Santa’s Packing Heat
What did he say? That can’t be true. We have seen that certain imposter Santa’s seems to be anti-gun in shopping malls and in movies like A Christmas Story. There was a recent video posted online that showed a shopping mall Santa telling a small child that he would not bring him a gun. “Not even a nerf gun.”
See video link here: Daily Wire.
Is there something to this story that can be used as an educational moment? I think so.
I believe that Santa would be in favor of young people learning gun safety. Don’t you? Why would Santa want children to be oblivious to the dangers of mishandling firearms. Wouldn’t he rather want all children to know what to do if they encounter a gun? I am sure we can all agree that the possibility exists that children may come across firearms at some point in their lives. I would hope that families and teachers would do their very best to educate their children about what they should do. I have written about cases of tragedies previously (see: HERE). I have also written about what should be done, and the programs available to help both parents and teachers talk about this topic. These and other incidents could and should have been prevented. Education is the key.
Did you know that during World War II, Santa was instrumental in educating young people about gun safety and encouraging families to become familiar with firearms and their safe handling. It was wartime and the need to be prepared seemed all too obvious.
“He was also wrapped in more militaristic iconography. The War Production Board produced a poster of a jolly, gun-toting Santa with a rifle over his shoulder that blared, ‘Santa Claus Has Gone to War!’ Gone is St. Nick’s familiar red suit and hat, replaced by a drab olive army uniform and helmet. Another War Production Board propaganda poster showed Santa along with airplanes and munitions with the tidings: ‘Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Fight.'”(History.com)
I wasn’t around at the time, but I am sure that our nation was a different place. Probably due to the fact that guns were a part of our preparedness plan.
In my speaking with people about my firearms training business, I find that while some individuals have some experience with firearms, most have had very little exposure. Most people who have expressed anti-gun beliefs don’t own a gun and have no interest in owning one. Others tell stories that they have been told about the lack of gun laws that are in place and how this has led to these previously mentioned tragedies. Even others claim that being a gun owner means that “you don’t care about children.” Or at the most extreme, “If you are not for gun laws, you are a murderer.” I have heard the question being asked: “Why do you need to own something specifically designed to kill people?” The intense opposition to firearms has been promoted by the media that takes every opportunity to show the dark evil that exists in this world. Just to be clear, this evil exists and will persist with or without the presence of firearms in our society.
I have no problem with people choosing not to own a firearm due to their own beliefs. What I have a problem with is when others begin to choose what I can do with my personal beliefs. Why is it that some believe that they should be able to choose what I can do with my personal freedoms. These are God given rights to protect myself and those I love. The purpose for the second amendment was to secure this right. Not to create it, but to protect it.
We are about to enter a period of anti-gun leadership in our country. Yes, our next President may push his belief that you as an individual have no right to defend yourself with firearms. This same person believes that shooting two blasts from a shotgun will do the trick. “Buy a shotgun.” he says. By the way, in his explanation of “going out on the porch and shooting the gun in the air” reveals something that is already considered illegal in most parts of our country. (Discharge of a Firearm within City Limits). In addition, the process of going outside reduces your ability to claim self-defense via the Castle Doctrine Laws – (read about the state of Ohio Laws and your responsibilities here – page 19) Do you see the ignorance of the law in our leadership? I do. His description is actually a very dangerous act that would put the innocent at risk by being carefree in shooting into the air. That is, if he loaded his shotgun with buckshot (which is a preferred family defense round), he would not be able to predict where that heavy round would land. Would it hit a neighbor? A child? A passing vehicle? No one can predict. If he used a less than preferred round (maybe #8 shot) this might be less of an issue, but if the criminals heard the shot pebbles landing in the trees, that double barreled shotgun is not only empty, but it was also loaded with something that would do little to stop a criminal from advancing. Now that it is empty…let’s see how that works out for you. Additionally, taking that step outside would also eliminate his claim of self-defense due to advancing toward the threat. If you are in your own home, you are not required to retreat – but when you walk outside – you have become the aggressor. This is ignorance of both the present laws as well as firearms in general. Wouldn’t it be better to have individuals that understand firearms be the ones who write these laws?
As for arguments that firearms are only needed by the Police or the Military, I beg to differ. When was the last time you were calling the police? Was it when you were threatened in some way? Maybe it was following a robbery or other violent act that had occurred. Notice something here? You called in need of police, but you had to wait for them to show up. Sometimes, far after the violence occurred. I am not against police, on the contrary, I am fully for the police. I also understand that they RESPOND to crime…after the fact. YOU are the first defender in any criminal act against you. While you are on the phone with the police, the intruder is making entry into your home. That phone call is not going to stop them from getting in. Once they get in, that phone in your hand might be used as a projectile to throw at the intruder – but it most likely won’t stop them. Once the police arrive, they secure the area and if needed, draw and use their firearms with the objective of stopping the threat. A good guy with a gun saves the day.
Just a side note: I have owned firearms for over thirty years. Handguns, rifles, shotguns, an AR-15 as well. I have gone through many thousands of rounds during this thirty year time period – and have not killed any animal or human being. If these firearms are solely created for killing – why is it that I am not killing with them? Would you say that I am doing something wrong? I believe that claiming that firearms are only for killing is a terrible argument. It belies the countless times a firearm is used to stop violence, or to end tyranny. It completely fails to recognize that the invention of firearms has more likely saved many many more lives due to its being used as a deterrent. The old adage “the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun, is a good guy with a gun.” That phone just is not going to cut it.
Instead of avoiding a potentially uncomfortable conversation, maybe instead, we should have it. Talk about firearm safety. Take a class. Research some of the topics that I have mentioned. Take a CCW class from Barrage of Shots Firearms Training so that you would be better informed about firearm safety as well as your responsibilities as a firearm owner. Owning a gun to defend your home is not enough. Get trained. Educate yourself on state laws. Speak with an attorney. Protect yourself and your family by pulling your head out of the sand and taking the action necessary to make our society a safer place. One good guy with a gun at a time.
This imposter Santa has no business telling a child that he is not allowed to have a gun. While this shopping mall Santa may feel good about his anti-gun policy, this Santa falls into the same category of others who hope to take guns away from law-abiding citizens. He is protected by shopping mall security or law enforcement. In some circumstances – Santa himself is packing heat. Who else would be better able to defend the sleigh from criminals? This right jolly old elf. That’s who. I am sure that the real Santa takes gun ownership seriously and so should you.
One last thing: The family of this young man have asked that those interested in sending gifts – do so instead to their newly created mission to help those in need during this Christmas season. Support them by visiting their Facebook page (link here) and support this amazing “magical” event.
In the meantime…I hope to see you at the range.
Tim Barrage
Owner – Barrage of Shots Firearms Training