In the aftermath of the horrific murders in Uvalde, Texas, it’s normal to ask what could have been done differently. In considering that question, I think it would be helpful to also look at a mass shooting in West Virginia that didn’t happen, because one woman responded in time to stop it. Setting the two incidents side by side clearly illustrates a principle I’ve heard law enforcers say many times: when you are faced with an active shooter, it is critical to engage them as quickly as possible. If you are nearby when somebody begins a shooting spree, you should immediately get to some place where you can return fire. Yes, it’s dangerous, but it appears to be the only way to stop the carnage while there are still people who can be saved. And if you don’t currently carry a gun, then, unless there’s some specific reason you can’t, it’s long past time to go get trained and licensed to carry a concealed firearm.
I know some of you are thinking right now that you don’t want to live in a world where you have to be prepared to kill people. I don’t want to live in that kind of world either. But the universe doesn’t care what either of us wants. The bald fact is that you do live in that world. Conduct yourself accordingly. Work to change the situation, but until it changes, be prepared to deal with the world as it is now, not as you want it to someday be. If going armed gives you the ability to save the life of just one child, isn’t that worth some personal discomfort? Save a life; carry a gun.
