It is no coincidence that the mass shootings that have taken place recently happened in so-called “Gun Free Zones”.
The very concept of a “gun free zone” is flawed from the start. If a person with criminal intent plans to kill someone or a mass of people, there are already a bunch of laws they are going to break.
Is it not enough that murder is already illegal, or that robbing a bank at gun point or for that matter knife-point is illegal? What type of genius does it take to realize that a sign at the door of the theater in Aurora, Colorado was not going to deter the crazed killer that murdered 12 people and injured 58 others?
A look into the facts surround the shooting indicates there were several other movie theaters within a few miles of the shooters home. Unlike Michigan, Colorado law allows concealed permit holders to carry their firearms into theaters. The theater selected by the shooter was not the closest one showing the film that night, it was however the only theater that voluntarily chose to be a “Gun Free Zone” .
Statistics have shown that concealed permit holders are far more likely to be law abiding than average citizen and likely to obey a gun free zone sign. The Colorado shooter chose a venue where he was not likely encounter an armed citizen that could have put a stop to his plan.
Looking at past mass shootings shows a pattern with this type of cowardly act taking place in schools, theaters, malls, college campuses and churches… All places where law abiding citizens are prevented from defending themselves. Please note the lack of mass shootings at gun stores, gun ranges, gun shows, and police stations.
There is also another pattern with these shootings; in all cases it takes someone with a gun to stop the killing. That person may be a Law Enforcement Officer or in many cases an armed private citizen.
There are two types of Gun Free Zones: those mandated by law or ordinance, and those voluntarily designated by groups or businesses. As a gun owner and permit holder there are several ways to deal with these potentially dangerous locations.
Avoid them when possible, In Michigan I know people that will not go to a theater anymore, relying on the many other home entertainment choices available. Michigan allows you to carry in a place of worship with the consent of the Pastor, Minister, Priest, Rabbi, etc…talk to them about your concern Use an online stamp program and drop box to avoid U.S. Post Office property. Be prepared and be sure you know and understand the CPL laws.
Businesses that prohibit guns are a completely different story. I make it a point to NOT do business with any store that has posted a “No Guns” sign. I make it a point to tell the owner, (not the kid behind the counter) why I will no longer be spending my money at their store. I carry a supply of cards in my wallet designed by the Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners (MCRGO) that explains this is in detail to the store owner. http://mcrgo.org/mcrgo/d_no_gun_signs.asp
If you e-mail me, I will forward you a template to print out your own cards.
Next month: When you can’t avoid a “Gun Free Zone”
Until then …….Safe Shooting!