Is there a National Grand Father’s Day?

A recent post by “Concerned” mentioned:

So if one of your children accidentaly shoots the other, it’s ok because “they knew how to use guns”. That’s the problem, teaching kids how to use guns…that’s why kids get killed.

Obviously “Concerned” has never been present when an actual firearm was ever discharged.

My first introduction to firearms came when I was at kindergarten. I’d attended a small school operated by a closter of Carmelite nuns on a working ranch in south Texas. One day at lunchtime, a ranch hand calmly strode past with a Winchester rifle… all of us 5 yr. olds had to tag along, our curiosity was too great.

Without a word, the ranch hand stopped and glanced back establishing the kid’s positions. Then he simply shot at the ground. The unexpected loudness was like thunder, all of us kids jumped 3 feet screaming. The ranch hand had killed a 6 foot diamondback that’d been coiled at his feet.  He must’ve seen it earlier working in the area and gone to retrieve his rifle.

We all approached slowly, and watched the poor headless snake roll over, “belly up”. The snake had gone to his maker. It wouldn’t bother children anymore. We felt safe and secure, running off laughing to play kickball or sing songs.

Within a week or so of that incident, my father suggested a family ride in the car; fresh air at 70 MPH — no seat belts in those days. We’d stopped along the way and purchased a a few watermelons and cantaloupes from a roadside vendor.

I’d love to see a National Grandpa’s Day — a day when boys and girls can witness up close the destructive power of a .44 Colt or 12 gauge shotgun. Seeing a red ripe watermelon blown to pulp makes a life-long impression on a child.

Nothing will substitute in teaching the dangers of firearms. Lectures, slogans and TV ads won’t save lives. The child must be present to hear the explosive discharge, suffer the painful ringing in the ears, smell the tinge of powder.

Seeing first hand the deadly nature of firearms removes the subject from the “Imagination” — and marks the beginning of a conscientious well educated citizen.