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 (Editorial
Continued)
I
do not believe that this terrible tragedy that occurred at the
World Trade Center and the Pentagon would have occurred if there
was an off-duty, armed police officer on board or even if
private citizens that had concealed carry weapons (CCW) permits
and were allowed to carry their firearms on the airplane. Though
I don't expect a regular CCW person to ever be allowed to
carry a firearm onboard an airplane, certainly we should support
the pilots being able to do so, as well as off-duty police
personnel.
(NOTE: At the time of this
printing, the good news is that there has been no change to the
policies for the transportation of firearms and ammunition in
checked, locked baggage placed in the aircraft's hold.)
As I listen and learn and cry
out at this terrible tragedy, I think about how we must appear
as Americans, traveling the world or viewed from afar. Where I
see strength in our nation of immigrants, pride in our liberties
such as freedom of religion and speech, and the right to protect
ourselves as individuals and families, others have seen a
society where social mores may corrupt young children and
violate fundamental religious tenets. Where I feel pride in the
power of economic success, others feel anger and jealousy at our
excesses.
As we prepare for war, we must
also prepare for a time when war will be over, a time when we
must go on, rebuild what we can, fill the voids with more
diplomacy, and have more understanding of one another, more
awareness of America's unique power to be an example of
humanity's best, and more attention given to where we have
failed our fellow human beings. Until that time, we must band
together as American citizens, regardless of nationality or
religious beliefs, and stand strong against those who jeopardize
our freedoms.
Happy Trails and Keep Your
Powder Dry,
Chucky
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