Gunfire in Kyiv's streets this past month provoked a legal debate on legalizing civilian firearms. The Ukrainian government is already seeking a path to allow civilians to shoot.
As a Brit I cannot countenance personal gun ownership without careful vetting, training and weapon security. Gun violence in the UK is uncommon and often the weapon of choice is a knife - mass knifings are not really a thing!
In Ireland here, and we have low gun crime. But I'd be for Ukrainians having access to guns, especially for anyone within 100KM of the front line, but registered guns that are linked to them. Also, basic training on how to use them, and how to aim. It may assist those who find themselves on the front line if Russia breaks through.
I live in the US, and have never owned a gun. My wife, a former law enforcement officer, owns several. We as a country have learned the hard way that gun ownership is a significant societal concern. Red Flag laws and registration and training are all ways to make gun ownership safer, but they are not foolproof.
BUT if I was living in a country at war, I would want to be part of a civilian militia that could protect my family, my community, and my country. Yes, I would want a gun and plenty of ammunition. Yes, I would learn to use that weapon safely, and yes, I would be ready!
I am a Texan. Texas recognizes Constitutional carry, the right recognized by the U.S. Constitution's 2nd Amendment of citizens to keep and bear arms. In Texas, any citizen not otherwise prohibited by law may be armed, either openly or by carrying concealed. I've carried a gun virtually every day of my adult life, and taught gun safety classes as well as Texas Concealed Carry license classes for many years.
I carry concealed, and don't take it out and wave it around. I've never needed to shoot anyone, but there have been a handful of times in my life (I'm 73) when showing that I was armed put a stop to what I thought was a threatening situation. Despite a high number of armed citizens (or perhaps because of it), shootouts are relatively rare.
I regard the right to bear arms as one of the hallmarks of a free society. All I want is a fighting chance.
As a Brit I cannot countenance personal gun ownership without careful vetting, training and weapon security. Gun violence in the UK is uncommon and often the weapon of choice is a knife - mass knifings are not really a thing!
In Ireland here, and we have low gun crime. But I'd be for Ukrainians having access to guns, especially for anyone within 100KM of the front line, but registered guns that are linked to them. Also, basic training on how to use them, and how to aim. It may assist those who find themselves on the front line if Russia breaks through.
Whether or not guns are legal, they have a way of showing up.
I live in the US, and have never owned a gun. My wife, a former law enforcement officer, owns several. We as a country have learned the hard way that gun ownership is a significant societal concern. Red Flag laws and registration and training are all ways to make gun ownership safer, but they are not foolproof.
BUT if I was living in a country at war, I would want to be part of a civilian militia that could protect my family, my community, and my country. Yes, I would want a gun and plenty of ammunition. Yes, I would learn to use that weapon safely, and yes, I would be ready!
I am a Texan. Texas recognizes Constitutional carry, the right recognized by the U.S. Constitution's 2nd Amendment of citizens to keep and bear arms. In Texas, any citizen not otherwise prohibited by law may be armed, either openly or by carrying concealed. I've carried a gun virtually every day of my adult life, and taught gun safety classes as well as Texas Concealed Carry license classes for many years.
I carry concealed, and don't take it out and wave it around. I've never needed to shoot anyone, but there have been a handful of times in my life (I'm 73) when showing that I was armed put a stop to what I thought was a threatening situation. Despite a high number of armed citizens (or perhaps because of it), shootouts are relatively rare.
I regard the right to bear arms as one of the hallmarks of a free society. All I want is a fighting chance.