Where is America Going?

In March 2006, Indiana became one of the few states to put into statute that an individual does not have a duty to retreat from an attacker before using deadly force to prevent injury to one's self. At the same time, Indiana passed a law establishing a life-time firearms carrying permit, eliminating much of the hassle of carrying a firearm while maintaining a program of scrutiny as to who is legally carrying a weapon. Recently, the United States Supreme Court held that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that (fire) arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home for the first time in history. The Supreme Court also held that "Similarly, the requirement that any lawful firearm in the home be disassembled or bound by a trigger lock makes it impossible for citizens to use arms for the core lawful purpose of self-defense and is hence unconstitutional." Where is America going when good sense appears to be coming back into use?

The courts have long held the opinion that the police have no "duty to protect" the individual. The Law Enforcement role is one of keeping the peace, crime prevention by presence, and seeking out those who commit crimes for judgment under the judicial system. It is also a lot easier to have a firearm handy if you should need it than it is to have your very own detail of police officers for your protection.

This does not mean that I advocate that everyone buy a gun and keep it in your home. If you do not know how to use one, you should learn before you buy one. Guns are, inherently, a dangerous piece of equipment. You have to evaluate your own situation and your own personal inclination. I have lived around firearms all of my life. I had a close relative commit suicide with a rifle and I am the only male on my father's side of the family due to a accident with a firearm in my uncle's home. These incidents were not the fault of the tool used; they were caused by people through action or error.

I am just glad that the Supreme Court decided to make their opinion known and that they re-affirmed that we have the right to protect ourselves with the best means available.