Facts About Guns

While it is understandable that people fear what they do not understand, and while it is understandable that many people believe more guns equals more crime - all evidence points to the contrary. In fact, Maine is rated the safest state in the country and is a permitless carry state. This means that anyone who can legally posess a firearm can carry the firearm, loaded, without a special license or permit. Maine is closely followed by other states, not only as permitless carry states, but simultaneously as some of the most safely rated states in the nation.


Countless cases can be found in which responsibly armed, law abiding citizens have been present before police could arrive, and were able to stop a crime in progress, maintaining safety until police were able to arrive. Most law enforcement officers would even agree that responsibly armed citizens are a positive force.


The responsibility of owning a firearm for the law abiding citizen is enormous. The mindset required for responsibly owning a firearm is built on a foundation of awareness, attention to detail, cautiousness, smart decision making, decisiveness, preparedness, and thoughtfullness. These attributes carry over into many other facets of a responsible lifestyle.


Just as a saw will not cut off your hand if you follow proper safety precautions, a gun will not discharge unintentionally if you follow proper safety precautions. As an inanimate object, a firearm requires outside influence to perform it's function. Without outside influence, a firearm is no more than an expensive paperweight. 


While the right to keep and bear arms, and protect yourself and your loved ones is an inherent and inalienable right, it is a right weighted with responsibility. Anyone who takes on this responsibility has a moral obligation to obtain the necessary training, develop the necessary mindset, and practice to become and to remain proficient and safe.