Due to recent tragedies, people have been indulging in knee-jerk gun control measures. While I empathize with the victims and their families, the happenings around the country make me fear for my safety as well. I fear that someone will come shoot up a store or building I am in, but I also fear that I won’t have any way of protecting myself as a woman. 

Gun rights are women’s rights.

A gun is called “the great equalizer” for a reason. It allows a small female to be on the same level of force as a big male. A gun is a very serious tool and, sometimes, a very serious weapon. 

I am terrified of guns. In fact, I hate the sound of the shot and the recoil. I take the responsibility of handling a gun very seriously. I know what harm can be done if not used properly. But it is because of this fear that I practice the proper safety measures and that I know that a gun is not a toy. I know that carrying a gun is a responsibility. It is not one to be taken lightly. The thought of having a gun on my body makes it a little less scary to walk back to my car alone or protect my home.

Many may ask why I wouldn’t just call the police if I was in a dangerous situation, but police are minutes away when seconds matter. It is not by duty to run away from someone who is trying to do harm to me; it is my duty to protect myself with whatever force necessary when someone is attempting to do harm to me.

When it comes to my safety, depending on others to protect me could mean life or death. Calling for help, screaming loudly or using a whistle in the hopes that someone can hear me, or waiting for anyone to help me isn’t how I was raised. 

My, and my loved ones’, safety comes first. If you break into myself house, it is my right to announce that I have a gun. If you run away, I won’t shoot. That’s the law. If you lunge at me, I will shoot. That is self-defense. Knowing the laws surrounding your own gun rights is imperative to gun ownership and to the safety of others. 

The thought of someone impairing my right to own a gun is a scary thought. Restricting legal gun owners restricts just that. What more gun laws don’t restrict are the already illegal gun transactions that are happening around our communities. We should be focusing our attention on illegal gun ownership and how the guns are switching hands than we are about the people going into a store and having a background check.

In fact, it’s not as easy to purchase a gun as you might think. Let’s discuss. 

In my home state of North Carolina, we are required to have a background check to purchase a gun. Then, when you go to purchase your gun, another background check is performed. The process of buying a gun is about an hour or two.

If you want a conceal carry permit in the state of North Carolina, you must take an 8 hour class, pass the firearm training course, then pay a fee for an additional background check. Once you are approved for a permit, you give your fingerprints that go into a state database. Once you’ve completed this, you have a 45 day waiting period.

To anyone who is saying that guns have less restrictions than x, y, and z, educate yourself on your state laws. You might be surprised into what goes into a firearms purchase or concealed carry application. 

Guns don’t kill people. People who don’t value human life kill people.

My life matters. The only way to protect myself to the best of my ability in an emergency situation when my life is in danger is to have a gun on me.

Your fear of a gun doesn’t trump my right to have one.

Gun’s rights are women’s rights.

Caroline C.
FFL Cabinet Member
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