Can a superstorm like Sandy change the mind of anti-gun people?

by Jeff Thomas

Like most of the nation, I've been watching the aftermath of the damage left by Hurricane Sandy with great interest.

It has led me to think about many things, but none stronger than the reaffirmation of the need to never surrender our fight to support and strengthen the Second Amendment.

As I type this, some people have no homes, are without food, water and shelter. While it hasn't been reported by the national news media, as far as I'm aware, I can tell you there are predatory people preying on those without weapons and the weak.

As much as some may not believe that, it's humane nature for some. Going without food and water will even do that to some otherwise good people.

While we're lucky in Ohio to not live by an ocean, we are not immune to natural disasters. I've lived through the Blizzard of 1978, the Ice Storm in 2004 and the windstorm this past summer. Luckily, I only was without power during one of those and it was less than a week, but I knew people without power for much longer.

While those events hit us and made life tough for a few days, we still had food and grocery stores remained open. Imagine if that was not the case. Imagine if your supply of clean drinking water to your home was cut off.

I don't know how many have watched the new NBC show 'Revolution,' but I believe it's a show everyone should watch - especially supporters of the Second Amendment. The basis of the show is the world is without power and total chaos has occurred. Militias formed and do not allow people to have guns so they can steal their food, take advantage of them, kill them and control them in every way imaginable. This show just proves the importance of the Second Amendment giving people's right to bear arms for protection.

I can tell you I've already made up my mind that, should Ohio be hit by some type of disaster and my home destroyed, I'm not leaving without at least one handgun and my AR-15 slung over my back.

I also would not give up any weapons if I decided to "bug in" and stay inside my house. I hope everyone is familiar with the unlawful order by the New Orleans police superintendent who instructed police, National Guard soldiers and other officers to confiscate guns from citizens.

While it's now against federal law to seize guns during an emergency, don't believe for one second someone from the government wouldn't attempt it again. This is where you must have decided ahead of time where you draw the line and decide whether you're willing to fight no matter who's coming after your guns.

I can only hope things get better soon for those on the East Coast, but I also hope the events gives them a better understanding and whole new appreciation for the Second Amendment.

Jeff Thomas is a concealed carry instructor, NRA certified firearms instructor and a competitive shooter.