by Patrick H. Moore
Although I lack statistics to prove that the U.S. civilian population is the most heavily armed in the world, I am quite certain that it is becoming progressively more heavily armed (though perhaps not in my rather peaceful Southern California suburban neighborhood). Not only are we as a nation become more heavily armed; more and more of us across the land are obtaining concealed weapons permits.
The Three Traditional Manly Desires:
Back in the day, many red-blooded American boys fervently desired three things. One, to lose their virginity (note that in today’s new open society this can take the form of either hetero or gay sex); two, to get their driver’s licenses; and three, to reach the legal drinking age as quickly as possible.
I realize, of course, that I am generalizing and that there always were (and certainly are today) many exceptions. In fact, many young men today choose chastity until marriage — often based on religious beliefs. One can probably safely assume that many of these same chaste young men are probably in no hurry to reach the legal drinking age. (I think we can assume that even the chaste in-no-hurry-to-drink crowd probably want to obtain their driver’s licenses as soon as possible.)
So, perhaps, I would be on more solid ground to speak only for myself. When I was a teenager many eons ago I desired three things: to lose my virginity which I managed with some ease; to obtain my driver’s license which I barely managed (I nearly hit a pedestrian during my driving test but the some reason the instructor cut me some slack); and to reach the legal drinking age, which took a long time (in California the age has always been 21).
The Fourth Manly (and Womanly) Desire:
Now, it appears, there is a fourth manly (and in many cases womanly) coming of age goal that young people look forward to obtaining. The goal is simple: First, obtain your very own firearm, and second, AND THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART, obtain your concealed weapons permit. To be a real guy (or gal), you not only need to possess your very own firearm; you need to be able to carry concealed.
In fact, all 50 US states now offer concealed weapons permits, although training and requirements vary.
This, however, is not without its drawbacks, as 26-year-old Ohio wannabe concealed weapons carrier, Michael Piemonte, learned the hard way. Ohio, to its credit, has fairly stringent requirements. Residents seeking a concealed weapon permit must take an approved safety course or show “evidence of imminent danger”, pass a criminal background check, and meet other requirements.
In any event, on Saturday, August 10th, Mr. Piemonte and his wife were taking the day-long firearm safety class required by statute in Ohio in order to obtain the precious concealed weapons permit. Mr. Piemonte stated that he and his wife wanted to obtains the permits for their own safety.
The class instructor, Terry Dunlap, 73, was demonstrating proper safety techniques for a .38-calibre pistol when he evidently had a senior moment. The gun went off and struck Mr. Piemonte in the arm.
“My wife was sitting just inches away from me,” said Piemonte. “It could have easily hit her.”
Piemonte stated that Dunlap was apparently unaware that the gun was loaded. The bullet was slowed down by hitting the desk first. It then ricocheted into Piemonte’s right arm between his elbow and armpit:
“I am thankful that it only ended up being in my arm, and didn’t hit my wife or individuals sitting at the desk behind me. It took me a couple of seconds to realize that I had been shot.”
Piemonte was treated at the hospital and released that night. The Fairfield County, Ohio, sheriff’s office listed the Saturday shooting in the town of Lancaster as accidental.
According to the media, Mr Dunlap, who must be rather embarrassed, has not spoken publicly about the incident.
The Lesson to be Learned:
There is a simple but important lesson to be learned from this peculiar incident:
Guns are dangerous and should be handled with extreme care.