We Are All First Responders

Before Omar Mateen committed his crime, he had committed no crime. We cannot curtail someone's civil rights on pure speculation, whether they're evil, or just mental. Sure, maybe once in awhile, government might be able to break up a plot being hatched, but not very often. And trying to rid this country of guns in hopes of stopping crime and mass murder is an illusion that curtails everyone's civil rights.

We the People must come to grips with the fact that we are all first responders! When seconds count, help can arrive in minutes. What happens in the meantime is our responsibility. A few concealed carry folks could have stopped this Orlando massacre after the first shot. A few open carry folks might have stopped this with nary a shot being fired.

Now make no mistake: if you shoot someone, even in self-defense, you're going to be in for the hassle of your life. The perpetrator's family will try to sue you. The bleeding hearts will try to prosecute you. And if you made a mistake, forget it. You're toast. Nothing is perfect, but that still doesn't alter the fact that we are all first responders. 

It might take the sting off of it a little bit, if local police and sheriff departments were to implement citizen deputy programs that would train volunteers how to assess risk, how to handle a weapon, and when, and when not to use it. If local government cannot be bothered, or if it is too politically incorrect, maybe the National Rifle Association, or some other civic group could offer this training as a public service. Special endorsements, i.e., certificates, could be attached to the concealed carry permit. The training needs to be rigorous enough to be taken seriously by the legal system. 

I will repeat: We the People must come to grips with the fact that we are all first responders! When seconds count, help can arrive in minutes. What happens in the meantime is our responsibility. There are times when the government just can't help us. We have no option but to take responsibility for our own safety, and the safety of our neighbors, brothers and sisters.