Of Guns, Citizens, and Soldiers

Washington, DC (TLS). A small but vocal minority in America has made its presence known by protesting various and sundry actions of citizens, such as, for example, the erecting of a statue in honor of a fallen Iraq War hero who was from Littleton, Colorado.

Their problem? The statue of the hero depicts him in army fatigues and carrying a gun. A few parents complained that, since the statue is near a school, their children may be put under a 'bad' influence, since the statue 'glorifies war.'

People of this ilk who live by the millions in the San Francisco area were the very ones that prevented a retired navy vessel from being placed in permanent port there, not to mention that they also have banned ROTC programs from city high schools.

Once again, their complaint is that such things 'glorify war.'

Pray tell, what DO they wish to glorify? Cowtowing to terrorists?

War is never a first-choice option. It is not even necessarily a second-choice option. But sometimes it is the ONLY option when the nation is fighting for its very existence against enemies who wish us dead.

As for guns, this nation would be much better off with regard to crime if we taught our youngsters how to be well-trained, proficient, and effective firearms enthusiasts. And as a sport, firearms training is much safer than football, cheerleading, wrestling, or a host of other popular sports among the nation's youth.

Thus, our praise of heroes on the battlefield and of individual citizens who defend themselves with guns against rapists, murderers, and thieves has nothing to do with 'glorifying' war or violence. It's just that most of us appreciate those who fight for their country, and those who have the gumption to prevent thugs from gaining the upper hand.