Defying American Tradition and Principle

In regards to the US economic crisis, to be put bluntly, is the sum total of the arrogance, hubris, greed and folly of what Newt Gingrich refers to as “predatory politicians”, “predatory” lenders, and Wall Street brokers. These conditions are fostered by a complacent and at times apathetic American public, who has become immersed into an abyss of self induced ignorance, narcissism and an ever-growing sense of entitlement. It is the “predatory politicians” however are the one’s leading the charge and are the true enablers of the guys on Wall Street. These law makers include Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, and Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama. The Bush Administration has also failed to look out for the folks like it should. One of the problems with Bush the Elder was that he was so out of touch with the general public and his son has followed suit with that tradition. John McCain to his credit is documented in the Congressional Record as making a sincere attempt to rein in Fanny and Freddie and avoid a housing crisis that would burden the US taxpayer. The US Government has allowed interest groups, foreign lobbies and agents of influence receiving taxpayer dollars such as ACORN, to run amok and trample the sacred political and economic rights of the US taxpayers and citizens. As a result of these conditions, which have slowly crept onto the American political and economic landscape in the last four and a half decades, the traditions and foundational principles that define the United States and the Great American Experiment in general are at very serious risk of being transformed into an entity that will be not only alien to traditional Americans but may be irreversible within the realm of American political discourse.

America’s First Socialist Experiment

In order to understand the rapid degeneration of the American economic and political foundations, it is important to briefly review the historical record outlining the origins of those principles and traditions. In the 1620’s, the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts at first attempted to carry out a communal form of economic exchange that resembled a primitive form of Socialism. The Colonists led by William Bradford however found that such methods failed to produce the necessary output to survive let alone thrive. Bradford made such notations in his journal and found that allowing to Colonists to market goods among themselves and the local Indians in a free market system, production immediately increased to levels beyond subsistence. As a result, America’s first capitalistic venture had trumped the constraints of the Socialist system setting the precedent that would eventually shed its mercantilist constructs a century and a half later.

Seldon’s Penny

Meanwhile in England, during the reign of Charles I, Parliamentarian and respected barrister, John Seldon presented arguments that connected property rights and taxation. Seldon made the comment, “My penny is as much my own as the King’s ten pence is his; if the King may defend his ten pence, why not Seldon his penny?” In other words, the property of all Englishmen is just as sacred as that of the King’s. This argument was presented over a century later by Colonial law makers protesting the Stamp Act.

Locke’s Contribution

Another important American tradition founded in both English and American and Constitutional law draws a direct connection between political society and property rights. In John Locke’s Two Treatises on Government expresses the inseparable connection between property and personal liberty; as both of these tangible and intangible products are one in the same. In classic Anglo-Saxon tradition, the view at the time was held that the difference between slavery and serfdom and that of a free man was the level at which the government infringes upon a persons liberty and his right to accrue and retain property. As a result, the accumulation of wealth does not justify an increased level of infringement imposed by the government.

Faith + Morality = Liberty

The tradition of American Liberty is also inseparable to religious faith; a component that was also tied indirectly to nearly every aspect of daily life. French historian Alexis de Tocqueville who spent much of his adult life in the United States during the early 1800’s is quoted, “ Liberty cannot be established without morality and morality without faith….Americans combine the notions of religion and liberty so intimately in their minds that it is impossible to make them conceive of one without the other” De Tocqueville draws direct comparison to his native France who at the time abandoned religious faith en masse resulting in a politically and socially fragmented nation. In regards to the relationship between government and religion, respected author and American historian Robert Middlekauf states in his book The Glorious Cause, that an overwhelming consensus of intellectuals in the 17^th and 18^th century ----“generally agreed that political society had its ultimate origins in the Divine Will” These same scholars also understood that government alone could not restrain the passions and default behaviors of the masses, that when unbridled, would result in chaos and political anarchy. Only the firm belief of a higher power coupled with holding accountable one’s behavior to the Almighty could keep man’s inhumanity to man in check. Therefore, in the eyes of an American in the late 18^th Century, the concept of a separation of church and state would not only be alien but an intolerable imposition of a government that sought to establish itself in the role of tyrants and the repressive conditions she sought to escape in the first place.

America’s fall from Grace

The past two generations of Americans have experienced a swell of abundance that has been unprecedented in world history. They have not witnessed a Great Depression, rationing, Nazi tyranny, or the brinksmanship of the Cold War The Americans at the lowest rung of the socio-economic totem pole are more likely to live in a sound structure, have air conditioning, an automobile, a washer, dryer, microwave, cell phone, health care (Medicaid) and access to public education, than the average person in Western Europe.  However, predatory politicians have found that it is possible to pander for votes by bribing its constituency from the coffers of the public treasury. This is primarily the modus operandi of the Democratic Party (the Entitlement Party) however Republicans have championed Earmark Spending and “pork barrel’ legislation at unprecedented levels. The cronyism on both sides of the aisle has sold out the public interest to lobbyists and special interest to the point treason. I say that because of blatant and deliberate actions by members of Congress such as Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, Chris Dodd and others have precipitated the current crisis and have compromised US National Security by placing its economy in the most vulnerable position since the Great Depression. It is highly likely that when the history of this crisis is written sometime in the near future, it will be revealed that members of our own government, conspiring with other agents of influence such as George Soros, power brokers in Dubai, Russia and China have manipulated the markets in such a way as to achieve a desirable political outcome for the Democratic Party in the 2008 Presidential and Congressional elections.

While the economy is a mess, the election of Barack Obama by the American people would be more likely be the result of the complacency, apathy, self induced ignorance and sense of entitlement that its citizenry have become more comfortable with the last thirty-five years. These conditions have been fostered by the gradual erosion of the nations collective state of spirituality and faith which has been endlessly bombarded by the ACLU, atheist organizations, the pervasive influence of Marxist/Socialist doctrine in the US public and college education system and the support of the high courts that legislate by judicial fiat.  Americans have become comfortable with “outsourcing” their problems or passing them along to someone else. Rather than fight the day to day battles they would rather someone else do it for them; the government, the mainstream media, etc. Summarizing Edward Gibbon, “Romans did not want to be Romans anymore” and the citizenry of the United States of America have followed suit whereas Americans quit being Americans. Like the “boiling frog” analogy, many Americans have become comfortable with the government solving their problems. As a result they have given up many of their freedoms and personal independence.

Tyler and de Tocqueville

This idea is supported by 18^th Century Scottish historian Alexander Tyler who supposedly penned the concept of the “Cycle of the Body Politic”, where civilizations go through stages ranging from slavery to freedom to abundance to apathy to dependence and back to slavery. He is often credited at stating that democracy as a permanent form of government will exist only until its citizenry realizes it can secure benefits from the treasury. Alexis de Tocqueville made a similar observation saying, “The American republic will endure until the day Congress discovers it can bribe the public with the public’s money.”  For many traditional Americans, it was unfathomable that this state of affairs was even a remote possibility in the United States and oft en scoffed at such a scenario. However , it is clear that the last two generations of Americans in general are not equipped emotionally or educationally to understand the consequences of tolerating the subversion of the US Constitution, America’s Economic and Social infrastructure by the radical left wing minority that is represented by the current leadership in Congress. Equally as clear, is the recurring theme of “redistributing wealth” presented by Barack Obama firmly places his and his Congressional cronies in the Socialist camp. What today’s Generation does not realize is that Socialism is simply Communism-Lite; which should put the fear of the Almighty in to everyone who wishes to preserve the nation founded by George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Any assessment to the contrary would be pure folly to any traditional American and/or reputable academician.

It is a disturbing thought that a significantly larger portion of Americans are comfortable with the “Socialist label” without having any idea of the implications that such policies would bring. Once again, de Tocqueville discusses this issue with clarity, “Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference; while Democracy seeks equality through liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude” According to the Cycle of the Body Politic, once forty percent or more of the populace are 50% dependent on the government’s largesse, it is a very short ride back to bondage and slavery. The Democrat’s goal to reach those numbers could possibly come to fruition by the year 2012 if their candidate is elected. They only have about ten percentage points to go. This feat could be easily attained by giving drivers licenses to illegal aliens; an event that could change the dynamics of the US political landscape so profoundly, that it could  quite possibly never recover to its former self. Two more liberal Supreme Court Justices would complete the Democratic trifecta and eliminate any balance of power and any sizable opposition.

Quite possibly America’s last chance

Should the Republican Party win the Presidency (about 30% chance as of October 31), they would have four more years to turn things around and adopt the Conservative principles the party was founded on. A continuation of the Bush Era would finish it off for good. True reform with true accountability along with fiscal responsibility and actually achieving energy independence among other lofty goals that never get off the ground are mandatory accomplishments if the party hopes to survive. People like Governors Sarah Palin and Bobby Jindal must lead the way for the GOP’s future in paving the way for government reform.

However, it may be too late with Obama’s lead firmly entrenched as it is. Remember the socialist agenda has never been one to go down into that good night. Just look at Venezuela. The only way to change that government is by a bloody revolution that would cost hundreds of thousands of lives. When John Adams and Thomas Jefferson passed each other after the election of 1800; one going out and one going in, the world held its breath and in amazement they gazed at a first time political event in world history; the peaceful handing over of executive power from one party to another. The Democrats won’t give up power next time without serious confrontation and will do what they can, like Hugo Chavez to maintain it. Traditional Americans must be ready for when that day comes to take back their country and restore the original life given to it by the Founding Fathers.

James T. Morris holds a Masters Degree in Strategic Intelligence from American Military University and a Bachelors Degree in Social Studies Education and History from West Virginia University. He is an intelligence analyst, writer, and lifelong secondary school educator in the Florida Public School System as well as owning a private education company. His column, The Strategic Outlook discusses issues of National Security, Geopolitics, and Education Issues in the US, can be viewed on www.townhall.com .

The World Will Hold Its Breath

This article discusses the serious, ongoing and quickly evolving crisis between Russia, its bordering neighbors and the United States, and the possible military responses the US and NATO can implement as a containment strategy to stave off future aggression by Russia in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.

US Foreign Policy and the Need for a New Containment Strategy in Eastern Europe

Russia’s immediate goals are very clear; political and economic hegemony in Eastern Europe and the Caucuses and preventing the establishment of pro Western democracies along its borders. In other words; Russia wishes regain the former Soviet Republics and create a new Russian Empire by whatever means necessary to accomplish that endeavor. The current rise of Russian Nationalism is more reminiscent of the rise of Nazism in Germany in the early 1930’s, than the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. Russia’s current political regime is primarily made up of elements that once comprised the former KGB of the Soviet Union and its replacement; the FSB and SVR, headed by former President and now Prime Minister Vladimir Putin; himself a former KGB Colonel (1). The KGB was the most powerful, dangerous and ruthless political entity in the history of the modern world (2). Many Western amateur observers during and after the Cold War, inaccurately drew a moral equivalence between the KGB and the CIA; a view that was perpetuated by the American Left and Hollywood. Russia has always been a blunt instrument. When the Kremlin does not get what it wants by standard bullying tactics, they resort to things like assassination, economic warfare, cyber warfare, political subversion and military invasion; like it did in Hungary in 1956, Czechoslovakia in 1968, Afghanistan in 1980, Chechnya in 1994, and Georgia in August 2008. And, this will not be the end of Russia’s ambitions and military incursions in Europe.

Make no mistake about it, if the Georgian government falls under the weight of the Russian Bear, the Ukraine, a nation of over fifty million people, will be next on theshort list of countries to be subjected to SVR and FSB subversion, propaganda and disinformation and threat of Russian military invasion. Putin has played his cards correctly with the Georgian invasion and will continue to exploit his advantages while he can. Bad Vlad has had President George Bush’s number for some time and could expect an even greater return with the possibility of an Obama Presidency in 2009.  The political climate between the West and Russia, have been ripe for Putin’s exploitation. With the US bogged down in the Middle East, Europe bogged down in complacency and energy dependence from Russia, the Kremlin has a perfect opportunity to press its case against its neighbors.

In reality Putin’s actions towards Russia’ neighbors were and have been wholly predictable when one considers the small window of opportunity afforded by Europe and the United States. With Europe already exploring ways to wean themselves from Russian energy and the US drawdown of forces in Iraq in the upcoming months freeing themselves for actions elsewhere around the world, Putin, more than likely, had to act now or never; especially while sitting on over 750 billion in cash reserves (3). If Russian energy were to take a tumble from a change in demand and market prices while Moscow rapidly rebuilds its Army, Navy and Strategic Forces, that surplus could erode fast.  While the strong possibility for an Obama Presidency exists; a prospect that would no doubt delight Putin, a McCain Presidency would on the other hand, be problematic as McCain has been one of the few US politicians that has been very suspicious of Russia and Putin in particular.

John McCain, like Ronald Reagan, has always recognized Vladimir Putin for what he is; a modern day Yuri Andropov. Premier Andropov, a former head of the KGB, died (in 1983) before his ruthless reputation could be implemented long term in Soviet Foreign Policy in the 1980’s (4). McCain has always been outspoken regarding Putin and probably no doubt believes that President Bush’s amicable disposition toward Putin in the past was either naïve or misguided. There are whispers and rumors about backdoor dealings last month between Putin, the Saudis and President Bush in regards to a mutual agreement about containing Iran in exchange for Russia’s free hand in Georgia; indicating a “Munich” style sellout. Let us hope this is not an accurate description of what happened for it would send the wrong message to our allies and force them to submit to Russian intimidation.

The Bush Administration’s obsession with the Middle East at the expense of ignoring Russia and China makes John McCain’s stance on foreign policy a key point of separation between himself and the soon to be former President. With McCain’s numbers rising in recent polls, certain governments in Asia are probably nervous, including China, North Korea, Iran and Russia. The last thing the Russians want is a McCain Presidency; so they will act while they still can. Which leads us to the Ukraine; possibly the flashpoint of the next continental conflagration,

Ukraine in 2008, like Poland in 1939, lies on a geopolitical fault line between Russia and the European Union. Ukraine is bordered by four NATO countries and was viciously exploited by Stalin before during and after WWII; resulting in the deaths of millions of its citizens (5). In recent years, Ukraine has made friendly overtures to the West and is politically split on joining NATO. Much of the dissension toward NATO membership has been the result of Russian intimidation and bullying tactics. The Putin government, more specifically the FSB (Federal Security Bureau), was implicated in the poisoning of Ukraine’s democratically elected President Yushchenko in 2004. Ukraine is currently being threatened with being cut off from oil and natural gas this coming winter if their pro Western behavior continues.  Russia is basically saying “We will give you the same as Georgia if you do not fall in line with us”. With friends like these, who needs enemies?

The question is “What can Ukraine and the West do” The answer is simple; make a Russian invasion so terribly expensive in Russian lives, resources and political capital, it would not be worth the cost. Georgia failed, not because it was weaker; and it certainly was or because its people are less brave; they certainly are brave. The reason Georgia lost was because of its lack of preparedness and trying to go toe to toe with the Russian Giant. Neither Georgia nor Ukraine can go head on in a conventional battle plan against Russia.  Georgia neither has the numbers nor the resources to engage the Russian regular army. Georgia can however exact a price on Russia and at the same time preserve their independence and be a bulwark against further Russian expansion in the future. The answer is “Go Unconventional” and start preparing to fight asymmetrical war rather than fighting Western style, which is how the US military trained the Georgians as well as all their other allies. The US does a disservice to its deserving allies like Georgia by selling them second hand military “junk” while providing America’s enemies such as Saudi Arabia and Palestinian Fattah terrorists with up to date military hardware and training.

From a purely military standpoint, Georgia and Ukraine need to take a page from the Chechens and Hezbollah who effectively defeated the Russian and Israeli military respectively and decisively. The Russians have always patterned their military after their Western counter parts in the US, Great Britain etc; heavily dependent on technology and fire power superiority. All the Chechens had in their arsenal was machine guns, land mines, sniper rifles and RPG’s. The deciding factors  in the outcome of the engagement was the Chechens use of  decentralized small unit tactics combined with an urban defense posture which took out 4,800-6,000 Russian soldiers and roughly 150 tanks and armored vehicles in the first 72 hours after the Russian invasion of Groznyy. The Chechens allowed the Russians to have free reign outside the city but engaged them at close range in the urban thickets of Groznyy, where Russian artillery, tanks and air power were not only useless but also a liability (6). The Russian’s could not use their aircraft and artillery to its advantage in the city and their close quarter engagement skills were deficient in many areas and could not meet the challenge.

Hezbollah performed effectively against the Israelis who copy their US counter parts by relying on superior firepower and technology. By utilizing an efficient human intelligence (HUMINT) system, highly mobile independent “true” light infantry units, complimented by an entrenched defensive posture and extensive and elaborate tunnel systems similar to the North Vietnamese at Hue in the 1960’s, Hezbollah inflicted considerable casualties without suffering serious losses to their own ranks(7). Hezbollah also elicited heavy handed responses from the Israelis which resulted in damaging Lebanon’s infrastructure as well as human collateral damage. As a result of this damage, Hezbollah, who started the conflict, gained political popularity in the government as well as enhancing its image to the Lebanese people as well,

In regards to the Chechens, they drew the overconfident Russians into the city where they were ambushed by snipers, machine gun crossfire, and RPG’s launched at ground level from basement windows, roof tops and buildings. Even when the Russian soldiers regrouped from these ambushes, they rarely found the enemy rebels who had evaded direct confrontation and escaped through preplanned routes and relocated ton safe houses nearby (8). The Russians suffered very heavy casualties and had to soon leave the city. Referring to the earlier stated casualty figures, had the United States lost 6000 soldiers in a week under similar conditions, the Commander in Chief on down, would have been impeached for gross negligence and incompetence.

While the Russian government has never had a problem with their military taking on heavy casualties and committing tremendous collateral damage as they did in Chechnya, it would be concerned if they knew that their military would be bogged down in a guerilla infested quagmire and eventually humiliated as they were in Afghanistan. Georgia’s one advantage is that they do have tanks and artillery and some aircraft which can be utilized in a defensive configuration at key strategic locations throughout the country. Utilizing their regular and irregular troops as independent combined action platoons (CAP) equipped with tank killer squads, the Georgians could wreak havoc and heavy casualties among the Russian invaders.

In order to really drive a dagger into the Big Bad Bears heart, Ukraine and Georgia could receive open military aid approved by the US Congress and advisors from the US and NATO, all the while conducting an unconventional war in such a way, the Russians know they can’t win; either on the battlefield or in the court of public opinion. Russia would be politically isolated and militarily ineffective.  It would also behoove the West in preparing the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania for unconventional war and bolstering the counterintelligence services in those countries to rid their governments of   spies and influence from the Kremlin. The US Defense Establishment and Intelligence Community has acquired a treasure trove of knowledge and experience in the area of unconventional warfare since 9/11 and could leverage those resources to our Eastern European allies.  Establishing a fast track path to NATO membership for Georgia and Ukraine is paramount presenting itself as a “tripwire’ that would automatically enlist a US and probably British military respone; something that even the confident Putin does not want. The Russian Army would not fare well against US conventional forces. The US military would find the Russian’s Western tactics easier to counter and neutralize than the unconventional guerilla type insurgencies found in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Blood, Toil Sweat, Tears and a little Common Sense

These kinds of efforts take a great deal of political courage and resources from the West to implement. The US has placed most of their “eggs” in the Middle East “basket” and has little left for other contingencies. From a conventional military perspective, America has no options; however an unconventional response is not only monetarily practical but also has the best chance for success. The American people don’t mind supporting those who are willing to fight for their freedom, however there will have to be a trade off somewhere along the line, as we cannot afford the tremendous costs of funding Iraq at the current rate. The Georgians and Ukrainians will give a much higher rate of return than those we have supported in the Middle East. It is debatable whether a viable democracy can exist in the Middle East anyway which is primarily due to culture and social practices. Engagement with Iran’s nuclear ambitions has taken front and center on the US geopolitical stage. But if you think the Iranians are bad, try dealing with a confident Russian dictator, flush with nearly three quarter of a trillion petro dollars in surplus cash plus its strategic nuclear capability. The US government will regret not confronting Mother Russia now because she will grow bolder by the month and continue its aggression in Eastern Europe. If the Russians get away with the Georgian occupation, even if they partially vacate later, they will not be content with those gains; Ukraine and possibly Poland, who was recently threatened by Russia with serious military consequences for agreeing to host a US ballistic missile defense system, will be next. It will be 1939 all over again

The real problem lies in the difficulty in getting the Europeans to take any kind of serious economic or military action. Despite the façade of the European Union, the ethnic and political divisions are still there as well as the mass complacency due to the decades of Socialist nanny state economic policies. What can I say; Western Europe is …well…Western Europe. You are not going to get the Germans and the French to fight for the Georgian Slavic peoples; hell they would have a hard enough time getting themselves up to defend Western Europe. I hate to say it but confrontation with Russia is inevitable. The time is past where our prevailing attitude is “Let’s not offend the Russians” The Russian leaders of today, like Joseph Stalin before them and other kindred spirits such as Ho Chi Mihn, Mao Tse Tung, and Adolph Hitler, can sense weakness, appeasement and aversion to confrontation from their enemies, and like sharks attracted to the smell of blood, pursue their prey with ruthless and relentless ferocity. America must once again lead the fight, negotiate from strength and respond quickly and decisively. The best place to start is by helping those such the Georgians and Ukrainians who will help themselves and like our British brethren in the Second World War, provide aid in their “darkest hour’ Paraphrasing a great Englishman Winston Churchill, giving the Ukrainians and Georgians, who are not complacent, the tools and guidance to “finish the job”, might just be the ticket to keeping the Russian Bear in his cage and on his best behavior. Until then, the world will hold its breath.

End Notes

(1) Early, Peter, 2007, Comrade J: The untold secrets of Russia’s master spy in America, New York, Putnam Adult

(2) Andrew, Christopher, 2005, The World was Going Our Way: The KGB and the battle for the Third World, New York, Basic Books,

(3) www.stratfor.com online archive, membership required

(4) Andrew, Christopher, 2005, The World was Going Our Way: The KGB and the battle for the Third World, New York, Basic Books

(5) Encyclopedia Britannica, Reference listing; Ukraine, online archive, accessed 08/20/2008 (member ship required) also see Wikipedia reference on Ukraine

(6) Poole, H. John, 2007, Dragon days: Time for Unconventional Tactics, NC, Posterity Press

(7) Poole, H. John, 2001, Phantom Soldier: The enemies answer to US firepower, NC, Posterity Press

(8) Poole, H. John, 2004, Tactics of the Crescent Moon, NC, Posterity Press

James Morris is finishing a Master’s Degree in Strategic Intelligence from American Military University and has a Bachelor’s of Arts & Science Degree in History/Social Studies Education from West Virginia University His article’s, touching on a variety of subjects including National security, US Politics and Education, frequently appear in the NEW MEDIA JOURNAL

Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition: A Victory for the Second Amendment

The recent 5-4 decision by the US Supreme Court, giving citizens in the District of Columbia the right to own a handgun will set a precedent for all states in the future. Detractors of this decision, including its disapproval by FBI Director Robert Mueller lament this as planting the seeds for violent crime in the near future.

Well I have news for those naysayers; we already have more violent crime than should be tolerated in this country. Director Mueller even said that this act could result as “incubators of terrorism” on our college campuses (10. What the heck is that supposed to mean? If he’s so worried about campus terrorists wreaking havoc at the student unions, then maybe they should turn their attention towards the preaching of radical left wing professors that poison and indoctrinate our politically naïve college age youth with Third World revolutionary politics. Such was the case of former University of Colorado Professor Ward Churchill and other left wing loons that hold college teaching positions around the country, who say that 9/11 was an inside job and that America is the source of all that is bad.

The parents of these kids, who spend tens of thousands of dollars of their hard earned money, only to end up with a 22 year old who can not think independently, who questions their faith while failing to question the atheistic rants of an academic demagogue and becoming imbued with a loss of national identity and patriotism. Yeah, I don’t want to put a gun in their hands either. However, I do not think you have to worry about a 21 year old church going, National Rifle Association member going out on a three state shooting spree. In fact, I have one of those living next door and I am darn glad he’s there. He’s actually 30 years old, has a wife and two children and is a former Marine, but you get my point.

I live in a semi rural neighbor hood in South Florida where there is every kind of wacko character and criminal element you can imagine. My wife and I are blessed to have been flanked by three God fearing blue blooded American families who look out for each other. Fortunately the State of Florida also has a generous castle and home protection laws that allow home owners to adequately protect their homes from predators (2).

A couple of weeks ago, someone in a seriously altered state, pounded loudly on our front door at 1am in the morning, demanding to come in. It startled me to say the least. Realizing right away that it was not one of my neighbors and that this person was not in some state of distress, I made it clear in no uncertain terms that it was in their interest to leave the property immediately. I later called the police who later conferred with me regarding this individual who had done similar acts on a half dozen houses that night. I also called my neighbors (who also called the police) immediately after the person left. The police officer whom I spoke to was in full support my intention to protect my family by whatever means necessary to perform that function. The fact was that I was ready to employ my Glock 10 millimeter, should the said perpetrator forcefully breach the outer constructs of my home did not alarm the officer at all..

 Every police officer I have talked to has fully supported a home owner’s responsible use of firearms. While the emotional baggage that would probably come from the employment of deadly force might be difficult to live with, I will protect my family first and deal with the baggage later. Home invaders are becoming far more bold, daring and desperate, often murdering their victims for whatever twisted reason. Some of the more sophisticated ones are even wearing body armor in anticipating an armed home owner which is why I tell my friends to become familiar and receive training in the use of firearms that can pack a considerable punch such as shotguns and larger caliber handguns. Many police and sheriff’s departments around the country offer free classes in basic and combat handgun training and tactics.

Does that mean everyone should own a firearm? Of course not! If a person is a maniac or mentally unstable, or too young without adult supervision or if a person has not sought and acquired proper training and acquaintance with the law, a criminal record and any other number of good reasons, whatever they may be; then they should not be able to acquire one. That is why there is nothing wrong with background checks to weed out the bad guys.

Some people are terrified of guns and that is understandable however, a predator is more likely to strike if they think the victim is not armed, which makes this argument in my opinion a settled issue. One only has to review the history of the Old West to find out that private gun ownership was the only way a law abiding person could protect themselves from all of the predatory elements that one was sure to encounter along the journey. The end results are that violent crime decreases when gun laws favor sensible law abiding citizens (3).

And, besides everything else, private gun ownership is in the Bill of Rights! Who am I to argue with the Founding Fathers? The day the Federal Government repeals the Second Amendment, that is the day we move back to back to the hills of my native West Virginia where the State Motto is “Montani Semper Liberi”; (Mountaineers are always free!). Long live the Second Amendment!

Footnotes

1. Washington Post, June 30, 2008, “FBI chief: Gun Ruling makes campuses less secure”, Associated Press

2. Korwin, Alan, 2005, “Florida Castle Doctrine Protects the Innocent”, Bloomfield Press, online article

3. Lott, John Jr., 1998, “More Guns, Less Crime” (Interview), American Enterprise Institute, online archive