Self-defense is not only a right, it is a responsibility. There are, in our society today, many people who are unwilling to accept the responsibility for their own self-defense, and wish to deprive others of their right to defend themselves as well. This position comes from personal weakness and ignorance, and is supported by a popular media intent on demonizing anything having to do with the private ownership or use of firearms. Through the years, I have known thousands of men in the police and military whose houses were full of both guns and children. I do not know of a single case of an accidental shooting among this group. The reason is very simple. These were families in which the parents took responsibility for raising their kids and teaching them proper behavior. Guns were not hidden, nor were guns and ammo stored in separate locations (which essentially makes a gun a hammer). Rather, children were raised in an atmosphere of loving guidance and discipline. The children were taught that guns are dangerous, and they were not to touch them except in proper and well defined circumstances - period. The fact that there are few accidental shootings in rural areas, where gun ownership is almost the rule, also reflects this. Firearms in the hands of responsible, law-abiding citizens are the greatest deterrent to crime, and the surest method of self-defense. It is a matter of personal responsibility. And it is the right of a free people.

Craig Smith
Ard Taoiseach and Sli Beatha founder
Former special-operations police officer