This month's issue of the View features the second of two interviews with former law enforcement personnel. The topic once again is gun-control legislation in the United States. The subject of this interview is "Terri". The questions she will be asked are the same that were asked of "Mark" in last month's issue.
Terri was involved in law enforcement for close to twenty years, serving first as a patrolman, then as a detective. Prior to that, she was in the Oregon Army National Guard for nine and a half years; leaving with the rank of Sergeant.
The View: What is your overall attitude towards current proposed national legislation regarding gun-control, ie: background checks, assault weapons, limited capacity clips, etc.?
Terri: I think they are a good idea, but like all things that the government is involved in, there will be too many loop holes and exceptions. Currently, we do background checks for buying a new gun, but allow anyone to buy at a gun show. The laws have to be very black and white. I don't see this happening.
The View: Many changes have taken place since the days of muskets, militias, and the drafting of the second amendment to the constitution.
Terri: This is true, however, the second amendment is still in effect, and we are obligated to protect and uphold it. I know that is a short answer, but really, as police officers and government officials, we take an oath. So, until that changes, we have to stand by it.
The View: Do you believe that all "qualified" citizens are still obliged to bear arms for the sake of self-protection?
Terri: Absolutely! If I were a bad guy, I would think twice about burglarizing or robbing someone who could "potentially" have a gun. We would be in a world of hurt if only the "dirt bags" had the guns. It is kind of like saying, "The guy with the most gold makes the rules." I take some comfort in knowing that my neighbors and friends, and family have guns.
The View: Do arms-bearing citizens help or hinder the cause of law enforcement?
Terri: Help. There are not enough cops out there to take care of everyone and every situation. We need to police ourselves more and more. I have never had a problem with an armed citizen. (Only bad guys) I worked swing-shift on Mt. Hood by myself for 7 years. I had a good relationship with all the local truck drivers, and I know that a few of them carried guns. I also know that they would cover my back if the (expletive) hit the fans.
The View: Can you conceive of a justifiable reason for anyone not employed by the military or law enforcement to own an AR-15, AK-47, or any other type of assault weapon?
Terri: Well, yes. I think all guns are the same. It is the person holding it that makes the difference. I can inflict as much, if not more damage with a shot-gun. The magazines for most guns can be altered and jerry rigged
to hold a lot of bullets. I can take my Glock 40, which is a semi-automatic, the same as an AR-15, and rig the magazine to hold 30 bullets. So it is now what is referred to as an assault weapon. It really is just a label.
(Ed. note: The opinions expressed in this interview are not necessarily those held by the editorial staff of The View. HLR)
