Often times we tease friends, family and relatives by using the phrase, "Ignorance is bliss" when we catch them daydreaming or when they don't understand or comprehend a particular subject or situation. Unfortunately, in this day and age, ignorance can be downright deadly.
           As I contemplated how in-depth I wanted to get with this article I came across hundreds and hundreds of examples of accidents and tragedies caused by stupidity, ignorance and carelessness. None of the items I read were pleasing and many put either a lump in my throat or a fire in my belly.
           As we live our lives each day we are constantly reminded of the dangers facing society due to the criminal elements as well as the reality of accidents that can seem to plague even the most careful and cautious individual.
           The majority of society often times gets caught up in the 'I know it' or 'I can do that' way of thinking. Many are either unwilling or unable to admit that they don't know something and cannot or will not ask for help, guidance or training. This is when the danger begins.
           Ignorance can begin with the person who handles a firearm without first having the proper knowledge of firearm safety and the rules that must be adhered to. This one simple lesson can be taught in a minimum of time and be useful for a lifetime. Without it the consequences can be devastating… unintended discharge of the firearm resulting in property damage, serious bodily injury or even death.
           The individual who owns a firearm must ensure that they not only know how to properly handle that firearm but they must also be extremely proficient with it in order to reduce the enormous liability (criminal and civil) that comes with ownership. Proper storage and safekeeping is also of paramount importance. A child who gains access to that handgun has the potential to take a human life, even if by accident. The liability for the owner of that firearm can result in financial ruin, possible jail time as well as severe emotional distress as a result of the accident.
           Learning the lessons necessary to be a responsible gun owner is the first step to erasing ignorance. With knowledge comes a certain level of comfort and confidence. Realistically, comfort and confidence can be measured by the degree of knowledge a person has in a particular subject.
           Having a firearm available for target shooting, hunting or self-defense is an individual choice guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment. Unfortunately many people stop there. Common sense tells us that if we are to have a tool available to us, then we must be as proficient as possible with that tool to ensure that the tool performs the tasks that we require of it when the times comes.
           Remember, just because you have a firearm doesn't mean that you can't or won't be shot. Just because you have a firearm doesn't mean you can't or won't be killed. Reality doesn't work the same as the fantasy world we see everyday on television.
           Ultimately your fate, your sanity, your well-being will be decided and affected by your decisions when it comes to 'how much do I want to know'. Knowledge is power and you have the power to wipe out ignorance, stupidity and carelessness with every lesson that you learn and how well you live those lessons everyday.

Copyright © 2002 William D. (Bill) Slater, Jr. This article was published in the Mar./Apr. 2002 (Vol. 6 No.2) issue of The Concealed Handgun, the official publication of the Texas Concealed Handgun Association.

Copyright © 1997 - 2024 Handgun Safety Training Corporation | Firearms/Defensive Tactics Training Academy | 7970 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 101-274  | San Antonio, Texas 78229