Armed citizens can make it more difficult for attackers

By John R. Lott Jr. / Special to The Detroit News

With the FBI issuing alerts, what should American’s do to protect themselves? We have all heard that we should be observant and report strange events to the police. In the last weeks, other things have been added to the list, such as be careful of letters with powdery substances. Yet, one option has not been encouraged. News articles mention the large increase in gun sales that have taken place since Sept. 11, but fail to mention the benefits and belittle those who buy the guns. We could learn something about responding to terrorism from Israel, and encourage more ordinary, responsible citizens to carry guns.

Israelis realize that the police and military simply can’t be there all the time to protect people when terrorists attack. And even when the police or military are nearby, terrorists wait until the police and military leave the area before attacking. If attacks still go forward, those who are openly carrying a gun for protection become the first targets that the terrorists try to take out.

What Israel has found helpful in thwarting terrorist attacks is allowing law-abiding, trained citizens to carry concealed handguns. Today, about 10 percent of Jewish adults have permits to carry concealed handguns. Concealed handguns put terrorists at a disadvantage because they don’t know which citizens carry guns. During waves of terror attacks Israel’s national police chief will call on all concealed handgun permit holders to make sure they carry firearms at all times, and Israelis have many examples where concealed permit holders have saved lives.

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http://www.detnews.com/2001/editori…/a17-378433.htm