Responsibility weighs heavy

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