I Chose a Gun.
The highest military commander of the Netherlands, Peter Van Uhm, who is the Chief of Defense of the Dutch Armed Forces, spoke at TEDxAmsterdam in 2011. You can find the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHX5lAslnTc. I have a habit and love for listening and watching TED speakers on a variety of topics, issues, and ideas which are presented by those invited to those venues. I secretly desire to be invited myself.
On this occasion, I was at my computer writing an article for my blog, and I allowed YouTube to automatically go onto the next video in the series of TED talks which I had started. As I typed away, this man’s words jumped past the fog of my mind as I focused on tapping on the keyboard, “I chose the gun.” A gun enthusiast myself, I am always drawn to understanding other people’s points of view on the subject. As I was not initially listening, I sort of had the feeling the speaker was going to go on a rant about how “guns kill.” Instead, when I looked over to the screen on which the video was playing, I saw that it was a soldier who was speaking. My impression then changed to one where I expected him to defend the use of guns, but he did neither.
Instead, the general delivered an inspiring and eloquent argument for peace. At least, peace as a result of being willing to use the gun as a deterrent to violence by those who would use violence with or without guns. His arguments were clear and to the point, peace (or at least the lack of sustained hostilities by states against each other) is promoted by the fact that there are people on this planet who are willing to use the gun to stop those who would cause violence if not restrained or threatened by the use of deadly force if necessary.
People may argue that the world would be better off without guns, but history does not agree with them. Even before the gun was created in its most crude form, people imposed violence and death upon others in great numbers though out the world. The gun did not exaggerate people’s already existing propensity to harm each other, without guns, people would use bombs, bats, knives, pressure cookers, trucks, and anything else they could get hold of for their nefarious deeds. Though we indeed still do have situations where people use guns to murder others, most of the “mass shootings” happen in areas and states where gun ownership is either prohibited, limited, and or curtailed, and where the idea of a citizen concealed or open carrying a gun is strongly frowned upon. These areas and states are known as “soft-targets,” because people won’t have guns with which to defend themselves in case of an attack.
But, do not misunderstand my argument here, I also wish there was no need for guns. Even though I own several weapons, and I enjoy shooting them at the range, I actually do so because I know that in a moment’s notice, when I or my family may be in physical danger from a bad guy, the police will be from five to fifteen minutes away, after I get a chance to call them (if I even get a chance to call). I am not a wide eyed dreamer who fantasizes that the police are hiding behind every bush just waiting jump out and save me and mine from danger in an instant. Should danger present itself, the bad guys will have enough time to attempt their armful intentions and be gone long before the first chance presents itself for me to call them to come and help.
As an armed citizen (though you would never be able to tell that I am carrying, though I live in an open carry state), I thank God I have not had to use my gun on anyone, and I hope I never will reason to do so. Nevertheless, it does give me and mine peace to know that I have a greater chance of protecting them and myself, should the situation present itself.
General Uhm made the point much better than I have in this article. Please take time to see the video, I think you will find it inspiring. Not that you would be inspired about guns, but about their correct and beneficial use.