Tim Bryce: Education is the key to reducing gun violence

Let me begin by saying I believe everyone in the country should attend a gun-safety class.

Whether you support or oppose restrictions on gun ownership, every citizen should attend such a class, be it privately taught, in schools, or some other venue. If you are unfamiliar with the class, let me clear up an important misconception: it is NOT about gun advocacy, it is about gun safety.

Although such classes vary from state to state, it is essentially used to teach the fundamentals of how a gun should be used, stored and maintained. It teaches the pertinent laws associated with gun ownership and use.

I took such a class a few years ago here in Florida and was very impressed by the knowledge and professionalism of the instructor. Again, this was less about the actual firing of the weapon as opposed to a description of the various types of weapons (e.g., rifle, shotgun, semiautomatic, single and double action revolvers, etc.), what their capabilities are, gun safety “do’s and do nots,” and what to do in an emergency.

For example, in the class I attended, the instructor gave pragmatic advice about what to do if someone breaks into your home while you are there. It wasn’t so much about shooting the intruder as opposed to contacting authorities and protecting yourself.

Overall, I found the class to be equally useful for experienced gun owners as well as the uninitiated.
While some people see gun control as the answer to solving accidents and assaults with guns, I believe an educated populace would save more lives and result in fewer victims.

An informed public is less likely to become a victim and more likely to survive a shooting situation. Anyone who has attended such a class would probably agree that education is the key. Everyone from middle school onward should be taught gun safety.

Even children in elementary grades should learn some of the basics.
Again, let me be clear, this is not about gun advocacy or how to hurt anyone, and it certainly is not intended to glamorize guns, which we will leave to Hollywood.

Instead, it is about safety and knowing what to do in dangerous situations. It is about survival.

***

Tim Bryce is a freelance writer in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. http://timbryce.com/ Column courtesy of Context Florida.