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Show so real and fearful. So-called citizen "militia groups" have sprung up in many places in our nation. Men‘and women, playing military, are leaping and running about in the wilds with their rifles, machine guns and other assault weapons. Arrayed in camouflaged clothing, it’s become a big amusement of make-believe. But at any time the situation could transform into something else. Play-acting ends and serious combat begins. These are no longer harmless games; they harbor things more dreadful. The bombing of the Oklahoma federal building was a case in point. The media told us of "militia groups" or gangs all over America playing their war games and military-like Ken G Jane Sleight’s PACK CREEK RANCH A Country Inn 6 Guest Ranch maneuvers in the wilds. Indeed, McVeigh and his friends did cross that line. And to mirror McVeigh’s actions, Hollywood and the entertainment media continue to lace their films with shootings and violence as if there were no consequences. It’s only make believe, they maintain. But surely, these actions do influence some kids to play with deadly guns, to make dastardly plans, and to cross that line. And the delirium brought on by the Y2K threat astounds me. Some people are caching food supplies, buying guns, and setting up arsenals. These people feel they must defend themselves from their neighbors should the occasion arise. These items were on lists years ago when the government recommended the building of radiation or bomb shelters. These threats are not confined only to places elsewhere. Blanding schools are not immune from this and have already experienced problems. Classes have been disrupted frequently in the past, threats have been made, fights have occurred, and weapons have been used. Merely nastiness? At what point will the line be crossed? Knowing the mindset of many of the right-wing radicals in San Juan County and their tendency toward aping private militias or militia-type groups, I’m going to stay on guard. It’s been said that 40% of U.S. homes have guns, and the figure is much larger in rural areas. Many have large arsenals. Guns are indeed a part of our culture. We must counter this gun-hugging mentality, but it will not be easy or quick. The Second Amendment states that: "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.” But the wording of this has always been ambigous. What does this mean? Numerous questions arise. What constitutes a "well-regulated militia?" Is it our National Guard units or is it a network of private militias? Are people of the militias the only ones who have the right to keep and bear arms.? Does the amendment guarantee the right of an individual "to keep and bear" whatever weapons he may choose? Does this include assault weapons? I suppose we'll leave it to the legislatures and courts to define the limits of gun control, but it might take a new constitutional amendment to solve the ambiguity. In the final analysis, I’d hate to see my gun taken from me. But in saying that, I feel we WE WILL BE OPEN FOR DINNER FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS: must have some controls and limitations. Why is it necessary for citizens to carry machine guns and assault weapons? I feel that we must require all gun dealers to sell only guns that are equipped with child-safety devices--such as trigger locks. We must have background Please call for a reservation checks by all purchasers of hand guns, and we need to raise the age to 21 years in order to buy them. And possibly in the future, heaven forbid, we'll need to register all guns with the government. Member of the La Sal Mountain Lodging Association I return now to where I started in this essay--the paintball game. It is a popular and growing sport and has some redeeming qualities. It has its thousands and thousands of supporters and defenders nationwide, and it appeals to families. Afterall, Gen. Colin Powell said we need more adults to work with the kids of America. The father in Blanding PO. Box 1270 Moab, UT 84532, SIS 25D S505. is doing just that. But personally, I’d be more comfortable to see our kids’ energy levels spent in volunteer programs, such as helping out in the Peace Corps or enjoying outings with the Canyonlands Field Institute. email: pcr@packcreekranch.com But whatever differing self interests we may have, we are obligated to use wise judgement and common sense in their development. What Neil Joslin’s paintball article did for me was to remind me of the much larger issues—that of the need for increased gun control and the need to control our violent natures. At this point, I don’t know any other way than greater restrictions. We surely need a greater depth of soul-searching and reflection on the causes that demand such restrictions. Ooog SUBSCRIBE TO THE ZEPHYR | | Visit our web site: www.packcreekranch.com We host weddings, workshops 6 conferences with full food service available. Details on Page 3 THE LAZY LIZARD INTERNATIONAL HOSTEL ARE YOU DIRTY? TAKE A SHOWER FoR 42 Moab's Canoe Specialists RENTALS GUIDED TRIPS SALES CANOE SCHOOL AND cCLIECK OUT OUR NGUTLY RATES THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN Se ge isWAY a 191 an 259-6057 702 South Main Street (800) 753-8216 259-7722 Goosenecks of the San Juan Gateway to the Confluence on the Dolores River |