Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
In his op-ed “Congratulations on your new gun. Now lock it up.” (March 25, TribLIVE), Rep. Dan Frankel shows his contempt for the individuals who have decided to exercise their right to defend themselves and those they love.
As professional firearm instructors, we teach that a firearm that is out of your direct control should indeed be secured. We also teach conflict avoidance, awareness, and the safe and efficient use of firearms for defensive purpose. Isn’t it is interesting that Frankel never once suggested that new gun owners seek out training? Perhaps he understands that an armed and well-regulated citizenry is the true fourth check and balance in a constitutional republic.
Frankel manipulates facts and practices a form of pseudo-racism by singling out certain Pennsylvanians, berating, scolding and relegating them to a less trustworthy class.
A firearm does not have mystical powers that enchant law-abiding citizens to suddenly have poor judgment or violent tendencies. It is a tool that is no more good or bad than the person using it. Good people use firearms each day to defend against those who would commit horrible acts of evil. Frankel ignores this fact.
Gun ownership has doubled since 2005 and the accident rate with firearms has fallen to the lowest point in recorded history. Homicides have been falling ever since 1993 and is near a 50-year low.
Consider Frankel’s statistics about guns killing children. His numbers even include criminal acts by gang members under the age of 18. This data bears little relevance to lawfully purchased firearms in the homes of law-abiding citizens. He further insinuates that the private purchase of long guns is somehow a problem, yet he avoids the reality that there are more than three times as many homicides committed in Pennsylvania by blades and still more by fists and feet.
Freedom has never made America less safe. However, “every person in your household has a significantly higher chance of dying” when district attorneys like Larry Krasner of Philadelphia plea away the gun charges and let career criminals back on the street while elected officials like Frankel advocate for the restriction of the rights of law-abiding Pennsylvanians. If Frankel was serious about dropping the level of violence in our state, he would focus on the revolving-door justice system and leave law-abiding citizens alone.
Let’s clarify that the Pennsylvania instant check system crashed because it is a “glitchy,” cumbersome, inefficient and costly system that fails regularly. It is also a defacto gun registration. Many in government deem registration necessary to take steps toward confiscation. History is rife with examples of where confiscation leads. May we never forget 1930s Germany.
Did you know that the safest states in America — Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont — have constitutional carry? No license is needed to carry a concealed firearm. Between 1 million and 2.5 million Americans defend themselves every year with lawfully purchased firearms. Frankel did not mention these facts. The studies he chose to quote have been roundly criticized by academics for significant defects and shortcomings in the research. We encourage you to check the facts for yourself.
Frankel said one thing that we agree with: “So we find ourselves here, with a panicked public and without any reasonable protections in place.” The most reasonable protection is the ones you implement yourself. When seconds count, police are minutes away. You are your family’s first responder. Frankel will not be there to help you when evil or hate approaches your door.
We congratulate all new gun owners who are now choosing to exercise their rights. You are now among the millions of law-abiding American gun owners. You have taken the first step to protect yourself from criminals. At election time take the next step to protect yourself from politicians like Frankel who don’t trust your to exercise your rights.
Which candidates advocate for liberty? Consider this next time you vote.
Kim Stolfer is president of Firearms Owners Against Crime, and Klint Macro is second vice president.
https://triblive.com/opinion/kim-stolfer-klint-macro-law-abiding-citizens-gun-rights/