Guns and knives are the historical tools of both predators and self-defenders. Everyone good citizen should learn the basics concerning the use of both types of weapons. First, for the purpose of knowing how bad people can and will use these tools to diabolical ends, AND for the purpose of using these tools properly and safely in ways to minimize human casualties—and specific to this discussion, to defend ourselves, our loved-ones and in some cases our property.
Children who are taught to respect and to properly use knives and guns in actual demonstrations and target practice is a safer child than those who have not been properly taught to respect and use these weapons.
Further, children who are taught these skills though young adulthood, are less likely to be victims themselves whether in society, or in theaters of war, which virtually every generation has come to face. Those who have been taught to fear these weapons without a foundation of proper use and safety are a danger to themselves and others.
This is an emotionally charged political issue. The latest data as well as common sense dictate that attempting to restrict access to these weapons to all people is self-defeating. The reason is principally this: good people will nit misuse firearms and knives. Bad people will use firearms, knives, and every other available destructive means to achieve their diabolical aims.
Canada, Britain, and Australia are three profound examples of societies that have curbed legal access to law-abiding people—but that have seen a stark increase in violent crimes, instead of the theoretical decrease, which was intended.
On the other hand, more states in the United States than not, now offer handgun carry permits after proper training programs and permit screening process have been duely adhered to. Without exception, violent crime is down in those states. In spite of rabid anti-gun theorists, this trend continues to gain momentum.
It is not my purpose to defend all of the aspects of the second amendment as most recently interpreted by U.S.A.G. Ashcroft—that is to say, that individuals do have the right to own and bear arms for their own convenience and personal and family defense. But it is my intent to espouse the practical nature of such an interpretation.
This having been said, I will make recommendations, subject to the laws and statutes of your own jurisdictions, as to what I feel is a sane and relevant approach of incorporating firearms, knives, and other means to protect oneself, family, and in some cases property.