Did You See This Pattern?

            I noticed a pattern as I read many articles about the riots taking place in the big cities. Some articles spoke about gun shops being almost sold out of guns. Another article showed a picture of nearly empty ammunition shelves in one store with a sign saying that sales were limited to two boxes of ammunition. This means that people were buying protection for themselves and their property.


            Another part of the pattern that I noticed is how the rioters and looters became selective about the stores they would loot and burn. Some store owners were prepared to protect their property and had guns to do it. The looters decided to take their action some other place.


            I saw some articles about the looters deciding to take their action out of the big cities and into the suburbs. In one area the residents of the suburb banded together to protect their homes. When a police officer interrogated them, they explained that they were not going to allow the looters and rioters to destroy their property. The police officer asked if they were armed with open carry of weapons. When the residents said yes, the police officer said, “Here is what you need to do.” A few of the looters cased the operation four or five times. The next time they came along, the residents pulled their weapons out of their vehicles, hung them on their shoulders, or otherwise made them visible. The looters took their action elsewhere.


            Sheriff Grady Judd of Polk County, Florida, is becoming famous for a video that he aired. When his department saw social media posts urging the evil doers to take their action to his county, he went on social media and told those who wanted to riot, loot, and burn in his county to think again. He said on his video that the individuals and families in his county would be home and would have their weapons ready to protect their lives and property. He urged the county residents to use their guns for protection. He told them that if anyone tried to enter their property with ill intent, they should “blow them back out.”


            I saw a notice today saying that buses were taking looters to Casper, Wyoming. My first thought was about it being a dumb idea. Do you have any idea how many rifles and pistols that are owned by the cowboys and cowgirls of Wyoming? My brother-in-law has a gun case full of weapons, and both he and his wife know how to use them.


            Do you recognize the pattern that I saw? Americans accepted their constitutional right to defend themselves, their families, and their property. The Second Amendment grants Americans this right, and Americans are not afraid to use it. Where the right was exercised, those who came to riot, loot, and burn moved their action to another place. 

            The Second Amendment was put in the Bill of Rights to give Americans the right to protect their lives and property. The Founders were likely more concerned about citizens being able to protect themselves from a corrupt government, but the right to keep and bear arms guarantees that Americans can protect themselves from attacks from all directions.