Many wars have begun in Europe, but no one has invaded Switzerland in more than 200 years. Why?
Every Swiss household is required to own a gun. Switzerland requires all men from 20 to 50, except convicted criminals, to serve in the militia. It requires militiamen to pass marksmanship tests. Many Swiss women practice marksmanship, voluntarily.
There are few gun accidents in Switzerland. From the time they are small children, Swiss are taught to respect guns. The Swiss crime rate is low. Criminals avoid homes where they know guns are present.
When a government fears its people it takes guns from them, as was done in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s. A government that is supported by its people doesn’t take away guns because that makes them vulnerable to criminals.
Again, Switzerland occupies one of the most dangerous locations in the world, but it stayed out of both world wars. Switzerland does not have an army. Switzerland is an army.
Consider the lesson of a related type of situation. Arming commercial ships is prohibited. In 2008, in the Gulf of Aden alone, 32 ships were boarded successfully by pirates in small boats. Suppose ships began blowing pirates’ small boats out of the water. Might piracy decline?
Police and navies cannot be everywhere. Known defenseless people are attacked. Those prepared to defend themselves are generally left alone.
Those who will break other laws will not be deterred by gun control laws. Such laws are wishful thinking.
Roger M. Clites
Johnson City, Tenn.
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