Responsibility weighs heavy. When you take the class and
apply for a CCW permit, said the instructor, you are saying you are willing to
take another human life if it is necessary. For some reason, hearing that put a
whole different spin on what my spouse and a former police chief told me when I
said I couldn’t kill another human being.
My husband: “If I’m not here and someone threatens you, are
you going to stand there and let them kill you? Are you going to let them take
your children’s lives?”
Well, of course I would give my own life to save my children.
Former Police Chief: “When you shoot someone coming through
your door, make sure the body is inside when law enforcement gets there.”
That was long ago. Now I have grandchildren to protect.
Castle Law is enforced here. If you break down my door in
the middle of the night you will find yourself on the business end of a
shotgun. If I am traveling long distances alone and you threaten bodily harm
that puts me in fear for my life, you will be at the business end of my pistol.
You are best off not threatening me. You are best off not invading my home
because CCW (conceal to carry) teaches you don’t shoot to wound and stop. You
aim to kill because a wounded attacker gets more aggressive. There’s no room
for hesitation.
And yet there is all that human stuff. Reflexes, emotions,
compassion, all the things inside that urge us to give the person the advantage
of reasonable doubt.
I thought I was “just” taking a class.
I thought it was “just” about carrying a gun to insure my
own safety when I travel alone or I am home alone when my spouse is away. And
it was all of that. And more.
Responsibility weighs heavy when you choose to combat
perceived dangers. It’s so much simpler when people respect each other and don’t
touch each other’s belongings without permission. You can’t shoot someone or
kill them because they are taking your things. You take such actions when you
believe your very life is endangered.
Respect. It’s called respect. Why does it seem to be so hard
to do?
In my heart and soul I pray I will NEVER have to take another human life.
©2013 Cathy Thomas Brownfield ~ All Rights Reserved
