“What the hell is going on out there!” ~ Legendary Green Bay Packers Coach Vince Lombardi. That is exactly how I feel in regard to the current state of our Nation. Coach Lombardi was even a better person than a football coach. He was an icon of his time and leader for equality. A believer the Constitution was for every American.

Who would have ever thought “We the People” would ever witness the tyrannical trampling of the Constitution of the United States by elected officials and the anarchy lawlessness of mob rule occurring at the same time? The latter, of course, being deemed peaceful protest by many and necessary for change.

It is amazing how our forefathers got it right with the Constitution of the United States. Almost as if they knew the challenges and adversity that would face freedom and democracy.

The 2nd Amendment is a “We the People’s” safeguard against the tyranny and anarchy. Its words are often misunderstood and explained inaccurately by government and media. The following is from the preamble of the Constitution and our 2nd Amendment right. They work together, hand in hand.

“We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

“A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

As you know, I’m a big believer in our 2nd Amendment rights. I also believe everyone should know how to properly use a handgun, shotgun, and rifle if that is their choice.

My sons and I enjoy hunting and shooting sports. A handgun, to me, is a tool for personal protection and safety. I do like to shoot targets; however, when I have free time, I usually choose hunting or clay birds over my handgun.

There are not many people I know whether they are 92 years young or 18 years old that can’t properly and safely shoot and handle a firearm. However, the problem is I read too many sad stories about accidents involving guns.

What I was taught by my father and passed down to my sons is the simplest gun safety rule, and to me, the most important — always handle a firearm as if it were loaded. Never Point said firearm in the direction of a person or where there could be a person.

In almost every case of an accidental shooting, if this rule would have been followed, tragedy would have been prevented. Most accidents occur because the gun is loaded, and the person handling the gun is unaware of this. The worst thing that should ever happen is that a round accidentally fires into the ground or in a safe direction where no one is, and then someone needs a change of underwear.

A gun should never be pointed at a person or persons unless being used for personal defense.

The first thing a gun owner should do after shooting is empty their weapon and double-check the chamber while pointing the gun in a safe direction.

The first thing a gun owner should do after removing a gun from a safe, locked place and removing the trigger lock is make sure that by some mistake, there isn’t a round in the chamber. The gun owner is responsible for the safe keeping, transport, and use of the weapon.

Simply put, never point a firearm in the direction of anyone, including your four-legged friends.

There is a gentleman locally that knows all about our 2nd Amendment right and how to teach safety and the proper use of a handgun. Mr. Adam Kordes, the owner of National Range & Armory, has the area’s only indoor shooting range, and it is just like you see on TV. There are eight state-of-the-art shooting lanes; the target is clipped and sent out to the distance you would like to shoot. We are truly fortunate to have his facility right here in Williamsport.

Adam and his staff offer classes for the beginner to the most advanced marksman. I am telling you about this because of my commitment and belief in the 2nd Amendment. I want everyone who wants to protect themselves, family, and property not to fear the handling of a gun by being educated and confident in the event it is needed.

I believe so strongly in this for women 18 years old, and up, that I will pay half of the beginner firearm safety course. Simply call National Range & Armory at 570-601-4101 or go to their Facebook page and get registered. They will be forming classes of 10, and they will fill quickly. We will start with the first 50 ladies to register and go from there. If you are 65 or over, you could probably twist my arm, and I would pay the entire $100.00 course fee.

So, ladies, find a friend to go along, or even the whole book club or group you travel with. Make it an evening out with dinner and a drink afterward. I guarantee you will enjoy the day. Gentlemen, it’s up to you to watch the kids and hold down the fort. Let’s all be safe out there and look out for one another.

God Bless America.