by Kathleen Gennaro
Director of Women's Policy, Gun Owners of America

The purpose of this writing is to issue a challenge to the men America who believe they really love their wives, their daughters,sons and their families. If I had the opportunity to face each one of you and ask you some questions about the depth of that love, I believe that you wouldn't be able to answer me. Why am I challenging you?

Because I want to see your wives have peace, contentment, respect and a deep trust in you. If they have that trust, don't you think that your life, as well as that of your entire family, would be enhanced? Let me explain why I am asking these questions, and why I feel compelled to write this. Security means a great deal to your wife and your family. You provide that to them because of your love and commitment to each one. What if it should suddenly all be taken from them? What will happen to them if you weren't there? How would they be provided for? Most of us don't think about the future, especially when it relates to anything outside of our cozy, present little world i.e., work, house, school, activities, etc.

Now that I have mentioned all this, I am going to take my life experiences and challenge both you and your wife. to look at your lives and ask some pertinent questions about the depth of your concern and love for one another. First however, I offer some self background. I am a mother with three grown children, one boy and two girls, each, out on their own, one of whom is also a parent. I have been a single parent since my youngest daughter was eight years old and she is now 26. (See how fast time flies!) Having been married, with the provisions of an ample family income and a home with all the trimmings, life seemed nice, comfortable, and with the children, sometimes exciting. Situations arose, life changed and I wasn't prepared for what happened - specifically in the areas of safety, and the financial security of my family.

I wish to approach the topic of "security" into two parts, first financial; followed by self reliance and protection. Both spouses need to think deeply about what I am going to share with you. Remember, one additional area that is just as important (and I don't want you to think that I am a doom and gloom person, I am really just the opposite) death also brings the same problems and conflicts that separation and divorce create. Admit it, we are all going to die someday, we just don't like to think about it so we avoid doing what we know we have a responsibility to do. As for the area of financial responsibility, it amazes me how few wives and older (adult) children have any understanding as to the nature of the familial financial situation, i.e.; bank accounts, stocks, bonds or other financial investments, most specifically in the realm of life insurance policies. In the event of the death of the family "breadwinner," in this example, husband or father; how few wives are aware of who to contact in regards to the claims on said policy? This is not meant to sound morose, but at one time, you "took out" the policy to provide for your family's financial security and well being in the event of your death. It becomes imperative that this kind of information be shared with your spouse now - before it's too late. We will explore more about the financial aspects of your family's welfare in the future, but for now I felt that it was important to give something to think about.

Once apart from my husband, protecting my family was the key factor that helped me to understand love in a way I didn't comprehend or even knew existed. Since I was now the bread winner and my children were dependent upon me, I realized that I needed to make sure they would be safe and protected. Realizing that my children wouldn't understand the depth of my feelings for safety, I spent as much time as I felt was needed to explain and teach them what I could about self protection. During that period, we didn't have anyone around us as we were living in God's country, near the top of a ski slope - and most people were going down the hill, rather fast! Punning aside, it was a desolate area and safety and protection from animals was another area that we had to concern ourselves with. We needed common sense and the knowledge of how to handle a situation in a responsible manner. So I write this, and ask you dads and husbands, who will protect your very special loved ones when you aren't around whether you are working late, away on business, or asleep in the arms of the Lord? Society now isn't like the "Leave it to Beaver" days when you went out and left your homes unlocked. We didn't have security systems installed in our homes then.

Men need to understand that, in addition to yourself, your family needs to learn about the Second Amendment, from the laws, to education on firearms; to include what is the best type of firearm for each ones need, how to use it properly to include attendance of safety classes, how to clean the weapon and most importantly, the showing of respect through proper handling. Children learn to use a bat to hit a ball from the time they learn to walk. They learn to read a book by kindergarten and show the respect for the bat and the book - a gun should be treated no differently. It is you, the father and the husband, who must instill the respect and use of that gun - for their safety.

Lets go back even further, before "Leave it to Beaver." Remember studying the Revolutionary War in school as a child? Clear the cob webs - yes - it is in the history books or should I say, I truly hope it is and taught properly. You can check that out - I did my time. If you recall, the colonists left England to attain freedom here. They wanted their own homes, freedom to practice their religion, freedom of speech and all that became our Constitution and its subsequent Bill of Rights. When King George continued to dictate to the colonists, they said, "enough!" and took up their weapons to protect and keep what was theirs. Is the fog clearing yet?

Men, think about your family in this situation. The women "stood by their men" (Hillary doesn't need to read that part), and helped, by loading and firing the weapons. If they had not worked together as a team, all they had worked for would have been taken from them. Can you imagine yourself in that scenario? Move further up in history to the settlements of the west. Think of the wagon trains traveling this vast, unsettled country - all alone - and where they went. Have you ever been through Donner's Pass? I cannot comprehend how a wagon could have traveled that region. Before they came near the pass - if they made it alive - the settlers fought Indians, robbers/bandits, wild animals and bad weather.

What would have happened if they had no weapons for self defense and protection? The women and children learned all about weapons from the time they were born, it was a part of everyday life, just as driving a car is part of your everyday life. Let's move on in time to the Civil War era. The war lasted a long time but we can say that during those years the men, women and children took a stand, just as their ancestors had done during the Revolutionary War. They had all fought very hard for what they believed were their God given rights. Besides survival, a weapon was needed for hunting to provide food for the family. Hunting in this present day is consider a sport and/or a pastime. What do you think would have happened if King George and his English army had beaten the original patriots and had required that every handgun and rifle had to be turned in?

As society grew and progress helped this nation expand, our life styles changed but I ask you this question; are we any better off now than we were two-hundred years ago when King George tried to control the people of this nation? If today, you placed the names of the majority of our congressional leaders, or even the President himself where King George's name once was, explain the difference to me - or to your family. There would appear to be none.

The other part of protecting your family, is teaching them how to exercise their God given rights. The Second Amendment reads "A well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Do you see the word "Right?" It's not spelled "P-R-I-V-I-L-E-G-E." That is the word that anti-gun factions such as Hand Gun Control use to coerce and confuse the gullible, general public, because most Americans don't know or care to know their RIGHTS.

It is your obligation to teach your family how Congress works and how to interact, first on the local, then state and federal levels with all your elected officials. These people are elected by us and if we fail to vote and continue to be informed and involved, and by "chance" the wrong person does win, then we'd better be prepared to stop legislation in its tracks. Learn how to write, fax or e-mail letters to these people, to newspapers, to the organizations holding these people accountable - make phone calls and let them hear your voice! If you aren't sure how to write a letter to your representative, call Gun Owners of America, and we will be glad to assist and guide you. So many people have given the supreme sacrifice for this nation so we could maintain right to be free. Don't let their spilt blood and all this great nation once stood for go to waste. Once your freedom has been taken away, you may never have it again.

I ask the men of America to give this some thought; for whatever reason you may not be home, will your wife, the mother of your children, know what to do if someone comes into your home or a group of people attack your family while they are shopping? Will your children know what to do?

According to the National Crime Victimization Survey conducted by the Justice Department, the chance of serious injury from an attack is 2.5 times greater for women offering no resistance than for those resisting with a gun. People use guns defensively about 2.5 million times each year, and 98% of the time, simply brandishing the weapon is enough to stop an attack. In further surveys, convicted felons say that while committing crimes, they worry more about armed citizens than about the police.

You are the role model for your family - mentor if you prefer that term - but take the time to think about these things for your family's safety is vital. Learn to use the Boy Scout motto and "Be Prepared." In the society of the late 1990's, in the absence of, or in spite of lack of male support, women have become the fastest growing segment of weapon purchasers in our country. They are making purchases based upon knowledge and education. Whether that woman is your wife, your sister, your mother or your daughter or son, be there to support and guide them. If the family is nervous or afraid of guns, then take them to self defense classes.

One of the first things you, as the head of your household, can and should do, is to show your family your love by teaching them about the Second Amendment and its importance in relation to the other "Rights" of the laws of our land. The Second Amendment isn't a "man thing." Women do like feeling protected and cared for, I don't care what they NOW may say in opposition to it. WE, the females, need and want your help and support. Give it to us. If something happened to your wife and/or family because of your neglect, would you be able to live with your answer? If you have daughters, you need to remember that someday you won't be around to protect them. Who will? I have two daughters, and don't think they haven't been taught how to protect themselves. My son also knows the value of protection, especially since he now has his own family.

"Respect" - a very important word, but a word that is not honored. Why did I make that statement? Because lack of respect is one of the primary reasons for domestic abuse. "Respect" seems to be a lost word in our society today.. Are you teaching your sons respect for women? Webster describes respect, "... to consider worthy of high regard-esteem." Respect has to be taught and it is up to the fathers to teach that to your sons. Your wife, the mother of your children, needs to be respected and honored. Is she? Domestic abuse is one of the leading issues anti-gunners use to destroy our rights. Abuse is also passed down to younger generations. Children see what they live. Look around you and ask yourself, "is this what I want for my children?" God gives us one life, don't abuse His blessings for you and your family. Help your family and help this nation return to the greatness it was founded on.