Twenty-one: Not a Good Age Limit
GrassTopsUSA Exclusive Commentary
By Rosemary Scheetz

For me, the day that I turn twenty-one is not the day to go out and drink alcohol; it is the day that I finally will be able to take a significant step in self-defense: I will be able to buy a handgun and apply for a concealed weapon permit.

Now, I am an ordinary citizen who has no desire to harm anyone; I do not do anything stupid like walk alone through dark alleys at night, but I want a gun so that I have a method of self-defense. As a woman, I acknowledge the truth, I am not nearly as strong as the average man, therefore, the likelihood of my being able to fight off an attacker is slim.

You see, approximately 700,000 women are raped each year: 61% of these women are under 18, and 29% are 18-24 years old. If these women had guns they would better be able to defend themselves, and in fact, approximately 200,000 women use a gun every year to defend themselves against sexual abuse.

This certainly was the case for Maria Pittaras who awoke one morning to find a knife at her throat and a masked man on top of her. Fortunately, her father had given her a gun. She was able to grab the pistol and shoot her attacker.

But 98% of the time that a citizen brandishes a gun in self defense, the crime is diverted without a fight. Now, I have a problem with the fact that current laws prohibit any woman under the age of 21 from defending herself with the surest means of self-defense, a gun.

Surveys reveal that felons are more worried about armed citizens than they are about the police. Why then, I ask, am I forbidden from having a gun until I turn twenty-one? What is the logic behind this law? Do I have no need for defense prior to this age? Or does turning twenty-one magically make me a responsible individual who will use a gun wisely?

In order to get a concealed weapon's permit, you are required to take certain classes and prove your ability to handle a gun. If I can pass the requirements before "coming of age," why can't I get a handgun? The government seems to forget that my life could be on the line. I do not like taking chances with my life.

There should not be an age limit for buying guns, nor for carrying a concealed weapon. The requirements for being competent with gun handling and treating a gun with respect should be upheld. However, age should not be a pre-requisite for purchasing or carrying a gun. Everyone has the right to self-defend; why do we make it illegal for those under the age of 21 to carry a firearm for self-defense?

Rosemary Scheetz is a junior at Christendom College majoring in Theology.  Rosemary is active in athletics, particularly volleyball and basketball, as well as school and church activities.  You may contact Rosemary at rosemaryscheetz@yahoo.com.

GrassTopsUSA is a 501c4 not-for-profit organization.  Contributions are not tax deductible.

Copyright GrasstopsUSA.com 2007