So how does a peace-loving, anti-war female wind up with a Smith and Wesson .38 Special and a membership in the National Rifle Association? Partly because I’m a country-girl at heart and partly because I believe in Americans’ rights to defend themselves.

Most of you know me as someone who is passive and a believer in world peace. On the other hand, I was raised in a small southern town so I’m naturally at ease around guns and people who own them.

My first experience with guns was at the age of nine when I was first introduced to a 30.06. Even though it was a very powerful rifle, it felt completely natural to hold it in my hands. Since then, I have fired a large number of guns and have been comfortable with all of them as well. Growing up around members of my father’s side of the family, there were so many types of weapons, we alone could have defended the United States – and won! Needless to say, I come from a family of red-blooded, proud gun-toting Americans.

Even though I vehemently believe in world peace and despise war, I have come to the realization that in today’s society, self-protection has become a major concern and problem in this country.

I can remember as a child, the days when no one locked their doors and had to be afraid of intruders in the night. Carjackings were unheard of and attacks in parking lots were virtually non-existent. Nowadays we have all of the above threats plus unarmed women alone having to watch over their shoulder just to do simple tasks such as shopping, going to the grocery store and trying to be home before nightfall. 

We cannot rely on the police for our protection. As John Longenecker mentioned in his book, Transfer of Wealth: The case for nationwide concealed carry:

“ Police have no mandate to protect individuals.”

Mr. Longenecker very correctly points out that the individual is the first line of defense – a “first responder”. We as individuals have the ability to keep violence from occurring or escalating by being armed. We can thwart a would-be attacker, very often by merely having the weapon. It is our resistance that will stop criminals.

The fact is that about two-thirds of the states allow concealed carry. It is also a fact that crime statistics are much lower in those states!

Those who would try to say that it isn’t the guns but instead other factors that cause this are missing the point. Most of us with any sense know better – when crooks know that there’s a good chance that they may be approaching a pistol-packing mama, they’ll probably think better of it.

Which brings me to my point. I have decided to join the ranks of the law-abiding citizens who carry a handgun. For Christmas, “Santa” (better known as Chip McLean, CHCH editor) got me a beautiful, brand new Smith and Wesson .38 Special. In addition, I am scheduled to take the required training for a concealed carry permit. I am proud to do my part on taking back my country from those who would create mayhem.

I have also made the decision to join the NRA. The founders gave we as citizens our right to bear arms, and the NRA is at the forefront of preserving those rights.

So the peace-lover meets the peacemaker. Peace does come from strength. Ronald Reagan, the president who ended the cold war without firing a shot knew it – and so do I.

I encourage all law-abiding citizens to follow in my footsteps, not only to protect your home, yourself and your family – but also to protect our 2nd Amendment rights from those who would try to take them away from us.

Let’s show the criminal that it is we who are in charge – not they.

Lauren McLean is the co-owner of Capitol Hill Coffee House. She loves animals and the great outdoors - especially the Colorado Rockies. Her politics are something of a mixed bag - usually conservative, but is also a great defender of the environment. But as she has at times wryly noted, “What could be more conservative than to be a conservationist”.