Category: Self Defense

Georgia Campus Carry Update

On By Tom LindsayIn Campus Carry, Gun Free Zones, Self Defense

14-0070 Welcome Signage with students in front of AYSPS.

Currently, schools and college campuses in Georgia are Gun Free Victim Zones – areas where criminals know they are free to bring guns unopposed, and rob or kill their victims with no fear of armed opposition.

Yesterday, the Georgia House of Representatives moved one step closer to eliminating schools and colleges from the realm of Gun Free Victim Zones, by passing HB859, by a vote of 113 to 59. This bill would allow carry of concealed handguns on school campuses in the state, by those with a Georgia Weapons Carry License (GWCL).

Some notable points of this law, that seem to make the law more acceptable to a wider range of legislators, while still maintaining the central purpose of the bill:

Guns are allowed to be carried everywhere on campus except at sporting events, and in dormitories, fraternity houses, and sorority houses. To me, as a father with a son living in a dorm at Georgia State, I’m okay with that. This reduces the possibility of accidents resulting from guns being handled by unlicensed students. After a recent string of armed robberies on campus, this hits home.

Guns must be concealed. Concealment is further defined in the law, and it is worth noting that it includes requirements that the handgun is “substantially, but not necessarily completely, covered by an article of clothing.” To me this avoids the possibility of unintentionally allowing one’s gun to be seen, thus inviting charges of “brandishing.”

To me, these points in no way reduce the real effect of this bill. Criminals will have no way to know whether the person they intend to rob or attack is armed. So, they move on.

I did note, though, that handguns are the only weapons allowed under the bill. This eliminates knives with blades over 5 inches, which are also considered weapons under Georgia law, and the carry of which required a GWCL. I’m not sure why this is in there, but I am looking into it.

I applaud the Georgia Legislature on this move, and I look forward to the Senate’s passage, and the Governor’s signature.

World War IV Update

On By Tom LindsayIn Self Defense, War Against Radical Islam

French Airstrike

Since the terrorist attacks on Paris on November 13, I have heard more that one comment about how the attacks may be the start of World War III. I wondered, though, if this might be a little behind.

For those who need reminding, the Cold War between the east and west involved forces around the world, and resulted in the deaths of thousands. Given that, in my mind World War III started at the Potsdam Conference in 1945, when Europe was divided among the WWII winners, and ended with the fall of the Soviet Union.

Admittedly, this World War didn’t fit the definition in the eyes of some, mostly because of the general absence of large battles, massive troop movements, and the naming of it as a World War in the media. But, when you consider how close we came to actually destroying all life as we know it, on multiple occasions, these points seem moot.

So, to me World War IV is the war between militant Islam, and the rest of the world. If we are looking for a start, I would think the bombing of the USS Cole in 2000 might serve as such. Sadly, militant Islam is also fighting non-militant Islam.

As I got to thinking about the current War, I was struck by the feeling now in Europe that they have finally gotten involved, and the similarities between WWIV and WWII became clear. Let me elaborate:

War begins

WWII – Japan invades Manchuria, September 1931. This is the first encounter between two powers in this war, but it stays local. The rest of the world doesn’t see where this will head.

WWIV – USS Cole bombing, October 2000. This is the first encounter between two powers in this war, but it stays local. The rest of the world doesn’t see where this will head.

War escalates

WWII – Germany invades Poland, September 1939. This attack draws a great amount of attention, and the two powers directly involved essentially go to war. The world takes note, but most countries not directly involved decline to do anything. Some believe appeasement is the best solution. There are some victories on both sides, but all out victory isn’t forthcoming.

WWIV – The attacks of September 11, 2001. This attack draws a great amount of attention, and the two powers directly involved essentially go to war. The world takes note, but most countries not directly involved decline to do anything. Some believe appeasement is the best solution. There are some victories on both sides, but all out victory isn’t forthcoming.

War comes home

WWII – Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. The war hits home, and now the rest of the world forces feel the war’s brunt, and begin to finally fight.

WWIV – Paris attacks, November 13, 2015. The war hits home, and now the rest of the world forces feel the war’s brunt, and begin to finally fight.

 

Given this, it will be interesting to see how WWIV progresses, and if it will further mirror WWII. On can only wonder if they will end the same way.

 

Sometimes This Is What It Takes

On By Tom LindsayIn Self Defense

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First, my prayers are with the people of Paris tonight. The attacks there only go to prove that the enemies of freedom are everywhere, and are unlikely to end any time soon without our resistance.

Jim Scouten summed it up on Facebook thus: “Soft Targets. We are watching our future play out tonight in Paris.” That’s what we are. Soft Targets.

The realization of this hit home for us tonight as we watched. My wife, though, rather than being afraid, got very angry, yelling things at the TV that I know she had heard me say for a long time – how free citizens can only remain free as long as they are free to defend themselves. How we must all be prepared, both by arms and by training and practice, because we never really know when and where the danger will appear.

In the past, she would hear me say it, and just nod. After all, we really didn’t have so much to fear.

And she would always defend me to the kids – oh, that’s just your Dad.

But tonight, she came to see that it wasn’t just me, it was the truth. It was the way the world is. And she decided it was time to start getting ready.

First, she joined the NRA and GeorgiaCarry.org. After all, it’s best to be in like company. And, if we are to win, we will need to do it together. So she’s in.

Next, we’re headed out tomorrow to go gun shopping. She knows what she wants, and she’ll get it: a Gen4 Glock17 or Glock19. She’s shot mine before, and the Lord knows we have a ton of magazines that will fit it.

Then next week, down to the probate court for a Weapons Carry License.

Then, off to practice with me.

I can only hope this same thing happened tonight in a thousand other homes. Honestly it’s the only hope we have.