Letter: Citizens need right to arm for self-defence
Date: Jun 2, 2006 10:47 AM
PUBLICATION: The Ottawa Citizen
DATE: 2006.06.02
EDITION: Final
SECTION: City
PNAME: City Editorial
PAGE: F4
BYLINE: Michael R. Thomlinson
SOURCE: The Ottawa Citizen
WORD COUNT: 185

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Citizens need right to arm for self-defence

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Re: Ottawa police will shoot to kill, May 29.

This article about changes to Ottawa Police tactics and equipment was
enlightening: It offers a staggeringly clear argument for civilian
self-defence and for changing Canada’s laws to allow citizens to carry
weapons.

With the “worsening global phenomenon of deranged and often suicidal
gunmen,” police are quite often not in a position to respond, but
citizens who are properly trained and equipped are. Many of these
tragedies have been cut short or prevented by armed citizens in 48 U.S.
states where licensed and trained citizens can carry concealed firearms.
Rates of violent crime and sexual assault in these states dropped
dramatically.

In Canada, carrying a concealed weapon for any reason, including
self-defence, is an offence under the Criminal Code. The ability to
defend yourself from violence is a fundamental human right too long
ignored in our nanny state.

Perhaps Canada should consider laws similar to those in the American
states. The police can’t be everywhere, and it’s time citizens were
given the opportunity to take responsibility for their own safety.

Michael R. Thomlinson,
Calgary