We, as citizens of this great country, need to realize that we are responsible for our own safety and well-being. When one is being victimized by a thug, the first five seconds of that encounter are absolutely the most important. I found that out eight and a half years ago when I was the victim of a home invasion. Because I was caught off-guard, I became a victim. I was forced into being reactive during the whole 25-minute episode . . .
Had I had a firearm by my side that day, I would have been proactive in being able to defend myself. Because my attacker decided not to pull a trigger, I am here today as a survivor.
Let me be quite frank when I say that the whole time I was tied up on my living-room floor and this thug repeatedly threatened me by sticking the barrel of his handgun into the back of my head, all I could think about was having access to one of my weapons so I could end this person’s abuse of me.
I learned a lesson that day, and I would like to share it with Rafferty and all other anti-gun folks: This is a violent world we live in. I don’t care how nice a neighborhood you live in; you never know when someone has you in his sights and means to attack you.
You have no idea where this person latched on to you, but all of a sudden he is in your face and threatening you with death. Anyone who has a firearm handy in such a situation should not be afraid to use it if he is in his own home. Such a person should shoot as if his life depends on it, because it may very well be so . . .
I do not love guns, but I have my share and some of them are kept loaded. I keep guns for defense of myself and my family. I won’t be a victim ever again. Be prepared for the worst, hope for the best.
CRAIG A. GALLOP
Reynoldsburg