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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 14, 2012)
in other words The Gun Doctor: Gun-Free Zones By Wolfgang Rotbart In the wake of the Aurora, Colo- rado, movie theater shootings, there has been a lot of discussion regarding how, or even if, this tragedy could have been prevented. This is a proper and reason- able response to a horrific crime and I would like to address this topic. I intend to have a second part to this next month, as it is a very encompassing discussion. One of the most often touted suggestions for reducing mass shootings and other violent crime is to increase the number of so-called “Gun-Free Zones”. I must admit this one is so ludicrous upon even the most casual examination of the facts, that it is difficult to maintain a professional attitude. Virtually every one of the mass shootings in the past few years have been in so-called “Gun-Free Zones.” I prefer the more accurate term “victim disarma- ment zones”. There has never been one documented case of a “gun-free zone” sign stopping anyone intent on commit- ting a crime. Never. Is there anyone who seriously believes that placing a “Do Not Rob” sign on every business door would re- duce robberies? Well, of course not, but many people seem to accept that a “gun-free zone” sign would. The only ones who obey such silly signs are law- abiding citizens who pose virtually no threat and are quite often responsible for aborting violent crimes. Yes, that’s correct, there are many documented instances of law- abiding gun owners who stop these ram- pages before they start or at least end them quickly with minimal loss of life. Even a casual Internet search provides reams of evidence from reputable news sources to support this. Somehow, this never seems to make it into the national news. As I read on one blog, “A mas- sacre is a story. Thwarting a massacre isn’t.” I doubt that hardly anyone has heard about the shooting spree by a student at a law school in Virginia. On the other hand, I’m sure many remem- ber the massacre at Virginia Tech a few years ago. In the first instance, two le- gally armed students intervened with the result of 3 killed, 3 wounded; in the other, the unarmed victims, 32 killed, 17 wounded, just waited their turn to be ex- ecuted. Virginia Tech was a “gun-free zone,” the law school was not. Much more recently, a legally armed man stopped a knife-wielding man from carving up even more folks at a market in Salt Lake City. Luckily for the victims in this case, the market was Creature Comforts ~ Changes not a “gun-free zone”. And the list goes on and on. Do a quick Internet search on this subject and include “Israel” and you’ll be truly amazed at how often those folks successfully deal with mur- derous attacks. Much of the population is armed and for good reason. You have to admit, these folks are serious and ef- fective when it comes to self-defense. It has been shown that the vast majority of these mass shooting maniacs have two criteria in mind when they plan their attacks: a crowded, public place (a “target-rich environment” in military terms) and the high probability of un- armed victims. It’s just safer and more effective to shoot crowds of unarmed people. These people may be insane, but they are most certainly not stupid and of- ten show meticulous detail in planning their attacks. So, what can be done be done to prevent these mass shootings? “Gun-free zones” have never been shown to prevent even one single attack and seems to actually promote them. For an amazing number of peo- ple, the obvious answer to this lack of effectiveness is “Make more Gun-Free Zones!” However, since the “gun-free” By Michal Smith First, we are downsizing the number of live animals kept in the store at any one time. Feed, medication, The retail industry in general is ever and general care costs have risen dramatically in changing and so must Creatures if we wish to the past couple of years and only continue to rise continue serving this awesome community. We’ve and we cannot pass along those costs to new pet all heard the adage “change or die” and Creatures owners who can find animals cheaper direct from Pet Store is changing to avert the latter. We’ve breeders or friends etc. And pet food manufactures already begun undergoing some changes inside the no longer offer free samples of food which would store you may have already noticed. typically assist offset internal costs. S e c o n d l y, we have been tracking our traffic and sales data over The Friends of the Library this fundraising by the Friends of the the past 18 months would like to thank everyone who Library. very closely. At this The summer’s successful donated and purchased books during time, it only makes the annual Jamboree Book Sale. This reading program for youngsters, Dream good business sense sale is the main fundraising event of Big—READ!, ended with the entry in the to change our hours this organization whose main purpose Jamboree parade. All of the participants of operation to be is to supplement library programs and in this program deserve thanks for a job closed on Mondays materials. Books for children, a family WELL DONE!. Programs like this can which follow the pass to OMSI, snacks and supplies for only succeed with the encouragement traffic and sales the after school program, computer and support of parents and with the trend to date. If in equipment, overnight lodging for dedication of volunteers who freely authors and entertainers, programs for give of their time to assist the staff and the future a new adults and children, and movie licensing youngsters. demand were to On the Shelves - What’s Happening at the Vernonia Library august14 2012 7 concept has shown itself to be totally in- effective and worse, I would suggest the opposite approach. Encourage “Peace- ful, Law-Abiding Gun Owners Wel- come” zones. You may not stop a deter- mined shooting attack if armed, but it’s almost guaranteed you won’t if you’re not armed. Ever hear of a mass shooting at a gun show? Follow-up information to topics in this and other articles can be found on the “Resources” page on The Gun Doc- tor home page (www.wolfgangthegun- doctor.com). I welcome ideas for topics for these articles. Please email them to: Wolfgang@WolfgangTheGunDoctor. com, or call me at 503-429-7342 10:00 – 5:00 M – F Wolfgang Rotbart is an AGI-certified Master Gunsmith and a NRA-certified Basic Pistol Course Instructor. He works as a gunsmith and as an Oregon Concealed Handgun Safety Course In- structor. You may visit The Gun Doctor website for more information at: http:// www.wolfgangthegundoctor.com emerge to the contrary, we will certainly respond. Third, we will be clearing out used, overstock, and “one of a kind” inventory items via “clearance” sales and in store incentives so that we can focus space and monies on a more relative and comprehensive product selection of commonly used and desired items. Lastly, we will continually be working to improve our services so that we can best meet pet owner needs locally. Our long term efforts will be evolving along the way so we encourage you to check in from time to time and see what’s new or is available right here in your own backyard! We are so thankful for all the support this community has shown us and we feel so blessed to open up this store each morning. We know we’ll continue to have your understanding and support through these necessary changes. That being said, we welcome your feedback anytime via email at creatures@frontier.com or in person. Our new hours of operation are: Tues-Fri 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM and Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed Sun & Mon. ***Please note we will be closed Saturday, August 18th to attend a Pet Industry Trade Show! For fast cash! 010412 are just some of the positive results of Silkscreen printing Printing while you wait for small orders Vinyl lettering and heat transfers Now featuring Teams, groups, special events Astoria Brewing beers Growlers To Go Smoke House Ribs 2245 Baseline St., Cornelius (Across from Fred Meyer) 503-530-8119 State Licensed PB-0388 Open everyday at 9 a.m. See our hours and music schedule on facebook Birkenfeld country store and cafe Hoodies, dress shirts, aprons & more No order too large or too small No set-up fees 11139 Highway 202 (503) 755-2722 711 Bridge Street, Vernonia (503) 433-4278 kavila@kaptanskraft.com
