Recently, there have been county Sheriffs from all over the country speaking out about newly suggested gun control measures. In the past, I've even heard a South Texas Sheriff tell his county residents to arm themselves, because he didn't have enough Deputies to respond to every call, and that the illegal drugs and human smuggling growing in that region, the citizens were under more threat.
Then today (1/28/2013), a county Sheriff, David Clarke, Jr., of Milwaukee County, releasing a statement for his citizens, and in effect, "...simply calling 911 and waiting is no longer your best option. You can beg for mercy from a violent criminal, hide under the bed, or you can fight back. But are you prepared? Consider taking a certified safety course in handling a firearm so you can defend yourself until we get there. You have a duty to protect yourself and your family."
Side note: Some in the media, and Milwaukee's Mayor, have said that the Sheriff was telling people to not call 9-1-1 and to get a gun. That is NOT what he said. "..simply calling 911 and waiting is no longer your best option. And, "Consider taking a certified safety course in handling a firearm ..." But typical of the media wanting t sensationalize a story, presented it differently.
The FACT is, that Sheriff is right. SO are the other sheriffs who say they can't always be there. They CAN'T. As a former Deputy and Police Officer, I can tell you that is absolutely true. While I, and every other Law Enforcement Officer, wanted to get their to stop a crime and save citizens from becoming victims, the FACT is, we responded to calls. Calls that go out most often, after the crime had taken place, or at best, in progress.
But the point the Milwaukee Sheriff was making, was that each of us, are our own FIRST RESPONDERS. And yes, consider a firearm for protection, but that isn't the only option. And as strong of a 2nd amendment supporter that I am, I have never said that guns are the answer for everyone.
But we, you and I, ARE our first responders. WE, you and I, need to take some level of responsibility in our own protection. I have dogs and guns and locks and alarms. I HOPE some bad-guy doesn't get past the locks, or past the dogs. But if so, and while awaiting the police to get here, I have a gun and will use it. Many people feel comfortable with stopping with a dog, or a ball bat. But a scared, or dead, dog and a ball bat, will not stop an oncoming bad guy(s) with a knife or a gun, or just bigger and badder! So while you wait, assuming you could even get a call made, WHAT WILL YOU DO,
"...beg for mercy from a violent criminal, hide under the bed..."?
Law Enforcement, most every time, will be the 2nd RESPONDER. And we all need to understand that!
