escape from government tyranny. In this, the founding fathers realized that we needed some method to protect ourselves from this type of oppressive government. The US government was designed to have limited powers. Allowing the citizens to arm themselves, ensures that the people would be able to intervene if the balance was altered, such as a dictator taking control. This has been the case in several countries throughout history. Ever heard of men named Hitler, Lenin, Stalin, and Mao Tse Tung? This destructive nature occurs when the wrong people become powerful, and lawful citizens are unable to intervene.

Tyrannical leaders, all follow the same process for government takeover. They start by controlling the media while restricting/removing firearms from the people. They then begin to indoctrinate the children in schools. Discredit and malign any and all that oppose them, while blaming others for the problems the Nation suffers. They also promise them wealth from the “rich”, all the while promising hope of a better future. Does this sound familiar? The Second Amendment will help ensure that this does not happen in the US, however, we must all fight to keep our rights described in the Second Amendment.

German firearm laws and hysteria created against Jewish firearm owners played a major role in laying the groundwork for the eradication of German Jewry in the Holocaust. Disarming political opponents was a categorical imperative of the Nazi regime. The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution declares: “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” This right, which reflects a universal and historical power of the people in a republic to resist tyranny, was not recognized in the German Reich. In 1928, the liberal Weimar Republic enacted Germany’s first comprehensive gun control law. Next in 1933, the Nazis seized more power and began massive searches and seizures of firearms from political opponents. In 1938, Hitler signed a new gun control law, which benefitted Nazi party members and entities, but denied firearm ownership to enemies of the state. It was later that year, during Kristallnacht (the Night of the Broken Glass), the Nazi regime disarmed German Jews. With no means to defend themselves, the Jewish population was soon arrested, and put on trains headed to the death camps of Sobibor, Aushweitz-Birkenau, Dachau, and Treblinka. In addition to the Jews were political prisoners, Social Democrats, Communists, unionists, habitual criminals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, vagrants, and beggars to disarm German citizens, particularly political opponents, and Jews. All in the name of the Final Solution the arguments used in print and radio defending its actions to make a pure race and rid Germany of those that would destroy the country. I suggest you read about the Red Brigade in Russia and how Stalin’s domestic disarmament led the way to genocide. Read also about Mao’s ruthless genocide to create the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Look at what steps they used and the resulting outcome. Compare their tactics to what you see happening here in the US.

Okay, enough World History, back to the Second Amendment. Most importantly, the Second Amendment guarantees that citizens can protect themselves. While we like to think we can rely on the police to protect us, police are rarely present at the time we need them. By possessing and carrying one’s own weapon, police protection is not necessary. One can defend his or her family and ensure their safety.

In a similar manner, the Second Amendment ensures the safety and execution of all of the other amendments. We all know that the first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. Rights are given to us by our Creator, not privileges designated by a government. With the Second Amendment, we are able to use force in order to protect our other rights. If the right to own a firearm was eliminated, what voice would one have in the government? If one did not believe in the way matters were handled, what would they do? Write a strongly worded letter? Protesting would not be an option, and the government would be able to do whatever it pleased with a society with no means of resistance. In a way, the Second Amendment is similar to an insurance policy.

Many on the Left claim we need more Gun Control—the need to limit access to firearms, greater background checks, limitation on ammunition, or a huge tax on ammunition. They want us to believe that limiting or restricting guns will decrease homicides. However, where are the studies supporting this allegation? There are none. However, there are studies that demonstrate restricted or banned laws do not prevent any crimes, in fact, in most instances, all crimes with firearms increase. Thus the adage “If guns are outlawed, only the outlaws will have guns”. Let’s look at a couple US cities that banned firearms, a couple States that loosened firearm restrictions, and a country that banned firearms.

Washington DC

On 24 SEP 1976, the Washington, DC City Council passed a law generally prohibiting residents from possessing handguns and requiring that all firearms in private homes be (1) kept unloaded and (2) rendered temporally inoperable via disassembly or by installing a trigger lock. On 26 JUN 2008, the US Supreme Court in a 5-4 ruling struck down the law as unconstitutional. What effect did this have on crime? During this time the Mayor and many on the Left said the DC gun law was working, yet when challenged did not have one study, credible or otherwise to support this. These were the facts released by the police themselves.

During the years the handgun ban and trigger lock law were in effect, the murder rate averaged 73% higher than it was before the law was enacted. The US murder rate averaged 11% lower during the same time period. Did the ban work? No.

Chicago, IL

The city of Chicago instituted a ban on handguns in 1982. The particular ban barred law-abiding civilians from owning or possessing handguns except for those registered with local officials prior to the enactment of the law. The law also required the owner to re-register every two years or the owners would forfeit their right to possess them. This was changed in 1994, to every year. Once Chicago banned handguns, at least five surrounding suburbs instituted similar bans. In JUN 2008, when the Supreme Court overturned the DC handgun ban, at least four of the suburbs repealed their bans. The remaining suburbs and Chicago received news in JUN 2010 that the Supreme Court ruled 5-4, the ban was unconstitutional.

What effect did the Chicago handgun ban have on murder rates committed with handguns? They averaged 40% higher during the ban. Did the ban work? No.

Florida

On 01 OCT 1987, Florida’s right-to-carry law became effective. Right-to-carry means an individual has met certain “minimally restrictive” criteria—background check and completion of a gun safety course—to carry concealed firearms in most public places. As of 31 JUL 2010, Florida had issued 1,825,143 permits. Currently, Florida has 746,430 active licensees which is roughly 5.4% of the population that is 21 years of age or older (the minimum age to get a license).

What effect did the Florida right-to-carry law have on the murder rate? It has averaged 36% lower than it was before the law took effect, while the US murder rate has averaged 15% lower. Did right-to-carry have a positive impact on murder rates? Yes.

Texas

In JAN 1996, Texas’ right-to-carry law became effective. This law requires licensees to be a minimum of 21 years of age (18 if a member or veteran of the US armed forces), have a clean criminal/mental health record, and complete a handgun proficiency course. In 2009, Texas had 402,914 active licensees, which is roughly 2.4% of the state’s 21 and overpopulation.

What effect did the Texas right-to-carry law have on the murder rate? It has averaged 30% lower than it was before the law took effect, while the US murder rate has averaged 28% lower. Did the right-to-carry have a positive impact on murder rates? Yes.

Britain

In 1997, Britain passed a law requiring all civilians to surrender nearly all privately owned handguns to the police. This was just another in a string of laws going back hundreds of years. The police received over 163,000 handguns and nearly 1.5 million pounds of ammunition. The law is so strict that even shooters training for the Olympics were forced to travel to other countries to practice.

What effect did the Britain handgun have on crime? In the first six years of the ban, all gun crimes had risen by 40%. To date, the murder rate has averaged 15% higher during the ban. Did the ban work? No.

Concluding Thoughts

Well, after actually doing a lot of editing and deleting several topics I hope I have presented my arguments in a manner that is clear, concise, and somewhat succinct. There are many other topics I wanted to address, including more arguments specific to Second Amendment definitions, findings of fact from the Supreme Court, and other writings of James Madison— author of the Federalist Papers. Another topic that could be the source of another note pertains to Concealed Carry (CC) and Open Carry (OC) laws. The final topic deals specifically with registration and background checks. Of all the background checks performed, less than 1% of applicants are denied. Of that number 82% eventually receive a positive outcome. Most reasons for denial are due to wrong or inaccurate information. That means 18% of 1% are denied.

As you all know I swore an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic” and while my body may not allow me to “close with and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver or to repel his assault by fire and close combat”, my mind is still sharp and I will use it to defend my rights. Which means you can only take my firearms “from my cold, dead hands”.