Totally stepping away from the normal platform of this site.

A constant drama is played out on social media about gun control. I do not have a convincing argument for or against gun laws. However I do have a strong opinion for those who choose conceal carry. To preface this post please remember I am not saying you are wrong or right.

I was in the crossfire of gang shootings at three different times while living in Aurora, Ill. All three times the shootings took just a few seconds. No warning before people started shooting at each other. In the first instance the shots ended before I could figure out what was happening. The second time I immediately took cover knowing what was happening. The third time I was angry enough to want to do something about it.

As I stated there was no warning before the shootings began. There almost never is. For the sake of this scenario you have a three-second warning.

A shooter enters a store where you are shopping. You have been fully trained and are carrying a loaded pistol. You have to decide the threat level. Do you run and hide, or stand and fight? Where is your gun? Is there a clear shot? Are you within the laws boundaries to kill the shooter?

It took about 14 seconds to read the last paragraph. You only had three seconds of warning from the shooter… You are now suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Here is the point. That gun may be giving a false sense of security. If you are not willing to die then you are not willing to take a life without hesitation.

I hope no person reading this is ever in an active shooter situation. I also hope that you think with clarity before making any decisions about owning guns. Protecting yourself and others come with a great amount of responsibility. Sometimes it comes with a lifetime of regret.

Rev. Burt Schwab