2001
| September 19, 2001 We were attacked - sucker punched. And nearly EVERYONE knows someone who is personally affected. My older son's roommate - boyfriend's father is a government employee. He checked into his Pentagon office at about 8:50AM Tuesday. He was found on Friday. When the body count went from 190 to 189. Broken spine. Broken bones. Concussion. Coma. Life Support. Still a thread of hope. I can speak from recent experience. We were attacked. And we all raced to the gun store. Now, guns were not involved in this whole event. Owning one would not have helped you. But that is not what we think as we race to get tested. My older son needed my attention. My younger son has it 24/7 and will for some time. But it was the older child's need today. So we went to a range and he taught his Momma how to handle a semi-automatic. We shared 50 rounds. Shot 49. One was a misfire. We tried three different 9mm weapons. Different weights. I have NEVER fired or handled anything under a shotgun. I fired pellet guns when I was 22. I fired pellet guns at Girl Scout camp. I was a good shot. I have owned for 30 years but never fired a Remington 20-gauge shotgun. Now, I was not sure. I had to learn to grip. I had to learn to brace. I had to learn to aim. I like to close one eye. Once I got over the blast (with ear protection it is still suddenly loud). Once I figured out I needed to close one eye. Once I got adjusted to the muzzle flash (pretty). Pretty and deadly. Once I found the range. I hit 7. 8. 9. 10. I am still a good shot. I do better with a heavier weapon. I hit 8s and 9s with the heavier weapon. I had a hard time loading the magazine. So, keep one loaded and away from the gun - takes how many seconds to shove that thing in place? Not long. I won't be fighting a war. I am ready for home invasion. Let's just say, if I aim at you, you will not be coming toward me anymore. My older son, who worked as a ranger for two years now at burning man. Who shoots BIG weapons for fun. Who I sent to gun safety training so many times. So many years. Cub Scout Camps. Boy Scout Camps. He likes a heavier weapon. I bought him a 45mm. I bought myself (ordered) a "Little Eagle" 9mm. We took the gun test. He scored 100. I was so tired I miss-read one. (They checked.) (This later event was the cause of much mirth among my boys.) His registration is in its 10-day wait period. Mine is special-ordered. So I wait for it to get here. Then we send in the registration. We have padlocks and lock boxes. And I will now clean and get ammo for the shotgun too. My younger son is not allowed to have a handgun while he is undergoing chemo. But he needs to feel "safe" too. When America is attacked, America arms itself to the teeth. It's why we can not ever be conquered. I believe in gun control. I believe the sane people should have guns. Now I feel better. Even if the guns aren't even delivered yet. I did something. I did something besides launch red, white and blue balloons. I did something besides light a candle or write a check. I said, "Go to war. Don't worry. We will take care of the home front." We each have a job to do. |
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